What a wonderful, great, grand, weekend!!
That's the short version. Now, you know, I'm not given to giving the short version unless I absolutely have to...
I came down with a cold Tuesday evening and spent the next two days laid out on the couch reading and being pumped with cat-mint tincture, echinesea, garlic, vitamin's, and such like. By Friday morning, I felt pretty good, though I refrained from shaking hands with folks that afternoon.
We got out late, but still managed to squeak in before things actually got underway. As we settled into our seats, I noticed Dan R. talking to a friend. A few minutes later, Andy R. came in whistling and snapping his fingers, practially dancing. Savannah and I cracked up for some odd reason...
Once Andy got seated, he craned around and seeing us, grinned and waved...then apparently jabbed his brother, because Dan looked over and smiled and waved too. I went out for some reason, I forget why, and walked right under Caleb R.'s nose! He didn't see me and being myself, I laughed about it internally. You do know that odd things amuse me, don't you?
Dr. Serven had the first presentation "Doctrine Divides". I didn't take very good notes on any of the sessions (and none on the last two because I wasn't in the room! But I'll get to that...) Dr. Sproul, Jr. (commonly known as "Red-Beard" in our family because when we first met him back in the early 2000's he had a red-beard) spoke about "Litergy in Worship and the Celtic Church". Dr. Serven had the third lecture on "Missions and the Celtic Church". I had learned previously about the Celtic church (though not very extensively) and knew they were a stronghold of faith before the Roman Catholic's showed up, but I didn't realize that they sent out as many missionaries as they did!
Between the first and second session, our row kind of got decended on by friends we had not yet met in person. Dan and Andy, Andrew H., Peter B. (we'd met Peter before) and Caleb, who laughed when I told him I'd walked under his nose earlier. I sat there and talked to Caleb and John (one of their friends) about ranching vs. farming and suburbia until it was time to break up the party out of respect for the next speaker.
I joined the alto section for the "Psalm Instruction" time in the afternoon and squeaked through passably. I tried not to drop too low (what I tend to do) or go flat and did okay.
After supper, we piled back into the sanctuary for the Friday night concert--Charlie Zham, in person! (Andy had scheduled a jam session for the previous hour, but we couldn't make it due to conflicting eating schedules--and yours truely being in dire distress, needing food. I kind of had food/stomach issues all weekend.)
Anyway, Charlie Zham is an outstanding performer! He works his audience very, very well besides having a grand voice. Turns out it was his birthday, so he got a serenade from the audience...and I had the audacity later to remark to him something along the lines of: "It's great to meet another October baby!" I keep adding to that list...in the last month, I've discovered half-a-dozen people born in October. :)
I didn't sleep as well as I would have liked Friday night (though I probably slept a little more than I thought), but was wired enough Saturday that I didn't feel tired until late that night. (Though looking at the pictures, I do look kind of 'blah'.)
The first session was Red-Beard on the "Theology of Patrick". To make an 45 minute session short: Patrick was not a Roman Catholic; he was more Reformed than anything.
That was the last session I heard. The next two (one by Pastor McDonald on Patrick and one by Dr. Sproul on I don't know what) I missed because first I had joined Savannah, Andy, and Peter in a conversation on...well...where did it start? I know it ended up with music and me writing down a couple of hymn book names.
I got started talking to Caleb during that break between sessions and it was an encouraging conversation. I did more listening than talking, but really that's okay with me. We discussed duty, fear, encouragment, God's sovereignty...and probably a few other things--like "Pendragon". I really did enjoy that conversation and the others I had over the weekend with these previously just "internet" friends.
We "Google+"er's gathered for a group picture around 1:30 and then had a jam session. Andy most definitely leaves me in the dust when it comes to guitar playing (it didn't help that I am really out of practice), but I tried to hang in there and bluff my way through. I ended up turning my guitar into a precussion instrument several times. It thrilled me when the guys pitched into "General Taylor". I love that one and actually know the words well enough that I was able to sing along (to some extent). We only broke up the jam session because it was time for the Highland Games....
The games were, of course, a lot of fun to watch and I rooted for "my boys" (that'd be the B. boys) as well as Andy, Dan, Caleb, Peter, and Andrew. Caleb won the cabor toss and almost won the rock toss. Little Christopher came in second on the young'un's rock toss--it's not surprising either. That little guy is strong.
