Sorry for lack of update.

Eddie Izzard was fun last night. Our seats down in the orchestra were awesome, and there was even a walking aisle space between the back of our seats and the next row, so no one breathing down our necks or kicking the back of our chairs. Those seated around us were nice and enjoyed the show as well, instead of talking or something rude. Eddie was naturally brilliant and entertaining, and handled the hecklers well. We all had an awesome outing.

Okay, onto the bad: Take Metro as finding parking was the suck. On the plus side, I got a good long walk from and to the truck. DAR Constitution Hall is more suited to musical shows than comedy. The acoustics sucked, and Eddie, being Eddie, is dynamic with the hand gestures and they really needed a headset mic for him.  And finally, there were signs that said no flash photography at the request of the artist. If you respect him enough to buy a ticket, please don't disrupt the performance with your damn flash, and if you insist on taking a really fuzzy bad picture with your camera-phone, do the rest of us a favor and turn off the sound on your phone. sigh. People are such children sometimes.

Wednesday night, Alan and I went to test drive some new to us cars to replace our smashed up Crown Vic. (sorry, I locked the post with the accident details.) He drove a Ford Five Hundred, another Crown Vic in need of some attention, and a Dodge Charger. On the whole, he was unimpressed with the 500, wistful for another Crown Vic, and the favorite was the charger, which was fun but out of our price range. Anyone have any suggestions on comfortable vehicles for Alan's 45 min (sometimes 2 hour) commute to and then from work? He's used to the Crown Vic, so recommendations for a Focus or Yaris will be completely ignored, but suggestions for cars with comfort and power are appreciated.

This weekend is the MD Sheep and Wool Fest. I need to warp up two more frames for practice and display, and determine today if I want to do a display board or what, and if a visit to Staples is necessary...

I love my truck...
I love my truck...
I love my truck...

Hadn't filled up in a while. Gas was 3.38/gallon on the way home from Kynny's birthday dinner, and that was at the cheap place.

sigh.

On the plus side, I was able to donate the two large bags of styrofoam peanuts from our pottery shipment to a shipping and packaging store, so that they will be reused. And the rest of the packaging was recyclable cardboard. yay.

When I got home and brought in the trash bins, I was attacked by the bushes flanking the path to our back gate, so after stowing the bins, I got the loppers and attacked them with vim and vigor (or piss and vinegar) and cut them back so I could walk between them safely. Sadly, I can only cut the boxwood back so far or else it looks ugly (Alan thought trimming it twice a year was enough...), but I felt no problem mutilating the side of our neighbor's thorny shrub that was encroaching in my path, and at least tried to smooth it up and over the top so it doesn't eventually form a little thorny arbor overhead. I did leave the raked pile of clippings for Alan to collect and truck up the hill and over the fence to the brush pile, cause I'm like that.

I will be at the MOL table at TOC this weekend, so again, find me or avoid me there. Alas, you fighters and marshals who wish to take the field will not be able to avoid me. Oh, and yes, I do look over the sign-in sheets and will call out anyone I see who I noticed did not sign in. Yes, I am looking at you, person who forgot to sign in last weekend who I expect to see on Saturday...
And be nice to my MOL in training, since he just autocratted NOTT last weekend.

Major Barbara was quite a wonderful production last night. I loved the costuming, even though I'm not well versed in the period, and Shaw put in some great one liners. Very interesting characters, especially Cusins. Even thought provoking in a humorous way. Is it better to do good for the wrong reasons, or to proclaim morality and do nothing. Seems pretty cut and dry, but many fall into the trap. Regardless, the last line about it's not easy to love me (Major Barbara), but it builds character... had me calling theodorad "Major Theo" at the end of the play. rolanddem wisely simply smiled at the jest.


So the Shakespeare Theatre Company continues to do a superb job with their normal cast and crew, but we prefer the Lansburg Theater to Sydney Harmon Hall. And now I want more clothes from the 1890's-1900's. Brit's green dress was divine, and the neat pleated skirts look like so much fun...

Warning to the world: Pink is off-kilter today. I couldn't get out of bed, couldn't dress myself today, and could barely drive to work. I was also the sux at the parking, which is honestly kinda rare. I feel like my brain, and coordination, are back at home watching daytime television or something else numbing, because they certainly aren't here. Oh, but a headache is, which is always comforting, or not.

