2026 Happy Blog Challenge

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!

 July 9th Some happy Thursday things: After a really long day yesterday I was able to get up with my alarm, organize, walk to the showers, walk back, prepare for the day, and get to the gate to help set up before 7:45 AM.  Most of my day was spent at the gate.  I did get breaks.  It was a long, tiring, but good day. There is a general shortage of volunteers this year.  I am so very thankful for every person that helped out at the gate.  I'm hopeful for more people to volunteer tomorrow and Saturday. There were some storms that came through.  One hit some parts of the campground and only tapped at others.  Walking with the blowing wind and cooler air was refreshing.  This picture is from early in the day, before the gate opened for general admission. The Gate Tent. The storm is rolling in. ☮ Continued listening to: Paladin's Faith , by T. Kingfisher. Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!

 July 2nd Some happy things from a very hot day: When I left the house for work there was lightning flashing and thunder rumbling.  The drive to work is about nine miles.  In about three miles the rain started.  It was hard and heavy with gusty winds.  When I was one to two miles from work the rain had stopped.  I walked quickly into work enjoying the wind and not lingering in case the rain came.  I have no idea if it rained at work.  I didn't hear it and I think I would have.  I'm happy that I arrived safe and the rain missed me whenever I was outside.  That much rain would have soaked me in just a minute or two. Somehow, even though I didn't sleep well because of the heat,  I wasn't overly tired at work.  After work we had Cinnabons.  😋 At home in the living room after I ate, I couldn't stay awake.  In my room it was 93° so I knew I would not be able to sleep.  I gathered all my energy and started moving thing...

 June 21st Happy things from today: More of my room got organized.  There are definitely things I'm just pushing to the side for another day, but I'm pleased with the little progress I'm making.  I also organized the cabinet I use in the second kitchen and claimed an empty shelf there for my food as well.  I tend to buy things in bulk, so one cabinet wasn't enough. Part of cleaning and organizing my room including packing for the camping event coming in a few weeks.  Most of my garb, bedding, tent, and archery equipment is ready to go.   There is supposed to be rain coming tomorrow so Amy and I decided to walk at Livingston Park today instead.  She has been visiting her family in the south and we haven't seen each other in a while.  It was great to catch up.  She showed me pictures of her three grandchildren.  The youngest one just celebrated his first birthday.  Such a lovely family.  Walking today didn't keep us out of t...

 June 18th My short list of happy things from today: The official work week is over.  I'm contemplating picking up a couple hours tomorrow.  At this time, I'm looking forward to the weekend. A short storm came through a little bit ago.  The sky darkened, the wind blew strong, and then rain started to fall.  It was quite lovely while it lasted.  Then the sun came out again.  It was much like what my Aunt Marjorie would have called a ‘clearing shower.’  Technically it wasn't one though because we are still expecting a more severe storm. Just before the short storm I was walking out to the chickens to talk with Bel.  The leaves were blowing and curled up on some of the trees anticipating the rain.  Anyhow, I noticed that many more flowers were blooming on the Catalpa tree. The Catalpa is the one on left over Bel and the chickens.  I think the one to the right of it is also a Catalpa tree but not quite on the same bloom cycle.  I'l...