May 17, 2009
We have been busy at Pine Haven this spring. Planting two cherry trees, one peach tree and some shrubs. We also put in a spring garden of onions, potatoes, radishes, lettus, spinach, and peas. We have had a couple meals of stinging nettles and some fresh asparagus out of the garden also. The lovely smells from all the blooming plants is wonderful. The apple, pear, and plum trees have been in bloom and now the lilacs have just started. It was really hard to leave this place of paradise but we did to attend the Royal Crown Tournament of Stephen and Ailleanne.
Morning court occured at about 10 am. Each fighter dressed in their finery was introduced into court surrounded by their attendants. Their attributes were loudly proclaimed and herald. I expected their bouts to be done by lots. But no. The challenged picked out one of the challengers to fight until there were none left.
The tournament began at 11am and lasted until 4:30pm. Each pair had three bouts with three different weapons. Each contestant was sent into battle with hugs and kisses from his favorite. Each winner afterwards knelt before his lady to again receive hugs. Only than would he go forward to claim his win before the tally board members where his shield would be displayed on the tally board.
The tension slowly mounted all day to see who the two warriors would be to end up fighting for the crown. I did not know who the contestants were so I had no favorites. But I began to hear a small rumor. Siegfried had just asked her hand in marriage of Elizabeth and he really wanted to win the crown tournament as a gift for her. Oh, add romance to the mix and now this had my full attention. I quickly learned who he was and even recognized him from other court events.
I checked my recent Northwatch newsletter that I had with me and found out that he was the first king of Northshield five years ago and also the fifth king of Northshield. He also was one of the challenged. He was tall, lean, young, strong, and quick on his feet.
By 4:30 it was down to two contestants with Siegfreid being one of them. They would have 15 bouts with different weapons being used. Besides great skill it also took great endurance. I imagine vision was limited wearing the helmets besides. The field was very silent as the two combatants circled each other looking for the right opening. Many times the jabs were so fast that it was hard to follow with the eyes. In the end, Siegfreid won and fell to his knees exhausted before his lady Elizabeth kissing her hand. She hugged his head to her chest.
Evening court started at 6pm. After the King and Queen came in to court than the new Prince Siegfreid and Princess Elizabeth were announced and they took the royal thrones on the right of the Royals. Through court I saw Siefreid kissing her hand many times and she would give him a sweet, quiet smile. The big announcement at court made by King Stephen was that with all the allies they had about 225 fighting men in hard suit for the Pennsic Wars. On Tuesday Northshield would command the Mid Realm Army following Queen Ailleanne into battle.
At 7pm we had another wonderful feast. We were invited to sit with people that we had met before and that warmed our hearts. We declared it a good day with good folk.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
What grain flowers do bees like?
April 28, 2009
We have a plot about 42 feet by 33 feet that seems to be ground that is poor. While researching this winter to see what grain we could raise on it, I came across buckwheat. It likes cool, moist climates and cold areas..that is our region. It is also a good grain for poor soil and in soil that is clods from breaking up a pasture. It is a member of the knotweed family and grows about 3 feet high and have heart-shaped leaves. It is exceptionally nutritious. The pioneer woman who routinely sent their families out for a day of scho0l or work on a start of buckwheat pancakes were indeed giving them the best possible start for a hard day's work.
It is also valuable for beekeepers because it bears abundant white flowers starting about 4 weeks after planting. The plants will continue to bloom until killed by frost, still flowering when most other pollen sources are failing. Buckwheat -blossom honey...dark-colored and richly flavored..is considered a delicacy and can be bottled and sold as a specialty. Buckwheat is rich in rutin, a substance that controls certain types of hemmorrhaging.
The honey part sold me. I am always looking for sources of food for my bees and this will provide for them late in the fall plus I get all that wonderful honey!! Also chickens love this grain. This is a win win.
Buckwheat overnight yeast pancakes. Dissolve 1 t. dry yeast in a little warm water. Add 1 t. sugar, enough lukewarm water to measure 4 cups, 1/2 t. salt, and enough buckwheat flour to make a thin batter. (about 3 1/2 cups) Let it work overnight. In the morning add 2 T. molasses. Stir it down, pour onto griddle in dollar-size pancake dollops, and cook.
We decided not to broadcast this grain but to plant in rows. The rows are 15 inches apart and the seed is about 1 inche apart in the rows. We should get about one bushel if we decide to harvest it.
