It was a long, hot, fun weekend. I am now tired and hopefully will manage to make this an interesting AAR. I am going to do this perhaps a little differently than usual.

Thursday: We arrived at the park around 4:30-ish, if I recall correctly, and as we began to unload, with some slight assistance from Josh, Luke and Abigail arrived with their tent fly and wall for us to borrow again (our tent is a leaker, so the fly actually served as an extra roof). The finished set up looked like this:

Our next door neighbors on our right were, by choice, Hawk and Jill...and they had a new set-up!! What do you think?

We hung out under their fly and got eaten alive by skeeters...but still had fun.

Friday: Being School Day we prepped for the kids to walk through. Once again, we weren't official presenters, but were open to questions. A little over half way through the day, I suddenly realized why people kept asking about candles....

We made some new friends, due in part to a baby's bottle needing to be warmed and we having a close at hand fire...

Josh "strutted" around in his new Captain's uniform... ;)

Abigail and Grace came over Friday evening for supper and to spend the night crammed into our tent with us. Before heading off to the Land of Nod, we ended up photo-spreeing...

Furthermore, Obadiah was called in to play "Taps". Now technically, "Taps" is to be played at 10 pm, but it was probably more like 7 or 8 pm...but it is a reenactment....

Saturday: The big day...the day when the whole K. family turned out for the fun...and Mom and Dad came up for the afternoon!! :)

From my vantage point, the battle was sub-spectacular...not bad, but nothing uber exciting. Luke got hit twice (in the same knee). He said later the first hit was because he forgot to put in his ear-plugs and he wanted to put them in. Ethan got hit in the leg too, and later "died" and Andrew and Obadiah got into the action as well.

After the battle, Obadiah played "Taps"...

Troop photos (plus a few of the girls cheering them on)...

Random shots from the day:

Throughout the course of the day, music was played. In fact, we had an official request from General Lee to surround his tent and play. There are no photos of that, since the camerawomen were playing. Luke's accordion fell apart on him, which was really sad. 

The folks left sometime after the K's did and so Katherine and I sat around with Hawk and Jill for awhile, just relaxing and listening to the music from the ball (we didn't go for a number of reasons, one of which was my feet and legs were so tired), and wondering what was up "over yonder". Turns out a youngster had a 45 minute long nosebleed that led to a trip to the ER. He was apparently fine the next day because he was running around playing with other boys.

Sunday: A fairly peaceful day. Hot and humid. Hawk preached a good sermon out of John 4 (the Samaritan woman at the well), which just so happens to be where Pastor is preaching from at church. 

There wasn't a huge amount of interaction with spectators on this day, but we talked to friends and watched the battle which took it's toll on the Confederates. After that we watched the medical demonstration led by Mr. G (who is friends with the K's, sings "Messiah"...and has defeated Lyme disease himself). 

Something almost funny happened at this point. This lady I have been talking to at events on and off for the past two years came up behind me and re-introduced herself...and then asked a mutual friend/acquaintance, Lydia to introduce us girls to her four sons, as her daughter needed to use the ladies... It was a bit awkward, strolling with a girl in a Union artillery uniform into the Confederate artillery camp to meet the four boys. I remember all their names but one. (Philip, Nate, Curtiss...?) Anyway, I really kind of like Mrs. W. and she seems to like me. She asked how old I was and when I said, "26", her voice and body language seemed to say, "Oh...too old for my boys." :D 

We began to break camp not long after the battle and headed to the K's for Sunday evening church. Various people were taking walks or having naps when we got there, so I ended up standing in the kitchen drinking several mugs of water and talking to Luke for fifteen to twenty minutes while Katherine (poor abandoned dear!) rested herself on the front porch, alone. 

After church, some new friends of the K's arrived and we had popcorn and watermelon out doors.

We all spent the night because we were going to join them in/for the local Memorial Day ceremonies and parade. I know Abigail got photos, but we did not...and since I forgot to take my computer with me, I wasn't able to get any of her's. Therefore, no pictures.

Anyway, Katherine and I marched in our first ever parade. :) We were not too far from the head of it; the local High School band was in the lead, with something between them and Mr. S's (a WWII vet) 1939 Buick which we were behind, in the following order: Grace on a vintage bike, Luke and Abigail, then Katherine and I on either side of Obadiah. Behind us was Josiah on his unicycle. Isaac was supposed to drive his little red tractor, but it conked on him just before parade time. :( Poor thing, he was really disappointed (not that I blame him!) All of us, except Josiah were in 1940's dress (more or less), Luke decked out in his seaman's uniform. Andrew and Ethan did a fly-over in a Husky.

Before the parade though was a ceremony. Then after the parade was two ceremonies--one in each cemetery--on opposite sides of the main road. There was music and speeches and prayers which were Christian. Before the third ceremony, as people were mingling around, I accosted a WWII-vet and was allowed to plant a kiss on his cheek. I left red lipstick on his face, which he left there. The American Legion post was handing out plaques of recognition and he was one of the recipients. As it turns out, he was a sailor!! As he was coming up for his plaque, I heard Mrs. K saying something about the lipstick on his face and I leaned over and grinning said, "That's mine..." She laughed. 

Returning to the house and while waiting for lunch, Josiah and I  went out to look at his bees. In under five minutes, I had been stung twice. Once on the neck and once on the chin...so I about faced and headed in, with Josiah right behind me for ice and lavender oil. Next time, I'm taking my own bee helmet. 

After lunch, during which I bit down on my somewhat swollen lip, we talked and played our various instruments and just had a down right enjoyable time. We were the last to leave...we left around 9 pm, tired and worn out, but with another bucket full of memories. 

