SO we left on Friday with tons of stuff so that we ended up taking two cars. We got to Nia's a bit later than we expected and took time to try on the girls new garb (isn't Emma talented?) before we all crashed miserably. Got up to make it there early enough to throw the pavilion up, speak for Rachel (sometimes, you think and think about what to say and sometimes words just flow from your heart. Sat between Colin and Francesca which was lovely (particularly as Nia had cared for me and brought a chair down).

It was nice to have a minute of quiet social time even if it was in court. Made me a little giddy in my fatigue so I made the joking gesture of getting up with the Krakens...love that order name...apparently, the irony of our being Krakens was duly noted and we are now the Krackups or Cracked Cups or something.

It was great to see Calli and talk quietly with such a good man on such a special day. His bride was radiant and his Knight's Lady had brought hot tea!

I had a warm and rewarding conversation with Colin...nice to know that our friendship and regard sustains despite distance and busy lives.

Got to do a teeny weeny bit of walk about with Isabel who looked beautiful in her new surcoat. I look forward to a time when we can sit down and talk and not see fatigue in the other's face! Man we lead busy lives.

By this point the cold damp was rapidly using up all my good grace and Nia was miserable with her head and back so we both knew it was time to head out.

We went back up the hill and I got just a bit of time with Manley, Shannon, Julie and Em before we left the damp cold for the warmth of the appt and a pot of homemade cheddar cheese chicken soup. I knew that by the time he finished with MOL, court and pavilion tear down he would need it.

Turns out he MOL'd a lot longer than he thought and ended up taking a tumble down a hill taking down the pavilion in the dark in the mud. So, we ended the evening with everyone safe and warm and huddled over soup with no motivation to dress and go back out. So we missed partying with wonderful friends and getting to introduce friends to each other.

Sunday was business brunch with lots of good small talk in between and then we drove home in a monsoon. Connected by phone with a few folks I missed at the event.

Home early enough to relax so that today I feel somewhat refreshed.

I have decided Ymir is too full for me to have any expectations of anything but a touchstone event.

Off now to teach.