Rivenwood Tower News

Medieval Wool: Shearing

2011-05-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

The weather is fine and it is time to shear. Much of medieval England's economy was based upon sheep and wool. Sheep are an extremely useful animal. They mature rapidly, can reproduce at around ten months, can have twins and triplets, produce wool, meat, milk, and hides. They can be kept economically over the winter months as compared to cattle and can forage efficiently.

Many breeds of sheep depicted in medieval artwork appear small. Some of this is likely due to the artists interpretation. The sheep above are not much larger than house cats; very impractical. Popular belief is that they therefore were small primitive breeds like the Soay, Icelandic, and Shetland breeds. As there were no recorded breeds of sheep during much of the middle ages, rather "types" of sheep based on their wool quality, artwork and more reliably, the archaeological record are the places to go to determine the size and probable type of sheep breeds that existed. www.bahs.org.uk/32n1a2.pdf

The modern Romney breed is considered to be a direct descendant of the Medieval Longwool. Bones of this stocky, medium sized sheep have been found in the midsection of England and are believed to have been introduced by the Romans. The Medieval Longwool was of a different type than the native British breeds. The native British breeds are fierce little animals, with dual coats - a more hairy outer coat and a downy soft woolly under coat - and impressive multiple horns.

The Luttrell Psalter depicts some sturdy, mid-sized sheep with very curly fleeces, very similar to a modern Romney. Although there are two animals in the manuscript that sport curling horns and are presumably rams, modern Romneys are polled. Occasionally a ram with "scurs" or wimpy hornlike spurs does crop up, a reversion to their medieval ancestors.

Although recently shorn, the curls are obvious in this Romney's fleece. This Romney has been sheared by the traditional method using a steel, bow-spring hand shears. Medieval illustrations of sheep shears are nearly identical to the modern version of the tool. The medieval versions most commonly have only one bow in the spring handle. The modern version used to shear the sheep in the photo has two bows in the handle. Medieval shears are depicted with both blunt and pointed ends. The blunt ended medieval examples are interesting because sharp, pointed shears are needed to slide into a fleece to facilitate a cut. Perhaps a different method is used when using a blunt sheep shears as opposed to a pointed shears? There is another theory for this.

This woman's shears appear pointed. The shears in the Illustration at the top of the page show blunt ended shears. Although there are depictions of blunt ended shears by different artists, as with the cat-sized sheep, this may be an artists interpretation. Blunt ended shears were used in the wool fulling process. Woolen cloth was washed vigorously after it came off the loom to set and tighten the weave. Then the cloth was laid out and brushed or carded to raise the nap and sheared to make a uniform surface. Shearing cloth with pointy ended shears is inherently disaster ridden as it would be so very easy to pierce the piece of cloth and make a hole - something sure to get you fired. An artist during the middle ages did not necessarily spend his time in agrarian pursuits. He knew shears were used to remove fleeces but the shears he was familiar with may have been a very different kind. A modern seamstress would scoff at a depiction of someone cutting out fabric with a hair cutting scissors - or to use correct terminology - shears.

Both sets of shears clearly show the single bow in the steel of the handle forming the spring. A sheep shears wants to stay open until you squeeze them shut. After the cut they spring open again. A bit of ingenious ancient technology that has not needed to be improved upon over thousands of years.

Romney wool has a long staple, about five to eight inches long. It is of medium grade and is a strong wool. It is well suited to being combed rather than carded. Combed wool is spun into worsted yarn, a smooth, strong yarn that weaves into a tough smooth cloth, excellent for outerwear. It has a moderate amount of lanolin - the "grease" that coats the wool fibers. Shearers were known for their soft hands. Lanolin was extracted for ointments and unguents by boiling a greasy fleece and skimming off the thick, sticky oil after it had cooled. Pieces of greasy fleece are an excellent remedy for "hot spots" on feet generated by ill fitting footwear or other chaffing, as in armor and under horse harness. It is soft and cushiony and the lanolin assists in relieving friction. It is a remedy still used by hikers today to prevent blisters, a dangerous eventuality. You can purchase tubes of pure lanolin at your local pharmacy. It is wonderful stuff. (Caution: Some individuals are allergic to lanolin. Try a small dab before rubbing in generally.)

This photo clearly shows excellent shearing technique. The edge of the shears are angled slightly up toward the shearer and small ridges in the newly shorn wool show the repeated pattern of this method. This ensures the sheep will not be sliced by the razor sharp shears. A sheep's skin is extremely tender and pulling at the wool lifts it where it can be easily caught in the cut. A shearer who slices a sheep the first time remembers the surprise and horror and diligently practices the correct technique!
Sheep shears must be sharp or they do not work. A whet stone is in a shearers hand often. The shears are dangerous and a thrashing sheep causes the shears to be tossed safely away into the grass on more than one occasion. Assistants who help restrain a large, irritable ram need to remind the shearer to mind who they're stabbing and practice good self preservation techniques while keeping the animal from kicking the shearers and leaping up and dragging its half-shorn fleece all over the meadow.

The next installment will go over preparing a fleece to spin.

Post Mortem

2011-04-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Coronation is over. We are tired yet happy. Many, many thanks to those who volunteered from the shire and thanks to those from shires far and wide who assisted to make the day flow easily. Tremendous thanks to the shire of Silfren Mere and their generous contribution of lunch. The beautiful ladies who prepared and served the midday meal impressed the kingdom with their skills. Thanks to all.

Coronation Lunch

2011-03-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

Coronation Lunch will be generously provided by Silfren Mere. They will be serving:

Beef barley pottage, chicken barley pottage, vegetarian barley

pottage, all served in bread bowls.

Assorted cheeses

Assorted dried fruits

Shortbread

Hot tea/coffee

Water

Milk

Coronation Feast

2011-03-14T06:20:00.000-07:00

Menu for the Coronation Feast of Morgan and Lusche

First Remove

Various flatbreads

Fresh soft cheese

Fruit

Olives

Second Remove

Fish served with dilled butter sauce

Roast fowl

Cheese Pie

Spinach pie

Third Remove

Roast Pork served with a turnip relish and various mustard sauces

Roast root vegetables

Manchet - a fine white bread roll

Fourth Remove

Wastels Yfarced - a fruit and spice filled bag pudding served with custard sauce

Contact Anna of Rivenwood

(Anna Schuster)

Feast steward

with

any concerns at:

anna5schuster@yahoo.com

Coronation of Morgan and Lusche

2011-03-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

The Shire of Rivenwood Tower

proudly presents

The

Coronation of Morgan and Lusche

April 9th, 2011 9:00 am to 10:00 pm

Fairmont National Guard Armory, 700 N Fairlakes Ave, Fairmont MN 56031
From exit 99 on I90 go south 1.4 miles to the 1st stop sign.
Turn left and go ¾ mile and the site is on the right.

Site Fee:

Adult & Teens $10

Children 12 and under free.

Non-Member Surcharge: $5

Feast: $10 Lunch: $5

No merchant table fee.

Checks payable to:

SCA- Shire of Rivenwood Towwer

Site is wet and hadicapped-accessible.

Deadline for reservations is April 1, 2011.

Event Steward: Bartel fits Neel (Bart Saxton)

1982 175th St., Fairmont MN 56031

mailto:bart@bsaxton.com

507-779-4101

Cancelled

2010-12-11T07:39:00.000-08:00

Yule Party Cancelled Due to Cruel Weather!

Shire Yule Party and December Business Meeting

2010-12-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

The Shire of Rivenwood Tower is hosting its Shire Yule Party

Saturday, December 11th, from 4pm – 9pm. It will be held at the Garden City Community Room .

Come in Garb or as you are. Refreshments are potluck, period or no. Remember your Feast Gear. (Feast Gear) Games and diversions planned to maketh one merry. All are welcome!

- Good King Wnceslas looked out
on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about,
Deep and thick and even.

The Monthly Business Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Yule Party.

St. Radegund's Fair Class Schedule

2010-08-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

St. Radegund's Fair
Saturday

All classes will be held in the Sheep Barn unless otherwise specified. See Map.

Wattle and Daub 9:00 am. Learn three different wattling techniques and how to mix and apply daub to a wall. Learn different soil types and which manure to use. All poop is not the same! This will be a two to three hour class. This is also a HANDS ON class. Due to the nature of wattle and daub construction, water, mud, and manure are involved. It will require a change of clothes and physical involvement. It is also fun! (This class will be held just outside the Sheep Barn.)

