Or perhaps that should be Anchronista and her views on Laurels… At any rate, I left her a question on her blog, about the Laurel system, because she mentioned it, and I am a good audience.  I ask questions. She answered it!  And she visited and everything!  (I am always uncommonly flattered to be noticed by those with more blog history than I have.  I don’t think I’ll outgrow that one.) So here’s my question, and her answer.  You should go there, and increase her stats. Oh, very well, I’ll reproduce the whole thing. Can you tell me where to … Continue reading Laurels and Anachronista

I am utterly exhausted.  In a very good way. Today I went to University of West Florida, about an hour away, and participated as a presenter in their Festival on the Green.  This is what I took with me. My new sunshade.  Worked great, and kept a quick rain torrent off nicely. Spinning wheel with lots of fiber: Midnight’s espresso alpaca with newly refurbished carding paddles.  Raw natural flax.  Raw bleached flax.  Mystery wool from spinning guild.  Last of pink/purple corriedale.  Off-white mohair. Niddy-noddy, loaded with Midnight’s espresso alpaca, yarn version. Loom, loaded with Midnight’s espresso alpaca and linen, being … Continue reading UWF Festival on the Green

I decided to go check out the Early Period Life village – it’s meant to encompass Vikings, etc.   Of course, as soon as I got there, I got derailed by the smithy. This kid was taking turns pounding on his blade, that his dad is helping him make.  These other guys, what are they making?  Tongs!  The sort that are being used to hold hot things.  When I got there, I had to ask what it was they were doing, it bore so little resemblance to the finished item.  No need now!  See that hinge?  That started life as … Continue reading GW: Blacksmithing

Several people in my shire think I ought to enter A&S competitions.  So I thought I’ll go see what it’s like.  Here’s some entries – I apologize for the dark hall = dark pictures with nasty flash.  Click to enlarge as usual. First, just for mom, the medieval lebkuchen (gingerbread), which I got to eat because I arrived just as they were breaking down exhibits (must remember this in future): Mom, the cookies look and taste just like our lebkuchen, except denser.  I need to read this more carefully to figure out the difference.  It may just be baking powder.  … Continue reading GW: A&S Competition

And I had a WONDERFUL time!  (Thank you SO much, Gabrielle, for bringing me along – it was so nice to tent with you!) I have so much to say about the last five days – I learned so much and met so many nice people! – it’ll take me a little while to get it all together – and to catch up on my sleep!  Here’s a preview. Leatherwork workshopMedieval cookery and redactingBasic salves and creamsMordanting and dyeingHandsewn garb construction, including eyelets and fabric buttonsDANCING and DANCING and DANCINGChatted up fencersChatted up tent ownersWatched fencing melees and pickupsAttended CourtShopped!Got … Continue reading Back from War!

If for some reason, you’re just tuning in, I’m finally off to Gulf Wars, today!  So I won’t be posting live until sometime next week.  I’ve programmed some previously prepared posts, so that those of you following along won’t be Greetless while I’m gone!  I just hope it doesn’t rain… Continue reading Off to War!