Tuesday, October 31, 2017
Monday, October 30, 2017
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Sunday Scripture
Proverbs 19:17
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Saturday Links
Wizzymedpower shared an excellent post, "Sharpen Your Mind," and I needed the reminder:
https://wizzymedpower.com/2017/09/25/sharpen-your-mind/
I needed the reminder provided by Maureen Lang over at Christians Read:
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2017/09/27/difficult-decisions/
An extra link: With the holidays fast approaching, they can be a nightmare for survivors, peppered with triggers. My sister shares her game plan and a lot of good suggestions on her blog.
http://weareone-ruth.blogspot.com/2017/10/didnt-build-in-rain.html
God bless.
https://wizzymedpower.com/2017/09/25/sharpen-your-mind/
I needed the reminder provided by Maureen Lang over at Christians Read:
https://christiansread.wordpress.com/2017/09/27/difficult-decisions/
An extra link: With the holidays fast approaching, they can be a nightmare for survivors, peppered with triggers. My sister shares her game plan and a lot of good suggestions on her blog.
http://weareone-ruth.blogspot.com/2017/10/didnt-build-in-rain.html
God bless.
Friday, October 27, 2017
There and Back Again Final Thoughts
I worried about my back. Considering the fact that we drove 27oo miles roundtrip in 5 days, over a 10-day period, which does not include my flying time, another 2-1/2 hours, each way. I had no trouble. No back discomfort at all and never took a single pain reliever. My friends watched out for me, making sure we stopped often. I'd walk around the parking lot and/or do my physical therapy on breaks. The 2002 Suburban was helpful. I had support from the headrest all the way down. I was able to press my back against the seat and have complete support. I was able to straighten my knees and roll my ankles. I have no fear of doing this again.
My eating was the best I've ever done. I didn't overeat. I didn't deprive myself either. I endeavored to make healthy choices when possible. I didn't nix treats, but I didn't binge, not even once. I learned to throw out half-eaten snacks. I did not have to finish anything, unless I wanted to finish it. No eating until I was uncomfortable.
Of my essential oils, I took Tea Tree, Vanilla, Sweet Orange, Jasmine Absolute, Lavender, Peppermint, Frankincense and Myrrh (yes, the last two were combined). I used the Tea Tree every day on skin tags. It helps a little. The vanilla was nice but quickly faded, as was the sweet orange. Lavender is my bedtime scent. I forgot to use the Peppermint, but it makes anything unpleasant smell better. I should have used it at the station where they were re-tarring the parking area. Ick. Frankincense and Myrrh was used for swelling by my friend who fell. I used Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream for the ongoing rash on my wrist. The surprise was the Jasmine. It energized me. I try to remember to use it every day at home.
I took time to put my feet up and lay down to give my back a rest when I needed it. I didn't push until I was exhausted, ever. I stood through some of the classes because the chairs weren't comfortable. The classes were never longer than an hour, so it wasn't bad. I took things slow. I had to be careful about walking. The ground, including the sidewalks, was uneven, and I had a couple of close calls. Because I was careful, nothing serious happened. Thank you, God.
I let go of all my worries about home. I couldn't do anything more than half way across the country. I lived in the moment, savoring all the little things, taking everything in, as much as I could. I texted home every day so they'd know I was alive. My sister and my friend texted back encouragement. One of my favorite was when I texted my sister that we had hit a little bit of rush hour in Atlanta. She texted back: Adventure in slow motion.
Relaxed is an understatement. I was happy to help whenever possible. There are a lot of things I couldn't do but that didn't keep me from doing what I could. There were a lot of things I wanted to do and didn't because there's only so much time in a day. I enjoyed my friends and the events.
One of my worries was about my ability to maintain the healthy boundaries I'd worked so hard to create. I feared the "Abuse Me" tattoo clung to my forehead despite all my hard work. During those 10 days, no one invaded my personal space without my permission. Anyone let in was someone I trusted enough to invite in. On occasion, I wondered if I had a new tattoo on my forehead: Come too close and biting will be the least of your worries. Since I'm not able to see myself as others see me, and I don't try, I can only guess at the possibilities. "Guess what I'm thinking" is not a game I choose to play often anymore. I've had my fill. I also think that part of it is that my chosen circle of friends have pretty healthy boundaries of their own. I endeavored to respect their boundaries and hope I was successful. I'm still learning.