Paper Making 9:00 am. Make your own piece of paper. This class will be open throughout the day.

Viking Punched Jewelry 9:00 am. Make your own piece of Viking punched jewelry. This class will be open throughout the morning as it will take individuals varying times to complete their piece of jewelry depending on how intricate their design.

Greenwood Feast Gear Carving 10:30 am. Carve your own piece of feast gear from green cottonwood. You will be shown how to carve a bowl, trencher, or spoon. Materials will be provided but if you have a good sharp hatchet to bring with you to class; it will facilitate you working on your own project much sooner. (You won’t have to wait in line!) This class will run longer than one hour. (This class will be held in the Bacchus Court.)

Tin Whistle 10:30 am. Learn a bit about the tin whistle and the music it plays. A tin whistle will be provided.

Beginning Bobbin Lace 10:30 am. Learn the beautiful art of lace making. Materials will be provided for you to experience and be bitten by the bug!

Who Am I? Fleshing Out Your Persona 12:00 pm. Are you feeling like a Celt? A Norse woman with land? A merchant from Andalusia? Learn how to choose, research, and bring to life your SCA persona.

Finger Loop Braiding 12:00 pm. Learn the useful and beautiful technique of finger loop braiding. Make strong and beautiful cords to enhance garb, tie shoes and boots, or use as purse strings. Fun and easily achieved!

Charcoal Pencils 12:00pm. Learn to make your own charcoal pencils to use on your handmade paper!

Intro to Western Martial Arts. 12:00pm This is an intro level class on the history and technique of Western Martial Arts. You will gear up and learn how to stand , move, strike, and defend. (This class will be held in the list field.)

Feast Planning 1:30pm. Learn to plan a feast! Have you felt daunted by the prospect of planning and carrying out a feast for your event? You will not feel that way again after attending this class. The trick is all in the planning! Taught by one with over a decade of Feastocrat experience; she has successfully taught others to plan and carry out feasts! Preparation is the destroyer of fear!

Siesta!
2:30 pm – 6:00 pm
Classes continue…..

St. Radegund's Fair

2010-07-29T08:27:00.000-07:00

St. Radegund's Fair will be held August 20th, 21st, and 22nd at Jack McGowan's Farm . Site/Camping fee will be $15.00 with a $5.00 non member sir charge.There is a family cap at $45.00. There will be a pot luck feast on Saturday evening.

Though we have a goodly amount of classes already, we are always looking for more classes and instructors! St. Radegund herself required all women who came to her abbey, regardless of station, to be literate. She kissed lepers to the dismay of those around her. She told off kings and princes. In this wonderful tradition of "No Respecter Of Persons" , we in Rivenwood Tower believe ALL have something worthy to share! Do you know how to make one fabulous period dish? Can you whip up a tunic the night before? Do you know useful Latin phrases? Can you recite the Lord's Prayer in Old English? Can you write something in the Gothic calligraphy style? Can you do naalbinding? If you felt the least little tug at your conscience at any of these things, perhaps it was the good Saint poking you in the back. Please send your class idea and intent to: St. Radegund class coordinator Anna Schuster.

Some classes we have already:
Paper Making
Charcoal Pencils
Medieval Pot Herbs in Your Backyard
Wattle and Daub Construction
Beginning Tin Whistle
Greenwood Feast Gear Carving
Feast Planning
Period Dancing
Death By Heat: How To Recognise the Signs
Intro to Western Martial Arts
New-
Viking Punched Jewelry
Beginner Bobbin Lace
Finger Loop Braiding
Who Am I? Fleshing Out Your Persona

Plus

Archery and Heavy Fighting!

May Party

2010-05-11T07:24:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 15, 2010 the forming group of Oubliette will host the annual May Party beginning at 10:00am and continuing until we tire out -

"BYODBNODAPABT" - Bring Your Own Dead But Not Overly Decayed Animal Parts And Burn Them!

Bring whatever you wish to toast over the fire and The good people of Oubliette will treat us with side dishes! Remember to bring your own feast gear, paper or otherwise. Garb is optional but fun!

Attention all fighters! Bring your armor and weapons. We will be fighting for the title of Shire Chanmpion! The prize is the honor of keeping the Champion's Tabard until it is won away from you!

Also, the Stick Game champion will be named!

Where: Cedar Creek Park Cedar Park Road Fairmont, MN 56031
Cedar Creek Park

MLC Renaissance Fair

2010-04-26T06:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday and Sunday, May 1st and 2nd, The Shire of Rivenwood Tower will be doing a demonstration at the Martin Luther College Renaissance Fair in German Park in New Ulm.

We will be setting up at 8:00 am in the park. The fair begins Saturday at 9:00 am and runs until 5:30pm and Sunday runs from 10:00am until 2:30 pm.

Anyone may come to participate or come and enjoy the fair.

CANCELLED!

2010-04-22T16:40:00.000-07:00

Apologies! The Garb Workshop for Saturday, April 24th is cancelled due to unavoidable work schedules!
Another Garb Day will be done in future.

Garb Workshop

2010-04-22T05:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday, April 24th will be held a Garb Workshop at the Prahl's home. Come and spruce up your existing garb or start some new. For new people; the first and only true requirement for participation in the SCA is appearing at events in "Garb"(period looking clothing). Bring along fabric (your choice but NOT knit - stretchy material) in cotton, linen or wool. (You may ask at the fabric store. It is also printed on the end of the bolt - roll of fabric.) Bring also some matching sewing thread - sold also at the fabric store. You will want to bring 4 yards of a main color and 2 yards of a different or contrasting color.

If you have a pattern already that you are interested in bring it along if you need guidance.

Title: Garb workshop
When: Sat Apr 24 11am – 5pm Central Time
Where: Mike's & Linda's House http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

April 11th Business Meeting

2010-04-06T08:27:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 11th at 2:00pm will be held the Shire of Rivenwood Tower's monthly Business Meeting at Jack McGowan's. Find Jack McGowan's.
(Join the Shire Group Discussion)

We will be discussing:

MLC Ren Fair
St. Radegund's Fair - event positions and advertising
Demo's - Solstice, Rock Bend, MSU
May Party hosted by Oubliette
Summer scheduling - armory,fighter practice, archery (REMEMBER to bring your personal calendars!)

Also: Ways to re-activate/reinterest shire members. Come with solutions to suggest and discuss.

ATTN. WE ARE LOOKING FOR FUTURE OFFICER CHANGES! Consider stepping forward to serve the Shire.

Medieval Gardening

2010-03-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Tansy - Hang in your doorway to discourage flies.
Wormwood - To dispel parasites, repel moths, and brew absinthe.
Salad Burnet - cucumber flavored salad green.
Comfrey - setting of bones and healing of wounds.

Plantain - poultices and infusion for coughs.
Melissa - (Lemon Balm) strewing herb and
lemon scented flavoring.
Pulses - beans and peas.
Fat Hen - pot herb similar to spinach.
Teasle - thorny seed heads used to card and full
wool.

These and many other plants were grown in medieval gardens. Anyone interested in participating in a Shire medieval garden project contact Anna Schuster at. anna5schuster@yahoo.com

Post Mortem

2010-03-11T12:35:00.000-08:00

Lupercalia is successfully put behind us! It was indeed a success and enjoyed by all! The games were popular as was the auction. Thank you to all those who donated the most excellent items! The visiting Royalty, His Highness, Prince Tom, enjoyed the fighting and Bushkazi - thank you Mike Prahl! The feast was wonderful, thank you Jacob Weiss and Linda Prahl. Linda Prahl recieved a Balefire during court for her efforts in medieval cookery. Thank you to Dave Smith, Herald from Oubliette, who heralded court for the very first time! Our own herald, Melanie Wing, appointed herself child warden and policed very effectively juvenile mayhem. Thank you to Teresa Herbert for her work making site tokens and overseeing games. Thank you to Bart Saxton for donating his time and materials for the feast tokens, pewter belt buckles. They were very popular. Thank you to Gary Jensen and the Schuster peasant rabble for their hard work in the scullery and to the Prahl, Smith and Wing youth for their long hard work to make Lupercalia a happy day for our guests!

There is a lost and found. If you lost an item at Lupercalia please contact the seneschal at mailto:seneschal@rivenwoodtower.org

Lupercalia

2010-02-26T10:53:00.000-08:00

Lupercalia! Saturday, February 27th at the American Legion, Nicollet Mn. Troll opens at 9:00am and the event runs until 9:00pm. There will be Heavy Weapons fighting, Bunny Bushkazi, Games, Lunch, the Lupercalia Auction, Arts and Science display with the fun theme "Most Inconcievable", Court, and a Roman Themed Feast. There will be the children's and adult pinata.