We have a plot about 42 feet by 33 feet that seems to be ground that is poor. While researching this winter to see what grain we could raise on it, I came across buckwheat. It likes cool, moist climates and cold areas..that is our region. It is also a good grain for poor soil and in soil that is clods from breaking up a pasture. It is a member of the knotweed family and grows about 3 feet high and have heart-shaped leaves. It is exceptionally nutritious. The pioneer woman who routinely sent their families out for a day of scho0l or work on a start of buckwheat pancakes were indeed giving them the best possible start for a hard day's work.
It is also valuable for beekeepers because it bears abundant white flowers starting about 4 weeks after planting. The plants will continue to bloom until killed by frost, still flowering when most other pollen sources are failing. Buckwheat -blossom honey...dark-colored and richly flavored..is considered a delicacy and can be bottled and sold as a specialty. Buckwheat is rich in rutin, a substance that controls certain types of hemmorrhaging.
The honey part sold me. I am always looking for sources of food for my bees and this will provide for them late in the fall plus I get all that wonderful honey!! Also chickens love this grain. This is a win win.
Buckwheat overnight yeast pancakes. Dissolve 1 t. dry yeast in a little warm water. Add 1 t. sugar, enough lukewarm water to measure 4 cups, 1/2 t. salt, and enough buckwheat flour to make a thin batter. (about 3 1/2 cups) Let it work overnight. In the morning add 2 T. molasses. Stir it down, pour onto griddle in dollar-size pancake dollops, and cook.
We decided not to broadcast this grain but to plant in rows. The rows are 15 inches apart and the seed is about 1 inche apart in the rows. We should get about one bushel if we decide to harvest it.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
oats and cake
April 28,2009
We planted oats today. A plot 50 feet by 60 feet which should yield about 5 bushels. We tilled the area first and than broasdcast the seed by hand. The goal was one seed per inch. After that we racked in the seed. Now we leave it to grow and keep all animals and humans off the patch. It is suppose to rain tonight which is good for the crop. Oats do best in a cool, moist climate. They actually yield heavier in more nothern areas.
Scotland's production of oast prompted the famous Englishman Dr. Johnson to scoff at his Scottish friend, the equally famous Mr. Boswell, "They feed men in Scotland what in England they only feed to horses." Boswell retorted, "Yes. Better men. Better horses."
Life in the Middle Ages was full of hard labor. Most things were done by hand since they did not have machines, yet. Since our plot is small, we will be doing things also by hand. No reason to buy a big combine, tractor, etc. This certainly will give us a taste of times past.
Porridge was usually oats cooked. Peas porridge hot...peas porridge cold..peas porridge in the pot..ten days old..
Oat cakes..This was often made in old Scotland. Mix your oat flour with enough water to make a dough. Knead as you would bread. Then roll out as thin as you can. Cut into squares. Fry on an iron plate or griddle or in a pan that is shiny with oil. Serve warm with butter and honey.
It took two hours to broadcast and rake the oats. Now we will see how they grow and what kind of harvest we will receive. Also oats are very high in protein. The side benefit is the oat straw that can be used in gardens or bedding for animals.
We planted oats today. A plot 50 feet by 60 feet which should yield about 5 bushels. We tilled the area first and than broasdcast the seed by hand. The goal was one seed per inch. After that we racked in the seed. Now we leave it to grow and keep all animals and humans off the patch. It is suppose to rain tonight which is good for the crop. Oats do best in a cool, moist climate. They actually yield heavier in more nothern areas.
Scotland's production of oast prompted the famous Englishman Dr. Johnson to scoff at his Scottish friend, the equally famous Mr. Boswell, "They feed men in Scotland what in England they only feed to horses." Boswell retorted, "Yes. Better men. Better horses."
Life in the Middle Ages was full of hard labor. Most things were done by hand since they did not have machines, yet. Since our plot is small, we will be doing things also by hand. No reason to buy a big combine, tractor, etc. This certainly will give us a taste of times past.
Porridge was usually oats cooked. Peas porridge hot...peas porridge cold..peas porridge in the pot..ten days old..
Oat cakes..This was often made in old Scotland. Mix your oat flour with enough water to make a dough. Knead as you would bread. Then roll out as thin as you can. Cut into squares. Fry on an iron plate or griddle or in a pan that is shiny with oil. Serve warm with butter and honey.
It took two hours to broadcast and rake the oats. Now we will see how they grow and what kind of harvest we will receive. Also oats are very high in protein. The side benefit is the oat straw that can be used in gardens or bedding for animals.
Dark Woods
Dark Stone had a Barbic challenge called in the North of the North. One was to write /perform a poem, song, play scene, etc ,talking about the adventures of living in the north. Earlier in the day they said that people in SCA were very encouraging and non-judgmental about the creation of poems and songs, etc. They said that each was a winner just by getting up and performing.
