Gratitude Project: August 1st to August 24th
August 1st:
-It is run day! BEM came in about 5:30 am and I left for Cranberry at 7:30 to fetch charcoal and coffee.
-Delivering a large coffee with 6 creams to The Cunian on the way back with the charcoal.
-BEM is my Ace when it comes to stack building.
-Furnace crew, as usual, awesome. Added to it with the presence of Himself and The Kate. I really am pleased with the ability to explain to the crank monkeys how to do their job by reading the flame tails at the lip of the furnace.
August 2nd:
-Adrenal function came up at the right time of day, with enough oomph to get me going, and didn't cause me any particular grief. 3rd day in a row.
-I think I did much of the day at a seeming dead run, but I did make it to Lidia's vigil for the bit I went to do, and then got to the field for the Novice Tourney.
-Got to see two deserving guys be asked if they wanted to be Knights.
-It rained. Lots. I am thankful for the tent floors and a supply of mulch and straw to sop up the mess.
-There was bacon.
August 3rd:
-There was more bacon.
-Did Opening Ceremonies, then did a Guard Stint for one of many mini courts and then still had enough in the tank to get back up for the Allied Champions Battle.
-I had people to haul my armor around in the wagon today.
-It rained less. I am thankful for my tent floors.
August 4th:
-My annual stint doing inspections and working the Field Battle was a complete success.
-Being thanked for volunteering is never a bad thing.
-Kingdom Party was fun and I got to tend fire.
-Got some quality time with peeps I wanted time with.
August 5th:
-Waking up with BEM.
-There was not bacon, but there were other good things for breakfast. The kids are taking good care of me.
-The Bridges were a bunch of fun. My legs mostly cooperated. I was appropriately tired at the end.
-My son got a Silver Sycamore for Cheesemaking and Pyrometallurgy. Guess he paid attention all those times he helped with furnace runs. ;)
-I pulled my armor back on and was honored to escort a member of my SCA household into court for her Laurel.
-Chasing The Emperor around with banners after court and generally being completely foolish. We laughed and played and had a good time with the Royalty, which really makes the SCA one hell of a lot more fun.
August 6th:
-Day off that began with a town run with the right people. We got back in time for everyone to do what they wanted to do.
-The water cooler I got from A has provided exactly what I expected of it.
-Consolidation at Danr's booth during Midnight madness. The bloom was beautiful and worked like a dream.
August 7th:
-Ruins Battle. :)
-My son impressed someone enough to ask if it was okay to encourage him to learn blacksmithing.
-I sent half the gang home in a timely fashion and was able to have a great dinner, thanks to the in-camp cheesemaking going on. The boy makes good cheese and lamb dishes. Missy Lidia is good at getting him there. :)
August 8th:
-Castle Battle. :) Only lasted for one of them, but I got to watch girl child and best friend boot serious head out there.
-I am certain that being able to raise my own lamb is a Gift From God. We have had delicious food for much of Pennsic because of it.
-Thankful indeed to not have a huge pile to pack out.
-Got to sit and enjoy Mrs. Wilver's company for an hour or so. It was a good bit of business for me, as I was able to give her the annual scarf.
-I got the shopping done that I wanted to do before merchants closed for the year.
August 9th:
-Despite the cold of the night, I was warm.
-I have had the blessing of having someone to haul my armor back and forth from the field all war. I could not do it without the help.
-We were at peace with the reality that we were not going to make a 4pm depart window, and so got things sorted so we could stay the night and get out Sunday.
August 10th:
-The Moon last night was incredible.
-Staying over let us get packed out comfortably.
-Frownies!
-Getting home with not a lot of hassle. Drives are always hard, but we got home well before dark and got The Cunian off to home herself well ahead of dark.
-Dysnomia reasserted her domain. I am truly home.
August 11th:
-Slept in my home bed for the first time in two weeks. I reset the inflation level to something very cushy and slept like a log.
-Despite the initial disappointment of not being able to get a day off, there was a flurry of activity that made it worth the bother.
August 12th:
-My left knee is not worth operating on, which is fine with me. Got a brace and a PT order so I can go on with my life.
-I perhaps did not need Dysnomia getting desperately ill, but with the application of candles and a vet visit, she rested comfortably between BEM and I.
-BEM didn't hesitate when I said Dysnomia needed to go to the vet. The money didn't matter.
August 13th:
-My kitty girl is eating and being pesky again. All things are as they should be.