Saturday I had a completely irrational reaction to the stupid cow-horns on "Viking" helmets in a horrible movie on the SciFi channel. Standards are not high for movies on the SciFi channel, but still, it irked me too much.
So, now I'm wondering, what little things set you off from "period-esque" movies? The hats? The armour? The language? What little detail almost or totally ruins a movie for you when it is done wrong? Or are you the rare creature that nothing bothers?

Dear SciFi Channel,

I admit I was interested when I saw the menu listing for a movie called Grendel showing. I wish I had read your IMDB entry before changing the channel. While I can forgive clown make-up on one of the women, and puffy sleeved princess dresses on the others, and I can forgive truly bad acting (because honestly SciFi, experience has taught me it's not your strong point), and I can forgive the invention of the crossbow by Beowolf... But what I can't forgive, what I could not get beyond that raised my blood pressure and made my eyes pop, was the use of cow-horns on helmets to distinguish Beowolf and his troops. There are many things we don't know about the past, but we are fairly certain that with all that is known that they didn't put freaking cow horns on their freaking helmets. argh!

Thank you for encouraging me to turn off the TV and pick up a book. I'm only glad I subjected myself no longer than 10 minutes.

No love,
me

Yesterday I was Posty McPostalot and yet I neglected to issue online Happy Birthday salutations to the blondemuseon her 34th. Luckily I had sent her flowers, so she called me to thank me, and tell me about the wonderful snow on her birthday and getting to play in the snow with the nieces, so I got to issue congrats over the phone.

Saturday is Yule with the Trayned Bandes up in Abingdon. Since I haven't made anything new to wear, I guess I'll have the old green kirtle with red wool petticoat and gray wool doublet on. I've also got to make a run to the grocery store to pick up goods to make a couple of cheese tarts and some split pea soup to take along as our contributions. It will be fun to see folks, and I might take my laptop with pictures on it from our MFA visit to share with folks before the period evening kicks in.

It is also supposed to snow again tomorrow. And while I love the snow, I'm tired of it coming on the weekends. I mean it is supposed to snow during the week so we get snow days off of work. That's one of the great perks of working for a Uni, snow days. Yeah, the 1.5 hours off early yesterday does not count in my book. I want snow on a Thursday night with enough to cancel work the next day so I can sleep late and stay snuggled in bed.

Okay, whining off and stats on, thus proving I'm my own biggest fan...

( Who comments the most on this journal? )

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. 

On this day 66 years ago, around 8am local time, or 1pm Eastern time, Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese Empire, ushering the US into the second World War.  It was a ruthless, and brilliant attack, tactically sound but with astounding repercussions. Perspective is very important, and I liked that the video watched before visiting the USS Arizona Memorial tried to give both perspectives, US and Japanese. 


The USS Arizona Memorial was built in place above the wreck of that battleship. They say that the memorial sags in the middle to show our initial shock and defeat, but ultimately rises on each end showing Americans resolve and ultimate triumph. The attack on Pearl Harbor did indeed serve as a rallying point for the US. New battleships were built, more troops were enlisted, a bitter resolve fueled all Americans toward victory over the then Axis of Evil. My grandfather was not able to enlist, so he served in the way he could, by helping to build new battleships up in the Great Lakes. It is rather astonishing to think of the effect that Pearl Harbor had on America and Americans then, that even 9/11/01 hasn't had on Americans now.  Is it the difference between the seen and unseen enemy? There was a war already afoot for us to join instead of starting one. But I'm getting way off topic...

While many cemeteries have headstones for each of the fallen, the USS Arizona Memorial has a single but towering marble listing of those over one thousand Navy seamen and Marines who remain entombed in the USS Arizona. She leaks oil still, as if crying for those trapped within. 


There are many unknowns from many conflicts. The great Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington, Punchbowl Cemetery has an entire large section of unknowns from the Korea War, and unknowns from Pearl Harbor surround Ernie Pyle's headstone, and are also sprinkled about the crater, all over the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.