Is it January 2018 already? Good gracious! Did 2017 ever fly by in a blur or what? I'll be hitting the highlights here...and maybe with the pictures available, I'll be able to pull some extra memories for you. ;)

January 

Well, I don't remember too much from this month. We had our usual "Little" Christmas (Epiphany) on the 6th. The 17th or so, Katherine and I had an appointment with our Lyme doctor in Ohio. Sometime in the following two weeks, my parents loaded up with Grandma had headed to the deep South for a few months...which turned into a full five month stay in the Sunshine State.

February

There is really only one thing that stands out for me from February...a trip a little further north to attend/participate in a "Homeschool Show and Tell Day" put on by some friends. Now, neither Katherine or I are (or were) still in school, but we were still welcomed with open arms and presented. I gave a spiel on WWII B-17 bomber crews, with a special emphasis on 'Yahoodi'. Katherine spoke on the British Land Girls. The other "children" spoke on things from emergency shelters, rope ladders, family history,  gun safety, and clouds. (There was more, those are just the ones I'm remembering off hand.)

Glancing through my photos, I see this is also the month that I rag-curled (or sausage curled) Katherine's hair...and she finished her first 1860's dress.

 March

I had to look at the pictures for this one...Apparently, the only thing of note was continued work on reenactor prep for later in the year. I took in one of my first ever 1860's outfits (the one which Katherine had worn for reenacting 2016) and was delighted with the outcome. (I sure look like it, right? :D)

In other news, Katherine is just so photogenic...

April

This month saw more 1860's clothing construction, the arrival of my new bees, and a road trip to Illinois to visit some friends and celebrate Katherine's birthday! All in all, I guess we were rather buzzy...

May

This whole month was leading up to the "Grand Finale" the Civil War Days reenactment in Coldwater! We did actually go to the Hartford City Civil War days as well--but just for one day--we cut it short because Katherine got to feeling lousy before the day was over. But taking care of one's health is far more important than gallivanting. The following shots are from Hartford City.

I'll leave you to read the Coldwater blog post if you want more details...but a picture or two are in order here.

June

There were two main events in June...Turkeyville and another doctor's appointment in Ohio. Honestly, I cannot remember which was first. We'll list Turkeyville as first though...

On our way home from our Dr.'s appointment, we stopped at some church friend's house to pick cherries! Another new experience.

Oh yes...the folks got back from Florida on the 28th, I believe...just in time for the scramble for our Independence Day party!

July

No doubt about it. July the 4th is probably my favorite holiday--I may love it more than Christmas. :D So, our now annual shindig with friends is a wonderful highlight of the year.

Also of note in July, I had my first ever honey harvest.

August

Hmm...August. We were supposed to start sewing for RWWII in August, but with the discovery of MOLD in the parent's closet, that was put on hold and the contents of said closet moved out while the remediation and renovation took place. Meanwhile, Katherine and I took a two day jaunt to go help some friends with their chicken butchering. They do things differently than we do, but new experiences aren't a bad thing. 

September 

As has become the norm over the past several years, September was RWWII from start to finish. Sewing. Sewing. Sewing. And more sewing. (No kidding, I finished four aprons the very morning we left for the event.) If you want to read all about it, go here. My parents and Grandma were going to come this year, but Hurricane Irma threw a monkey wrench into that, so we girls went off by ourselves again, collecting a few friends along the way.

Photos are either from our friends cameras or the RWWII FB page.

There really wasn't much else to September...we got home and crashed. Then picked up a new weekly routine as October arrived.

October

That new routine? Every Tuesday until the first week of December (minus one), found Katherine and I off on an evening excursion to practice Handel's "Messiah"! A new experience that I hope to repeat next year--only singing tenor rather than alto. ;)

Also in October, I hit 26. 

I've "missed" years before, but up until this year, I'd never had a "hard" birthday (I thought the idea simply silly). Turning twenty-six was hard for me, but I think I've moved past the emotional upheaval I went through at the realization I was closer to thirty than twenty and still single...and still fighting illness. Just ask the family. It was a rather rough couple of weeks for me. Sometimes, you really have to force yourself to stare into the fact that God is sovereign and works all things for your own good. Even if you are to stinkin' stubborn to acknowledge it. 

The end of October saw my older sister (pregnant with her first baby) going into early labor...so off the parents went to help out. They stayed til the baby was born...but that happened in November.

November 

Savannah just kept holding on...and ended up having the baby on her due date! Almost an entire month after she got put on bed rest.

I did the first stages of winterizing by myself:

This was my first Thanksgiving ever without my parents, but Katherine and I pulled together to make a traditional spread, hauled it out to Grandma's apartment and had a jolly enough time eating and gabbing. 

Of course, I know you want to know about the baby...

Mom and Dad got home with just a couple of days to spare before the end of November. 

December 

The month started out with a bang--the "Messiah" performance! (Photos courtesy of friends.) 

It was a two-day performance--Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. We left on Sunday (after showing baby pictures to the K's) and headed straight to Ohio for our Lyme doctor appointment. Dr. Ritchey thinks we are far enough along, and know enough how to keep fighting, that she told us she didn't think we really *needed* to come back, so we do not have a scheduled "next appointment". It's a little odd after three years. 

Between that weekend and Christmas, it was life...prepping for Christmas. I have been dealing with a skin infection on my feet for over a month, and as December ended it was finally beginning to really look like it was actually going away. Thankfully, it quit being horribly red, swollen, and itchy!! early in December.

Then of course...Christmas!

We ended the year out with a weekend trip (which ended up with us staying an extra half day due to exhaustion) to ring in the New Year! The weekend was a blast--cold(!!), ice-skating, talking, music, Chinese Lanterns, ringing in the New Year (a day early, but who cares), a slight snow fight (started by your's truly), food and more fellowship. 