Oubliette Feast and A Movie Demo

2010-02-19T08:18:00.000-08:00

The forming Group of Oubliette, sponsored by The Shire Of Rivenwood Tower, will be holding a Feast and Movie demonstration February 20th from 6:00 pm to 9:00pm at the Fairmont Film Society, 109 West 1st Street, Fairmont Mn. Cost is $10.00 for feast and the movie entertainment. The feature film is "The Princess Bride".

Lupercalia Pre-Cook Day

2010-02-19T08:02:00.000-08:00

We are doing some pre-freast cooking tomorrow, February 20th beginning at 11:00am at the Prahl's, Garden City, Mn. Address:621 Main St N Garden City, MN 56034

Come and lend a hand.

Phone:507.546.3726(eve)

http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

St. Radegund's Fair

2010-02-16T07:02:00.000-08:00

We are on the calendar!

St. Radegund's Fair

Rivenwood Tower Borders

2010-02-09T08:59:00.000-08:00

I have recieved a current map and list of zip codes from the Kindgom Cartographer. 56019, 56021, 56022, 56030, 56041, 56054, 56055, 56060, 56062, 56073, 56081, 56085, 56087, 56090, 56120, 56160, 56001, 56003, 56010, 56017, 56023, 56024, 56025, 56028, 56034, 56037, 56047, 56048, 56050, 56052, 56057, 56058, 56063, 56065, 56068, 56069, 56072, 56074, 56078, 56080, 56082, 56091, 56093, 56096, 56097, 56098, 56071, 56013, 56014, 56027, 56033, 56051

Auction Items

2010-02-03T08:23:00.000-08:00

We are in need of donated auction items for the Lupercalia Auction. Last year the generosity of the donations was exceptional! Any donations will be greatly appreciated. Last year some of the items donated were: period topic books, period clothing, handmade soap, the viking treasure necklace, glass bead trinkets, wool alms bags, and toy bean bag rats. Bring donations with you on Saturday, February 27th to the event. Lupercalia Contact the seneschal if you wish to donate so there can be a good estimate of auction donation volume.
mailto:seneschal@rivenwoodtower.org

Lupercalia February 27th

2010-02-01T08:11:00.000-08:00

Lupercalia is coming quickly! The Shire of Rivenwood Tower is hosting it's annual Lupercalia observation and feast. The day includes an Art's and Science display and fun competition with the theme of "Most Inconcievable". Bring your creations to show your skillful handiwork and cleverness. The popular Lupercalia Auction will be held again! Earn medieval coins by participating in the days activities to bid on donated auction items! There will be heavy weapons fighting and the Bunny Bushkazi! (What will the bunny be this year?) There will be a lunch in the middle of the day and a Roman Feast in the evening featuring hand made sausages, fresh cheese, Pompeiian bread, Ostrich stew, and varieties of baclava. Lupercalia Site Information

Come and join us, February 27th.

February Business Meeting

2010-01-27T05:59:00.000-08:00

After a long, wintery quiet spell, The Shire of Rivenwood Tower will be meeting 2:00pm on Sunday, February 7th, at Jack McGowan's Cabin.
Do not fear, there will be no locked doors this time as the seneschal will have her own key! The December meeting was caffuffled because Jack was in Las Vegas and forgot all about us. Not so this time!

We will be discussing Lupercalia, and all that that fast approaching event entails. Officers, be ready with your calendars and schedules. To all the rest of the populace of Rivenwood Tower is extended a most friendly invitation to attend! We are scattered far and wide and have tightly scheduled lives but find it in your schedules to come and help us plan! Rivenwood Tower is also yours and you are most welcome to voice how you would like us to make it so.

Business Meeting/Lupercalia Work Day

2009-12-28T12:18:00.000-08:00

Saturday, January 2nd we will be holding both the monthly Business Meeting followed by a Lupercalia work day. Both will be held in Garden City, Mn. at the Prahl's shop beginning at 11:00 am Saturday morning.
http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

Lovely Party

2009-12-21T06:11:00.000-08:00

The Yule Party was an extremely nice time! Thanks to all those who brought food and games. Jacob Weiss performed a Tea Ceremony. It was an entirely pleasant evening. We shall definitely be making use of the Welcome Center in Garden City again!

Yule Party December 19th

2009-12-14T12:32:00.000-08:00

Good People All,

You are all invited to the Rivenwood Tower Yule Party, Saturday December 19th
from 4pm-9pm at the Garden City Community Center. It is a potluck party. Bring
your favorite dishes - period or no - to share and impress.

The Garden City Community Center is the old Garden City High school on Main St. North and we have the kitchen,cafeteria, and gymnasium for the evening of December 19th. We will be playing games and engaging in all sorts of merriment, planned or otherwise.

Come in garb or not as you are so inclined or circumstances dictate.

- Good King Wenceslas looked out,
on the feast of Stephen,
when the snow lay round about,
deep and thick and even...

Garden City, Mn

December Business Meeting

2009-12-01T19:29:00.000-08:00

Sunday, December 6th at 2 pm, will be held the Shire of Rivenwood Tower's monthly Business Meeting. We will be meeting at Jack McGowan's. Address:20001 Hawkeye Ln, Mankato, MN
GPS coords:44 07 30 N 94 03 09 W

http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

Come and meet with us in the heated, rustic cabin to plan Lupercalia and talk general nonsense!

Herbal Remedy #2, Mint

2009-11-23T07:41:00.000-08:00

- Illustration from "Fuchs Botanical" - 1545

Mint (Mentha spp.) in all its varieties is useful medicinally. The mint used most commonly is peppermint (mentha piperita) because of its strength. The constituent valued in mint is menthol. Mint has great value in the easing of fevers, colds, and flu. What does it do?

Anti-catarrhal - helps remove excess mucus

Diaphoretic - promotes sweating: useful in fevers

Mint also is a mild anesthetic(will "numb" affected areas) and is useful internally against nausea and externally in soothing minor scrapes and burns. It is also anti-microbial (kills germs).

Remedy: 1 heaping teaspoon to 1 cup boiling water. Let steep for 10 minutes. Drink as often as needed. Use infusion (the tea) as a wash for itching skin or minor cuts, scrapes, or burns. The essential oil may be used as a concentrated ointment for the same injuries. It also has a "cooling" affect on the skin. Some find it unpleasant.

Where to find: Grow the herb (very, very easy to grow!) or find the dried herb as an Herbal Tea in your favorite supermarket.

All Day Armory

2009-11-20T13:39:00.000-08:00

Saturday, November 21st, from 10:00am - 5:00pm there will be held an All Day Armory at Mike Prahl's shop. http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=Mike's%20Shop%20%4044.052214%2C-94.163684

Bring something to grill for lunch!

Lupercalia Needs An Event Steward

2009-11-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Lupercalia is the Roman spring feast of fertility and our event in February. February 27th at the Nicollet Legion, Nicollet Mn. We are in need of volunteers, Event Steward being most pressing. Any volunteers contact the Seneschal at: seneschal@rivenwoodtower.org

Herbal Remedy #1, Fennel Seed

2009-11-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

Fennel (Foeniculum Vulgare) is a useful culinary and medicinal herb. The seeds have a mild anise/licorice like flavor. These seeds were once widely used to ease the stomach and as a remedy for flatulent dyspepsia.

Dyspepsia: indigestion.

Dyspeptic: a) of, causing, or having dyspepsia. b) gloomy, grouchy - noun. a person who suffers from dyspepsia.

Flatulence: excess gas in the stomach or intestines.

Flatulent Dyspepsia may indeed cause you to be gloomy or grouchy as it may drive away those who otherwise would cheer you, and being alone with your own flatulence can only deepen the gloom. Flatulent Dyspeptic can be a term of derision or an accurate description of your husband.

Remedy: Chew fennel seeds throughout the day or take an infusion of: 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds to 1 cup boiling water, three times a day until feeling less grouchy or flatulent.

Were to find fennel seeds: The spice aisle of your favorite supermarket.

Oubliette Sewing Day

2009-11-06T07:28:00.000-08:00

The Shire of Rivenwood Tower is sponsoring the newly forming group of Oubliette. This new shire will exist to the south and west of Rivenwood Tower and share borders. The members of Oubliette are a mix of individuals with long SCA experience and a good handful completely new to the Society.

