Castellan XVII

Barony Northkeep's Castellan XVIII is the place to be this weekend. There will be plenty of fighting and artistry - all done with pure Ansteorran flair. Check out their event info site for more details. Click on the links at the top of the page for site info, directions, and other useful information.

When you go, look me up. Seamas and I will be day-tripping on Saturday with our mini-horde in tow. See you there!

Moira's Herbal - Garlic

Allium sativum
AKA: Garlic

General Size & Description: A perennial grown as an annual, garlic grows 16-24 inches tall. Its leaves are dark green and flat, and its spear-straight stem is topped by a flower head that bloms white or pink.

Cultivation
Sun & Location: Full sun

Soil preferences: Rich, light, well-drained soil

Spreading habit: If allowed to go to seed, garlic will spread far and wide!

Propagation: Plant individual cloves, pointed end up, anytime from early fall to early spring.

Container gardening: Garlic may be grown in containers. Harvest the green leaves as you would harvest chives.

Companion plants: Wards off black spot when planted next to roses.

Maintenance:
Spring – Plant cloves in early spring
Summer – Cut off seed heads, dig up bulbs when leaves begin to turn yellow
Fall & Winter – Plant cloves and mulch to protect against cold

Harvest: Dig up bulbs when leaves begin to turn yellow in mid – late summer. Dry thoroughly before storing in a cool place with plenty of air circulation.

Culinary Uses

• There is such a thing as too much garlic, but there are many who will cry “Uncle” before I will. I love garlic and use it primarily to flavor butter, vinegar, beef, and anything that includes tomatoes or tomato sauce.

Period Folklore

• Eaten by Roman soldiers to inspire courage.
• Thought to ward off and cure plague.
• Since in the Middle Ages, many diseases were believed to be caused by evil spirits, garlic’s antiseptic properties were believed to be proof that garlic was an effective charm against evil.

Moira's Herbal - Chamomile

Chamaemelum nobile (Anthemis nobilis)
AKA: Roman Chamomile

General Size & Description: Evergreen perennial which typically reaches 4 inches high and spreads up to 18 inches. White flowers with yellow centers bloom all summer.

Cultivation
Sun & Location: Adaptable to most conditions, but prefers sunny locations. Hardy to USDA Zone 4.

Soil preferences: Well-drained soil.

Spreading habit: Non- to slightly-invasive

Propagation: Can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Container gardening: May be grown in containers, but it’s best to do so outdoors. Indoors, plants tend to be leggy, soft, and disease-prone.

Companion plants: It’s said that chamomile is beneficial to all plants it grows near.

Maintenance:
Spring – Sow seeds, divide established plants
Summer – Water well
Fall – Take cuttings
Winter – Mulch in USDA Zones 4 and 5

Harvest:
Leaves – Gather in spring and early summer. Use fresh or dry.
Flowers – Pick when fully open, around mid-summer.

Culinary Uses

• Chamomile is marvelous as a hot tea. Chamomile tea sweetened with honey is my favorite for winding-down in the evening.

Household Uses

• Use an infusion of chamomile as a final rinse to brighten fair hair.
• Another variety of chamomile, Dyer’s Chamomile, can be used to make dyes that vary in color from yellow to olive, depending on the mordant used.
• Chamomile flowers are used in both herb pillows and potpourri.
• Chamomile flowers are among those preferred by honeybees.

Boats Update - It's Viking Voyage!

Last week, I contacted Master Beorhtlic and asked him for a bit more background on the Boats game. The game’s more formal name is “Viking Voyage.” Master Beorhtlic learned the game from a friend who had been gifted with a set, and he could neither confirm nor deny whether the game has any basis in period. From that information, I did some digging and learned that Viking Voyage was invented in 1993 by Jeff Loader. Jeff and his wife, Jennie Loader, documented the game in their book, Making Board, Peg & Dice Games.

The book is unfortunately no longer in print, but I was able to locate a used copy which arrived today. I am pleased to say that the game I’ve described in these pages is essentially the same as the original. There are minor differences in the way the game board is colored. The “Weather Movement Die” is called the “Fortune Die,” and is numbered 1, 1, 1, 2, 2, 3. Play regarding the islands is slightly different, and no provision is made for two players sharing, or not sharing, a square. His boats look a lot more like Viking longboats.