Katherine and I went by ourselves because Grandma couldn't go and Daddy didn't really want to leave Mom behind and Mom didn't want to go without him (and vice versa), so anyway, that's why the two gal's hit the road for an overnighter (which turned into a two-night stay) by themselves.

A small smattering of photos...I think we need to learn how to use our new camera a little better, but photos are still photos when they are grainy!

The long and short of the year 2017 is this: it went by fast and in a blur, but God's hand of grace and provision and healing can be seen at every turn looking back. In some ways it was a really hard year to me, but God used (and is still using) the bumps to turn my weak and sinful heart more to Him and to seek after Him more faithfully. I look forward to where my path is going to lead in this next year!

Happy New Year 2018!!

New-ish? Sure. I'm not any different no matter what the calendar says. Anyway, getting on the bandwagon of "year in review" blog post...here's a whirlwind view of the past year--skipping the down-days, the blah days...the days when I walked in circles (much like today) because I couldn't settle into anything very well. (I guess I'm doing the cooking, so that is helpful! ;] )

January:

Glancing through my photos, I suddenly recall that I got high off sugar during Little Christmas....I really felt kinda lousy. 

February: 

March:

April:

I mastered the art of pin-curling 3+ feet of hair. (Hmm. I ought to do this again soon. It's been several months....)

We went home (we meaning us, the K girls, the R bro's, Aunt Terry, and the S's) and did some more cooking that night. Andy kept us tearing along with a good rhythm, Savannah went to bed first and I last--at 2 am. I proceeded to sleep but for roughly 2 hours total. I wouldn't recommend that because you have trouble remembering the Big Day.

May:
Honestly...was spent I think majorly prepping for a reenactment!
The majority of the reenactment shots are courtesy Abigail. I'm already planning for this years event!

I could seriously overload you with shots...but I'll leave May at that. ;)

June:

July:
We had a number of friends over to celebrate Independence Day...

Meanwhile, Grandpa had been taken to the Dr. on the 3rd (we thought for dehydration again)...but after nearly a month in the hospital, he passed on the 24th. I cannot remember off the top of my head, which day the funeral was.

Savannah was able to come for the last week before Grandpa passed. Odd it is, how it was almost like she'd never been gone. I guess family is like that...

​August:
SEWING. Prep for a ball given by friends that month and also for Remembering WWII the following month.

September:
The Focus was undoubtedly Remembering WWII (prep and attendance). 

October:
More sewing--pinner apron for me, dresses for Katherine. More working on the tent...

We packed it away overnight one evening because it was supposed to rain...well, just in case you didn't know, mineral spirits treated canvas, if not fully dry, has the potential of spontaneous combustion if folded...

I can only say that it is a good thing that I had already decided, due to the way both Katherine and I were feeling, that the trip to Perryville was going to be scrubbed. So...we moved onto the next project. Getting the carpets out of my bedroom and painting it:

November: 
I guess it was fairly eventful...

December: 
The month of Christmas. 

Daddy got his Christmas present early--a new couch and matching chair and ottoman. Below are two of the moving crew (Mom made some remark about needing some [local] son-in-laws because that furniture was heavy!)

We do not generally "do Christmas" if it lands on Sunday, but for Grandma's sake this year, we joined her in the evening for some festivities.

We have no photos from our day-before New Years Day excursion further north--but that was an enjoyable time spent with friends and even new experiences! I went ice-skating for the first time in my life and had an absolute blast despite some falls! 

It's 2017 now and as I upped one of my meds two days ago, I'm struggling with a little of that "extra detox" brain fog and fatigue. Still, I hope you enjoyed this peek into the past year... :) Now...I have a job to do. See y'all!

Um...anyway. Since my aunt was here yesterday, we did our family Christmas today...

I think I'll do this in a picture gallery collection kind of thingy with random stories to go along with it.

Yesterday was a rather different sort of Christmas, with Grandpa being slightly grouchy. I think this is my favorite photo of him from the day:

We ate and acted rather silly before delving into the small pile of "Christmas" as Grandma would put it...so first, the sillies:

Then...the presents and such. Nothing spectacular, but everyone enjoyed themselves well enough, except for Grandpa...who was asleep with the remains of his breakfast in his hands.

Afterwards we ate lunch/dinner. I guess it was the double dosage of my parasite killer that put me on the verge of on the verge of passing out.

Okay...move on today, since it's a little fresher in my mind...

We started out with breakfast (how original!)...really late and maybe five minutes sooner than we might have because I was fixing to dissolve. I have a way of doing that when my innards begin to rebel against their emptiness.

After I washed the breakfast dishes, we congregated in the living room and began the usual routine of having Katherine pass each gift out (she tries to be really fair about it all, one for Daddy...one for Mommy...one for Savannah...you get the idea) and then we all watch expectantly...and make dumb remarks while watching. Then, of course, there are plenty of, "I forgot what I put in that box...come on! Hurry up! What is it?" ;)

But before that actually began, I have a little tale to tell...I got a Christmas card in the mail...with a little letter in it. This is how it was signed:

Now before you start squalling at me about holding out on you...and the quality of my "boyfriend"s handwriting, let me explain that Bob is 94. You remember this guy (on the left), right? 

Anyway...I shipped him and Johnny off Christmas cards this year and Bob sent me one in return along with a sweet little note. USS Hornet vets, both of them. :)

See, kissing 90+ year old vets has some serious perks. ;) But you know, if I can help brighten his day, I'm glad. Now...I just need to make more of an effort to go see my 93 year old man daily!! (*Points finger at own face: "Ya hear that, Rooster?")

I'll stumble back into the pictures here...they aren't exactly in order being from three different cameras...and I seem to have missed a couple that I thought I had in here...but oh well. The "odd" pictures with Daddy's guitar are from Mama's treasure hunt. :)

Sometime in here we ate lunch...gave the cat a bath (vinegar and water in an attempt to quell the poor things itchy sessions--fleas, you know)...flipped the breaker a couple of times (too many heaters running in the apartment)...you know, normal stuff. 

