So I finally de-lurked, and called hospitaller Geoffrey Griesegonelle.  We had a lovely telephone conversation, and I agreed that my next step was to attend the Shire’s weekly fighter practice, which doubles as the local meeting.  That was yesterday.  I brought my camera.

This is Geoffrey, finishing his armoring.

First, there were warmups.  I spent the warmups remembering I had a camera, and working up the guts to tromp all the way around the fence, around the soccer field to avoid the sun, and by that time they were on drills.





(Click on the pictures to enlarge.)

Elspeth and Edwin explain that Raven is teaching Florentine techniques, for two swords.  I got tired of standing in the sun at a safe distance, not being able to hear, but the banging started pretty soon.

Pretty cool how Nameless Shorter Guy (I’m so sorry, I will eventually learn names, and promise to fix this) overpowered the taller Kail.

Click to see fierce expressions.

I wish I’d thought to take pictures when Elspeth and Alicia picked up their recorders, but I’d gotten back into my knitting, and we all know how addictive fiber is.

Afterwards, I posted this on the Yahoo!Group board:

As one of the newcomers that Geoffrey mentioned earlier, and a TOTAL newbie to the Society, I’d like to thank those who showed up Sunday to fighter practice. I got some great pictures of Geoffrey, Raven, Kail, and two others (whose names were apparently too much for me. Sorry about that. I shall be a better -and bolder- historian next time).
Shall I send the pics to Juliana for posting, or someone else?  Elspeth, Alicia, and Angel were very friendly. I am still taking good  care of your lovely Handbook, Alicia, and I am very interested in any belly dancing! Edwin kindly made jokes with my name, and explained things. I will bring my guitar to next practice, in two weeks, and
perhaps I can slow down Elspeth and Alicia’s recorder practice <grin>.

Of course, after Juliana replied, and told me I could put the pics up by my very own self – I figured this out.  Sent them to Thomas for website posting.  But here they are for me!