Those of you who live in a climate where you still have to wear a sweater or long sleeves - ENJOY IT!!! We have already achieved record-setting temps and it isn't even the end of May. Can only imagine what summer will have in store for us. I am already sick of walking out the door at 8 in the morning to be blasted in the face with 80+ degrees. One positive note: the high so far has only been 99... so at least we are not yet in triple digits. 
However, unless a person is willing to sit in the air conditioned comfort of their home for the next solid six months, a certain amount of bravado needs to be mustered so that life can continue and adventures can still be embarked upon. Two weeks ago a neighboring community held its annual Main Street Festival. We trekked to Grapevine, Texas to sight see, walk among the historical buildings, and ride the vintage steam train.
The train was my favorite part of the adventure. I am a sucker for old trains... or actually, any train at all. This one is glorious! It was once referred to as The Tarantula Train, but apparently the name was rather off-putting to some potential passengers and age groups, so in the effort to increase ridership the locomotive was renamed Puffy - apt enough for such an engine, I suppose.
The interiors are all redone and beautifully appointed in wood and period upholstery. We chose to ride the open-air car, hence the reason there are no passengers in this enclosed, air conditioned car. The weather was quite lovely the day we set out to Grapevine. We concluded the day with a seafood dinner at one of the local establishments.
We traveled to the days of kings, queens, knights, ladies fair, and jousts!! The annual venture to Scarborough Faire is a favorite springtime destination. Acres and acres of medieval village life and venues abound. The costumes and pageantry never cease to intrigue me. Above you see "the" King and Queen of the Ren Faire. Their costumes are highly detailed and intricate. I asked one woman how they survive the heat in so many layers of brocade and velvet. She said the main rule to follow is "walk slow". She also shared a secret. She says they go to a florist and get those capped vials for roses, fill with water, freeze them, and then put them down their bodice to keep themselves cooler. Great idea!
The "family" above was adorable. The mom and dad dressed in royal blue velvet and the little boy dressed to match. Some of the attendees make a really big deal out of this and go to great lengths to be as authentic as possible. Others just throw together a costume that looks more reminiscent of a Halloween costume party, not quite sure which century they are trying to re-live, than "the real deal".
The day always ends with a joust between rival knights. One knight always "kills" the opponent, which I managed to capture in a photograph this year.
As much as I'd like to continue my revisit to the Middle Ages, I need to get busy doing other stuff anyway...using modern conveniences and appliances.... in modern air conditioning, using modern electricity. THANK GOODNESS!!!
Until the next adventure.....
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