A week before the event I had scribbled down a few lines of a poem and than thought that I really did not know how they wrote poems long time ago and so stopped and decided not to enter. At the last minute when we were leaving home, I picked it up and decided to take it with me ...just in case I changed my mind. After hearing in the afternoon, their attitude towards the arts, I began to wonder. After talking to the instructor, since I was still filled with self-doubt, and she encouraged me to read it. I knew that I had just started the poem and had not finished. So I read it again and thought that it really could end there and still make sense. I don't like standing up in front of people and really did not make up my mind until just before the challenge began. I didn't even have a title to the poem until after I got home. But here is....Dark Woods...
It's the time of
the Starving Moon.
When earth garbs herself in
a deep mantle of white.
She hides herself from the
cold, blowing, North winds.
And doesn't feel the penetrating
cold in her bones.
For days the warmth of the sun
has left this frozen, cold, North land.
It is dark, still, quiet as all life
hides in Mother earth for warmth.
As the temperature drops, one's
breath freezes in to air crystals.
Even the lake ice mourns, groans,
snaps, crackles, and pops in protest.
In the gray, twilight of day,
I snuggle deeper in my fur skins.
Wishing I could sleep the whole winter
away, just like the bears!
A week before the event I had scribbled down a few lines of a poem and than thought that I really did not know how they wrote poems long time ago and so stopped and decided not to enter. At the last minute when we were leaving home, I picked it up and decided to take it with me ...just in case I changed my mind. After hearing in the afternoon, their attitude towards the arts, I began to wonder. After talking to the instructor, since I was still filled with self-doubt, and she encouraged me to read it. I knew that I had just started the poem and had not finished. So I read it again and thought that it really could end there and still make sense. I don't like standing up in front of people and really did not make up my mind until just before the challenge began. I didn't even have a title to the poem until after I got home. But here is....Dark Woods...
It's the time of
the Starving Moon.
When earth garbs herself in
a deep mantle of white.
She hides herself from the
cold, blowing, North winds.
And doesn't feel the penetrating
cold in her bones.
For days the warmth of the sun
has left this frozen, cold, North land.
It is dark, still, quiet as all life
hides in Mother earth for warmth.
As the temperature drops, one's
breath freezes in to air crystals.
Even the lake ice mourns, groans,
snaps, crackles, and pops in protest.
In the gray, twilight of day,
I snuggle deeper in my fur skins.
Wishing I could sleep the whole winter
away, just like the bears!
Shield My Kinsmen
This past week end we attended a Bardic event in northern Wisconsin on the lake in Ashland. There was still ice on the lake and the sun set about 30 minutes later than at home. Even in ice and snow it is a beautiful place.
The first event of the day was learning some Northshield songs and the way the songs were sang. The theme song was written by Mistress Wyndreth Berginsdottir. I decided to write it here in this first blog of the week. The title is above.
Shield my kinsmen from their foes
And from the teeth of the wind
Shield my kinsmen from sorrow and from shame
Until fate brings us shoulder to shoulder
To stand as brothers again.
We are the children of the ice and sonw
And of the golden plains and rolling hills.
We are the children of the water cold and wide,
And cool dark forests. We are the people,
We are the people of our home, Northshield.
The winter tries to break us on its anvil made of ice
But our blood beats hot and true as steel
Not a drop of it is spilled on our pure white snow
But what was bought by rivers, crimson rivers,
Crimson rivers of our foemen's own.
We are the keepers of our future and our past
And the names of our heroes past and gone,
On whose courage, strength, and wisdom
The Northshield stands.
Teach their stories to your children, to our children,
'Till their names are written in our blood and bone.
Now we fly behind the hawk who leads the way to war
For he flies in the fashion that we live,
Like a fine and blooded spear poised at the Dragon's side
We will face our foremen to fight for the honor,
To fight for the honor of our home, Northshield.
c 1996 K.Kahan
The first event of the day was learning some Northshield songs and the way the songs were sang. The theme song was written by Mistress Wyndreth Berginsdottir. I decided to write it here in this first blog of the week. The title is above.
Shield my kinsmen from their foes
And from the teeth of the wind
Shield my kinsmen from sorrow and from shame
Until fate brings us shoulder to shoulder
To stand as brothers again.
We are the children of the ice and sonw
And of the golden plains and rolling hills.
We are the children of the water cold and wide,
And cool dark forests. We are the people,
We are the people of our home, Northshield.
The winter tries to break us on its anvil made of ice
But our blood beats hot and true as steel
Not a drop of it is spilled on our pure white snow
But what was bought by rivers, crimson rivers,
Crimson rivers of our foemen's own.