-BEM gave me my birthday present, 3 months at Gold's for me and Herself. All signed up and set for trainer tomorrow.
August 14th:
-Got the Fair Schedule for the Poultry Barn sorted out. That was easy.
-Trainer canceled without warning, so we got rescheduled, an additional free session, and free smoothies. Mostly ranged the gym and found the stuff we're interested in. Wiped myself out.
-Took a brief nap, then shot off to Orion's for pell practice.
August 15th:
-All paperwork needed for getting the new driver license is gathered.
-Did day two at the gym. Did not do practice in Fredneck. Slept off some lethargy.
-Dinner with BEM and Orion.
-My Dysnomia lovin on me.
August 16th:
-I got up in time to actually be at the barn when we opened to receive birds. I brought donuts. We now have a worthy Poultry Show with 243 birds.
-The Cunian and I ran to Fredneck to secure supplements and other goodies...and came home with KEFIR GRAINS! Yum!
-We did not workout, but I really felt like it was okay.
-We decided what we want to wear for Crown.
-Number One suggested that we retrofit a small watering can to meet the feeding needs of the department, so we don't have to stick hands in cages more than once a day. I found a perfect can for the purpose, and modified it accordingly. Wow, what a difference. We now have three.
-Crystalized Ginger with Tamari Almonds and a square of dark chocolate to nibble on. Just sayin'
August 17th:
-First full day of Fair and the additional equipment we provided this year made a gigantic difference in the feeding and cleaning.
-Looking like a much easier week already.
-Workout was productive, even if the Reality TV was lame.
-I find myself in an extraordinary state of bliss these days. I think I want to keep it.
August 18th:
-Barn cleaned for judging in 90 minutes. We had time to doll things up a little extra before the judge arrived.
-Caesar won Best Single 4-H Fowl and Best Exhibit in the Youth Division. Poultry Princess is really proud of her boy.
-Finally got to see the Shetlands down in the sheep barn. Sooooo kyooot!
August 19th:
-Let's just say that I desperately needed hugged, held, and made to feel better--and it happened.
-There was coverage at the fair so I did not have to go when I felt so lousy.
-Dysnomia is always there for me.
August 20th:
-I arrived on time for the big push to get the barn clean for Senior Citizens Day, which is probably the most grueling of the week. Seniors really don't want to see even a speck of apparent dirt...in a chicken barn...so we redouble efforts to reduce and remove visual and other signs that chickens, in fact, poop. 90% done in 90 minutes.
-Being given the leeway to work out a procedure for cleaning and maintaining the barn that works well and scales to the amount of competent help you have at hand.
-That Karen's thumb injury is healing well and that she now has a worthy splint to protect it.
-Got supplements, got in a workout, paid for the broilers, got home for a shower and got back to the fairgrounds in plenty of time to sit for the evening.
-Being able to leave early enough in the evening that I could come home and get some sleep.
August 21st:
-The feed scoops that let us feed birds without having to open the cage.
-A dish rinsing plan that lets 3 people rinse out every water dish and refill with fresh water, for 250 birds, in 20 minutes.
-Being appreciated for who I am and what I do best. Being asked by many different people for ideas to make things better. Seeing those things put into use almost immediately.
-Afternoon nap.
-We get to go whack the pell for a while at Orion's tonight. This means that the dogs get to see wimmen, which will make them happy.
August 22nd:
-That morning ritual of walking into my barn and greeting the birds with a "Good Morning, Ladies!"
-We will have a new guy on Poultry Dept Staff next year.
-I have a lovely plan for cage displays for awards. Need 3 or 4 silhouettes and some masonite.
-Workout helped a lot of things.
-Minivan went to the shop. Will hopefully know what that is about tomorrow.
August 23rd:
-It's a rainy day that mostly has kept people off the fairgrounds. While it didn't prevent stupid, it did limit it a bunch!
-I made the executive decision to move Caesar to a larger cage. He is a large bird who was not happy in a standard sized exhibition cage, and went from depressed to perky in about the time it took for him to walk around his new digs.
-Abs workout. Kitchen of Lust may someday be possible.
-Awards ceremony. My kid won two prizes and the Poultry Department was not an hour down the list like usual.
-Coop out started at 9:30pm
August 24th:
-I managed to get my crap to the barn by 6:15am and started washing dishes. 500 dishes. Wandered home at 10:30, when most of the work was done and there was still plenty of help.
-BEM came in from the AT Hike with the scouts just before I came in.
-Shower, nap, cuddles.