Saturday, November 7th, Oubliette will be holding a Sewing Day for the creating of basic garb and teaching sewing techniques to those participating. The activity will be held from 1pm - 5pm at the Red Rock Center for the Arts, 222 East Blue Earth Avenue, Fairmont, MN 56031. http://www.martincountypreservation.org/redrock/index.html

Printing Day Pictures

2009-10-29T10:01:00.001-07:00

On October 17th we held a day for mutual elightenment. Jacob Weiss and Bart Saxton once again shared their tools and experience to provide us with the opportunity to try our hands at block printing.

We began by drawing out designs, transferring them to our blocks, carving them carefully with block carving tools, inking the finished blocks, and finally printing!

- Teresa Ebert carving a fleur de lis.
Gary Jensen examining the block press -

- (Above) botanical and bestiary prints carved by Anna and Laura Schuster.

- (Below) The only real wood block print made during the day, carved byBart Saxton . A very large print of the Rivenwood Tower
device .

New Calendar

2009-10-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

Our Herald and All Powerful Calender Goddess, Melanie Wing, has used her terrifying powers and created a calendar that all can access! Previously, only those on the Shire's Yahoo email list could access the Shire Calendar. We bow before her unfathomable computer powers and great goodness. (Here, regardless of bad knees, you must grovel appreciatively and strew flowers over her golden sandals.) http://frontiernet.net/~smwing/shireCal.html

Printing Day

2009-10-14T04:37:00.000-07:00

We will be doing some block printing Saturday, October 17th, at 1:00pm in Prahl's shop. http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

Thank you to the Prahl's for the generous and consistent use of their home for shire activities!

Fin

2009-10-12T06:03:00.000-07:00

History Fest is done! It was a good weekend albeit there occurred some unpredicted eventualities. The clay oven met with an accident and needs to be rebuilt. Jacob Weiss was my willing clay pit vassal until the temperatures plummeted and ice and snow dampened any zeal in that area. The crowds were also a little less enthusiastic because of the temperatures than in years past but cheerful nonetheless. Linda Prahl's great cauldrons of steaming soup every day kept everyone going. Ulfr, my favorite viking, joined us expecting a special pizza made in the oven and was cruelly disappointed by his biggest fan! (I will make one in the new oven!) Melanie Wing had a fantastic heraldic display, new this year. Gary Jensen demonstrated chain mail making inside a tent out of the weather. Bart Saxton hammered out coins this year and spread yet more "Bart Coins" throughout southern Minnesota.

We were happy to have such wonderful guest fighters! Antoline and son (many apologies for forgetting your name - but the handsome young man with the long dark hair and lovely voice) assisted in the fighting and impressed the bundled spectators. Thank you for coming! You are lovely guests!

Well, it snowed, the animals escaped only three times, the oven broke, and I forgot to bring back the big hot water kettle every day! No one was injured, no tempers flared - that I observed - and we actually were able to get a shire group picture! Not at all a bad History Fest!

History Fest Set Up

2009-10-06T06:28:00.000-07:00

Because of the rain and because the oven was only being moved yesterday, early set up has been forgone. Tomorrow, Wednesday October 7th, looks as if it will be a fine day. I will be assessing the state of the oven, digging pit kilns, and setting up an animal pen and therefore will be on site for a good portion of the day. Contact the seneschal if you wish to help. mailto:seneschal@rivenwoodtower.org

Jack McGowan's Farm is open all day and evening to reenactors setting up. The SCA site is down near the river in the same location as the past two years. (Look for a clay and stone oven.) Tent set up will need some helping hands. To contact Mike Prahl if you wish to help put up the Shire tent and three of the Prahl's tents or to find directions to Jack McGowan's go to: http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

There is a planned layout so contact the seneschal before setting up any tent or semi-permanent edifice.

Help will be greatly appreciated!

Anna Schuster

A Word On Feast Gear or Thrift Store Archaeology

2009-10-05T13:24:00.000-07:00

So, what is feast gear? Feast gear is your very own period appropriate mess kit. Oh my, you may think. No, don't be intimidated. Feast gear is as elaborate or as basic as you want it to be. Where do I get feast gear? There are many web sites that cater to medieval enthusiasts but what I am recommending here is quicker, easier, and cheaper for your first gear or to replenish your dwindling feast box. Check out your neighborhood thrift store. What? Yes.

Here is a list of easy things to pick up for your first feast gear kit.

Small wooden salad bowls - Wooden bowls have been in use since the dawn of time!

Small metal trays - They make great plates and are a good fake pewter "trencher".

Aluminum steins - They really aren't period but are better than a plastic tumbler and they don't break easily.

Your Ren Fest Goblets and Mugs - Great!

Silverware - These are a little more difficult to find pieces that look period so don't feel embarrassed if you just grab some out of the drawer at home - just bring some!

Two of the basic things you need to get off and running in the SCA are appropriate garb and your own feast gear. Other people bring their own and very rarely have some to offer the negligent or forgetful. It is a fairly easy acquisition and a point of pride to enjoy a period meal off of your "thrift store" archaeology!

History Fest

2009-10-05T13:09:00.000-07:00

History Fest is this week, October 8th, 9th, and 10th at Jack McGowan's Farm.
We will be doing the following demo's:
Armored Combat
Chain Mail Making
Coin Making
Rope Making
Baking in Clay Oven
Pit Kilns
Wheat Grinding
Heraldry
Flint and Steel Fire Lighting
Barnyard Animals
and
Open Fire Cooking - Which will feed all Rivenwood and Oubliette participants and Guests. Bring your feast gear!!!

Please come any or all days. Thursday and Friday 8:3o am - 2:30 pm. Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

For Directions to Jack McGowan's Farm or to contact the seneschal go to: http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

No Armory This Week

2009-10-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

There will be no armory this week because all will be setting up for History Fest.

Winter Business Meeting Location

2009-10-05T10:04:00.000-07:00

Beginning in November, monthly business meetings will be held at Jack McGowan's. The location will be which ever heated building is available. If the weather is unsafe for travel then the meeting will be postponed for a later date. The meetings will be held the first Sunday of the month at 2:00pm.

Business Meeting Change!

2009-10-04T05:46:00.000-07:00

The Business Meeting Will Be Held At Prahl's on account of the weather! http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/ for directions.

October Business Meeting

2009-10-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

The October Business Meeting is Sunday, October 4th. It will be held in Robinson Park, Lake Crystal Mn. 56055 at 5:00pm.

Turn off Hwy 60 onto Main St. by the DQ into Lake Crystal. Follow main street and turn left at the bank onto Robinson Street East. Follow Robinson St and turn left onto Logan or a block further onto Grove Street. Both streets take you into Robinson Park. We will meet in the picnic shelter. Look for the shire banner. (pictured)

Armory Night Change

2009-09-29T16:03:00.000-07:00

Armory night has been changed:

Armory Night: Wednesdays at 7:00pm in Prahl's shop, Address:621 Main St N Garden City, MN 56034Phone:507.546.3726(eve)

http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

Saturday 26th, and Sunday 27th of September

2009-09-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

Saturday, September 26th is Jackware Day. Make your own leather mug. 2:00pm

Sunday, September 27th is Sewing Day. Sew basic Garb. 1:00pm

Both held at Mike and Linda Prahl's, Garden City. http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

Sunday Sewing

2009-09-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

Sunday, October 27th will be held a Sewing Day. Beginning at 1:oopm at the Prahl's in Garden City. http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/ Bring four or more yards of prewashed fabric for each adult garment and a scissors.

Linda Prahl will assist people in making their own medieval T-tunic - a ubiquitous garment that is appropriate for Dark ages up through early medieval periods - and a pair of trousers. If you are thinking of something more complicated, such as Elizabethan styles, you may be disappointed in this session. This sewing day, however, will teach you the basics of sewing; making a pattern to fit you, cutting and piecing, using a sewing machine, and ultimately result in period garb you can wear to any event. Contact the seneschal with any questions.

History Fest

2009-09-24T06:57:00.000-07:00

History Fest is upon us once again! http://www.historyfest.com/

It is held at Jack McGowan's farm outside of Mankato Mn. http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

- baking in a clay oven

It is three days of historical demonstrations for local area school children and general populace. The Shire of Rivenwood Tower has participated in this great local event for over a decade and will do so again this year. We have a long list of demonstrations by shire members planned. Our group will be demonstrating baking in a clay oven, grinding wheat in a quern, armoured combat, chain maille making, coin striking, cooking over an open fire, rope making, and new this year, hands on heraldry, and medieval barnyard animals.

