Preparing for the Scottish Games

Preparing for a demo is always hard work, no matter how much we love to demo.   As we spent the day getting ready for our 2-day demo at the Scottish Games in The Plains, Virginia, I snapped a few photos.  

Laundry is ever-present, but easy to pack from!…. (you won’t believe how dirty everything is after a coal-fired blacksmithing event ,. beforehand is much simpler!): 

We have to prep our trailer and make sure we are equipped for a day or two of demonstrating.  We need our anvils, both Jeff’s anvil and our “kid” anvil (which Jeff is carrying in the photo below), where we allow children to hammer away on non-heated aluminium to give them a sense of the process.  We also need hammers, metal, tent, and ironwork for sale.  

Plus, if a demo is a colonial-event, we need our outfits (which means a lot of ironing beforehand!  Many, many thanks to Ann, Molly, and Katie who have lent me clothes for this weekend!  I really, really appreciate it!

And, for tomorrow’s demo, we needed lots of toys for our dog, since the Scottish Games is a dog-friendly event! 

And, then, there are the add-ons, because life is happening in the midst of demo-season.  Our lawn needed to be mown and weed-whacked, and of course, apples needed to be turned into applesauce!  

And, when packing for a blacksmithing event, you NEVER forget the First-Aid kit!  Nor, do you forget the sunscreen when you are a Living History Interpreter, spending hours outside!

And, don’t be surprised, if you suddenly receive a solid unrefusable nudge that you need to finally stop avoiding the piano you spent hours practicing upon for years and years back in the 80s and you start taking lessons again TODAY after a 20-year hiatus.   It was wonderful, but the timing???!!!! I think my childhood piano, below, must be rejoicing that I finally faced my fears!

Also, we have to stamp our bags for anyone who chooses to purchase some ironwork:  

And, in between work and other commitments, Jeff prepared a beautiful compilation of ironwork.  I don’t think he’s had a set this nice EVER.  We are proud to show you what he’s prepared.  After he’s had a shower, of course!  Blacksmithing is messy!