I haven't done much in the way of Star Wars events. I am kinda taking a vacation from doing events. The last costume event I did was the Naperville St. Patrick's Day Parade on 3-16-13. It was really, really cold for the parade and it even snowed a bit, but I suppose it could always be worse.
In the world of sewing, about the only thing I finished was two flags for the Bartlett 4th of July Parade. Since we are doing a salute/farewell to the "Clone Wars", I decided to make us some Clone Wars era flags to carry in front of the Jedi and Clones for the parade. Working with sport nylon is always a pain in the ass, and these flags were no different. They look OK from a couple feet away, but don't get too close. 
This year I decided to go to the Forest Preserve District of Will County Volunteer Banquet, something I don't usually do anymore. It was kind of a chance to hang out with the other volunteers without a chainsaw or tank sprayer in my hands. It is kind of strange...I have spent the last 20+ years trying to learn about plants, ecosystems, and restoration but I can honestly say that probably the most important thing I do for the District at workdays the last years is operate a chainsaw. There are very few of us chainsaw operators left, and not much gets done at a lot of workdays without the saws going. Yesterday I operated chainsaw for a Scout project at Thorn Creek Woods. I have also been out sawing at HCB as we worked on some really large honeysuckles...these were practically tree sized. I have also begun the spring task of garlic mustard spraying...never fun.
I have also been sick the last month....a lot. As it turns out I have an ulcer....go figure. I spent 10 days in misery and finally did get in to a doctor. After 2 weeks on meds, I feel better but keep wondering when the next "bout" will strike. I have also had teeth problems that have been just driving me crazy. The up-side to all of the stomach and teeth problems is that I haven't had the desire nor ability to eat much so I feel that I have lost weight. I guess I will have to put on my Rebel Fleet Trooper pants to really see if I lost weight. Those were getting a bit tight the last times I wore them.
Today we have a wildflower walk at HCB. I am looking forward to going out to my site and just enjoying it rather than working there. Of course, even when I plan to "enjoy", I always let the work to be done that nags at me to sour the experience. It will also be interesting to see the site in the eyes of someone else-in this case a member of the Illinois Native Plant Society who is leading the walk.