At home, I usually choose to be alone. On my adventure, I usually chose to be with my friends. I've never laughed so much in my life. My friends and I share the same gallows humor. We did what we wanted to do, often not together, and endeavored to support each other. It was fun!
It was a fantastic adventure! Let's do it again.
In the kitchen's garden.
My eating was the best I've ever done. I didn't overeat. I didn't deprive myself either. I endeavored to make healthy choices when possible. I didn't nix treats, but I didn't binge, not even once. I learned to throw out half-eaten snacks. I did not have to finish anything, unless I wanted to finish it. No eating until I was uncomfortable.
Of my essential oils, I took Tea Tree, Vanilla, Sweet Orange, Jasmine Absolute, Lavender, Peppermint, Frankincense and Myrrh (yes, the last two were combined). I used the Tea Tree every day on skin tags. It helps a little. The vanilla was nice but quickly faded, as was the sweet orange. Lavender is my bedtime scent. I forgot to use the Peppermint, but it makes anything unpleasant smell better. I should have used it at the station where they were re-tarring the parking area. Ick. Frankincense and Myrrh was used for swelling by my friend who fell. I used Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream for the ongoing rash on my wrist. The surprise was the Jasmine. It energized me. I try to remember to use it every day at home.
I took time to put my feet up and lay down to give my back a rest when I needed it. I didn't push until I was exhausted, ever. I stood through some of the classes because the chairs weren't comfortable. The classes were never longer than an hour, so it wasn't bad. I took things slow. I had to be careful about walking. The ground, including the sidewalks, was uneven, and I had a couple of close calls. Because I was careful, nothing serious happened. Thank you, God.
I let go of all my worries about home. I couldn't do anything more than half way across the country. I lived in the moment, savoring all the little things, taking everything in, as much as I could. I texted home every day so they'd know I was alive. My sister and my friend texted back encouragement. One of my favorite was when I texted my sister that we had hit a little bit of rush hour in Atlanta. She texted back: Adventure in slow motion.
Relaxed is an understatement. I was happy to help whenever possible. There are a lot of things I couldn't do but that didn't keep me from doing what I could. There were a lot of things I wanted to do and didn't because there's only so much time in a day. I enjoyed my friends and the events.
One of my worries was about my ability to maintain the healthy boundaries I'd worked so hard to create. I feared the "Abuse Me" tattoo clung to my forehead despite all my hard work. During those 10 days, no one invaded my personal space without my permission. Anyone let in was someone I trusted enough to invite in. On occasion, I wondered if I had a new tattoo on my forehead: Come too close and biting will be the least of your worries. Since I'm not able to see myself as others see me, and I don't try, I can only guess at the possibilities. "Guess what I'm thinking" is not a game I choose to play often anymore. I've had my fill. I also think that part of it is that my chosen circle of friends have pretty healthy boundaries of their own. I endeavored to respect their boundaries and hope I was successful. I'm still learning.
At home, I usually choose to be alone. On my adventure, I usually chose to be with my friends. I've never laughed so much in my life. My friends and I share the same gallows humor. We did what we wanted to do, often not together, and endeavored to support each other. It was fun!
It was a fantastic adventure! Let's do it again.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
There and Back Again Day 10
I woke early, as usual, and readied for the day. One last packing of my suitcase. L provided toast and yummy homemade jam. She also kindly cooked up some nice crispy bacon. Delicious. L, J, and I chatted until J needed to headed out for home. Another hour, and L drove me to the Austin airport.
Blessedly, I was again Pre-checked. The TSA agent saw my "Eagle and Child" T-shirt, from Oxford, England. It's were Tolkien and CS Lewis hung out with other friends. The literary group was known as the Inklings. The agent commented that he and his wife were only 20-30 miles away, but his wife didn't want to drive there. So close. I consoled him with the information that the shirt was a gift from a friend who had gone. When I went to England I didn't know about the Eagle and Child. The discussion made the whole experience enjoyable.
Shortly before my flight was scheduled to depart sheeting rain arrived. The plane was diverted to San Antonio, so we were delayed 2 hours. I reminded myself that I was on an adventure to the very end. The flight home was pretty uneventful. My sister picked me up.
The adventure ended, for now. It's given me a whole new perspective. Life is an adventure, and I'm living it.
The last photo I took in the Shaker Village. The building is north of the West Family Dwelling. Simply gorgeous.
