"MDRF Weekend the Second (Part I in a Series of 2)"

09/05/2001

Saturday
Wow. A three day weekend at faire. I haven't had that since... well, last year. *g* Of course last year I didn't have the opportunity, nay the privilege, to escort the lovely Sunni about my home shire. Cause y'know... I am the shepherd. I gathered up Sunni from her place of residence at approximately 8:30 a.m. (puh-lenty of time to make gate...) and proceeded up Interstate 95 through DC.

Now I know what you're thinking... "Our beloved clanchief went back into our Nation's Capital after what happened the last time?!" *sigh* Yes, dear reader, I did. Everything was going along swimmingly until just before the "D" Street exit. Suddenly a four lane interstate turned into a big ole parking lot. Thankfully my quick thinking and lightening reflexes saved us from enduring that transportation nightmare. We made it to New York Avenue and turned east in order to get to Rte 50. It should be noted here that New York Avenue ends by splitting into Rte 50 and the Balt-Washington Parkway. Well, the last time I came this way was while going to Blob's Park and I remember bearing left for the Balt-Washington Parkway. I saw the split in the road and I remember thinking that I need to bear right... however I did not. I could tell you about how the vehicle's passenger was distracting the driver, but I won't get into all that. *g* Let's just say that when all was said and done, we had crossed the Anacostia river five times. Two hours later though, we finally made it to Faire.

We saw Nicole and Josh as we were finishing garbing up. Nicole presented me with a belated birthday present.... a kilted sheep! Not just any kilted sheep though, a Serta sheep (y'know, from the T.V. commercials?) in a kilt and matching bonnet with little clanchief feathers! After oohing and aahing we marched up straight onto site and found the One True Faith working at Catskill's. I chatted with her for a few minutes... mainly just so I could oogle her in her Turks. *eg* Then we moved on for food and libations.

Having satiated ourselves, we started to wander about the shire. On the way I purchased my first two roses of the day. When we reached the Dragon Inn, near the back of the Faire, we found a small group of otters sitting and talking. I presented my first rose of the day to Ani. While I was standing there talking to her and Jim, I felt the soft caress of fingernails along my neck. I hesitated for a long time before finally turning to face Elizabeth Jane. It was the first time we had seen each other or spoken in over a year. I remember that she told me I could stop shaking but I don't think I was solely responsible for all the trembling. What we spoke of isn't as important as the fact that we did speak. I gave her the other rose just before being pulled away because I had promised The Sunni One that we would see some shows.

And see some shows we did! Well, we tried to anyway. We did manage to see Hack & Slash. I laughed uproariously however I think Sunni was less than impressed. What can ya do though? I think she's been spoiled by all that high-brow comedy she watches. *g* If I remember correctly, we wandered over to the White Heart and listened to the Rogues. There was some talk of Jacob's Ladder once again, but thankfully no one was subjected to the chance of a mooning by me. Nikki, Sunni, Josh and I then all proceeded to just walk around and shop. I bought four more roses and gave them all out. I even received a rose myself! *g*

We had planned on seeing The Renaissance Man but on the way we ran into Kim (RumbleKitty) and her friend Kim. I know. It confused me too for awhile. We probably stood there for an hour talking to them. At one point Queen Maggie stopped by to chat. It was getting close to the time for Final Pub Sing when we decided to walk back to the White Hart. It was already crowded so we sat up the hill under a tree and listened to the music. The funniest thing was the drunk guy with the high boots. Security finally found him though and told him it was time to go. Once the cannon sounded, we made our way back to the car and headed for VA.

We only crossed the Anacostia River once this time.

thank you again for the lovely rose, dearheart. ::blush:: it made my day. ;-) and maybe you should just avoid DC from now on? stick with what ya know... ~ Ani! @ 1:30 p.m. EST on 09/06/2001