Please take a short moment today to honor the many, known and unknown, who have given the ultimate sacrifice that we may all live as we do now. Remember the sudden attack and America's ultimate response. Remember that no peace is permanent without vigilance, and thank the vigilant.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And now for a minor whine...

Yesterday I took a sick day and stayed in bed practically all day. I was awake from 10-11am checking email and sending in a sick notice, but I was in bed. I got out of bed to make myself some lunch around 3pm, but ate it in bed, and napped more until about 7:30pm. And I think I could still use a nap. I wish this sickness would cease.

I'll have to bore folks with tales of the weekend later. We went to Richmond. We saw the Nia, Little Grace and friends. We conquered the cakes. yum.

But first, thanks to Corby's pictures, a visual insight into the mind of an A&S judge at each fresh (and not so fresh) competition.
(at least for me most of the times)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Man, I really hate judging. What are the categories this time?


Is this thing covered in cat hair? These entries should come with a warning!


You can't be serious? This documentation might as well be written in Aramaic...


Even Alan and Roland look apprehensive and uneasy...


I. Refuse. To. Look. At. Another. Pyansky! EGG!


Oh dear god, what fresh horror awaits us over here...


Is it unlabeled alcohol?
Meat pasties that have sat out in the sun all day?
A crochet cotehardie?
Not another patchwork Elizabethan court gown...



Interesting. Truly. Where do they come up with these things?
Some labeled alcohol would make this process much more smooth.


Did somebody say blue martini?


The world looks better already...


Hooray! We love happy Laurels!
 

So, I wonder, is it fair to do a Crusades best and worst? Let's give it a shot and see what happens.

Best:


• Taking Barre's detour to site to completely avoid Apple Festival madness.
  
• No line for me at Troll.
  
• Petting the Eadric pottery, especially the really cool shallow fleur de lys bowl.
  
• Chatting with friends and acquaintances: the Queen was so thrilled to have the new crown back for her to wear, seeing Richard ffaukes, Branwen Madyn Wallis and their no-longer-small daughter Marrisa again after several years, Michael elloquently gave Bess and I a greater understanding of the mess of bodies and weapons we see on the field, Gabrell came by to entertain me a bit, as did Kynny, Cunning and others, Ceridwen North and I were able to track down an MOL mystery, Gustav let me rant Crusades style where I ended the chat with "Don't even ask me to be the MOL-IC next year", and I got a short bit of Arielle time.
  
• It wasn't wet nor raining (my response to all who complained of the heat)
  
• The waterbearers had plenty of stock
  
• Gwen cookies are truly addictive
  
• The East MOLs shared their lunch with me
  
• I got a little bit of embroidery done at the Troll booth.
  
• Getting a shower when I got home.

Worst:


• It was awfully hot for October.
  
• We got there later than I had planned.
  
• I helped set-up our tent a bit, then helped Freddy and Alyce set up theirs, then got dressed and did hair, then parked the truck, petted the pottery and went to work at the heavy MOL table for the rest of the day.
  
• Not making it back to purchase said lovely shallow fleur de lys bowl.
  
• Spending five hours or more at the MOL table as the only Atlantian MOL on the heavy side and not enjoying my own shade and furniture down the hill.
  
• The interesting differences between Atlantian and Eastern MOLs approach to paperwork, sign in, discretion, etc.
  
• Chatting with the EKMOL about what could have been done differently to ensure more help from Atlantia in the future.
  
• Fighters who request MOL help after the fighting and only come around to the table WELL after the fighting. Seriously, I was so done and ready to pack up and wondering where these monkeys who needed help were, when they arrived.
  
• Having a clip board with paperwork in front of it marks you as a responsible target for the most insane questions/comments.
  
• My ankle was a bit sore, so I was glad I had put on the ankle brace in the morning.
  
• Outback forgot to include my side salad.

After the event we gave our Outback Takeaway order to Thjora for her to call in and her and Alan to collect on the way home from site. The steaks were very tasty, Cosette's contribution to dessert was certainly memorable (Mochi anyone?) and then we hung out in the basement looking at Corby's few pictures, watching as one by one the recliners claimed sleep victims.