After we got the mess cleaned up, we settled in to watch "The Return to the Hiding Place" a family gift that I splurged on, along with "Princess Cut" and "Alone, Yet Not Alone"...I look forward to seeing those too, but I have to say that I really enjoyed RttHP. It was very well done and the message was strong and clear. Best line in the movie: "My allegiance is with the King of HEAVEN!!"

In a nutshell then--our Christmas. Odd...but in the end, good.

Merry Christmas! See you next week. 

I spent a good while getting my small number of gifts wrapped today...that can be a bit of a tricky job with Curio cat tucking her nose into sacks and loving to tromp through whatever one is doing. Fortunately, she actually spent more time sleeping than anything.

Runty, who does not like music, was somewhat freaked out by the fact that I wanted to listen to bagpipe music while I wrapped. I only made her suffer through my bagpipe CD twice and then I took pity on her and changed it to strings instead. I hope she appreciates the fact that I didn't sing too. She puts her ears back every time I sing within her ear-shot.

I even tried to do a really nice, neat job of wrapping. My packages are usually the worst wrapped in the house. They probably still are, but at least I really actually put a little effort into this year. (I mean the neatness, not the slap-dash.)

I guess, since we're planning on doing our "family" Christmas on Epiphany this year that I didn't have to do it today, but it's kind of nice not to have to move stuff in order to get into my side of the closet......

But about the move of our in-house festivities...we found out Sunday that my aunt, who lives north of us, is coming down for part of Christmas Eve and over night into Christmas day. It will be more convenient and less rushed and all this way. 

About the time I got done with my wrapping, I began to notice the 'burn' in my stomach. It's been kicking up a little bit recently away, but it really began to hurt. A little food helped some...but I couldn't help but thinking about last Christmas and how miserable I was (physically; it was actually a pretty good day regardless) and hoping that I wasn't on the verge of a repeat. While I still don't feel wonderful in the tummy area, the ice-pick man has let up quite a lot. 

I'm feeling a bit lost in the week because I spent both Monday and Tuesday afternoons Christmas shopping with Katherine and Mom respectively. I can't help laughing a little bit at the fact that I went to find Christmas gifts for my sisters and I came home with two hats for myself amongst the loot. My hat collection is a little smaller than the other girls and since I'm now going to a church that covers (I mean the women all do), I'm now wearing a hat weekly instead of just on a whim whenever I feel like it. It isn't really a problem for me except when I forget and put my hair up too high. :D

My biggest "grump" this year is that I haven't anything for Grandma. She handed me a skirt a while back and told me that if I wanted to get her something for Christmas she'd take another skirt like it. It would be really, really easy to make and I was planning on it and just never got to it. I guess, if I could land my hands on a piece of material I could still get it done...despite that fact that Grandma has far too many clothes anyway (which of us doesn't!) But it's a nice easy skirt...and it would be easy for her to put on and all....and I really would like to give her something this year. You do know that I'm pretty awful about getting people things until the last minute and all, don't you? I tell myself every year that I will do better "next year" but it doesn't seem to help.

Oh well...Merry Christmas, you all!

Well, sort of. This upcoming Saturday, Savannah and I will be doing so in the church choir. Mmhmm. The Mouse Soprano and the Froggy Alto are singing in a choir. But never mind. 

When Mrs. E, our choir director first laid out the guidelines of clothing choices, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to wear. My red Chap's sweater with my black wool skirt. Until a few practices after and I realized how horridly hot I'd be. Particularly as I get sweaty when at all nervous. 

Then I had an idea. A red corduroy vest. Not just any ol' red cord vest, but a double-breasted, militaristic red corduroy vest. 

Problem #1: none of the vest patterns we have hit the spot.

I designed my own.

Problem #2: I had never drafted a pattern for an adult.

Solution? 

I took my own measurements (with just a wee bit of help from Katherine on those really hard to measure spots) and marked them down on the miniature scribbled pattern I'd draw on a piece of college ruled paper. I did end up borrowing one of Katherine's vests to figure out the armhole curvature, since my attempt at it freehand was 100% backwards. (I have this slightly dyslexic thing that happens occasionally and I can't think my way out of it.)

I measured and drew it onto a few sheets of scrap paper taped together and cut it out. Minus the seam allowance, of course. :p So...I had to redraw it and add in the seam allowance.

Well and good...but I wanted a stand up collar. Back to Pintrest I went and found two different tutorials. Between the two of them, I drew up a collar. 

I cut out the mock-up out of fabric that, assuming it worked, I could go ahead and wear. It fit! :)

Then I ran into Problem #3: The pattern wasn't going to fit on the red corduroy dress I was using for material. Removing the pockets from the skirt did nothing to help, since the very obvious markings of where the pockets had been was completely unacceptable. COMPLETELY. 

Then inspiration struck! I'd put a seam down the back of the of the vest (it was supposed to be cut on the fold). I laid the pattern actually over the skirt seams (I had them lined up evenly) so with the center back seam, I actually ended up with a three-seam almost decorative look. I then put three matching seams down the back of the collar. They didn't end up lining up exactly, but I didn't rip it out since it's not overly noticeable and I may have that part covered with my hair anyway.

Due to a mistake in the initial stitching together, I ended up having to sew the armholes by hand. I wasn't going to rip the whole garment out when it's not too much trouble to hand-stitch an armhole....

Then came the next question. Four big brassy/gold buttons or six small black ones? I liked the brass and my sister liked the black. Since I was aiming for an early 19th century military-esque vest, I decided I would go with the brass...only to realize four (I had five total) would not look right. Six would have been perfect...but since I didn't have enough, I returned to digging through the button box and came up with eight black rimmed buttons with a silver lattice/basket-weave like center.