-I could stay in bed for the rest of the day.
-It is run day! BEM came in about 5:30 am and I left for Cranberry at 7:30 to fetch charcoal and coffee.
-Delivering a large coffee with 6 creams to The Cunian on the way back with the charcoal.
-BEM is my Ace when it comes to stack building.
-Furnace crew, as usual, awesome. Added to it with the presence of Himself and The Kate. I really am pleased with the ability to explain to the crank monkeys how to do their job by reading the flame tails at the lip of the furnace.
August 2nd:
-Adrenal function came up at the right time of day, with enough oomph to get me going, and didn't cause me any particular grief. 3rd day in a row.
-I think I did much of the day at a seeming dead run, but I did make it to Lidia's vigil for the bit I went to do, and then got to the field for the Novice Tourney.
-Got to see two deserving guys be asked if they wanted to be Knights.
-It rained. Lots. I am thankful for the tent floors and a supply of mulch and straw to sop up the mess.
-There was bacon.
August 3rd:
-There was more bacon.
-Did Opening Ceremonies, then did a Guard Stint for one of many mini courts and then still had enough in the tank to get back up for the Allied Champions Battle.
-I had people to haul my armor around in the wagon today.
-It rained less. I am thankful for my tent floors.
August 4th:
-My annual stint doing inspections and working the Field Battle was a complete success.
-Being thanked for volunteering is never a bad thing.
-Kingdom Party was fun and I got to tend fire.
-Got some quality time with peeps I wanted time with.
August 5th:
-Waking up with BEM.
-There was not bacon, but there were other good things for breakfast. The kids are taking good care of me.
-The Bridges were a bunch of fun. My legs mostly cooperated. I was appropriately tired at the end.
-My son got a Silver Sycamore for Cheesemaking and Pyrometallurgy. Guess he paid attention all those times he helped with furnace runs. ;)
-I pulled my armor back on and was honored to escort a member of my SCA household into court for her Laurel.
-Chasing The Emperor around with banners after court and generally being completely foolish. We laughed and played and had a good time with the Royalty, which really makes the SCA one hell of a lot more fun.
August 6th:
-Day off that began with a town run with the right people. We got back in time for everyone to do what they wanted to do.
-The water cooler I got from A has provided exactly what I expected of it.
-Consolidation at Danr's booth during Midnight madness. The bloom was beautiful and worked like a dream.
August 7th:
-Ruins Battle. :)
-My son impressed someone enough to ask if it was okay to encourage him to learn blacksmithing.
-I sent half the gang home in a timely fashion and was able to have a great dinner, thanks to the in-camp cheesemaking going on. The boy makes good cheese and lamb dishes. Missy Lidia is good at getting him there. :)
August 8th:
-Castle Battle. :) Only lasted for one of them, but I got to watch girl child and best friend boot serious head out there.
-I am certain that being able to raise my own lamb is a Gift From God. We have had delicious food for much of Pennsic because of it.
-Thankful indeed to not have a huge pile to pack out.
-Got to sit and enjoy Mrs. Wilver's company for an hour or so. It was a good bit of business for me, as I was able to give her the annual scarf.
-I got the shopping done that I wanted to do before merchants closed for the year.
August 9th:
-Despite the cold of the night, I was warm.
-I have had the blessing of having someone to haul my armor back and forth from the field all war. I could not do it without the help.
-We were at peace with the reality that we were not going to make a 4pm depart window, and so got things sorted so we could stay the night and get out Sunday.
August 10th:
-The Moon last night was incredible.
-Staying over let us get packed out comfortably.
-Frownies!
-Getting home with not a lot of hassle. Drives are always hard, but we got home well before dark and got The Cunian off to home herself well ahead of dark.
-Dysnomia reasserted her domain. I am truly home.
August 11th:
-Slept in my home bed for the first time in two weeks. I reset the inflation level to something very cushy and slept like a log.
-Despite the initial disappointment of not being able to get a day off, there was a flurry of activity that made it worth the bother.
August 12th:
-My left knee is not worth operating on, which is fine with me. Got a brace and a PT order so I can go on with my life.
-I perhaps did not need Dysnomia getting desperately ill, but with the application of candles and a vet visit, she rested comfortably between BEM and I.
-BEM didn't hesitate when I said Dysnomia needed to go to the vet. The money didn't matter.
August 13th:
-My kitty girl is eating and being pesky again. All things are as they should be.
-BEM gave me my birthday present, 3 months at Gold's for me and Herself. All signed up and set for trainer tomorrow.