Blessedly, I was again Pre-checked. The TSA agent saw my "Eagle and Child" T-shirt, from Oxford, England. It's were Tolkien and CS Lewis hung out with other friends. The literary group was known as the Inklings. The agent commented that he and his wife were only 20-30 miles away, but his wife didn't want to drive there. So close. I consoled him with the information that the shirt was a gift from a friend who had gone. When I went to England I didn't know about the Eagle and Child. The discussion made the whole experience enjoyable.
Shortly before my flight was scheduled to depart sheeting rain arrived. The plane was diverted to San Antonio, so we were delayed 2 hours. I reminded myself that I was on an adventure to the very end. The flight home was pretty uneventful. My sister picked me up.
The adventure ended, for now. It's given me a whole new perspective. Life is an adventure, and I'm living it.
The last photo I took in the Shaker Village. The building is north of the West Family Dwelling. Simply gorgeous.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
There and Back Again Day 9
Awake shortly after 5 AM, packed, and eating breakfast at 6AM. We were on the road by 6:30 AM. West side of Georgia to Alabama, down Alabama almost to Montgomery and west, across Mississippi, Louisiana, and into Texas.
The view from the highway, when it wasn't raining. It rained most of the way, sometimes so hard it was difficult to see. We gained an hour and arrived in Katy, Texas, about 7 PM. We ate dinner and decide to continue on home to L's, as it was only 1-1/2 hours away. L's family kindly accommodated us on short notice.
The view from the highway, when it wasn't raining. It rained most of the way, sometimes so hard it was difficult to see. We gained an hour and arrived in Katy, Texas, about 7 PM. We ate dinner and decide to continue on home to L's, as it was only 1-1/2 hours away. L's family kindly accommodated us on short notice.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Sunday Scripture
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Saturday Links
Restless Jo shared her walk in York and yarn bombing. I didn't know such a thing existed.
https://restlessjo.me/2017/09/18/jos-monday-walk-yarn-bombing-in-yorkshire/
Jean Fischer offers more great advice for writers:
https://jeanfischer.wordpress.com/2017/09/24/7-lessons-writers-can-learn-from-football/
God bless.
https://restlessjo.me/2017/09/18/jos-monday-walk-yarn-bombing-in-yorkshire/
Jean Fischer offers more great advice for writers:
https://jeanfischer.wordpress.com/2017/09/24/7-lessons-writers-can-learn-from-football/
God bless.
Friday, October 20, 2017
There and Back Again Day 8
One more breakfast buffet at the Trustees' Table. Many of us attended as a last meal together. There were a few more things scheduled, but we needed to head home. As soon as we finished breakfast, we checked out and drove to Georgia.
The trees were beginning to change.
I'm grateful I was able to see a little fall.
Thanks God.
We dropped off S at home and continued on to the other side of Atlanta, stopping for the night at the Comfort Inn Airport. I only noticed the planes the first few times. Then it reminded me of the air purifier in my room and was quite comforting. We ended the evening with pizza delivered to our room. It was yummy.
The trees were beginning to change.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
There and Back Again Day 7
The last full day of 4LEP. I had no trouble waking every morning. I discovered that Benadryl is helpful with motion sickness. It also helped me sleep better.
Saturday morning's Dr. Drout session was titled "Bindo Bolger-Baggins? Marmaduke Brandybuck? Revise! Revise! Revise!" This appealed to my writing side. It inspired me to tackle the editing of my current WIP (Work In Progress). It was fun to hear Tolkien's process, learning how elements changed as the story progressed. My writer's heart reveled in the sense of connectedness.
Classes I missed: Penny Whistle lessons; dance lessons; camping tips; siege engine class; classes offered by Dr. Amy Sturgis comparing LOTR with Harry Potter and Star Wars; craft classes; writing group; choir; weapons classes; costuming classes, and more.
The afternoon and evening was spent at the Party Field, where an archery competition took place before dinner.
The Party Field on Wednesday morning.
The Party Field the night of the Hungry Hobbits. Dinner consisted of a delicious meatloaf, green beans, salsify (salsifee) casserole, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin bread. Delicious! My thanks and congratulations to the caterer for producing tasty meals while avoiding the major allergies.
Entertainment included dancing, skits, choir performances, a reading in Old English of a bit of Beowolf by Dr. Drout, Bilbo Baggins' famous speech (done brilliantly), and long goodbyes.
Many returned to the Dancing Pony in the basement of the West Family Dwelling, which is where our little group called home. I'm not a fan of closed in places crowded with a lot of people. I chose to go to bed, as usual. I felt rested by the end. It was wonderful. I was afraid it would be noisy, but the soundproofing was amazing.