During the Boffer Wars I kept finding myself pitching onto my toes and tensing up as my brain had the following jumping around in it: "I'd do that...", "Andy!! Watch your back!" (I almost yelled that a couple of times, but each time I started to, it was too late!), "Don't swing so wide, Dan!" or something along those lines. Andrew quit a little before the whole thing was over and I stood there and discussed sword-play with him for a bit. One guy got whacked so hard on the head that he said he heard his ears pop. I know it hurt, because it took him down to the ground and he crawled off and laid there for a minute or two. I didn't look at him too closely, because I got the impression he was trying not to let tears of pain slip out...and didn't want to embarress him any more than necessary. Daniel B. was telling me that that particular antagonist gave head-shots a lot (it's against the rules) and that "he hit's really hard!" (Now, Daniel and I have a history of sword-fighting between us and we both give as we take, hard...but we don't go for the head.)
Dinner was next...I ate and didn't feel well again. I had managed to kind of control the stomach ache most of the day with quick snacks throughout the day, but I had just gotten really hungry right before supper and so started the whole thing up again. When the boys pulled out their instruments, we girls moved up and listened. I ended up with Andy's tamborine again...
By the time the ball rolled around, I was feeling alright (I think I'd have danced even if I hadn't felt well--I do so love to dance). I danced the first one with Andy and lost a shoe because Caleb kept stepping on my heels! It really was funny. When he realized that I'd lost it, he picked it up and handed it to me, so I tucked it under one arm and then the other as Andy and I reeled...then I tossed it behind me because I couldn't hang onto the shoe during the next portion of the dance--and guess what? The dance ended!
I had plenty of opportunity to help new dancers get the feel of things--from Andy to Andrew. They all caught on pretty fast and got along well. I danced The Waves of Torry (that's not what the caller said it was, but that's basically what it was) with Caleb...and we got all mixed up the first time through--but by the time that was done, we were going along nice and smooth. I tend to get all mixed up in that one anyway, so I'm glad he got the concept fast...or I'd have gotten lost! :D I did one of the ECD-style dances with Dan and I don't remember anything crazy happening during that one, though I did get amused when we reached the end and he pushed off the bleachers with one foot and then the kid next in line did the same thing. The last dance was the Gay Gordon (or Carolina Promenade), one of my favorites, and I started it with Andy...after doing a brief clarifying instruction session with the him and the next couple back. The caller was having fun, which means a lot, but some of his instruction wasn't the clearest, though actually I think it was more clear than the previous caller's...but maybe that's simply because I have danced more and he also used the more familiar terminology rather than the ECD terms.
I can't remember the name of the dance--but I guess I'll just call it the "Follow the Leader" dance (since that is basically what it is); but I did that one with Andrew. For never having danced before, he really got the idea and did a great job! It didn't take him near as long to figure out how to strip-the-willow as it did me...I have just recently quit messing that up regularly. That dance sticks in my mind especially beacuse of the precious little lady to my left. She was just as adorable as could be and she kept getting mixed up, but would smile up at me as sweet as anything when I helped her out. At one point, I left my place and scooped her up (she was way at the end) and brought her back to place. She was just so sweet... :)
There was one waltz--which I talked Christopher into doing with me. He didn't want to, but when I said "Please!" he gave in--"Oh...alright." Immediately after that, a swing tune came on and Thomas attempted to teach me how to do it. Thomas is an outstanding little dance instructor and I practically had it by the time the song ended.
I love to dance and I was greatly disappointed when the ball was over. It seemed so short. (Two hours really isn't that long...particuarly when the dances at reenactments tend to go from 8 to 11.)
I slept that night. When I got up (before anyone else) Sunday morning, I washed my hair and then started packing things up. By the time I was done with my hair, everyone was up. Mom packed the car and then we went to church.
After the service, we headed down-stairs to get our food. Savannah, Andy, Dan, and I were engaged in a conversation about exculsive psalmody. Somewhere along the time we were getting our food (Dan had a tray on which he put a plate and two bowls...the food was literally spilling from his plate--and he ate most of it! I think he would have actually eaten it all only he was so busy talking that by the time the church folk where trying to take down the tables he wasn't quite finished) the conversation shifted. By the time I was seated, Andy was regaling Savannah with the histroy of Richard Cameron. I couldn't hear very well, so I mainly listend to Dan talking to Zane and Jason about home economics with an emphasis on industry. I'm afeared I'm a little lost on that whole front...I was also interested in Caleb and Andrew's conversation clear at the other end of the table. Somehow I knew they were talking filmmaking, but there wasn't room at that end of the table. (Poor KT ended up at a different table completely because there was no more room!)
Anyway, we talked and talked and talked and I think everyone had a blast...I haven't had that much encouraging fun in quite a long time. Now...I'm sure you are tired of me running my mouth...and would like to see the pictures. :)
That's the short version. Now, you know, I'm not given to giving the short version unless I absolutely have to...
