Coronation of Vald and Petranella
The weekend was good but not as good as it could have been. Few lumps but there you go. Left verm around 1pm after picking up Hrodwyn. Stopped at Walmart to grab a quart of oil. Was a bit low. Then headed off to SF to pick up Hrodwyn's friend Grace. We picked up Rue in Adrian. Got a tour of her new house. Very nice, very Rue. They have about 3-4 times the space they had in their house in town.
We got going and was having a good trip then there was something in the road, still not sure what, hit it and then scrapping noise. Shit. Luckily we were close to Sherburn so we turned off at the gas station to have a look. Whatever we hit wapped the exhaust pipe and broke it just behind the muffler. Rue and I went into the gas station to ask if there was a repair shop near by. it was about 4pm but figured there might be something open. Lady said there was about 1/2 mile away. We went back to the car to call. Guy said he probably couldn't fix it but could remove the pipe. Then this guy came up and asked if we knew our pipe was broken. Yes. Well he could probably fix it for us if we wanted. So we said sure. His friend then pulled up their pickup that had a trailer with a tool box on it. Spent about an hour while Ken the first guy fiddled under the car and Ron the second guy went and fetched tools. They were from AZ and had been in IL and on their way to Washington. Turned out Ken was in the Marines at the same time as Rue. Trained at different places tho. One funny thing was that when Ken first started he said to me I needed to ask my husband for a new car. yeah I will get right on that. Rue said they were working on getting me one. *oh?* lol. Ken cut off some of the aluminum decorating his tool box. I said you aren't cutting up your tool box for me are you? He asked you want your car fixed right? Yes please. Anyway they fixed it. Rue and I signed their tool box for a memory and traded emails. Send pictures from the event. So we got going. We started talking about dinner around Albert Lea. We decided to push on to Austin since I didn't know if there was anything else besides Applebees at Albert Lea. We just passed all the Albert Lea exits when the car started to make noise again. There was a rest area so we pulled over. Rue had a look. The repair was holding but the middle of the pipe was falling down. There was a maintenance guy at the rest area so Rue got a coat hanger from him. I had a plyers in the glove box thankfully so with some help from Hrodwyn, she wired it up.
We stopped in Austin for gas. I thought maybe we should see if there might be a mechanic open to fix it but Rue said it still looked okay. Maybe it would be good to get a few things just in case tho. There was a Target across the road from the gas station so decided we would eat, make a list of what we needed and then get them at Target. We ended up eating at Applebees anyway. Across from Applebees was an auto parts store so we quick ran in there for another hose clamp, screwdriver and a flashlight. I was a bit crabby by this point so food was good.
Rue had another look and determined it was okay to go. We trudged on without incident. By the time we made it to the hotel Rue and I were ready to fall into bed. We stayed at the Econolodge which was full of the econo but less lodge. Rooms were small, beds hard as rocks. Thankfully it was cheap and clean. We went to bed and Hrodwyn and Grace went to sit in the hot tub. They ended up talking to Eithni until 3 in the morning.
Rue and i woke around 7 and then went had some breakfast. Nothing posh but they did have waffles. We got the girls up and headed off shortly after nine. I wanted to get there early since they said parking was on the street. I pulled up to the front door so Rue and Hrodwyn could unload their armor, then i found a nice spot a block down the street. Things were running behind as per usual.
Ia came to find me because Lusche wanted to see me before court. Wandered down to the royalty room after i was ready. Got my valkyrie token, one for Jess since she wasn't there. Then was asked to help out with her exit from the throne. Schitck was that the Valkryies who couldn't go to pennsic we would be off to a different war. She wanted to give Hrodwyn's to her in person so went to grab her.
Last court was nice. The usual million thanks and then Niccalo's laureling. That was nice. Not too drawn out. He did some research into titles and found that he can be called Magnifico Niccalo so that is fun and will be fun to call him that. We did our exit with Lusche and stood outside for a bit. Court room was heating up so was nice to get some air. Came back in but stood in the door. Much nicer and better view. Vlad and Petranella were crowned on the stroke of noon. Church bells were ringing so that was cool. They had super nice garb but i would have melted.
After court i hung out with Mysie at troll. Rita came and talked to us about her news. Scary to think she has lukemia but at least her type is treatable. She looked pretty beat.
I was invited to the Stallari meeting that was at 12:30. Kingdom webminster is going to become a stallari member at Crown probably so Marwen thought it would be good to have me there. That went fine. Now i have a list of to dos so will work on that this week and beyond. Got a glimpse at what V&P's reign will be. I think they will do awesome.
After that was over wandered around a bit. Thought i might talk to Niccalo but he was outside wandering. I went out too, visited with folks, bummed around a bit more.. Finally did get to talk to Niccalo. He was in a very good mood. I was amused by his comments that he was now the new defense against the dark arts teacher i.e. see his pictures of his laurel robe. He said he only had a year to teach. I laughed and said no. Voldemort is dead and the curse is broken now.
Second court wasn't too long. Which was good. damn hot. I gave Lusche her rose seeds which she seemed to love alot. After court I got changed, loaded up. Moved the van closer so we didn't have to drag armor down the street. Everyone who wasn't staying for feast was going to the Steak buffet. Rue wanted to go there so since it was her birthday I was fine with that. Food was good and lots of folks there. I was tired at first and probably would have prefered to be served but after i got some food in me i was a little better.
We got done with supper, checked the car and left town around 7. Hrodwyn and Grace soon fell asleep. Rue did her best to keep me awake but after hour or so i was too tired to drive. Can't keep eyes open and start seeing things. Rue swapped with me and i slept. You know i am tired if i can sleep in the car. Not a usual thing for me. I woke up a bit before Jackson and we traded again. Got to Rue's around 11. The girls woke up and jabbered until we got to SF. Last bit of travel is always the hardest but we made it home around 1am. .
Sunday i headed home to do laundry. Was nice to be home. My dad grilled and my brother changed the oil in my car. The shed has a hoist so i got to see the damage to the exhaust pipe. Everything still hanging in there. Muffler is looking shot. Rusted out shit box came to mind so I am thinking it might have fell apart sooner rather than later.
Monday Kaia came down for a visit. We went out to eat and watched eps of Doctor Who she had yet to see.
Tuesday I woke up sick. Lovely sinusitus. Bleh welcome to fall. Made an appointment to get the car fixed. That took 30 minutes and 90 bucks. Not horrible. Its amazing to me how quiet the van is now. Should have realized that earlier.
Still feeling sicky but getting better. Rest and rinsing the nose helps.