SCA Revels: When Plans Go Awry
Last Sunday, August 9th, was supposed to be one of those really good local happening SCA days. The Barony of the Lonely Tower was holding a Gathering Revel, complete with an Arts and Sciences display. And just my kind of event. I’d been looking forward to it for weeks.
That morning, I did the usual pre-event scramble by lantern light:
- Pulled together the least wrinkled clean garb I could find.
- Packed food for the potluck.
- Added my folding table, feast gear, beverages, and a few extras “just in case.”
Of course, Mother Nature had other plans. Early Saturday morning, a big storm rolled through the Omaha area, knocking out power in my neighborhood.
Feeling pretty proud of my early-morning organization, I went to leave. Then I remembered the garage door opener wouldn’t work without power. (Duh!) No problem, I thought, I’ll just pull the emergency release and lift it with my hands.
Except… the lift handle on the inside wasn’t attached anymore. It’s supposed to be, but this dummy (me) had rearranged it with the back end of the car last year.
Fine I thought, I’ll just use the outside handles. Except… this garage door model doesn’t have any outside handles. Which, of course means… my car wasn’t going anywhere.
So there I was, all dressed up, food and gear packed, ready to revel—and stuck at home. All dressed up and no place I could go.
But, I am not without skills, learned in the SCA. How to rethink and organize when life changes your plans.
I changed into my mundane clothes and called my closest fast food restaurent, Schlotzsky’s. They had power, just not at the drive through. (Perfect! I couldn’t drive; they couldn’t provide drive through.) So I armed myself with cash and walked down hill two blocks. Easy, peasy.
My stepdaughter texted me and was all concerned and caring. How sweet of her. I told her, “Dear, it’s closer, shorter, easier and cooler than when I was at Lilies War.”
To my surprise not only did Schlotzsky’s have food inside, they had lights, strong WiFi and AC. They even had dedicated computer power plugs. I was in heaven. I had food, music I like and could recharge my phone. What’s not to like.
I had texted my grandson Barrett to come over again and drag branches to the curb. In the meantime I thought, he should come and take me home. I’d buy him lunch. So he did. When paying with my charge card some young staffer asked for the cute guys phone number. Barrett did well that day, free lunch and a possible date.
Thankfully, that afternoon Barrett made the door work, with a little help from ChatGPT for instructions. Timing is everything and that all ended to late for me to make the Revel.
Some days you win and some days the garage door wins.
