Arontius of Bygelswade

.....I did not have the close relationship to Jarl Barak that many of my friends seem to have had. My memories of him are rather distant. I remember when he was King and basically saved the Kingdom from financial ruin by instituting many fundraising practices. Not exactly something that is soft and personal, but I can say that I am thankful that he was a part of An Tir. I hope that all of my friends who were more directly touched, and directly affected by his presence have good memories and good friends to help them through the grieving process.

.....When Her Excellency Brighid first told me the news I was surprised and unsure of what to say and do. For some odd reason one of my first thoughts was whether or not we should postpone the Dragon's Laire 'Toys-For-Tots' Tournament this Saturday. I was all ready to hit the e-mail air waves with the cancellation. Thankfully, Her Excellency talked me off of that ledge. Certainly this is a tragedy. But life really does go on and it is important to keep doing the things we have planned, to reaffirm that life, and the living of it, is the most important thing we can do.

.....Enough philosophizing. TBT said it much better herself anyways. :-)

.....It was a long day at work today, almost another twelve hour one. But was rewarded with a pleasant drive home. 98.1 on the radio played Bethoven's 'Egmont Overture' for me and then followed up directly after with Gustav Holst's 'Mars' from 'The Planets'. These are considered to be treats for me as I have fond memoris of playing both of these pieces on the Bass Clarinet in the South Kitsap High School Wind Ensemble. We even won a band competition with Egmont. :-)

.....Yeah, tomorrow is Friday! The weekend is at hand! Got the 'Toys-For-Tots' Tournament on Saturday. That'll take up most of the day. But it will be with good people at a laid back event, so should be fun. TBT reminded me of a trip to Seattle on Sunday to visit the one and only Countess Elizabeth (sp?). I had forgotten about the open house. For some reason I kept thinking that the Open House was scheduled for the weekend after Thanksgiving. TBT was invited to join the Dragon's Laire Valkyrie Ride though with a large group of the D.L. 'Women of Power', so I may, wisely, decide to back off slowly and either find my own way to Countess E's, or do some chores at home. ;-)

.....I think that it is time for bed. ZZZZZzzzzzzzz. :-)

.....Aaron / Arontius.