Neeeeeews!

So, thanks to my mothers brilliance at genealogy, today I found out I was related to Edward IV of England. 18th cousins or something... but still!

Looking even further back and following Edwards maternial line, I'm also related to Katherine Swynford, who was married to John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.

Best

News

EVER!

November 11th

I got a rose before work today. Picked it right out at the store... white, with pink tips. It was perfect, not fully open, but still beautiful.

Took it to the park with me and down the stairs to the river. I sat on the viewing platform close to the water. Broke the thorns off the steam, then the leaves, then the steam itself. Broke it into tiny pieces and tossed them into the water.

The petals were next. Velvety smooth and soft, almost like skin. I felt a little like Ophelia in Hamlet, the part when she goes crazy and is giving everyone flowers. Took the petals off one by one and let them follow the thorns and leafs. Each petal was given away with a wish, a memory.

I watched them as they floated on the current, drifting lightly over the stones and whirlpools in their way. I sat and watched even though it was cold and damp. Overcast and wet, but not rainy, just like last year on the same day. I suppose November is somewhat consistent like that.

When the last petal was out of sight I stood, staring at the water for a moment more before I may my way up to the house. No petal for remembrance, I don't need one. I don't ever plan to forget, and just knowing it's the 11th adds an odd flavor to whatever day that date falls on.

Never, ever, say that you can't wait to grow up.

I was supposed to be at work today....

But I'm not. Why? Because apparently I'm allergic to Benzalkonium Chloride. I've been using it three times a day, as I was instructed to, to clean my new piercings with. Said new piercings are a second set of holes in my ears. Anyway, they don't bother to put on the label of the bottle of disinfectent they give you that the active ingredent, Benzalkonium Chloride is a sensitive skin irritant. Thanks! Now my face is all red and puffy, and it feels like ants are eating my skin. Good thing I know I can use rubbing alcohol to clean my ears with....

In other news, the boat is done. Ghosts went well this year, and many of the scripts were very well done by the staff. Most of them. So now I'll just be at the Manor House all winter. Providing that the levy passes on Tuesday I can then keep my job next year. If the levy doesn't pass.... then all park employees are kinda screwed in the 'we get laid off' kinda way.

I'd write more right now, but I'm feeling a bit off because of the allergies right now.... more later!