Rain again for our festival day, though it was just misty during the play.  Several people commented that it was really kind of fitting.  We had our lantern walk inside for the first time, through the halls of our darkened house, as there was no way that our candle light was going to survive the downpour.  It was really kind of a wonderful experience to have, the acoustic element is so different and having all of the singing bouncing back at us was really quite lovely.

Simple lanterns, simple songs, even simple food.  For an audience we had our neighbors from along the road.  Màiri and I learned this sweet song, to share with our guests.  Before we made our lanterns, I told this story, changing the names to Màiri and Galen.  They’ve asked for it several times since.  And yes, our dear second grader finally got to be St. Martin, just as his brother did before him.

Last week it occurred to me that last year I requested that the two eldest boys knit something for charity, as I felt they were old enough to actually give something of themselves to warm someone in need.  And while Galen was knitting at the time, his work wasn’t exactly gift ready yet!  Iain made a hat, a Mini-Gnomey in fact, and Elijah knitted a simple garter stitch scarf.  Even though he is capable of far more complicated work, when given the choice he’s happiest just humming along with a long swath of garter stitch.  I full well meant to make this a tradition and yet somehow it got over-looked.  I’ll bring it up tomorrow, we’ll just have to get our donations in a little late this year.  I think it’s possible that Galen may have a little something to contribute as well.