We have quite a few members now new to the shire that have never participated in History Fest. We are excited to have them with us. History Fest is a fun but extremely busy event. We could use more hands. Please do not feel intimidated or inadequate to participating! You will have a blast helping out!

History Fest begins Thursday, October 8th, 8:30am - 2:20pm. Friday, October 9th, 8:30am - 2:30pm. And Saturday, October 10th, 10:00am - 5:00pm. You may camp on site or day trip.

If you would like to participate please contact the seneschal at:mailto:seneschal@rivenwoodtower.org or post your intent to the yahoo list.

Jackware or Make Your Own Leather Mug

2009-09-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

There has been noticed a sad trend of SCA people coming to events without their own feast gear. Plus we have a happy handful of new people that may not have yet acquired their own feast gear. We have a special day planned to help remedy that! Saturday, September 26th is Jackware Day! Come and make your own leather mug. (If you have any pieces of vegetable tanned leather please bring it along! If not we hope to have some amount for people to use.) We will be meeting at Mike and Linda Prahl's shop at 2:00pm in Garden City. Find directions at http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

October Business Meeting

2009-09-18T09:51:00.000-07:00

The October Business Meeting has been changed to Sunday, October 4th. It will be held in Robinson Park, Lake Crystal Mn. 56055 at 5:00pm.

The meeting has been changed to make way for Joel and Kat's wedding.

Local Boy Makes Barbarian Chieftain

2009-09-18T09:42:00.000-07:00

Bart Saxton will be participating in the Roman defeat by Germanic warriors in Harmon Park Saturday, September 19th. He was cast as a barbarian chieftain by event coordinators to lead a group of about 12 to 15 warriors. It is a "scripted" fight and will be rehearsed before hand, no SCA type fighting. The actual battle reenactment begins at 5:00pm in Harmon Park, New Ulm below the Herman the German statue.

9 A.D. September 18th, 19th, 20th

2009-09-15T05:43:00.000-07:00

Roman Soldiers will march on New Ulm, Minnesota , this fall, 2009. Members of Legion XIIII - Milwaukee area - and the Legion X - Chicago area - will set up camp near the famous Hermann Monument . They are coming to recreate an important historical event. In the year 9 AD, Roman Legionnaires from the XVII, XVIII and XIX Legions fought a battle east of the Rhine River in northern Germany. The original battlefield in Germany , recently discovered by Tony Clunn, is helping tell the story. This was, in fact, such a decisive battle that it helped create the foundations for modern Europe .

The City of New Ulm and the Hermann Victory Committee are hosting a three-day Hermann Victory Celebration Friday , Saturday, and Sunday September 18-20, 2009 . A small-scale reenactment of the Battle of Teutoburger Wald will be part of this three-day event. Roman soldiers and German tribal “barbarians” led by Hermann the German (or Arminius as he was known to the Romans) will once again meet in the New Ulm “ Teutoburger Forest ” to set the course for the future of Germany. Local barbarians and those from nearby tribes are invited to enlist in the reenactment. Saturday afternoon at the Roman campsite, you can join one of the tribes: Hermann’s Cherusci Auxiliaries, the Bructeri, the Marsi, or form your own tribe. We’ll supply the face paint and some Cherusci Auxiliary uniforms. Learn a bit of the history, dress and arm yourself as they might have 2000 years ago. Saturday near sunset a reenactment of that battle will be staged. Varus and his Romans will march from their summer camp into the carefully planned ambush. History tells us one fall day in 9 AD Hermann the Cherusci and his tribal allies ended Roman expansion in that part of the world.Visit the camp Saturday afternoon (all barbarians welcome) and later that day on September 19, a 2000- year-old event in history will be revisited.Interested Romans and barbarians can contact http://us.mc376.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jkmake@gmail.comand visit the Hermannmonument.com website to learn more about the three- day event

Shire Shed Repair

2009-09-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Shire Shed is in dire need of repair. Come and assist in making needed improvements!

Saturday, Sept. 12th at 2:00pm at Gary Jensen's house in Minnesota Lake, Mn. Gary lives in Minnesota Lake on hwy 22 south of Mapelton. Gary's at 116 Lake Avenue. Going south on hwy 22, turn right at Lake Ave and go about 2 1/2 blocks. It is the white house on the left.

Tallow Lamps or Rejoice in Fatness!

2009-09-09T15:33:00.000-07:00

"...and let your soul delight itself in fatness." Isaiah 55:2

Now, before anyone gets rather too excited about the afore referenced quote, I rather think we all can appreciate the sentiment! Our medieval counterparts did! Fat: A modernly eschewed once luxury and necessity. A contradiction?

- Two replica pottery tallow lamps based on archaeological finds from southern England. They were fired in an Anglo-Saxon pit kiln. The fuel in the lamps is bacon grease...Mmmm, scented candles!

A fat animal was prize! Fat was first of all food. There was no Crisco, no Wesson. Other than olive oil, vegetable oil was not common. Lard, tallow, suet, poultry fat or schmaltz, were what people cooked in and with. Fat was added to meat and used to store meat in. Properly rendered fat has no moisture and lets in no air. (I had a 2 gallon crock of rendered beef tallow stay fresh for a year at room temperature. My grandma has a hideous story about a crock of lard and some rats...ask me about it sometime...)

Secondly, fat was a fuel. Here, finally, comes the point of my story. Fat was light! Beeswax candles were expensive and saved often for the church. (Wax candles were recorded gifts to churches.) Fat was the more common source of light for everyone, low and high. Rush lights, cattails soaked in tallow, tallow lamps with wicks of twisted linen cloth, all fueled with animal fat.

How do you make a tallow/fat lamp? Easy. You will need some sort of vessel to hold your fat in. Usually something small, about the size of a coffee cup is quite large enough. Next, you will need some sort of fat. Tallow is a fat that is hard at room temperature. (Beef, sheep, goat, and deer, all fall under this category.) Tallow has the advantage of not spilling when not in use and can be easily transported. (Perhaps a useful period camp light?) Lard and schmaltz (chicken, duck, and goose fat) are semi-liquid at warm room temperature and only solid when quite cool. All fat will need to be rendered from its original raw state. Raw fat may be trimmed off cuts of meat you have for dinner over time and saved up in the fridge, or go to your meat section or meat market and buy some. Don't feel odd about requesting some from your butcher and he may even ask you if you want it ground. Say yes! Ground suet, lard, or any fat renders down the best.

Next, put your fat and a few cups of water into a crock pot, electric roaster, or more period, a thick pot on the stove. (Whether a fire inside or out, you will need to tend this much more attentively. You decide how modernly busy or impatient you are.) Low heat is the key. Slowly heat your fat, stirring occasionally, until all is melted. The water will cook off and be gone. You want to melt the fat not "fry" it. If there is actual smoke involved you are way too hot! You will eventually see little golden bits floating in your amber colored melted fat. These are the "cracklings". Depending on your cholesterol level go ahead and strain these out and sprinkle with salt and enjoy! Pour your strained fat into the lamp vessel of your choice. While warm and liquid insert your wick. Choose a kerosene lamp wick, round or flat woven, or use a twist of 100 percent linen cloth you have a scrap from a garb project. Get the fat to draw up very close to the tip of your wick and light. The wick will need to lean against the side of your vessel without falling down into the fat. Too much wick above the surface of the fat is not desirable as you will have a high and vigorous flame! Fat lamps will smoke a bit more than candles but produce very usable light!

I look at my fat pig and fat steers a bit differently than once I did. You too will rejoice in fatness when you can light your way to the privy at night!

New Archery Schedule

2009-09-04T15:31:00.000-07:00

There is a new archery schedule. It will still be held at the Ingall's, 52834 Minnewaukon Ct North Mankato, MN 56003-4004 http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

Archery practice will still be held on Saturday afternoons but twice monthly. September 12, 2:00 pm and September 26, 2:00 pm.

The second practice of the month will be for special shoots!

Business Meeting/Post Mortem

2009-08-27T06:22:00.001-07:00

Date: Sunday August 30, 2009
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Location: Sibley Park, Mankato, Mn. 56001. We will be meeting in or near the gazebo that is in the vicinity of the petting zoo. Look for the Shire Banner (pictured).

Business Meetings are not exclusive to shire officers. Anyone interested is very welcome and would be a great time for new people (and some not so new anymore, qualifying as shire members by having been to more than one scheduled activity!) to meet shire members they do not normally encounter at fighter practice or armory nights. It would be fun for us too, to get to meet you and put a face to a name.