The whole thing came together because so many are dedicated to doing what needs to be done. Bilbo Baggins swore the first ALEP would be a one-off. We're all looking forward to ALEP 5, in 3 years. The success was due to his hard work, along with his partner in crime, Pippin. By the way, a fun side note is that Pippin met his future wife at the first ALEP.
The Adventure isn't over.
Saturday morning's Dr. Drout session was titled "Bindo Bolger-Baggins? Marmaduke Brandybuck? Revise! Revise! Revise!" This appealed to my writing side. It inspired me to tackle the editing of my current WIP (Work In Progress). It was fun to hear Tolkien's process, learning how elements changed as the story progressed. My writer's heart reveled in the sense of connectedness.
Classes I missed: Penny Whistle lessons; dance lessons; camping tips; siege engine class; classes offered by Dr. Amy Sturgis comparing LOTR with Harry Potter and Star Wars; craft classes; writing group; choir; weapons classes; costuming classes, and more.
The afternoon and evening was spent at the Party Field, where an archery competition took place before dinner.
Entertainment included dancing, skits, choir performances, a reading in Old English of a bit of Beowolf by Dr. Drout, Bilbo Baggins' famous speech (done brilliantly), and long goodbyes.
Many returned to the Dancing Pony in the basement of the West Family Dwelling, which is where our little group called home. I'm not a fan of closed in places crowded with a lot of people. I chose to go to bed, as usual. I felt rested by the end. It was wonderful. I was afraid it would be noisy, but the soundproofing was amazing.
The whole thing came together because so many are dedicated to doing what needs to be done. Bilbo Baggins swore the first ALEP would be a one-off. We're all looking forward to ALEP 5, in 3 years. The success was due to his hard work, along with his partner in crime, Pippin. By the way, a fun side note is that Pippin met his future wife at the first ALEP.
The Adventure isn't over.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017
Tuesday, October 17, 2017
There and Back Again Day 6
Awake around 7 AM to face a busy day. I planned to attend a bunch of workshops. I ended up only attending those presented by Dr. Michael Drout. Next time, I'll attend more. This year, it was about learning to embrace the adventure and take care of me.
I walked to breakfast, meeting S at the Trustees' Table. I wanted to take pictures of the sunrise and will share them as my pretty picture for the day. a way to stretch out my enjoyment.
This tree has been dubbed an Entwife, one of Tolkien's character that you never actually meet. Entwives are spoken of by Treebeard, an Ent.
I attended both classes presented by Dr. Drout, "Tolkien and the Artifact" and "Tolkien's Medieval Scholarship." The room was packed, both times.
Friday night was the Baddies night. Some of the outfits were astonishing. We had goblins, orcs, trolls, the Witch King, Ringwraiths, and Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. LOL!
Dinner at the barn started with Kentucky Burgoo. My least favorite meal of the whole adventure. I'm not a fan of chili or soup (except my tomato soup haha). The peach cobbler was yummy.
Many returned to continue the party at the Dancing Pony/Green Dragon until 2 AM. I slept. I know, boring, but I was grateful for the restorative rest.
I walked to breakfast, meeting S at the Trustees' Table. I wanted to take pictures of the sunrise and will share them as my pretty picture for the day. a way to stretch out my enjoyment.
This tree has been dubbed an Entwife, one of Tolkien's character that you never actually meet. Entwives are spoken of by Treebeard, an Ent.
I attended both classes presented by Dr. Drout, "Tolkien and the Artifact" and "Tolkien's Medieval Scholarship." The room was packed, both times.
Friday night was the Baddies night. Some of the outfits were astonishing. We had goblins, orcs, trolls, the Witch King, Ringwraiths, and Lobelia Sackville-Baggins. LOL!
Dinner at the barn started with Kentucky Burgoo. My least favorite meal of the whole adventure. I'm not a fan of chili or soup (except my tomato soup haha). The peach cobbler was yummy.
Many returned to continue the party at the Dancing Pony/Green Dragon until 2 AM. I slept. I know, boring, but I was grateful for the restorative rest.
Monday, October 16, 2017
Sunday, October 15, 2017
Sunday Scripture
Proverbs 19:10
Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Delight is not seemly for a fool; much less for a servant to have rule over princes.