August 14th:
-Got the Fair Schedule for the Poultry Barn sorted out. That was easy.
-Trainer canceled without warning, so we got rescheduled, an additional free session, and free smoothies. Mostly ranged the gym and found the stuff we're interested in. Wiped myself out.
-Took a brief nap, then shot off to Orion's for pell practice.
August 15th:
-All paperwork needed for getting the new driver license is gathered.
-Did day two at the gym. Did not do practice in Fredneck. Slept off some lethargy.
-Dinner with BEM and Orion.
-My Dysnomia lovin on me.
August 16th:
-I got up in time to actually be at the barn when we opened to receive birds. I brought donuts. We now have a worthy Poultry Show with 243 birds.
-The Cunian and I ran to Fredneck to secure supplements and other goodies...and came home with KEFIR GRAINS! Yum!
-We did not workout, but I really felt like it was okay.
-We decided what we want to wear for Crown.
-Number One suggested that we retrofit a small watering can to meet the feeding needs of the department, so we don't have to stick hands in cages more than once a day. I found a perfect can for the purpose, and modified it accordingly. Wow, what a difference. We now have three.
-Crystalized Ginger with Tamari Almonds and a square of dark chocolate to nibble on. Just sayin'
August 17th:
-First full day of Fair and the additional equipment we provided this year made a gigantic difference in the feeding and cleaning.
-Looking like a much easier week already.
-Workout was productive, even if the Reality TV was lame.
-I find myself in an extraordinary state of bliss these days. I think I want to keep it.
August 18th:
-Barn cleaned for judging in 90 minutes. We had time to doll things up a little extra before the judge arrived.
-Caesar won Best Single 4-H Fowl and Best Exhibit in the Youth Division. Poultry Princess is really proud of her boy.
-Finally got to see the Shetlands down in the sheep barn. Sooooo kyooot!
August 19th:
-Let's just say that I desperately needed hugged, held, and made to feel better--and it happened.
-There was coverage at the fair so I did not have to go when I felt so lousy.
-Dysnomia is always there for me.
August 20th:
-I arrived on time for the big push to get the barn clean for Senior Citizens Day, which is probably the most grueling of the week. Seniors really don't want to see even a speck of apparent dirt...in a chicken barn...so we redouble efforts to reduce and remove visual and other signs that chickens, in fact, poop. 90% done in 90 minutes.
-Being given the leeway to work out a procedure for cleaning and maintaining the barn that works well and scales to the amount of competent help you have at hand.
-That Karen's thumb injury is healing well and that she now has a worthy splint to protect it.
-Got supplements, got in a workout, paid for the broilers, got home for a shower and got back to the fairgrounds in plenty of time to sit for the evening.
-Being able to leave early enough in the evening that I could come home and get some sleep.
August 21st:
-The feed scoops that let us feed birds without having to open the cage.
-A dish rinsing plan that lets 3 people rinse out every water dish and refill with fresh water, for 250 birds, in 20 minutes.
-Being appreciated for who I am and what I do best. Being asked by many different people for ideas to make things better. Seeing those things put into use almost immediately.
-Afternoon nap.
-We get to go whack the pell for a while at Orion's tonight. This means that the dogs get to see wimmen, which will make them happy.
August 22nd:
-That morning ritual of walking into my barn and greeting the birds with a "Good Morning, Ladies!"
-We will have a new guy on Poultry Dept Staff next year.
-I have a lovely plan for cage displays for awards. Need 3 or 4 silhouettes and some masonite.
-Workout helped a lot of things.
-Minivan went to the shop. Will hopefully know what that is about tomorrow.
August 23rd:
-It's a rainy day that mostly has kept people off the fairgrounds. While it didn't prevent stupid, it did limit it a bunch!
-I made the executive decision to move Caesar to a larger cage. He is a large bird who was not happy in a standard sized exhibition cage, and went from depressed to perky in about the time it took for him to walk around his new digs.
-Abs workout. Kitchen of Lust may someday be possible.
-Awards ceremony. My kid won two prizes and the Poultry Department was not an hour down the list like usual.
-Coop out started at 9:30pm
August 24th:
-I managed to get my crap to the barn by 6:15am and started washing dishes. 500 dishes. Wandered home at 10:30, when most of the work was done and there was still plenty of help.
-BEM came in from the AT Hike with the scouts just before I came in.
-Shower, nap, cuddles.
-I could stay in bed for the rest of the day.