I came down with a cold Tuesday evening and spent the next two days laid out on the couch reading and being pumped with cat-mint tincture, echinesea, garlic, vitamin's, and such like. By Friday morning, I felt pretty good, though I refrained from shaking hands with folks that afternoon.
We got out late, but still managed to squeak in before things actually got underway. As we settled into our seats, I noticed Dan R. talking to a friend. A few minutes later, Andy R. came in whistling and snapping his fingers, practially dancing. Savannah and I cracked up for some odd reason...
Once Andy got seated, he craned around and seeing us, grinned and waved...then apparently jabbed his brother, because Dan looked over and smiled and waved too. I went out for some reason, I forget why, and walked right under Caleb R.'s nose! He didn't see me and being myself, I laughed about it internally. You do know that odd things amuse me, don't you?
Dr. Serven had the first presentation "Doctrine Divides". I didn't take very good notes on any of the sessions (and none on the last two because I wasn't in the room! But I'll get to that...) Dr. Sproul, Jr. (commonly known as "Red-Beard" in our family because when we first met him back in the early 2000's he had a red-beard) spoke about "Litergy in Worship and the Celtic Church". Dr. Serven had the third lecture on "Missions and the Celtic Church". I had learned previously about the Celtic church (though not very extensively) and knew they were a stronghold of faith before the Roman Catholic's showed up, but I didn't realize that they sent out as many missionaries as they did!
Between the first and second session, our row kind of got decended on by friends we had not yet met in person. Dan and Andy, Andrew H., Peter B. (we'd met Peter before) and Caleb, who laughed when I told him I'd walked under his nose earlier. I sat there and talked to Caleb and John (one of their friends) about ranching vs. farming and suburbia until it was time to break up the party out of respect for the next speaker.
I joined the alto section for the "Psalm Instruction" time in the afternoon and squeaked through passably. I tried not to drop too low (what I tend to do) or go flat and did okay.
After supper, we piled back into the sanctuary for the Friday night concert--Charlie Zham, in person! (Andy had scheduled a jam session for the previous hour, but we couldn't make it due to conflicting eating schedules--and yours truely being in dire distress, needing food. I kind of had food/stomach issues all weekend.)
Anyway, Charlie Zham is an outstanding performer! He works his audience very, very well besides having a grand voice. Turns out it was his birthday, so he got a serenade from the audience...and I had the audacity later to remark to him something along the lines of: "It's great to meet another October baby!" I keep adding to that list...in the last month, I've discovered half-a-dozen people born in October. :)
I didn't sleep as well as I would have liked Friday night (though I probably slept a little more than I thought), but was wired enough Saturday that I didn't feel tired until late that night. (Though looking at the pictures, I do look kind of 'blah'.)
The first session was Red-Beard on the "Theology of Patrick". To make an 45 minute session short: Patrick was not a Roman Catholic; he was more Reformed than anything.
That was the last session I heard. The next two (one by Pastor McDonald on Patrick and one by Dr. Sproul on I don't know what) I missed because first I had joined Savannah, Andy, and Peter in a conversation on...well...where did it start? I know it ended up with music and me writing down a couple of hymn book names.
I got started talking to Caleb during that break between sessions and it was an encouraging conversation. I did more listening than talking, but really that's okay with me. We discussed duty, fear, encouragment, God's sovereignty...and probably a few other things--like "Pendragon". I really did enjoy that conversation and the others I had over the weekend with these previously just "internet" friends.
We "Google+"er's gathered for a group picture around 1:30 and then had a jam session. Andy most definitely leaves me in the dust when it comes to guitar playing (it didn't help that I am really out of practice), but I tried to hang in there and bluff my way through. I ended up turning my guitar into a precussion instrument several times. It thrilled me when the guys pitched into "General Taylor". I love that one and actually know the words well enough that I was able to sing along (to some extent). We only broke up the jam session because it was time for the Highland Games....
The games were, of course, a lot of fun to watch and I rooted for "my boys" (that'd be the B. boys) as well as Andy, Dan, Caleb, Peter, and Andrew. Caleb won the cabor toss and almost won the rock toss. Little Christopher came in second on the young'un's rock toss--it's not surprising either. That little guy is strong.
