This is shaping up to be the most fun Hostfest I (at least) have ever experienced. We have two young couples in our group this year, one of them newlyweds, and a family with teenage boys. This livens up everything. The combats have been a hoot. Instead of just two old geezers slogging around in the sand, gutting it out for three or four fights, the kids can’t get enough, and like to extend the shows. My own success against them, remarkably, has been pretty good.

The high point of yesterday’s fights was when I “killed” the new bridegroom, raised my sword, and shouted, “SHE’S MINE!”

Also when our biggest fighter and one of our smallest fighters were rolling around trying to kill each other with their backup weapons. It looked like a bear trying to shake off a terrier.

Oh, the delights you’re missing, not being here with us.

Had a conversation in Norwegian yesterday with a gentleman from Bergen, who couldn’t get over how wonderful America was. He went to a bank to change money, he said, and the teller told him he’d have to go to Wells Fargo Bank. Then she accompanied him down the street, to make sure he found the right place.