 

 While I had a great weekend, it was not so good for my poor feet. My left big toe has still been sensitive from the severe stubbing I did to it during Labor Day weekend, but as long as I don't stub it again, or even lightly tap it on something, I'm okay. Thursday night I dropped my nightstand on my right big toe, and boy has it been letting me know since then. I was good and iced it immediately afterward, and again later that night, as well as putting a little neosporin on the scratched skin, but man is it still sore. And then... And THEN! I was vacuuming upstairs and stepped on a needle with my left heel. Either the needle was bent by the vacuum cleaner, or it got bent when it struck the bone, because pulling said needle out was the suck. It had a nice fishhook like tip now that I had to figure how to extract from my heel. I tried to squeeze as much blood out as possible to clean the wound, and put some peroxide and neosporin on it, but that thin of a wound means that microscopic stuff likely is left inside. Luckily I'm already on antibiotics for a sinus infection, and I've made an appointment tomorrow to get a tetanus shot, and until then I just want to take drugs, eat chocolate, and elevate my foot. 

But it really was a great weekend.
So good weekend, pictures are coming, and I really need a nap, or something.

Crown was a very interesting event. 

I drove down on Friday to set-up our common tent and the MOL tent, so we wouldn't have to worry about that on Saturday morning. As soon as I got a vector and started unloading the truck a swarm of very helpful locusts descended and we got both tents up in record time. Many many thanks to the swarm. You guys (and gal) rock! After less that 2 hours on site, Thjora and I said goodnight to some folks to head back to her place for dinner, relaxing and sleep. Corby made tender pork ribs and black rice, and Thjora and I decimated some Chips Ahoy for dessert as we worked on our projects some more. I went to bed at 2:30am having at least gotten a good idea of the assembly of the smock done for my entry.

Saturday dawned far too early, but we got up, dressed, ate fresh Thjora-made cherry scones for breakfast and got on the road to site. Alan was riding down with Roland and Theo to meet us there in the morning. We got on site, finished a little bit of setting up, delivery of P&P stuff, collection of other stuff, delivered our entries to the hall, and got ready for the hurry-up and wait. I haven't been a Crown consort in 5 years, so it was interesting doing it again. I am so honored that Philip thinks so well of me to wish to make me a queen. That in and of itself was humbling.

We got in line, I delivered cards about our donation to the American Cancer Society in honor of the Crown and entrants, and then I tried to babble to Philip and Sam to distract him from his nervousness. I was glad I reminded him that TRM would ask for fealty so he could think about what to say when up there, which was short, simple and complete. I think we had the shortest procession there with just our family, my husband and his daughter, to support us. Philip did well in the tourney, although not as well as he had hoped. I told him that he fought with honor and joy, and that is all I ask. 

Congratulations to Logan and Rowan. May their upcoming reign be what they hope.

After the tourney, I got asked by Anne to stick my head in and judge, so I took a gander, got to enjoy the other fighter and consort entries, and have a lovely and engrossing chat with Iseult, Susanna, Greta, Sine, Margret, etc. about A&S in general, respect for artist's entries, judging, the differing expectations of entrants in A&S competitions and those of the judges, as well as the real way to get ahead in the SCA, instead of the perceived way. Ending on that as soon as you aim to embody the spirit and quality of those you admire and cease to care about the awards themselves, everything is more likely to fall in place. It was very enlightening, and I hope helpful to others since I admit I don't have the energy to get into serious A&S reform, teaching judges classes, supervising competitions, etc. But I hope someone does. 

Then we had to strike camp before court, so as to not be late for feast or take down during court, but then they moved court inside. As it was, again with the help of a huge but different crew, we got everything down and packed into the truck before the rain trickled in. Court was fun, if nerve-wracking chasing down the illusive Cristofana. Cristofana's GD was very well deserved and I was glad to be able to pass my (new) medallion onto her. I was also thrilled to see Catherine Grace get her Silver Nautilus and Issac get his Sea Urchin. They seem like some of the sweetest (and well dressed) folks on earth and I look forward to trying to get to know them better. But I thought one of the coolest bits of court was the call to arms from the Templars and Hospitallers for the coming Crusaders vs. Saracens battle at Pennsic. Heck, I'm contemplating asking Melisent for info on what the associated support females would have worn to make an appropriate outfit to support the battle at Pennsic. I've got black and white linen. Deserves looking into, once Jamestown-mania is done. Seriously, even before the hoopla over it, I thought it was a great piece bringing us into the middle ages. The only thing I thought was missing was a chorus of Non Nobis Dominae or something for the procession and exit, but I might have seen Henry V too many times. Heck it would have been equally cool if they had done the Saracen recruitment, especially if it was done in a Middle Eastern styled court. So, while I don't fight, bdeband larusehave my support for their passion and further endeavors and recruitment.