Even with these minor differences, Viking Voyage, aka “Boats,” is a fun little game that everyone can enjoy. It has been well received everywhere I’ve taken it, and I look forward to hauling it around for many years to come. In fact, I’m working on more portable designs!

Feast of St. Dunstan

Gentle Reader, today is the Feast of St. Dunstan, the patron saint of armorers, goldsmiths, locksmiths, jewelers, and my own Shire Smythkepe. In honor of his feast day, I humbly submit this abbreviated biography.

Dunstan was born to noble parents in the village of Baltonsborough, Somerset, just south of Glastonbury circa 910. He spent his early years studying with Irish scholars who lived in the run-down Glastonbury Abbey. As a young man, he joined his uncle, who was then Archbishop of Canterbury, at the court of King Athelstan. Though his uncle encouraged him to take monastic vows, Dunstan resisted until he became afflicted with a skin disease that resembled leprosy.

When Dunstan recovered, he became tonsured in preparation for becoming a monk, returned to Glastonbury, and built himself a small cell adjoining the old church of St. Mary. During this time, Dunstan lived a hermit’s life, occupying himself with prayer, study, and manual labor. He became skilled in metalwork, and was known for crafting bells and church vessels.

Tradition asserts that one day, while Dunstan was working at his forge, the Devil arrived and tried to tempt him. Dunstan took up his smithing tongs, tweaked the Devil’s nose, and sent him running. Another legend credits Dunstan for the origin of the lucky horseshoe. The story claims that Dunstan was asked to reshod the Devil’s horse, but nailed the horseshoe to the Devil’s hoof instead. Dunstan only allowed the Devil to go once he promised to never enter a place where a horseshoe is hung over the door.

King Athelstan’s successor, King Edmund, called Dunstan from Glastonbury to serve as a priest in his court, but others in the court, jealous of Dunstan’s influence, conspired to have him banished. Before Dunstan could leave the country, however, King Edmund had a narrow escape from death, which he credited to Dunstan. To make amends, King Edmund gave Dunstan some land and appointed him Abbot of Glastonbury.

Dunstan restored the monastic Rule of St. Benedict at the abbey, rebuilt and enlarged the church buildings, and renewed the abbey’s reputation as a scholarly institution. Glastonbury Abbey flourished, and at the same time, so did England. Dunstan returned to court and served as advisor to both King Edmund and his successor, King Eadred.

King Eadred was succeeded by 16 year-old Eadwig. Eadwig was spiteful and headstrong, and after a confrontation following his coronation, Eadwig sent Abbot Dunstan into exile. Dunstan found refuge in the Abbey of Mont Blandin, near Ghent in modern-day Belgium. After about a year, however, Eadwig was overthrown and replaced by his half-brother, Eadgar.

Eadgar recalled Dunstan from exile, caused him to be consecrated as a bishop, and appointed him first in 957 as Bishop of Worchester and then additionally in 958 as Bishop of London. In 959, Eadgar appointed Dunstan as Archbishop of Canterbury, and Dunstan traveled to Rome to receive the pallium from Pope John XII in 960.

Meanwhile, Dunstan had persuaded Edgar to postpone his coronation as king until he reached the age of thirty in 973. While it is said that Dunstan made Edgar’s crown, we do know that Dunstan composed the rite of coronation himself. This new rite places the emphasis on the anointing, rather than the crowning of the new monarch, and is the basis for the coronation rite still used in England today.

When Eadgar died two years after his coronation, Archbishop Dunstan influenced the choice of Eadward as the next king. Unfortunately, this influence was heavily resented by a faction of nobles who had Eadward assassinated and replaced by his half-brother, Aethelred.

Dunstan left the court and returned to a peaceful, non-political life in Canterbury. Among other things, he enjoyed teaching the boys in the local monastic school. During a sermon he preached on the Feast of Ascension in 988, Dunstan announced that he had received heavenly tidings of his own impending death. That afternoon, he chose the location for his tomb. He died two days later on May 19th. This day was declared St. Dunstan’s feast day when he was canonized by the Synod of Winchester in 1029. His shrine was said to be destroyed during the Reformation.

In Church symbology, St. Dunstan is often shown holding a pair of metalsmith’s tongs and is sometimes shown with a dove or a troop of angels hovering nearby. Though he is known as the patron saint of metalsmiths, Dunstan was a man of strong convictions and much influence. He used both these traits to shape the religious and political reforms of the England of his time, and that influence is still seen in the England of today.