I also put three small shirt buttons on the inside to hold the inner flap shut nicely. (The perk of having hundreds of buttons cut off the men's shirts that we use for aprons and children's clothes.)

While it didn't turn out completely perfect, the sides being a wee longer than I was aiming for and a little extra room in the back about the waist, I like it. I may look slightly wide in it, but I think with a fuller sleeved shirt it will counter-balance some of the extra room. 

(Sorry about the picture quality...the batteries are getting low...and my photographer was probably standing a little too close so the flash was too bright. Oh well. Gives you the general idea.)

All in all, I don't think it's a bad job for the first time ever drafting a pattern completely from scratch!

I went to bed Christmas Eve with a case of meningitis...and I woke up Christmas morning with my Lyme throwing an all out hissy fit that lasted all day long. You know I'm not well when food is repulsive to me. However, I will spare you all the gory details. Just suffice to say that my digestive system was attempting to sabotage my enjoyment of the day (oh, how my stomach hurt!!) and that I had a fever on and off all day along with the stiff and sore neck and head that comes with the meningitis.  

However, for all that, being rather miserable and all, I had a pretty decent day. I even sang (in a weird sort of voice) while curled up on the couch. 

Everybody got up kind of late (that is what happens when it's so overcast that the rising of the sun doesn't make over much of a dint in the clouds)...as previously mentioned I woke up miserable, a condition I would carry with me in my flesh for the remainder of the day (and to be honest, I still don't feel in tip-top shape). However, I determined that I was going to enjoy myself (as far as possible) and took the first step towards that in the form of dressing myself in something other than my nightgown. I was going to at least look half way decent! (Forget the make-up though. I wasn't going to go that far.)

I returned to my spot on the couch and snuggled under the blanket were I would stay, more or less, until roughly 2 o'clock when we went out to the apartment for Christmas Dinner with my grandparents, were I requisitioned Grandpa's big overstuffed power chair. I tried to eat, but only managed a spoonful of green beans and some cranberry salad. It's almost scary to be off one's feed that kind of badly. 

However, to return to earlier in the day...

Savannah flipped the lid back on the piano and started playing...and I started singing (I don't know if howling like a puppy might not be a better description) or humming if I couldn't remember the words. I am positive I sounded terrible, but no one complained, so I guess I wasn't irritating anyone too badly.

I think it was around 10:30 when everyone was "ready" and Katherine started producing stuff from under our very fat, almost huggable looking tree. We have a tradition in our house that the youngest kid passes out the gifts. I think, maybe, that part of the reasoning behind it in the beginning was the teach patience and a giving spirit (you know, littles tend to like getting more than they do giving...at least I did back when I was tiny); however, I'm just speculating since I don't really know why the tradition was initiated.

The following are slideshows...

"Meet Mrs. Fledge"

This was funny...as I unwrapped the package, I saw it was an Ariat boot box, so I said in a goofy sort of way "Oh, I got a boot-box!" (along the lines of the cereal or saltine cracker boxes that Grandma tends to package things in)...thing is, I completely forgot that I have only had one brand-new pair of Fat Baby boots--and the box is sitting on my shelf in Florida! So when Mama made some remark, I realized that "wait...are there really boots in here???" I like 'em, hot pink stitching and all! :)

Me (Bear in mind that I didn't feel well...)

When Mama, Savannah, and Grandma went to see Grandma's cousin Helen in the nursing home, I came in and amused myself in bed with my computer. I really didn't feel good, so I was thankful that the cats obliged me by not pouncing on my middle. When they came back, it was time for supper (of which I once again ate very, very little) and then the gift exchange with the grandparents. I think Grandpa liked his books, jeans, and heated blanket. Grandma was pleased with the pretty dolly we got for her at Fort Pierce. I knew she would like it. :)

The Evening

While I cannot say that it was the most physically comfortable Christmas I have ever had, I still think it was a good one... :)

Oh and where to begin??? What a glorious, joyful weekend!

I suppose, for the sake of coherence, I probably ought to start on Friday and the trip over to Illinois. It was, thankfully, uneventful and we did not arrive late, even though we got out a little later than we intended. One of the first things I noticed was that Providence Church did not have the usual castle wall facade up...things seemed to be a little more loosely organized in general this year, but it really didn't detract from the lectures and fellowship, so I am not complaining. :)

Unfortunately, we did not get very many pictures, so I haven't any pictures to show you of our dear S's. They were already in Illinois visiting family and came to RefDay for Friday and half of Saturday. They came on over here Saturday afternoon  and just left this morning, taking my elder sister with them...but I'm getting ahead of myself.

I was standing in a doorway talking with my 'brother' Andrew H. when I spotted the S's. I rather unceremoniously blurted, "Oh!" or something like that and left off in the middle of a sentence to dash the fifteen feet to where they were sitting. I'm afraid I was really quite rude and I must apologize for it.  

However, minutes later, I grabbed Andrew by the elbow and propelled him over to meet the S's...and then R and L...I think, were roped into the group to meet them. There was so much talk and laughter and joy that I cannot remember everything that happened...or what order it happened in.

Friday there were three lectures. Two by Phil Kyser and one by Douglas Bond. The topic of this years Reformation Day was the Huguenots--of whom I knew practically nothing. Dr. Kyser first spoke in a general overview sort of way about the theology and orthopraxy of the Huguenots. One could say that they were the "Christian Reconstructionists" of their day; with the same kinds of total-life view of the application of Scripture. (By the way, I do classify myself among the 'Reconstructionists'...there is of course, some variation within that categorization because of human nature.)