Finally feast set-up began, and we munched on our hospitality leftovers and shared then with the new ladies at our table. We had grand company, and yummy food, and excellent service, and a great time was had by all. King Valharic's dramatic toast to absent friends was very poignant, and while messy, a reminder that we have lost so many good gentles to our world, and will continue to do so. But so long as they live on in our memories, they live on in legend. I meant to grab a sprig of rosemary for remembrance of Caitlin during the day, but admit that the rest of the hubbub drowned out that good intent. While I had an excellent chat with Johanna about her entry, I think I shouldn't have stayed in the hall during the sweeping up, as it greatly disturbed my allergies and made me a sniffly mess for the drive home and following chill time with friends Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Sunday was lazy and yummy and wonderful. We didn't get on the road until after 1pm, I slept some in the truck on the way home, and we got unpacked, played a bit in the backyard, did some more sewing and lazing about for the rest of the day. I also caught Ted Koppel's Living with Cancer on Discovery Channel, which was touching, and eye opening, and brought back memories of visiting with my grandfather during his chemo treatments many many years ago.

And thus wrapped up a lovely weekend. While I didn't get to see the Queen in person at Jamestown, I have this weekend of Jamestown-mania to look forward to before this wicked woman can rest. Still have the smock to finish, as well as a doublet and another petticoat to bang out.

Now for a short trip on the ME-Bus. I have some regrets at obviously not being photogenic enough to draw the eyes of the many wonderful photographers. Perhaps our procession was too small and simple. Perhaps I was scowling too much, though I tried to remember the Emma advice to smile. Maybe I just looked too weird with one sleeve on and one sleeve off. Perhaps I just wasn't in the right place at the right time. Then again, I guess no pictures are better than Corby-like pictures where I make funny faces, and with such other beauties on the field, I guess I can hardly compete and I'm just feeling a bit plain. But I'm loved, and that matters more.

Talked to my Mom this morning on the way into work. She was telling me about the fun of sailing for a week so far. They are currently down near Key West, and the weather is sunny and warm. She was lamenting the lack of wind this morning, but I hope that picks up for them. Their ultimate destination is the Bahamas, but their schedule isn't fixed. They used the radio and got in touch with a friend of the captain's and he tossed them some fresh stone crabs for dinner, which they then cooked and ate on the boat. My mom has been happily unoccupied as the ship's doctor, so has instead been enjoying the weather and fixing the mainsail cover's zipper with needle and dental floss, and knitting stuff, and crocheting bags for holding things below decks, and in general being a boat string monkey. 
Oh how I envy her. 
She tempted me to fly down and meet them somewhere and sail back with them, and if I had a valid passport, I'd be seriously considering it now. To quote Jimmy again, I wanna go where it's warm. 

All the while I was chatting with Mom on the phone, it is 38 degrees out, I'm driving to work, and there are snow flurries blowing about. Talk about your contrasts. I wished her wind, and she wished me warmth. I can only hope it works. 

I'm gonna feel a bit silly in Roman with merrels and wool socks (no, I don't have time to nalbind a pair of socks for my Roman persona just now), but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do to keep warm. As far as projects, I still need to add the clavi to Alan and Bob's tunicas, and sew up the sides. I've also got a little hand sewing to do on Alyce's tunica, but other than that, she is ready to go. Also, have to run by the storage unit tonight to put the Prince and Princess stuff in storage and see if anything else needs to come to Coronation. 

I need a nap.
Somewhere it is warm preferred.