Moira's Herbal - Rosemary

Rosemarinus officinalis
AKA: Rosemary

General Size & Description: A perennial evergreen shrub that grows to about 3 ft. high and spreads about 3 ft. Flowers are pale blue and appear in early spring. Dark green leaves are needle-shaped and very fragrant.


Warnings: Use care when cooking with rosemary; many people are allergic to this herb.


Cultivation
Sun & Location: Full sun in a location sheltered from cold winds. Frost hardy to USDA Zone 8.

Soil preferences: Well-drained soil.

Spreading habit: Non-invasive.

Propagation: May be grown from seed, but a softwood cutting taken from new growth in spring is more likely to succeed. Cut a 6” length, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and stick the cut end directly into potting soil.

Container gardening: Grows well in well-drained containers. In fact, this is the best way to grow rosemary in cooler climes; the plant can simply be brought inside through the winter. Avoid over watering, and feed only after flowering is over.

Companion plants: Plant near carrots to repel carrot flies.

Maintenance:
Spring – trim after flowering, take softwood cuttings
Summer – feed plants in containers
Fall – protect young plants from cold temperatures
Winter – mulch to protect from cold temperatures

Harvest: Fresh leaves can be picked year-round.

Notes:

• Some varieties of rosemary may be grown as a low hedge.
• Rosemary flowers are among those preferred by bees.

Culinary Uses

• Use sparingly – rosemary is a dominant herb and can easily overpower other flavors.
• Use fresh or dried to flavor: lamb, poultry (esp. stuffed in cavity of roasted bird), fish, tomato sauces, rice, salads, vinegars, oils, and cordials.
• Add a few twigs of rosemary to the barbeque grill to smoke meats, or strip a twig of its leaves and use as a skewer for grilled shrimp.

Household Uses

• Use an infusion of rosemary as a rinse for brunette hair to make it shine!
• Rosemary leaves are frequently used in soaps, potpourri, oils, and fragrant sachets.

Period Folklore

• Rosemary is associated with remembrance, fidelity, and love.
• Flowers of rosemary can range in color from pale bluish-white to deep blue. To account for this, Christian legend claims the flowers were originally white, but turned varying shades of blue when Mary hung her blue cloak on a rosemary bush.
• Ancient Greek students studying for exams wore garlands of rosemary to improve their memories.
• Members of wedding parties carried sprigs of rosemary, and the herb was woven into garlands worn by brides.
• Rosemary was frequently carried by mourners at funerals, and dropped into graves.
• The herb was placed under a sleeper’s pillow to repel bad dreams, and was said to ward off both witches and plague.
• Rosemary was believed to only flourish in the garden where the woman dominated the household.

**Updated 5/24/06**

Moira's Herbal - Disclaimer

Gentle Reader, my interest in herbs is as varied as my interest in other topics, and I am quick to acknowledge that there are others who know far more about herbs than do I.

While I am interested in and have limited practice with the medicinal use of herbs, I do not intend to discuss medical uses here. Used improperly, herbal remedies can do more harm than good. I strongly encourage those who wish to make or use herbal remedies to learn as much as possible about their effects, side effects, and interactions before they begin.

While period herbals are excellent resources for research, herbalists of the Middle Ages and Renaissance did not have the advantage of our modern medical understanding. If you, Gentle Reader, have an interest in herbs for any purpose, I encourage you to include in your study at least one modern herbal. (I recommend John Lust’s The Herb Book.)

In these pages, I will discuss the cultivation of various herbs, their place in folklore, and their culinary and household uses.

Graduate

Took a little walk yesterday. Heard my name called. Shook a few hands. Stood still for some photos. Celebrated afterwards.

When I began working towards yesterday's little walk, I expected certain people to be there to see it. It was their walk just as much as mine. Many of my friends and family who have served as my core support group were there to cheer me on during one part of the day or another. Others were unable to attend for various reasons, but still held me in their thoughts. I appreciate all of them more than I know how to say. "Thank you" seems so inadequate.

When I began working towards yesterday's little walk, I expected my Mom to be there to see it. It was her walk just as much as mine. She'd have been so proud. Funny how life changes. I know everyone would have understood, but the hardest part of yesterday was not allowing the hurt to show. Still love and miss you, Mom.

