This year was so strange. Weather that was unusual at best and many ends coming way too soon. But one thing still hasn't changed, we still can't make it to opening ceremonies.

There was snow the first day that everyone there said made it look magical. I didn't make it but I did go the next day. It was cold but tolerable. Just so unlike Texas weather except in it's unpredictability.

This last weekend was so rainy and muddy, I'll be lucky to save my shoes. My ankles and knees hurt so much on Saturday from marching in the mud, I'm shocked I made the march today. Today, it was just as muddy as Saturday, but I think I was easier on my marching and my ankles and knees are fine tonight. This is the first year I've marched, I usually just helped with the kids while my husband marched.

The end came way to soon this year. Every year goes by faster than the last. Today pub sing came before I had time to even see a show. I know as you get older, time seems to go faster, but this year was sped up so much more than the last. The end was here in a flash. I just try to keep in mind what someone told me years ago: "It wouldn't be as special, if it was always here." True, but was that really 8 weekends. It feels like only 2.

Before Faire we (Scarborough Faire) had lost one of our family, Cecily. I didn't know her all that well but I knew who she was and knew several who were very close to her. But then looking back we have lost several every year and at least one that was a fixture at faire and it just isn't the same without them. I still miss Mayhem and Gail. Closing hasn't been the same without you, Jeff.

I had the honor of meeting little Michael Alaric this year. He was a happy baby and it was a joy watching him. His chubby cheeks, baby smile and dark hair reminded me of my niece when she was a baby, the only difference being she had dark blue eyes and he had brown. But we will never have a chance to know if he grew up to resemble my niece because he passed away a week ago. A life taken before we really got to know him.

If you had been to a friends of faire booth this season, you might have run into a women with short dark hair caring for her 6 month old grandson while her daughter Kelly worked at the booth. Last weekend he had on a wee little kilt and looked very dashing.

Yesterday (5/26/07), when I saw the grandmother there without him, I asked where her grandson was. She told me the sad news that he died this past Monday. They won't know the cause until they get the autopsy back but it could have been suffocation or maybe SIDS. And they may never really know what caused this tragedy.

My heart goes out to them both and I've been torn up about it myself all day. It was sweet life that was taken from us just as we were getting to know him. If anyone has pictures of him, especially in his kilt, Please make sure they get them. I have contact information if you need it.

Below is a picture of Kelly and in the background is her mother and son in the stroller, completely covered so you can't see him. But it might help you remember who they are.