New Fighter Practice Time

2009-08-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

Over the years, we consistently have had Fighter Practice Sunday afternoons. As with all things, things change and I believe this is the time to rethink our choice of days that we have practice. I've asked the current crop of fighters for input as to alternate days and time and have only a limited response. So I'm going to propose a time and day and let everyone comment.I'd like to propose Monday evenings starting at 7 PM until 8:30 PM. This should allow our new fighters that are not able to attend weekend practices to participate. Hopefully college students shouldn't have many assignment due Tuesday that were assigned earlier in the day. This would allow us 'older', working people with families to have our weekends to get stuff done. From my foggy memory, few night classes are Monday night and tests are rarely scheduled for Tuesday.

I'm open to opinions and comments to alternate nights and times, but you have to communicate them with me. I'll be setting the schedule at the next business meeting next week, so I'll need to know before then.Please E-mail me through the list or off the list, Or you can call/talk with me one on one, or in a group. mailto:marshal@rivenwoodtower.org

Thanks everyone,
Your Groups Knight Marshal, Wilhelm

Schutzenfest

2009-08-18T09:12:00.001-07:00

Planned Activities: Archery , Bardic Activities , Equestrian
Loads of archery and equestrian activities!
Saturday and Sunday breakfast courtesy of Nordskogen Equestrians. Saturday lunch courtesy of Nordskogen Archers.

Tent camping or cabins, showers, flush toilets, and portas. Be prepared for woodticks and mosquitoes. Outdoor terrain, most buildings handicap accessible, HC toilets available.

-N.C. Wyeth The Black Arrow

Directions to Camp Elk River:
Find your best route to the junction of Hwy 10 and Hwy 169 near Elk River. Continue north on Highway 169 to Sherburne County Road 74. Turn right on Sherburne County Road 74 and drive about 1 mile to the point where the pavement ends and a gravel road begins. This is the entrance to Camp Elk River. Continue on the gravel road, following signs to the "Red Barn", about 3/4 of a mile to the SCA gate.

http://northshield.org/Events/EventAd.aspx?ID=547

Postponed

2009-08-15T12:40:00.001-07:00

Shire Shed Assesment will be postponed until a later date!

Shire Shed Assessment

2009-08-13T14:05:00.001-07:00

Sunday, August 16th will be SHIRE SHED ASSESSMENT DAY! 2:00pm Gary Jensen's house, in Minnesota Lake, Mn. We will be meeting at Gary's and assessing just what repairs need to be made and what will be involved in moving the shed. As the event took up a great deal of time and effort up until this point, clear plans for the shed have not been devised. We will be making these plans on the 16th. http://maps.google.com/maps?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4GGLG_enUS311US311&q=minnesota+lake+mn&um=1&ie=UTF-8&split=0&gl=us&ei=uIKESt6dAov4NeXRldwL&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1

Patron Saint Of Sore Feet

2009-08-12T07:25:00.000-07:00

For Jacob Weiss:

Saint Servatus is the patron saint of foot troubles, lameness and rheumatism. He is also invoked against rats and mice.

Perhaps we need a couple of pilgrim badges of good Saint Servatus for "post-event" blessings.

He is also depicted with three wooden shoes. Perhaps the cause of his foot woes?

Fin

2009-08-10T08:26:00.001-07:00

St. Radegund's is now over except for the unpacking. (Sigh) We shall all need a few days to rehydrate and nurse sore feet, backs, and sunburns. There seemed to have been nothing but general approval of the event and trickle down reports convey pleasure in the classes offered.

There were no major misfortunes during the event other than some heat related maladies among the class instructors.

Thank you to the class instructors both from the shire and from places afar!

Thank you to the archery marshalls and to the heavy weapons marshall for providing a great time for those who participated in the activities.

On a personal note, thanks to all who helped clean up Jack's big back yard though, happily, most of the mess was not event-generated. I would like to publicly give special thanks to my rescuers, Mike and Linda Prahl, and to Bart Saxton. And thank you to Jeff and Patrice who would have hauled me and my stranded gear one tiny load at a time. You are all exceptional people.

St. Radegund's Fair

2009-08-06T13:22:00.000-07:00

St. Radegund's Fair August 7th, 8th, and 9th.
at Jack McGowan's Farm, 20001 Hawkeye Ln, Mankato, MN. http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

St. Radegund's Fair Archery Schedule

2009-08-04T14:53:00.001-07:00

Friday
9:00pm, inspection
9:30,Torchlight shoot ( this is tentative, dependant upon how many people want to shoot.)
Saturday
9:00am, inspection
9:30, Slot shoot
11:am Open range
12:noon, Lunch break
2:pm, Castle shoot
3:pm, Prize shoot. (Head shoot)
4:pm, Open range
5:pm, end
Saturday night:
9:pm, inspections
9:30, Torchlight shoot

Archery And Heavy Weapons At St. Radegund's

2009-08-03T09:53:00.000-07:00

There will be Archery and Heavy Weapons activities at St. Radegund's Fair this year! Many diverse shoots have been created by the Shire's archery marshalls Darin Ingalls and Bill Miller. Come with your equipment. Inspections will begin 9:00 am, Saturday, August 8th.

Heavy Weapons activities will also be held. Individual training with the
possibility of authorizations, depending upon availability of marshals attending.

Tick, Tick, Tick....

2009-08-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

Seven days until St. Radegund's Fair!

Forseeing The Future

2009-07-30T08:03:00.000-07:00

The long range weather forecast for St. Radegund's is somewhat troublesome. The highs are for upper 70's and low 80's cooling to the upper 50's and low 60's at night, which seems far from sinister. However, the chance for notable thunderstorms varies between 40 to 60 percent. Hmmm...

http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/56001

Of course your favorite soothsayer, wizard, or philosopher may predict differently.

August 1st

2009-07-29T10:06:00.001-07:00

Saturday, August 1st, is the scheduled Business Meeting for the Shire of Rivenwood Tower. It will be at 2:00pm at Jack McGowan's Farm. http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/ As his farm is heavily booked during summer weekends, we will be meeting wherever we are not in the way. Keep an eye out for Shire member's vehicles so you don't crash someone else's party!

There will also be a St. Radegund's planning meeting at 1:00pm for the Event Stewards, Class Coordinator, and Hall Stewards also at Jack's before the business meeting. They will then be somewhat more prepared to relate status to the entire group.
- Perhaps the beekeeper finds she needs a pet bear with bees the size of chickens!

Class Descriptions For St. Radegund's Fair

2009-07-28T07:10:00.001-07:00

Medieval and Renaissance Music
Informal Playing Session:
Join the Warwick Consort in the playing of Medieval and Renaissance instrumental music.

Basic Soft Cheese:
We will be setting a basic soft cheese from whole raw milk. Recipes will be handed out along with your fabulous, indispensable piece of basic cheese making equipment – your reusable cheesecloth! Class charge of $2.00 if you want a cheesecloth.

Firing Pottery in a Pit Kiln:
We will be firing up a pit kiln, based on Anglo-Saxon pit kilns. The kiln will be pre-dug and this first firing of pottery will be pre-heating for several hours before the actual firing.

Period Fishing Line:
We will braid period fishing line out of horse tail and how to tie it to period fish hooks.

Build a Clay Oven:
We will be building a small – big or small the principle is the same and takes vastly less time and grunt work! – a small clay oven based on a medieval woodcut of street bakers. The clay will be dug on site. Be prepared to get very muddy! We will dry the clay oven and bake in it! Note: This will be a two and a half hour class!

Tie A Fish Net:
We will tie a circular scoop net using a willow withe and strong fine cord.

Fire The Big Stone and Clay Oven:
We will - as we fire the small clay oven to dry it - simultaneously fire the large clay oven on site to pre-heat it for the afternoon of baking! This oven was originally created at the first St. Radegund’s fair. It was dismantled and reassembled onto a portable platform and given a clay
outer coating rather than the original sod one.

Bread Making:
We will be making bread dough to create different breads to be baked in the two clay ovens, i.e. Focaccia, whole wheat trenchers, and good old Hot Crossed Buns.

Medieval Pot Herbs:
We will discuss two forgotten medieval greens you can find in your back yard and garden and create two recipes using them to bake in the ovens. Have you eaten Nettles or Fat Hen?

Bake, Bake, Bake!
The class title says it all!

