Mercy #1: The sheep at the sheep dog festival let me sit there and photograph them in an attempt to feel bettter. The sheep dog trainers know what they are taking about: shepherding and bag piping works!
Mercy #2: Based solely on the kindness of my mom, I was admitted to the shaded tent-only party without my tickets.
Mercy #3: An awesome dinner on the way home, saving me having to cook.