2026 Happy Blog Challenge

 Here are some happy Monday things: There is a funny thing that happened when I woke up this morning.  I was able to get up easier than while camping.  The funny thing is that the floor was hard carpeted, not soft earth under the carpet.  It was an odd feeling to wake up to.  My body really wanted to be at Pennsic.  However, I'm really thankful for the air conditioner in my room. Most of my day was spent relaxing. It was well needed.  I did get my shopping done so I'll have food at work tonight.   While outside getting my step count, I looked again at the garden phlox we have growing by the door.  It reminds me of when I was a teenager in the 4-H Club.  I didn't learn plants, but I did take a cake decorating class.  I don't remember if the flower I made was phlox or something else, but the phlox flower reminds me of one that I've made with icing.  I remember trying hard to get the little additional curve at the tip of the ...

 We are home safe from a difficult ride back from Pennsic.  We had some brake problems so being home safe is a huge happy thing for me today.  Our problems slowed us down. I've heard that other people had more serious issues.  This is a reminder to have safety checks on your vehicle before taking long trips.  Other happy things: The hotel we stopped at last night is the same one Gideon and I stopped at last year.  This meant that we went to the same restaurant for breakfast as last year as well.  Gideon has wanted to go back there for a year!  There were some nice views along the drive. When I got home I saw that Bel installed the wood for me to hang backpacks on while we were gone.  Yay!  Next to paint it and put the hooks up.   The wood will allow me to screw on heavy duty hooks that will hopefully hold my backpacks. ☮ Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!

This morning I woke up with what I hope is an allergy attack.   Here are some happy things from today: It rained during the night, but ended early enough this morning that we were able to pack at least some things dry.  Not everything so there will be some drying out of canvas after we get home.  There was a pretty sky from where I slept in the common tent.  I am so grateful for the people that stayed long enough to help get all the things packed up.  We finished around 2 PM.  Later than I would like, but about average I guess. Empty land now. After that we helped out our friends that had the car fire on the way to Pennsic.  We got the heavy lifting done with them before we hit the road. Gideon has named the rock that came with us to Pennsylvania, CitiBoy. I remember when that willow tree was probably half that size. Bye Pennsic! Pretty clouds Pretty sunset. ☮ Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!

Some happy things from the penultimate day of Pennsic for me: This morning I chopped wood.  It was fun and tiring.  I think I only asked for help once.  I got the axe stuck into the wood in a big way.  We have had the fire going all day to try to use up the firewood.  I have learned of a source for less firewood and plan to use that next year.  Oh, and it was raining off and on. A few times this week I have worn funny faced socks just for the whimsy.  Today that was the white pair.  They seemed appropriate for packing on a day where it started by raining. Gideon performed with the Youth Commedia Troupe today.  They always do such a good job.  Gideon was awesome. Other random pictures from today: The mess of breaking down. Sunset through the trees. Embers. ☮ Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!

 The last Thursday of Pennsic there is a Viking burial ship that is burned on the pond.  People who have lost someone over the last year paint memorial shields and place them on the ship the week prior to this happening.   At least two people from Stonemarche passed away this year and I went to see the ship get burned.  People will shout out the names of those they lost.  I stood in silence, only whispering the names.  May they rest in peace. Some happy things from today: The Oreo machine made a mistake.  😂 It is supposed to rain tomorrow so there was a call to help at the East Kingdom Encampment.  I went and helped take down the territorial sheet walls and guide in the taking down of the pavilion.  It was nice to help and get to visit with some friends today as well. My great niece stopped by our encampment to say hello and goodbye before she heads back to the Midwest where she is living now.  We haven't seen each other since befo...

 Happy Wednesday things: The first part of the day I had some time to fingerloop another braid.  This one for my former protégé.   It is a little late in the week, but I got it done.  I also walked around the merchant area some.   Yesterday I picked up my beads.  I looked at them today.  I received three little tokens from people while the beads were displayed. There was an Exchequer meeting in the afternoon that was informative.  There are more changes coming to the position and it is good to stay on top of that.  I brought my laptop and balanced July while the meeting happened.  As I was getting ready to close the laptop a friend came by to ask what I was doing.  He saw the Exchequer page and surprisingly said something like, ‘Wait, you were doing Exchequer stuff?’  To which I responded, “What did you think I was doing, playing solitaire? It was an Exchequer meeting, I did Exchequer stuff.”  It was a funny mome...

 Some happy Tuesday things: It was another morning Watch shift for me with my friend Dagny.  She is also the fantastic person who is keeping me fed during this war.  Here are some Watch photos. The day was restful for me after that.  I stayed in camp for a bit and went walking around the merchant area just to look around.   In the evening was court.  Keziah and I sat near the back.  Some very deserving awards were given to people.  Here are some court pictures. ☮ Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!

Here are some happy Monday things from Pennsic: On the way to archery, I took some pictures of the people fighting rattan weapons at the bridge battle.  On the way back from shooting archery I took a couple pictures of the people fencing at the bridge battle. Rattan fighters preparing to battle. The battle has started. I tried to get a closer shot of the ballistic weapons, they are on the right. It is hard to tell from this, but these are the rapier fighters during their turn at the bridge battle.  👆👇      Archery was fun.  I shot two of the three shoots towards the war point.  If rain doesn't close the archery range on Thursday I hope to shoot the third one.  For now, I've scored some points for the East Kingdom.  Tornado shoot- gray is the tornado.  There is a house flying that is worth more points than just hitting the tornado. The clout shoot is about distance.   The people aren't the target.  It seemed like the pers...