Die making for Coiners, metal stampers and Leatherworkers:
Learn the basics of making metal punches. The punches can then be used to make dies. The dies in turn can be used for striking coins, embossing metal for decoration or embossing leather. Or use the punches directly to chase metal or tool leather.

Beginning Beadmaking:
No experience needed. There will be a demo at 2pm showing the preparation and process for making beads. Students will then make their own bead. There will be many colors of glass to choose from. If time allows students will be able to create more than one bead. Beads will be
cleaned and available for pickup 30 minutes after the end of class. There is no cost for the class.

Basic Engraving:
The bare nubins of the begining of engraving metal.

Basic Casting:
The bare nubins of the beginning of casting metal.

Rope Splicing and Knots:
The basic splices and knot theory.

Period Dance:
Belle's dance class. Learn a few of the most common SCA period dances. Don't be a wall flower any longer!

The Life, Times, and Works of Agnolo Bronzino (1503-1572):
Agnolo Bronzino[1] was an Italian Mannerist painter of the 16th Century. He was a founding member of The 'Accademia delle Arti del Disegno[2] ("Academy of the Arts of Drawing") of Florence. The class will look at his works. and those of some of his contemporaries, with particular emphasis on sources of inspiration for costuming and craft work in the
SCA.

A Stop Along The Way:
Pub, tavern, inn, gasthaus, trattoria... Call it what you will, the local watering hole is a fundamental component of our mental image of a Medieval or Renaissance town. Whether persona-based role playing or SCA activity, the 'local' can provide a base for welcoming newcomers and creating a 'period' atmosphere at an event. This free-wheeling round table discussion will explore the concept. Albrecht will introduce the topic, but participants are encouraged and expected to contribute their own visions of the perfect inn. Bring your lunch to this open discussion.

Construct an Early Period Northern European Tunic:
This is a hands on class. Please bring fabric and matching thread. There will be limited fabric available for purchase at cost. I will provide sewing machines and other needed tools. You may bring your own sewing machine if you wish. If there's time I can review how to make simple pants.

Smoking Cheese and Meat:
This is a hands on class to demonstrate firing, construction and use of a pit smoker. Smoker with be started on Friday night, meat will placed in Friday night and cheese in Saturday Morning. Class will finish on Saturday before the potluck feast with the removal and serving of the
smoked item.

Byzantine Chain:
Intro to making chain in the Byzantine style. Three basic styles will be demonstrated. This is a hands on class.

Paper making:
This is a hands on class. Get wet and make paper.

Period Pencil Making:
Make charcoal pencils from grape vine cuttings. This class involves the use of an open fire. This is a hands on class.

Eleven Days Until St. Radegund's!

2009-07-28T06:45:00.000-07:00

nly eleven days left! August 7th, 8th, and 9th the Shire of Rivenwood Tower will be hosting St. Radegund's Fair as the Kingdom of Northshield's Arts & Science Event! There will be a judged Arts & Science competition. Bring your best creative endeavor with it's documentation and enter!

The Fair will be held at Jack McGowan's Farm just south of Mankato, Mn.
Site fee is $15.00 for adults, 16 years and under free with a maximum of $45.00 for a family. Make Checks payable to SCA-Shire of Rivenwood Tower. Merchants welcome and free. No Pre-Reg required. Camping is basically primitive. There is access to water pumps, port-a-potties, buildings with electricity for classes and in the case of very inclement weather. The site is child friendly - having been designed specifically for the education of children old or young - with a large shaded play area.

Site Opens 9am Friday, Aug 7 and closes Sunday 2pm at the Jack McGowan Farm. Township Rd 198, Mankato MN 56001. NOTE: Township Rd 198 is Hawkeye/Shamrock Lane http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/mcgowan-map.png

Pilgrim Badge Event Work Day

2009-07-20T13:53:00.001-07:00

Saturday, July 25th will be a St. Radegund's work day. We will be casting pewter pilgrim's badges for site tokens. The casting will be done at 1:00pm in Prahl's Shop, 621 Main St N Garden City, MN 56034. http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=44.052214,-94.163684&ie=UTF8&ll=44.052311,-94.163046&spn=0.006323,0.018454&z=16 Come and help cast or just come and meet us and socialize!

- St. Dunstan, the patron saint of metalworkers, bell makers, jewelers, and engravers.

Pilgrim Badges

2009-07-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Pilgrim's Badges were small tokens created early in the middle ages to satisfy the throngs of pilgrims that came to holy sites seeking for the blessings of the saints. Instead of allowing the devotees to walk away with finger and toe bones, the cathedrals and abbeys housing the sought after relics had small pewter trinkets made that were "infused" with the "virtue" of the holy relics. The pilgrims could take home these little tokens to show that they had made pilgrimage and to bring home some of the saints virtue to protect them or to bestow upon someone not able to make the pilgrimage themselves.

"Pilgrims" to St. Radegund's Fair will take home a badge to show their piousness in making the trek to The Shire of Rivenwood Tower and the saint's fair held therein. Pictured are a sample of some of the badges that were experimented with and that will be cast on the next event work day.

We're Still Here

2009-07-16T08:57:00.000-07:00

The Shire Of Rivenwood Tower is still here. Summer has been busy. Shire members have been occupied with gardening, jobs, families, attending events around the Kingdom, and filling in the free moments in their schedules with weekly Armory Night, Arrow Making, and Archery Practice.

Class Coordinator Melanie Wing, and Event Steward Bart Saxton with his assistant the youthful Teresa, have been busy preparing for the Shire's upcoming Kingdom Arts and Science Event, St. Radegund's Fair. There is a lot to do in preparations and upcoming work days will be posted. Please, feel free to come and participate or just meet the group and socialize. We will be casting pewter pilgrim's badges on the next work day. Place and time will be posted soon. A class listing for the event will be posted at http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

Heraldry

2009-07-09T07:55:00.000-07:00

A staple reference book for SCA heraldry is now available for free download from Fox-Davies. "A Handbook to English Heraldry" by Fox-Davies can now be accessed on GoogleBooks. While the work focuses mainly on later period English heraldry, it is still useful as a tool to those who wish to learn more about heraldic history, or to look at examples of historic heraldry. "The handbook to English Heraldry" by Charles Boutell, Arthur Charles Fox-Davies, R. B. Utting http://books.google.com/books?id=_xdMAAAAMAAJ&source=gbs_navlinks

- Thanks to Bart Saxton for this information.

St. Rad Work Day...

2009-06-27T17:58:00.000-07:00

Thank you for making it a successful work day! We now have a beautiful banner for the event! We now have the faux soapstone to carve into a mold for site tokens! We now have a new friend, Jacob! The old arrow wound in his arm clinched it...

Attention! Sunday Business Meeting

2009-06-26T07:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 28th will be held the Monthly Business Meeting for July! It will be held at Sibley Park, Mankato Mn. at 2:00pm. Look for the Shire banner (pictured) for location. It is this weekend because next weekend, the normally scheduled weekend, is the day after the 4th of July! Because of the holiday many of the officers would not be able to attend. Also, time is closing in for our August event, St, Radegund's fair. We will be scheduling several more Event Work Days. Please attend so these days can be scheduled! Remember, have your class descriptions to Melanie Wing - Goddess of the Schedule - by Sunday! We will be posting a reasonably comprehensive class listing this first week of July!

St. Radegund Work Day

2009-06-25T06:44:00.000-07:00

Saturday, June 27th from 2:00pm to 5:00pm there will be held a work day for the upcomeing event. We will be painting the banner purchased for last years event but never used. We will be working on site tokens, cast pewter pilgrim badges. The work day will be held at the Schuster hovel. 21878 505 Avenue, Lake Crystal Mn. 56055 http://tinyurl.com/kqwdcj

Directions to the Schuster Hovel:

Take Hwy 60 to Lake Crystal.
Turn North onto Couty Road 20.
Drive approx. 5 mi to the first tar crossroad - co. rd. 11
Turn left onto co rd 11
Drive approx. 1/2 mile through an "S" curve and turn RIGHT/North onto 505 Ave. (505 Ave. will also be on your left/south. Do not turn left! Continue through the curve until you can turn right/north onto 505 Ave.)
505 is a gravel township. Schuster's are the 3rd driveway on the LEFT. It is way off the road.

Call For Teachers!

