12th May 2104 - Paws for thought....

Thought for the day : "If you've seen one shopping centre you've seen the mall"

An enjoyable weekend playing in a field in Surrey for a group of young farmer's and the Agricultural Intelligencia of that great county, while dressed as a Viking and wielding a large axe and matched pair of daggers bearing the rune of Berkana..

Now when reading runes each rune can have a different meaning and is subject to interpretation, but Berkana was chosen by me when I was playing a character linked to Frigga - the wife of Odin, who represented marriage in all its forms.  Other interpretations include a pregnancy or a new start in a person's life, fertility or a new business venture. 

Berkana indicates a fresh perspective, a good start. Aside from a physical birth, a rebirth, or a burst of creativity may be indicated.

And so this weekend I found myself primarily there as an entertainer - though helping with the Crimson Moon Mead Emporium, serving as required, but mainly trying to bring the public into the tent. 

It was a very windy day, and the tent threatened to lift off several times, but though it woudl never be described as busy - it was a steady stream of people through the doors, and many stopped and sat but the unlit firepit to listen to some songs. 

It was also a first opportunity to experiment with the Chorded Zither or Auto harp, and the 16 string Lyre once again saw the light of day ...

 The old moon has seen better days ... The wind and weather had taken its toll on the set up before I arrived, but I was happy to assist in the set dressing and laying out of the stock. A little like old times.

And though the wind was high, and rain had threatened most for the day - the sunset before the event was worth seeing.  218 miles, but it was good to be on site again and ready for an evening around the firepit with good friends from Fiery Jack's Circus, Jester, Ferret and Games workshops...

The ground was soft - but good drainage meant that it did not look as though anyone was going to get stuck in the mud...

Fiery Jack and the Games tent - to be used as a storytelling and circus workshop - inside rather than outside as the weather was threatening to be bad... As it turned out - it did not rain - but was bitterly cold for most of the day .

The Bothy was a source of comfort though as well as warmth ..

All ready for a Gin and Tonic and a bite to eat .  Must get a small table cloth for the Bothy, that tea cloth really does not do the job properly !!

And best of all about the Bothy - it is quite recognisable! And travelling up the M25 I was overtaken by members of the Black Company on the way to a birthday bash ! Much cheering and waving through the windows as they went on their way !!

And so after a successful day entertaining, and a quiet sleep over - It was back to Llanelli via the Wye Valley, to meet up with and adopt a new member of the family ..

So Welcome to 'Thena the Black Labrador...  Yes her real name is Athena, Greek and acropolis and goddesses and everything, but I always find that a simple name is required when training any animal - two syllables at most .....   so our new housemate is re-christened 'Thena so that she can settle with Rusty and Delft...

So far she seems to have done well. A trip back in the Bothy did not phase her at all. She had her basket and a brand new 80p chew and made not a peep for the journey home. Certainly seems to be friendly enough with the current residents... exploring the kitchen and living room .. Straight for Rusty's half full dinner bowl !! They will have to learn new feeding habits I think while and active 18 month old lab is about ready to hoover anything up.

However, the steps outside the kitchen seem to have her flummoxed for the moment. She does not seem to think it right that the back door should lead to a set of steps !!! Certainly not what she has been used to !!

Coaxed down a few times, but still has not realised that the outside is where to go - and down those steps !! If you desperately need to go go to the loo!!! 

But, as long as you are willing provide continuous attention while cooking, there may be something about food being present - I cannot tell! then 'Thena will give you uninterrupted support ..

And playing seems to be a new  and strange think to do .... Rusty seems to approve!

And when in the main living room, totally settled to the new life... One under a chair - one by the side of the chair...

So, welcome to our new member of the family  - must remember to drag her down the stairs before we go to bed...   

Chateau 41 ??? Don't mind if I do !