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Saturday Links
Restless Jo shares some wonderful pictures on her walks:
https://restlessjo.me/2017/09/11/jos-monday-walk-the-beauty-of-bamburgh/
Caroline Warfield shares a fascinating bit of history in "With Byron in Venice."
https://historyimagined.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/with-byron-in-venice/
God bless.
https://restlessjo.me/2017/09/11/jos-monday-walk-the-beauty-of-bamburgh/
Caroline Warfield shares a fascinating bit of history in "With Byron in Venice."
https://historyimagined.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/with-byron-in-venice/
God bless.
Friday, October 13, 2017
There and Back Again Day 5
The first full day of ALEP started with First Breakfast. Only S and I chose to pay for the breakfast buffet at the Trustees' Table, served here:
Bacon was a must. I also enjoyed yogurt, roasted potatoes, and delicious spiced apples. I passed on the sausage, eggs, and grits.
My friends took me on a tour of the area. It's been nine years since my last visit. They shared stories of ALEPs I'd missed. It's mostly walking everywhere. The shoes I'd bought at our local Renaissance Fair, about 12 years ago, were prefect.
We kept lunch simple, eating in our living room from things we'd brought. I put my feet up for a while. My plan was to attend the lecture offered by Dr. Michael Drout, who teaches at Wheaton College, in Massachusetts. His flight was cancelled, and he didn't make it until that evening. He loves Tolkien, too, and has studied him extensively. I remember him from my first ALEP. He hasn't missed any.
Thursday night, I chose the green skirt and a blue peasant-type blouse. Dinner at the barn included Cider Glazed Pork Loin, veggies, rolls, and a Brownie. More entertainment. We also had a special tribute to one of our own. Jef Murray was a gifted artist. I met him at the first ALEP, but became better acquainted with him and his wife on social media. Two years ago, I was waiting for him to post his Tuesday picture, always a treat, and it never came. The next day it was posted that he had passed away suddenly. We'd all lost a dear friend much too soon. A beautiful slideshow was prepared, and those of us who wanted to carried the lanterns from the barn back to the dwellings. Master Baggins and a few others who created and ran ALEP offered fond memories of Jef's enthusiasm in the ALEP project. He was also an original presenter and never missed. His absence is deeply felt, even now.
I took some time to find a quiet moment alone. The moon was full or close to it. The skies were clear and stars filled the black expanse. I'm able to see a few stars here in the Valley. Orion is visible. There, in the village, there's only the lights along the paths and shining from within the buildings. I'd forgotten what a blanket of stars looked like.
My friends took me on a tour of the area. It's been nine years since my last visit. They shared stories of ALEPs I'd missed. It's mostly walking everywhere. The shoes I'd bought at our local Renaissance Fair, about 12 years ago, were prefect.
We kept lunch simple, eating in our living room from things we'd brought. I put my feet up for a while. My plan was to attend the lecture offered by Dr. Michael Drout, who teaches at Wheaton College, in Massachusetts. His flight was cancelled, and he didn't make it until that evening. He loves Tolkien, too, and has studied him extensively. I remember him from my first ALEP. He hasn't missed any.
Thursday night, I chose the green skirt and a blue peasant-type blouse. Dinner at the barn included Cider Glazed Pork Loin, veggies, rolls, and a Brownie. More entertainment. We also had a special tribute to one of our own. Jef Murray was a gifted artist. I met him at the first ALEP, but became better acquainted with him and his wife on social media. Two years ago, I was waiting for him to post his Tuesday picture, always a treat, and it never came. The next day it was posted that he had passed away suddenly. We'd all lost a dear friend much too soon. A beautiful slideshow was prepared, and those of us who wanted to carried the lanterns from the barn back to the dwellings. Master Baggins and a few others who created and ran ALEP offered fond memories of Jef's enthusiasm in the ALEP project. He was also an original presenter and never missed. His absence is deeply felt, even now.
I took some time to find a quiet moment alone. The moon was full or close to it. The skies were clear and stars filled the black expanse. I'm able to see a few stars here in the Valley. Orion is visible. There, in the village, there's only the lights along the paths and shining from within the buildings. I'd forgotten what a blanket of stars looked like.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
There and Back Again Day 4
The official start of ALEP. Registration started at noon. However, there were things to do, starting with First Breakfast. We chose to eat at Village Inn. The others, L, S, and T, had all eaten there before. I was trusting them from beginning to end.