Next is Grad school. I've been accepted into a Grad program at the University on the Hill, and I am truly excited about getting started in the fall. There will be very little travel involved; I'll be able to take all of my classes on-line. It will probably take another three years to complete the degree, but it will open up some serious opportunities for me.

Meanwhile, I believe I mentioned a project list for the summer? Gotta feed the monster!

Finals

It hasn’t really sunk in yet, but tonight was my final class as an undergraduate. The final presentation is complete. The final paper has been turned in. Sure, I’m relieved and ready to relax for a few days, but I know it will be only a few days. In less than a week, that hungry little monster in the back of my mind will be looking around with bright eyes and saying with eager voice, “What next?!” Gotta feed the monster!

I have several projects in mind for the summer. Some of them will appear on these pages, some will not. I’m particularly excited about starting on the herbal project I’ve been planning. And gathering materials and tools for some light metalworking. And figuring out how to sew trim onto things. Gotta feed the monster!

Right now, though, I’m knackered. Good night!

Boats Rules

Alright, let’s get this out of the way before the other punsters start playing – Boats rules, and Boats rocks. No question about it: this is a terrific game. However, in this post I’m (finally) referring to the rules of how to play the game “Boats.” Ok? OK!

It would be a good idea to review the description of the Boats game pieces before reading further. This is the first time I’ve attempted to write down the rules for this, or any, game, so please leave a comment if you need clarification!

To begin, the players agree among themselves in what order they will take turns. Each player chooses a unique player token, and places it on the side of the board. While there is probably a practical limit to the number of players, there is no theoretical limit.

The first player rolls all three dice and moves horizontally, then vertically, as the dice dictate. The first square of the board is the one with the red circle. The red arrows at the end of each row point to the next square of movement. Ideal weather moves a player up (toward the fjord) the number of rows indicated by the Weather Movement die; stormy weather moves a player back (away from the fjord).

If stormy weather moves a player off the board, the player must begin again with the first square on the next turn. Don’t worry – remember this game works entirely on luck! If ideal weather would move a player into the fjord or beyond, he may only move into the first square of the fjord. He may still gloat, if desired.

If a player lands on an island, his turn continues until he is able to move off the island. The player rolls the Weather Condition die until he rolls either ideal (white) or stormy (black) weather. He then rolls the Weather Movement die and moves the number of rows indicated.

If a player is sitting on a square, minding his own business, and another player attempts to land on the same square, the “square owner” may decide whether or not to share. If he chooses not to share, the two players must roll the Movement die for possession of the square. The square owner chooses whether high or low roll wins. The loser of the roll must move back one square. The winner may gloat, though doing so is ill-advised, as it may affect his luck.

Once in the fjord, weather conditions no longer have any effect, so players in the fjord need only roll the Movement die. However, the player must roll the exact number of spaces remaining to exit the board. For example, if the player’s token is four spaces from the end of the board, he cannot move at all unless he rolls a 1, 2, 3, or 4 during that turn. Rolling a 1, 2, or 3 moves his token that number of spaces, while moving a 4 moves his token off the board.

The first player to move his token through the fjord and off the board wins. The remaining players may continue play, if desired.

Make sense? Great! Confused? Post a comment, send an email, or catch me at an event or Fighter Practice. I’ll do my best to unbefuddle.

Have fun!

Cat Haiku

Needing a diversion, I took an online ramble through various sites and was reminded of a particularly fun genre of poetry: Cat Haiku. Being an unashamed cat person, I naturally had to pause a while and laugh.

Remember that the haiku is a three-line poem where the first and third lines consist of 5 syllables each, and the middle line has 7 syllables. My favorite tonight was:

What is that I hear?
The computer is dinging.
My butt's on the what?

I have no idea who wrote it, but it can be found here.

Here is another site, and if you've not yet had enough, here is yet another.

Mundane Pause

In spite of technical and other difficulties, tonight's presentation at school went well. In a speech class, I probably wouldn't have gotten away with some of the dumb things I did, but I must have covered well because my professor awarded me an "A." Several of my classmates complimented the presentation, too, so even though I bloopered a time or three, it appears I got my point across. Now all I have to do is complete another edit of my final paper and submit the dratted thing.

Eleven days until graduation.

I'm taking the summer off from school. Sure, I have other projects in mind, but I'm taking a break from school for the summer. Really. Then in the Fall...Grad school.

"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, or close the wall up with our English dead!" - William Shakespeare, "Henry V"