2026 Happy Blog Challenge

 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!

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...

Some happy things from today: Keziah and I got up early for our shift volunteering for the Watch.  We drove around the entire encampment in a golf cart looking for things that were out of place and being a radio source if anyone noticed us and needed help.  Our shift was from 5-8 AM.  We started in the dark, tried to watch the sunrise through the clouds, and drove around as people woke up and started their day.   Some of the following photos are thanks to Keziah who snapped some pictures while I was driving. After a nap and lunch I made a fingerloop braid for Keziah’s medallion.   Keziah chose the light blue clasps. The sekabjabin I pulled out today was a very delicious Ginger. Keziah and I took a lampwork class.  Keziah made three beads and decided that the craft isn't for her.  I made three beads and decided to go back after dinner to do more.  The later lampwork time was for a challenge.  The challenge theme was ‘Black and White’...

 July 27th Some happy things from today: It seems like there are always some kinds of problems with getting the shower to work every year.  This time I feel like the problems weren't as bad.  We didn't end up making a town run for a random thing that broke.  The new water softener seems to work fine.  I remembered to go back this morning to put plumbers tape on the few hose connections that were dripping.  Fingers crossed that the only bad thing to happen now is that the propane goes empty and just needs to be replaced.   The meal plan started.  Next year I really need to plan the before and after meal plan times.  Today I'm happy the plan has started and there is good food to eat. Keziah and I were able to do a few things to help out our friends that lost their car and Pennsic house on the way to the event.   After a lovely meal Keziah, Gideon, and I went to town to watch the movie Hadestown .  It is only in theaters for ...

 Here are some happy things from our big day of driving: We left the house after the hopeful time of 6 AM, but well before the panic time of 7 AM. So, kind of right on time?   Once we got to the highway, it was time for The Muppets song, Movin' Right Along . Both Keziah and I were tired. We ended up switching drivers more than I think is usual for us. We arrived at our hotel before dark which seems like something that never happens. Yay!   Some highlights from the day in pictures: That is a rock from the driveway on the trailer hitch foot.  The picture was taken somewhere in Pennsylvania.  I'm not sure if the rock is still there or not. At the hotel parking lot. Later, also from the hotel parking lot. ☮ Continued listening to: Thornhedge , by T. Kingfisher. Started listening to: The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet , by Becky Chambers. Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!