My nerves were building from last Friday!
Friday night I could hardly sleep!
Saturday afternoon I caught my taxi to my lodge!!

At about tea time I was passed to my fellow craft, the second degree of Freemasonry!!

The ceremony was amazing!
There was non of the teasing I expected from my fellow bretherin, except a joking remark about goats, of which my brother got a very knowing look from me and a grin! I had heard this one before! There are no goats in masonic ceremony!! Its quite laughable really, but this roumer came from non masons trying to make sense of the G.A.O.T.U which actually means "The Great Architect of The Universe"....still I was nervous though. Who wouldn't be? But I entered my lodge with an open heart and mind and when the time came I was asked to leave and prepare by my Right Worshipful Master, and at this point I exited the lodge and changed into the same kind of thing I wore for my initiation. Pyjama like top and pants with velcro fastening, so I could show the various bits of flesh required for the ceremony, like my knee, chest ect. I had to change the top twice though as it was too small, and at this point I was hurrying as I didn't want to keep the bretherin waiting.
What followed was a little like my initiation, but the lodge seemed to be buzzing with spirituality as I took my vows and pledged myself to seek knowledge trough the arts and sciences. When the time came I was clothed in my new apron, now with two blue rosettes to the left and right corner, and as we closed and left the lodge I was congratulated with many kisses and hugs from my fellow brothers!! It was wonderful and I felt like I was on some kind of high, and this feeling continued right into Sunday as I tried my best to let the expiernce sink in!! The only thing that blighted my day was the sodding world cup!! Derek had said he could only pick me up at 7pm, just as our festive board was starting, so I had to leave! Making a short speech of thanks and apologiesing for the fact I had to leave, I made my way out to Derek waiting in the car!! It was heartbreaking to leave but it was either that or I would have to pay £20 for a taxi home!!
Derek and I had made a pact over the world cup!
He would only watch the England matches down stairs and the rest he would watch upstairs, and I am happy with that. But Saturday evening was the England match, and I endured most of it because my hot tub was heating up, and it only reached 38 degrees at 9pm only 20 mins before the match was due to finish. Eventually I switched on the bubble button, before I sank into bubbly hot steamy water, up to my ears, and happily contemplated my "passing". I stayed in the tub for half an hour, sipping port and lemon! Sirius came out to see me, and sat on the grass bit in the gazebo almost as if he was guarding me, or making sure I was ok. Sirius had obviously been upset that he had not seen me all day, as when he did see me he was all over me, licking, whimpering in pleasure with a madly wagging tail. I had missed him too!!
Later I had climbed the stairs, marginally sloshed, and went to bed leaving Derek to his footy, which he watched well into the night....Sunday was very quiet! We had an early morning drive and then lunch and Derek retired to the bedroom to watch 3 footy matches and formula 1. He came down to walk Sirius in the early evening, and the went back to watch more footy highlights. Personally I hate the world cup and football in general...but I am not complaining as Saturday was my day!!! Its just a shame Derek was not there to witness it!!
Later on Sunday I was told by a fellow brother via a masonic forum:
"You were awesome!...by the way you conducted yourself today, you will make an excellent ritualist in due course!! Congrats!"
This comment left me with a huge grin on my face and a heart bursting with joy!! :)