This is not the chain "Village Inn." It's a little place you'd overlook if you didn't know what you were looking for and might bypass if you judged the place by first glance. Not fancy would be putting it mildly. It was... comfortable, well worn type comfortable. No table clothes. No matching tables or chairs. I'd been craving biscuits and gravy, not something I've successfully made myself. It wasn't expensive and hoped I'd made a good choice. Oh. My. Goodness! I will never be able to eat biscuits and gravy anywhere else ever again. It was heaven on a plate. Big, fluffy biscuits covered in a tasty gravy that blessedly wasn't over-peppered. Yes, this is my cheat food for pepper. I didn't even feel like I was cheating. It was simply delicious.
I have never been with a group and talked and laughed so much. We had to cram in as much as possible because it will be another three years before we meet up again.
Lights needed to be untangled and checked for the Party Field, for the Saturday night activity. S was helping with registration, so L, J, and I helped T with the lights. By the time we finished, it was time for Lunch. I was still full, but the others wanted to visit Kentucky Fudge, on Harrodsburg's Main Street. It has all kinds of historical memorabilia from when the place was an old pharmacy and soda shop. "I'm going on an adventure!" I went along. L and S had been bragging about the malts available. I ordered a chocolate malt. Oh. My. Goodness! I have to wait three years to order another one. Planning ahead. The others were tempted by the grilled cheese sandwiches. I was tempted but not hungry enough to follow through. The malt was enough.
Back to the Shaker Village. We officially registered at the West Family Dwelling, where we also lived. The fun begins, well, more fun begins. My help wasn't needed in registration, but they needed help in the Trading Post. Some attendees brought products they'd made to sell, clothes, pottery, jewelry, CDs from Marc Gunn, who plays the autoharp, and yes, you can find his music online. L and I went over to see if help was needed there.
Master Baggins taught those present how to ring up a purchase using mine. Yes, I'm still horse crazy. I planned this purchase. The White Tree and the Banner of Rohan. I couldn't choose.
I took time to put my feet up before dinner. I wore the brown stretch velvet gown. I rode with S to the barn, for dinner. It's an old tobacco drying barn. We were fed half a roasted chicken and vegetable, like zucchini, and Shaker Lemon pie. Well fed and entertained by Marc and skits prepared by attendees.
The western view from barn the first evening of the official opening of ALEP.
This is not the chain "Village Inn." It's a little place you'd overlook if you didn't know what you were looking for and might bypass if you judged the place by first glance. Not fancy would be putting it mildly. It was... comfortable, well worn type comfortable. No table clothes. No matching tables or chairs. I'd been craving biscuits and gravy, not something I've successfully made myself. It wasn't expensive and hoped I'd made a good choice. Oh. My. Goodness! I will never be able to eat biscuits and gravy anywhere else ever again. It was heaven on a plate. Big, fluffy biscuits covered in a tasty gravy that blessedly wasn't over-peppered. Yes, this is my cheat food for pepper. I didn't even feel like I was cheating. It was simply delicious.
I have never been with a group and talked and laughed so much. We had to cram in as much as possible because it will be another three years before we meet up again.
Lights needed to be untangled and checked for the Party Field, for the Saturday night activity. S was helping with registration, so L, J, and I helped T with the lights. By the time we finished, it was time for Lunch. I was still full, but the others wanted to visit Kentucky Fudge, on Harrodsburg's Main Street. It has all kinds of historical memorabilia from when the place was an old pharmacy and soda shop. "I'm going on an adventure!" I went along. L and S had been bragging about the malts available. I ordered a chocolate malt. Oh. My. Goodness! I have to wait three years to order another one. Planning ahead. The others were tempted by the grilled cheese sandwiches. I was tempted but not hungry enough to follow through. The malt was enough.
Back to the Shaker Village. We officially registered at the West Family Dwelling, where we also lived. The fun begins, well, more fun begins. My help wasn't needed in registration, but they needed help in the Trading Post. Some attendees brought products they'd made to sell, clothes, pottery, jewelry, CDs from Marc Gunn, who plays the autoharp, and yes, you can find his music online. L and I went over to see if help was needed there.
Master Baggins taught those present how to ring up a purchase using mine. Yes, I'm still horse crazy. I planned this purchase. The White Tree and the Banner of Rohan. I couldn't choose.
I took time to put my feet up before dinner. I wore the brown stretch velvet gown. I rode with S to the barn, for dinner. It's an old tobacco drying barn. We were fed half a roasted chicken and vegetable, like zucchini, and Shaker Lemon pie. Well fed and entertained by Marc and skits prepared by attendees.
The western view from barn the first evening of the official opening of ALEP.
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