We broke tradition and were well rewarded. Usually I’ve scheduled out Ren Faire days early to mid October. This time we went on the second to last weekend of the whole faire…mid November. It also was the “Any Fandom is allowed” weekend. I saw a guy with Down Syndrome dressed in command gold from Star Trek. We saw various and sundry Star Wars characters and at least 4 different Doctors (from Doctor Who). Anime furries, Orcs from Middle Earth, and of course, the usual Renaissance Faire usual suspects. The costumes were top notch and the people were even more fun to interact with. It’s our new favorite and the plan for next year. The weather was also absolutely perfect…just this side of chilly. Layna’s polar bear hoodie was just right. Corra opted to not wear her furry pants but left with a new tail. Naomi was stunning in her gold horns and wings. She even had someone ask for a picture with her. She got so many compliments and she said it may have been the best Ren Faire ever. Being asked to play the dragon in the aerial silks show we watched definitely helped. We skipped jousting and no one was sad because we saw all of our other favorites including Romeo the diva owl. I got my usual ornament, a beautiful fire inspired addition. Layna and Corra ended the day painting with the Paint Fairy and saying “Hello” to the mermaids, while Naomi bought a parasol and a hand-made leather bag.

Every year this event gets easier and more delightful. We missed Garyn, and most of all I know he would have loved everything about the day. Especially the guy I talked to who had made battery powered hydraulic wings that had probably a 12 foot span. Layna and Neil were buddies and as always my partner in crazy made it all possible.