We are the keepers of our future and our past
And the names of our heroes past and gone,
On whose courage, strength, and wisdom
The Northshield stands.
Teach their stories to your children, to our children,
'Till their names are written in our blood and bone.
Now we fly behind the hawk who leads the way to war
For he flies in the fashion that we live,
Like a fine and blooded spear poised at the Dragon's side
We will face our foremen to fight for the honor,
To fight for the honor of our home, Northshield.
c 1996 K.Kahan
Evening court and feast...
The evening court started at 5:00pm with King Stephen and Queen Ailleanne marching in mist thier Royal Guard and court attendants to ascend the thrones. The Prince of Midrealm was next announced to come into court and he was seated on the right hand of the Queeen. His pages brought in cookies to give to the populous and the court as gifts from Midrealm. Many gifts were given to the new Queen and King from others of the realm as they in turn gave out awards of service. The King stood up and began to talk about the growing reputation of the Northshield army in the Pennsic wars over the past couple of years. Even though our forces are small our renown was growing for their courage and great bravery on the battle field. Others would give up after a couple of charges but our forces did not give up and kept on fighting. Other Kingdoms took notice of this. Recently many have contacted him wanting to form alliances with Northshield and so negotiations have begun. He turned to the Prince of Midrealm agreeing to an alliance with Midrealm in the upcoming Pennsic Wars. There was great rejoicing in this announcement as the King and Prince hugged to seal the alliance. New banners and flags were given to the King and Queen and shown off for all their beauty. Court was dismissed and the Court left the hall admist drum roll.
The feast went beyond my expectations. The tables were set up in a U shape with the Royals at the bottom of the U. They were served first. There was a food contest with 13 entries. The Royals were given each entry and voted with peas in a dish. Each table had the chance to sample a couple of the entries. Besides this there was the main feast menu which was served in courses. This included : sallet of all kindes of hearbes, pudding in a turnep, cheese buns, rice casserole, roasted chikins, smoked pork, leibkuken, spanish pastries, and custard. There were six sauces placed on the table first to use as you saw fit. They were honey mustard, French mustard, green sauce, good French sauce, cinnamon of must, and a thin sauce for roasted fowl.
There was a sheet on the table listing the ingredients of each dish, sauce, and contest entry.
Needless to say we did not leave the table hungry! It was a very good day we had at the cornation.
The feast went beyond my expectations. The tables were set up in a U shape with the Royals at the bottom of the U. They were served first. There was a food contest with 13 entries. The Royals were given each entry and voted with peas in a dish. Each table had the chance to sample a couple of the entries. Besides this there was the main feast menu which was served in courses. This included : sallet of all kindes of hearbes, pudding in a turnep, cheese buns, rice casserole, roasted chikins, smoked pork, leibkuken, spanish pastries, and custard. There were six sauces placed on the table first to use as you saw fit. They were honey mustard, French mustard, green sauce, good French sauce, cinnamon of must, and a thin sauce for roasted fowl.
There was a sheet on the table listing the ingredients of each dish, sauce, and contest entry.
Needless to say we did not leave the table hungry! It was a very good day we had at the cornation.
A pair of cow horns...
It was a warm (50degrees), sunny day to be on the field watching the armed heavy fighting, fencing, and the pole arm tourney. I just threw a blanket over my shoulders and stood in the sun to enjoy all the sights and sounds. I knew that all this fighting was pratice for the summer great wars ahead for the Kingdom. There were afternoon classes on spinning, coin making, and basic soapstone. Some of the populous were dancing while the pipers played. Many of the women were involved in various kinds of needlework and talking. While visiting with one wrench ( a young woman), I noticed that she was carrying a beautiful cow horn. I began to ask her about it. She took me to the merchants stall that sold them. They were longhorn cow horns in black and white colors. They were cleaned up inside and the inside was coated with bees wax. Now they were ready to be used for drinking horns. No ice..that would chip the wax. No heat..that would melt the wax...just lukewarm liquids. No soap to clean just water. The price went according to how much liquid each horn would hold. 3/4 pint and up...there was one so huge that it held a couple of quarts. Each horn came with a leather strap around the middle so that it could hang on a belt to the side of a person. Take a piece of wood with a round hole in the middle and insert the horn in the hole and now you could put that on your table to use for drinking. I was strongly drawn to the horns and found one that was a beautiful marble of black and white. My husband chose a black horn, a little bigger than mine, for his drinking utensil. After the exchanging of coin, they became ours. Wood plates, cow horns, garb, belts...we were beginning to fit with the times past.
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