During the Boffer Wars I kept finding myself pitching onto my toes and tensing up as my brain had the following jumping around in it: "I'd do that...", "Andy!! Watch your back!" (I almost yelled that a couple of times, but each time I started to, it was too late!), "Don't swing so wide, Dan!" or something along those lines. Andrew quit a little before the whole thing was over and I stood there and discussed sword-play with him for a bit. One guy got whacked so hard on the head that he said he heard his ears pop. I know it hurt, because it took him down to the ground and he crawled off and laid there for a minute or two. I didn't look at him too closely, because I got the impression he was trying not to let tears of pain slip out...and didn't want to embarress him any more than necessary. Daniel B. was telling me that that particular antagonist gave head-shots a lot (it's against the rules) and that "he hit's really hard!" (Now, Daniel and I have a history of sword-fighting between us and we both give as we take, hard...but we don't go for the head.)
Dinner was next...I ate and didn't feel well again. I had managed to kind of control the stomach ache most of the day with quick snacks throughout the day, but I had just gotten really hungry right before supper and so started the whole thing up again. When the boys pulled out their instruments, we girls moved up and listened. I ended up with Andy's tamborine again...
By the time the ball rolled around, I was feeling alright (I think I'd have danced even if I hadn't felt well--I do so love to dance). I danced the first one with Andy and lost a shoe because Caleb kept stepping on my heels! It really was funny. When he realized that I'd lost it, he picked it up and handed it to me, so I tucked it under one arm and then the other as Andy and I reeled...then I tossed it behind me because I couldn't hang onto the shoe during the next portion of the dance--and guess what? The dance ended!
I had plenty of opportunity to help new dancers get the feel of things--from Andy to Andrew. They all caught on pretty fast and got along well. I danced The Waves of Torry (that's not what the caller said it was, but that's basically what it was) with Caleb...and we got all mixed up the first time through--but by the time that was done, we were going along nice and smooth. I tend to get all mixed up in that one anyway, so I'm glad he got the concept fast...or I'd have gotten lost! :D I did one of the ECD-style dances with Dan and I don't remember anything crazy happening during that one, though I did get amused when we reached the end and he pushed off the bleachers with one foot and then the kid next in line did the same thing. The last dance was the Gay Gordon (or Carolina Promenade), one of my favorites, and I started it with Andy...after doing a brief clarifying instruction session with the him and the next couple back. The caller was having fun, which means a lot, but some of his instruction wasn't the clearest, though actually I think it was more clear than the previous caller's...but maybe that's simply because I have danced more and he also used the more familiar terminology rather than the ECD terms.
I can't remember the name of the dance--but I guess I'll just call it the "Follow the Leader" dance (since that is basically what it is); but I did that one with Andrew. For never having danced before, he really got the idea and did a great job! It didn't take him near as long to figure out how to strip-the-willow as it did me...I have just recently quit messing that up regularly. That dance sticks in my mind especially beacuse of the precious little lady to my left. She was just as adorable as could be and she kept getting mixed up, but would smile up at me as sweet as anything when I helped her out. At one point, I left my place and scooped her up (she was way at the end) and brought her back to place. She was just so sweet... :)
There was one waltz--which I talked Christopher into doing with me. He didn't want to, but when I said "Please!" he gave in--"Oh...alright." Immediately after that, a swing tune came on and Thomas attempted to teach me how to do it. Thomas is an outstanding little dance instructor and I practically had it by the time the song ended.
I love to dance and I was greatly disappointed when the ball was over. It seemed so short. (Two hours really isn't that long...particuarly when the dances at reenactments tend to go from 8 to 11.)
I slept that night. When I got up (before anyone else) Sunday morning, I washed my hair and then started packing things up. By the time I was done with my hair, everyone was up. Mom packed the car and then we went to church.
After the service, we headed down-stairs to get our food. Savannah, Andy, Dan, and I were engaged in a conversation about exculsive psalmody. Somewhere along the time we were getting our food (Dan had a tray on which he put a plate and two bowls...the food was literally spilling from his plate--and he ate most of it! I think he would have actually eaten it all only he was so busy talking that by the time the church folk where trying to take down the tables he wasn't quite finished) the conversation shifted. By the time I was seated, Andy was regaling Savannah with the histroy of Richard Cameron. I couldn't hear very well, so I mainly listend to Dan talking to Zane and Jason about home economics with an emphasis on industry. I'm afeared I'm a little lost on that whole front...I was also interested in Caleb and Andrew's conversation clear at the other end of the table. Somehow I knew they were talking filmmaking, but there wasn't room at that end of the table. (Poor KT ended up at a different table completely because there was no more room!)
Anyway, we talked and talked and talked and I think everyone had a blast...I haven't had that much encouraging fun in quite a long time. Now...I'm sure you are tired of me running my mouth...and would like to see the pictures. :)
I'd love to go again next year...but around here, we don't make plans that far out. :) Suffice to say, I am so very pleased that we were able to go this year and that I got to meet some friends in person. God Bless you all!!
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