Dr. Kyser's second talk (after Mr. Bond's) landed right down my alley--the Huguenot just war theory. He referenced a book "Vindiciae Contra Tyrannus" (or something like that) by a Frenchman named Mornet (I believe; and it's probably not spelled correctly) that I put on my "must-read" list. I agreed...and I nodded...and I took notes...and I grinned...suffice to say, I thoroughly enjoyed that talk.

Douglas Bond's three talks (one on Friday, two on Saturday) were really rather like one, just split into three parts, in which he told stories about different persons and event that took place during the Reformation in France: he spoke of Calvin, Verit, the queen of Navarre, Renee of France, Gaspard Coliny, and others. (There is a bit of story that goes with that, but I'll get there in the chronology.) Anyway, Mr. Bond is an engaging speaking, though, rather like Bill Potter (also a story-teller) not someone I am able to take notes from--so I didn't; I just listened. 

Friday evening, the Josties did the concert. I enjoyed it more than I expected too. For some reason, I assumed that they did gospel music--and a lot of gospel is rather well...not my cup of tea (partly because of the theology of the words and partly because of the way people sing.) I was pleased to hear that they actually know how to sing. (Sound like a snob, don't I?) 

Saturday is always the most particularly exciting day...we girls got up and got decked out in our outfits:

We had a little time to spare, so we goofed around a little...the above mentioned attempt at opening the window was part of that. Turns out, I had actually locked it when I was trying to unlock it. (In other words, I did get it open eventually.) Katherine thought I looked so funny tugging on the window that she had to get some pictures...and they did come out funny, so I thought I'd share them for your amusement.

We got to the church a little early, so took a brief reconnaissance drive around to locate the school were the dance was going to be that evening. (I knew where it was, but we thought we'd familiarize ourselves with the route.)

Well, we got back, pulled into the parking lot, and parked next to a silver car with an NRA and AOPA sticker on it. We made a few remarks about it...(NRA's a good thing!) without knowing who it belonged too--turns out as we found out that afternoon, it belonged to none other than our adopted brothers R!! It was hilarious that we unintentionally parked right next to them!

So, we go into the building, not knowing the R's were there yet, trot up the steps and who do I see across the foyer but Caleb! In a matter of minutes, three sisters and three brothers were greeting each other and talking 90 miles an hour, across this little circle. The S's arrived and were dragged into the circle by yours truly. I don't know exactly whose idea it was to sit together, but we ended up in a single row like this: Andy, Caleb, Katherine, Racheal, Savannah, and Dan. The S's were in the row ahead of us since we all wouldn't fit in one row.

My fingers went nearly ceaselessly during the three talks that took place that morning (Rev. McDonald's impression this year was of Gaspard Coliny's elder brother--the name I forget) and I got the entire cuff of Andy's second kilt sock finished! Yay! (I finished the first sock Friday on the way over.) Toward evening, I had Andy try on the completed sock and it fit perfectly! He seemed to really like it...and it appeared to me that he didn't want to take it off! I am going to make him and Dan both a set of kilt flashes to go with their kilts/socks. (Dan got himself a kilt...I forgot to ask what tartan it was, but it looked rather like Graham to me and Graham is my primary tartan claim.) I have also been commissioned to knit Dan a pair of kilt hose. :) However, you're not here to read of the Socketeer's business prospects...

Let's see...we were to have a jam session between lunch and the Highland games (about an hour); so we gathered out in the cold wind and the slight sprinkle and waited....and waited...and waited while the poor over-taxed food vendors worked as fast as they could to feed the line of people. Both Dan and Caleb had already eaten by the time Savannah, Katherine, Andy, and I had gotten our food. (The H's would have already eaten, I guess, because their last name falls in the first half of the alphabet and we were assigned to eat according to last names.) Once we ate, we went in and jammed. As promised, Andy helped me on 'General Taylor' both during the jam session and later as we headed toward the Highland Games. (As of this afternoon, I'm doing terrible on it; but I do know what it is that I need to work on.) I still can't keep up with Andy's flying fingers, but I did a little better this year because I am in practice better than last year. I don't know exactly what it is, but my guitar's tone doesn't seem to blend overly well with his...even though I was in tune.

We actually did a few of songs that we girls are proficient at--including "Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah"--which our brothers informed us was much too fast. Ha! ;) It's not a dirge, you guys! ;D (It was actually rather humorous, the banter about that...) 

But we did 'Salley Gardens', one of my favorites (me finger-picking to boot!)...'Be Thou My Vision'...oh boy...I can't remember the rest, but it sure was fun. Strumming, bowing, percussion, whistles, voices...I look forward to the next jam session. :) (Maybe I ought to practice a little harder too!) 

We moved on to the Highland Games with little ol' me trying to match my  voice to Andy's and conquer General Taylor; by the time we got there, Andy told me he thought I had it...well, sorta, Andy...sorta. :)

Caleb did not win the cabor toss this year; I think he came in second (or third at the least)...and someplace along in there in the rock toss. I went and bugged Andrew about getting in on the 'funn' but he didn't because he had a shoulder bugging him. I agree, it's not a good idea to stress already bothersome joints/muscles. I stayed over there instead of wandering back to where Savannah and Katherine were because I could see better (the announcer) had stepped in front of us three and I got busy hollering for all my "brothers" (the H's, the R's, and the B's). I figured I might as well get into it and have fun. 

Christopher, Thomas, William, and Joshua B. were being noisy in a different fashion and I vainly tried to get them to slacken their "war chant". Andy told me to ignore them and they'd quit--but they wouldn't have. I know those guys...they are so much themselves (which sounds weird).  I heaved Christopher up at one point and he was squawking, "Put me down!" with a huge grin in his voice...and so I kept ahold of him until he asked sweetly if I would, "Put me down...please." What? PLEASE? From the Lion-hearted?? Yes, dear...