Headed to Twelfth Night this weekend. I have nothing new to wear and currently the "I give up" t-tunic is sounding good. sigh. We hope to leave by 3pm to avoid much of the DC traffic. Ideally need to leave around 2ish to truly avoid traffic, but Alan won't get home until 2, so 3 is our goal. I hope to have the truck packed and ready to go when he gets home. Have to take the truck to bring back the Map as I promised Her Excellency Sacred Stone I would. Alan's also taking fencing stuff (assuming he can rustle up a mask since his helm was sent to Darkwood for repairs) as there are rumors of a prize. No doubt there will be vigils to try to squeeze into, as well as lots of folks to chat with.

I really need to get off my butt and pass off all the Pel Prin stuff to Caitlyn. The sooner the better. Pass off old files, forward recommendations, change contact and alias info for Acorn, final updates yada yada. I've been such a bum.

But I'm still sick. And I'm as tired of feeling sick as you are of hearing about me being sick. Tuesday night was particularly special. 

Yesterday I talked to P on the phone, sounded like hell. Talked to Hune-B on the phone, she told me to stop talking and save my voice. I think I need to switch to some talk radio or something in the truck as I simply CANNOT resist singing along to the music, whatever that may be, unfortunately even worse since it is Evanescence- The Open Door lately.

So, if I'm not my overly effervescent self this weekend, please excuse me while I go cough up a lung.

Headed to Holiday Faire tomorrow. Do not plan on staying long since I have so much to do at home, but I have to visit now to drop off Brigit's garb from Pennsic, as well as to visit the casting goddess's booth for buttons and fabric, and who knows what else. I'm sure the siren call of the Spanish Peacock will be hard to resist as well.

Working slowly on the wool petticoat with linen thread, I even had a shade of red that doesn't go horribly. When I really thought about it, linen thread for a Jamestown lass was much more likely than silk. Must get major progress on doublet done this weekend. Must also dig up my apron, weave a new cord for that, and do the finishing cords for my knit pin cushion and pouch chatelaine, and..  am I missing anything else? Oh yeah, my new Mary Rose shoes from Bohemond arrived on Friday, so I wore them around the house whilst I packed trying to break them in a bit. I should do more of that periodically this weekend. Much better fit.

Finally got around to wearing my new Ocean Blue Wrap Dress from IGIGI yesterday. It fits fabulously, and wore well all day long. Looked great with my tall boots, and even held up under the deluge as I ran back from a food court to a meeting. My feet were wet from a total dousing in high water, but the dress continued to look marvelous. Even better, once I got home I took off said wet boots and socks, put on Dot slippers and crashed on the couch in said dress. While I wasn't originally thrilled with the fabric, after napping for an hour on the couch, the dress looked fine and un-rumpled, unlike my hair, and needed no fixing or changing before practice last night. I am totally tempted by IGIGI's Catalina plaid dress and their Lace Overcoat and Dress and I don't even really wear dresses.

Okay, no bones about it, here comes a whine.

Sigh. I hate to say it, but Halloween was a grave dissappointment. Ha! Grave! 
While I was not denied the fabulous company of the AoD, we were denied trick-or-treaters. Seriously, in previous years we had a horde that would rival that of Ghengis Khan, both in terror and in numbers, but this year we only had a trickle. I even went to the trouble of decorating the foyer with netting and spiders and blue light bulbs (green ones on the outside lights), and I had not one but two of the cutest mini-jack-o-lanterns ever seen. All that work, and ten bags worth of candy and only a trickle of treaters? Boo. Handing out the candy and seeing the cute little munchkins in their costumes is half the fun.  This year the fun was in toasting pumpkin seeds and chatting about lots of random stuff with friends. We even left a sacrificial pile of candy where the jack-o-lanterns sat for the roving packs of teenagers when we went out to dinner, and the pile was untouched when we returned.

So I hear from my dental hygenist yesterday that she experienced a similar drought of treaters to disperse her candy treasure to.  Also, several co-workers had similar distribution problems. I heard that the current trend is to bus all the children to the mall and trick-o-treat there.  I guess it does come with well lit paths and public restrooms, but still, where's the fun in that?  What am I do to with all of this candy? Expect to see it at Crown and Unevent definitely, as it can't stay around the house.  I've been so good with the weight loss lately and Halloween is not going to stop that.

Next year I say screw the treaters, I'm going dancing.

hooray. Crown is this weekend.  Should be interesting to watch. Must print out those coronet leases for signatures on Sat. See many of you monkeys there.