I grabbed William around the shoulders at one point too...I forget what it was about...but he really doesn't mind the affection. (Those boys know that I love 'em--because I've told them so.) Thomas doesn't stick around as long for hugs. :D I'm doing good with Joshua just to ruffle his hair--he's never been as receptive to it anyway (he likes Katherine best of us three girls).

Daniel B. did the cabor toss for the second time this year. He's such a scrawny looking young man, though tall enough, that the he doesn't look like he could handle it well, but he did pretty decently. Give him a couple more years and he may be giving the standing camps (Caleb and a feller named Matt [who plays a pretty mean piano, too!]) a run for their money. (Daniel doesn't talk to me much these days [he's 16 and too into football after church to want to stand around and exchange pleasantries with me], but we're still family, as his coming up Saturday evening to let us know his 'battle wounds' were not hurting anymore, showed. I'm pretty fond of that tall, skinny, blue-eyed kid.)

Let's see...there were all kinds of humorous little situations, from one guy taking a head-first dive into the dirt right after his rock went flying, to joking about the Canadian running around in shorts and shortsleeves while everyone else was dressed a little heavier; even the guys in kilts had on more clothing with long sleeves and all.

I did it...I really did. Whether or not I should be embarrassed about it is another question. I gave my last year's critique of Andy's sword play to him--and like a gentleman he listened to me...and even took it. I could see that he was defending himself a little tighter. In other words, he stayed in the fight a little longer! I mean, literally, there were a couple of times that I wanted to snatch a fallen boffer and chase some dude off from Andy last year. :D I do so enjoy a good bout of sword-play that it can be hard to "just watch" the boffer wars. The three R's fought shoulder to shoulder...and at one point, some guys in front of me encouraged themselves, "Let's get the Canadians!" and promptly descended upon the three of them. I was thinking: "But they're not Canadian!" Oh, well...odd.

Let's see...I don't want to bore my readership with flash-tidbits of moments that either amused me or had significance to me...but would be "blah" to you all...so I'll just sum up the Games in this way: I had much fun watching them, talking to Andrew and Andy, teasing the B kiddos, yelling in support of my friends, laughing, and looking "goofy" (according to KT) with my shawl tucked on top of my head. After a while, I got cold and along with that, both my 'Lymie' wrist and hip started to ache a little, so when Savannah, Caleb, Katherine, and Andrew headed in, I went with them.

Shortly after that, the other two R brothers came back from the wars. Andy with beat up hands (not good for a professional musician); he held his hands up to show me his swollen knuckles and his hands were still quivering. Dan had a goose-egg on his right wrist, though I didn't know that until we were dancing the Virginia Reel and he had to quit clapping because it was bothering him. (I stamped my foot so hard I make my knee hurt during that dance. :D)

The discussion of "where are we going to go eat supper" started in earnest. No one wanted to see me out of sorts from food (me most especially!) and so we settled on a Bob Evans some 10-15 minutes away. The R's led the way in their car and I moved to the backseat to allow Andrew the use of the front seat (afterall, his legs are twice as long as mine!) and thusly we went, "Won't Caleb drive a little faster? I'm hungry!!" :D Turns out, he was driving so slowly because he thought Savannah was an overly cautious driver. (I.e. a duffer--like me.) Anyway, so we got to Bob Evans and I laughed something about only Caleb and Andy be the normal looking people amongst the seven of us, for Dan was kilted and Andrew was decked out in early 1800's styled finery, not to mention the medieval/Reformation style outfits of the ladies of the party! I really didn't feel as awkward as I thought I was going to. Some lady in the restroom asked me if we were with 'the show' (apparently there was some sort of Broadway-esque show playing in Peoria)...

After we were seated, I cornered Dan to get some information concerning the voice over he is supposed to be doing for me and as soon as I said "Voice Over" he got this look on his face that really cracked me up. I swallowed his excuses (I have less excuse than he does for not being any further along than I am!) and proceeded to order my salmon. There was lively conversation and plenty of laughs over our supper. I'm afraid I looked askance at the blueberry pancakes that ended up in front of Dan...I could just imagine eating that and being so sick I couldn't walk straight. :D It was even more fun though to tell Andy "Eat!" every two minutes...he really only glared good-naturedly at me once. (We had a time limit because the ball started at 7:30.)

Well, we made it (and many thanks to Dan for picking up the tab for the entire table!) and were there and ready when the dancing started. Mrs. B called this year and I think did a pretty good job for her second full ball. I was pleased as punch when Christopher strolled up and proffered his hand to me. I don't recall the little stinker ever asking me to dance before...that was the Waves of Tory...so we had short me and even shorter Christopher--but we managed the arches without over much trouble. :)

As previously mentioned, I did the Virginia Reel with Dan, whose arm was hurting him. He kept clapping, then stopping, and then starting again. It's odd how somethings just "happen" even though you know it would be better if you quit doing whatever it is. (I've done that while playing spoons before; the blisters start coming and I just keep playing.) It's practically impossible not to clap during the Virginia Reel!!

The Virginia Reel and the Gay Gordon (or Carolina Promenade, depending on who you are talking to) are my favorite dances and both were done. I started that one (it's a mixer) with Andy...likewise the Pattycake Polka (and of course, I had to mention how 7 lb.s of Bacon does it...and he quipped something about 7 lb.s of bacon sound good. Goofy! ;P) 

I think nearly all the dances were ones I had done before...since I am learning the ECD terms and steps, I'm getting to a point where I can just pick up and go with a dance after a real quick walk through. Remembering the names and which is which is the hard part! I love to dance! 

It was roundly agreed amongst ourselves that we could have kept dancing much past 10...but since we had to be out of the building by a certain time, we had to quit. I was sooo wound up that night that I didn't conk out very fast and then I woke up early. 

We wiled away the time before it was time to go to church by packing and loading the car. Oh, and 'peep ob-ing'. ;) Looking out our window, we could see the parking lot of the neighboring hotel--even from that distance, I recognized members of the J family (whom I don't actually know, but I know who they are). Minutes before we left, I spotted two heads bobbing along...as soon as they appeared from behind a tree, I knew who they were. Of course, the guitar case really helped, but I knew it was Andy and Dan without it. :D

The sermon was edifying and interesting as Rev. McDonald spoke on verses 9-22 of II Timothy 4 (the end of the book). He was noting how this was, in a way, rather like Paul's last will and testament and how he was thinking about people, not possessions or position, as he neared the end of his life.

I find that communion is a bit on the awkward side at Providence, but I appreciate being able to take it all the same. And that church sings. Not just robustly, but in parts. You can hear the sopranos, the basses, the tenors, and probably the altos if you're really listening (we tend to get lost, I think, between the sopranos and tenors). It is just a joy to sing at Providence because it is so beautiful. 

The church kindly provided people lunch on Sunday afternoon. I went downstairs with my sisters and Andy, but, because I offered to take Bibles and jackets upstairs, I ended up going through the line with Caleb and Dan (rather than cutting back in, I just joined the end of the line). Dan filled up a tray again this year, but not as much as last year...and once again, he ate practically all of it. :D I was full after a single plateful.

During lunch (like last year) Savannah and Andy talked non-stop. Caleb interjected into whichever conversation he wanted to, and Dan and I probably spent more time talking about guns than anything else. :D Katherine was quiet for the most part and just ate while listening intently to Savannah and Andy; until R came over and slipped in between KT and I...there was some joking about me having enough room...which I assured her I had enough room and we'd know that I didn't when I fell off the end of the bench and hit my head on the brick wall beside me. ;)

Before we left, we spent roughly another hour doing a hymn-sing in the sanctuary. Seth, someone I know who they are because of filmmaking, accompanied us on the piano. We concluded with "God Be With You Til We Meet Again" (which I did not know)...and it was so beautiful, I was beginning to choke up!

Then, seriously right before we left, we had a little photoshoot where Katherine got to use the timer on her camera. Here's the results:

It's really funny...because if you are scrolling through the pictures, we look like we're all swaying if you flip between them. :D (Obviously, we did not stand in age order, or height order or in any usual sense of photographic orderliness. We just lined up like siblings and waited for Katherine to dash back to the group.)

And just one final picture...Andy, waiting for his brothers to return so they could start home:

It was a grand weekend...and I look forward to seeing all the friends mentioned in this post "the next time" whenever that rolls around!

God Bless Y'all! It's a joy knowing you!

Well. It was a busy, full day. I ended up with a sunburn and being so completely wiped out by the end of the day that I wonder if I should have just gone on to bed and skipped the fireworks. I am dehydrated today (didn't have anything to drink at the market this morning) and therefore somewhat under the weather. However, that does not slow down my enjoyment of pictures and such...so hang on. There are going to be a ton of photos on this post!

Leading up to July 4th, I just thought I would dress like a normal person and not do my usual attempt at 1770's get up. Well, laying in bed that morning, I completely changed my mind and within an hour, I was scrounging in my Rubbermaid "reenacting box" in the basement. I pulled out some of my petticoats and my blue, small check skirt (I discovered at some point during the afternoon that it had a hole in it!). Pairing that with my linen blouse that I made for Reformation Day last year and Katherine's wisk, I looked okay, though not fully historically accurate. The crowning success was the result of Katherine's matter-of-fact statement, "I get to do your hair."

Now THAT was accurate!

She busied herself about that while I typed up the Declaration of Independence (see yesterday's post). 

I decided to do this 'differently'--check out the slideshow(s) below!

Once my hair was up, Daddy, Aunt Terry, Katherine, and I went out to make some noise! (What is Independence Day without blowing holes in cardboard??)

We were called into lunch sometime after twelve and then went back out after lunch for some more fun. I quit before everyone else did because my left wrist started hurting on me and I thought it would probably be wisest to stop before things got worse. 

So I went and sat with Mama and Aunt Laurie (she and Uncle Dave came all the way from the east coast for the day) for a while...

After a while, Katherine and I went in to see Grandma and Grandpa...when I walked in there with that hair do, Grandpa gave me this funny look and asked, "Do I know you?" It was hilarious!

I am rather drawing a blank on what we did (or at least I did) between this point and supper...but after supper we went out doors and sat around...talked...took pictures...acted goofy, etc. (The below pictures loaded rather scrambled...)

I do remember something that happened--now that I think about it. It was one of those "I have talent" moments that have been rather frequent of late. I had three eggs in each hand...I came in the door, stepped on my hem and ended up falling down, roughing the skin off the front of my left ankle (how does one even do that??), cracking my left knee into the floor, and get this--NOT A SINGLE EGG GOT BROKEN!! I was flabbergasted that I managed to balance those eggs and not drop them. It was weird... :P

I stayed up to watch the fireworks even though I was exhausted (and sunburned--that is what I get for not wearing a hat), and did not feel very good. The fireworks were not as spectacular as some I have seen in past years, but they were still pretty.

I suspect that I may be dealing with a little sun-poisoning today, but I don't know for sure...I just haven't been well all day. But I worked my market (slow as it was--typical for 4th of July weekends) and did okay.  

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the pictures...sorry this wasn't as interesting as I had intended on making it, but one loses one's train of thought when they have to wait long periods of time between 'tales' because the pictures are loading. :) 

I had a good day yesterday overall--even though it wasn't exactly a "normal" Independence Day. I hope you did too!

INDEPENDENCE DAY

I must say reading the Declaration turns my mind towards modern day tyranny and usurpation; but I do not wish to dwell on that today. 

Enjoy this day and remember our rich and glorious Christian heritage!