2009-06-23T18:49:00.000-07:00

St. Radegund's Faire August 7-9

Come share your knowledge at St. Radegund's Faire hosted by the Shire of Rivenwood Tower (Mankato MN). This year it's a Kingdom A&S Faire! We have many areas for classes: some inside with lights and electricity. We have a building for armoring and hot metal work and vast outdoor areas. Currently we are planning classes Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon with a generous noon break. To volunteer to teach or do an A&S demo please provide the following to the class coordinator:

1. Your SCA name

2. mundane name and contact info

3. the title of the class

4. description of the class

5. duration of the class

6. preferred time(s) to teach (morning or afternoon, Friday or Saturday)

7. whether the class is limited by sign-ups

8. fee for handouts or materials (if applicable)

9. whether it is open to children (specify ages, if adult needs to be present)

10. special needs (tables, running water, ability to heat, etc.)

Class Coordinator Lady Maryam bint Wahib ibn Ahmad

aka Melanie Wing 952-492-2103

herald@rivenwoodtower.org (herald AT rivenwoodtower.org)

http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/radegund-44.pdf

Archery Practice

2009-06-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

Date:
Saturday June 20, 2009
Time:
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: Darin and Gretchen Ingall's

ttp://rivenwoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/06/archery-practice.html

- Again, N.C Wyeth.

Fighter Practice

2009-06-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

Date:
Sunday June 21, 2009
Time:
2:00 pm - 7:00 pm

MSU Mankato MN
Outside Performing Arts Building, In the Myers Field House (if below 50 or raining)

- Okay, N.C. Wyeth is not period but soooo cool!

Solstice

2009-06-17T08:54:00.001-07:00

Sunday, June 21'st is Solstice, a music and arts event in Land of Memories Park, in Mankato Minnesota. http://www.solsticemankato.com/ The Shire of Rivenwood Tower will be doing a demo in support of Jack McGowan's History Fest. The proceeds of the event go to support the three day History Fest held in October on Jack McGowan's Farm which the Shire attends every year. Set up is at 9:00am. Gates open at 12:30pm and it runs until 10:30 pm. Bart Saxton at bart@bsaxton.com , is the coordinator of the demo.

Fat Hen And Crofter Feta Galette

2009-06-15T11:09:00.000-07:00

Chenopodium Album or Fat Hen (Lamb's Quarters in the U.S.) is in the same family as spinach - the Chenopodiaceae. It tastes very like spinach...but more of it; spinach plus! It is rampant in my garden - I wish everything else germinated and grew like it! - so instead of fighting it, I decided to eat it! Here follows a recipe for peasant food extraordinaire.

Pick several generous handfuls of Fat Hen. (A few new onions are good too...) Fat Hen is best up to six or seven inches high - bigger and you will just want the leaves. Wash the green and shake excess water off. Remove the tougher stems. Fat Hen, near the tops where the new growth emerges, has a strange grayish, granular coating on the underside of the leaves. You will feel this as you handle them. It is not dirt and you would waste an afternoon trying to "wash it off". It is harmless and is not gritty when you eat it. Now for your galette. (A galette is a rustic, free form pie or tart.)

Fat Hen and Feta Galette

Chop two cups of the Fat Hen. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix together:
2 eggs
1 cup of feta cheese and
1 cup of ricotta cheese.
1/4 cup chopped onion
salt and pepper to taste.

(I make my own fresh soft cheeses and a sharp cottage cheese is one. Store bought feta plus ricotta comes out a close approximation to what I use.)

Stir in the Fat Hen to the cheese and egg mixture.

Next, spoon the thick mixture into the center of a rough ten inch circle of pastry dough. Leave about three inches of dough around the edges, you will fold this up to make your galette.

(My savory pastry dough: 2 cups any flour; 3/4 cup side pork or bacon drippings, or home rendered lard with cracklings still in it.

Mix oil in well. Add 1/4 cup cold water and mix in. If you need to, add more water - just as much as will bind your dough together - You do not want it wet! Roll or press into shape.)

Bake in a pre-heated oven at 350 -400 degrees F. for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Fat Hen, Lamb's Quarters, that blankety-blank weed, or whatever you prefer to call it is a delicious, and nutritious green sadly forgotten. You can enjoy your peasant status while eating this anciently used plant - and after my adventures in medieval peasant eating I believe they ate really pretty well! That, and it is an unbelievably satisfying way of getting it out of your garden!

The College of Rivenwood Tower

2009-06-13T10:31:00.000-07:00

Please welcome the "College of Rivenwood Tower" to SCA!

College of Rivenwood Tower *RSO Category*: Special InterestPresident Justin Kent. Advisor Jeffrey Hundstad. Meeting Info: Sundays in Myers Field House. Mission: The College of Rivenwood Tower's purpose is to study and reenact medieval times so as to educate its members and fellow students. The processes by which CRT will do this include, but are not limited to:Research, Interviews, Tours, Experiments, Western Style Martial Arts(including the modern sport of fencing), and Reenactment.

http://www.mnsu.edu/supersite/directories/rso/details.php?name=College+of+Rivenwood+Tower

Archery Practice

2009-06-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

Saturdays at 2:00pm at the Ingall's home is held Archery Practice.
Bring your gear or, for newcomers, use both the Shire's and our archery marshall in training Bill Miller's loaner archery equipment. The Ingall's live at 52834 Minnewaukon Ct North Mankato, MN 56003-4004. http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/darin_ingalls.jpg

June Business Meeting Sunday

2009-06-05T11:42:00.000-07:00

At 2:00pm Sunday, June 7th, at Sibley Park, Mankato Mn. we will hold our Monthly Business Meeting. We are hoping for a happy turn out. We will be meeting in the area of the petting zoo. Drive around until you see our Shire Device (pictured) on bumper stickers. Business meetings are, of course, for the purpose of Shire business but are open to any and all within shire boundaries! Come and observe and contribute! We will be talking about the regular monthly requireds but also will be spending a good chunk of time discussing the upcoming event in August; St. Radegund's Fair.

Arrow Making

2009-06-02T09:57:00.001-07:00

Arrow Making is every Wednesday evening at Bill Miller's house in Eagle Lake, Mn. It starts at 7:00pm and goes until you leave. Bill wants people to know that it is a "smoking friendly" venue. Bill's house can be located at 107 Parkway Eagle Lake, MN 56024. http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=44.16317,-93.879166&ie=UTF8&ll=44.164413,-93.872123&spn=0.011729,0.039911&z=15&iwloc=addr He will get you on your way to being a fletcher.

Armoury Night

2009-06-01T14:06:00.001-07:00

Armoury nights have been changed to Tuesday evenings instead of the usual Thursday nights it has previously been. Armoury shall now

be held every Tuesday from 6:30 pm until 10:00pm at the Prahl shop at 621 Main St N Garden City, MN 56034. http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=44.052214,-94.163684&ie=UTF8&ll=44.052311,-94.163046&spn=0.006323,0.018454&z=16

Mike Prahl and sundry others will help you start your own armor,

chain or plate.

Meeting Minutes

2009-06-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

The St. Radegund's planning meeting went as follows:

We discussed class schedule, (there will be a two hour mid-day break), class placement, troll(garbage bags to be handed out with site token), creating a St. Radegund's Banner from the banner material purchased last year but never used, parking, camping sites, A&S display/competition will be held exclusively in the cabin, Anna Schuster will be Hall Steward.
Bart Saxton is Event Steward. Melanie Wing is Class Coordinator.
http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/radegund-44.pdf

St. Radegund's Planning Meeting

2009-05-27T07:37:00.000-07:00

Another one? Yes. Saturday, May 30th at 2:00pm at Sibley Park, Mankato, Mn. The Event Steward, Class Coordinator, and Seneschal will be there. Please feel free to come with ideas. Other people needed for planning are the Marshall, archery personnel, class teachers, and volunteers of all sorts.
http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/radegund-44.pdf

St. Radegund depicted on the seal of her priory with staff, book, and alms purse.

Anna's Apiary

2009-05-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

On June 4th two three pound packages of bees will arrive at the Schuster small holding. Though skeps would be lovely and period they are sadly not permitted to house bees in the U.S. - sadly because of their picturesqueness but skeps are unfortunate in the destructive way in which honey needs to be extracted. The little Italian beauties will be introduced into their Langstroth boxes in the evening hours to encourage them to stay. Anyone wanting to witness the process may contact the seneschal at http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/ for details on dress and bee etiquette. Perfume, noise and erratic movements not recommended.

Barbarians Wanted

2009-05-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

I received this invitation from the coordinator of this event in New Ulm, Minnesota. He "discovered" the SCA during a demo our shire did there a few weeks ago. He is putting out a call for Germanic "barbarians" to participate. Perhaps there are some among you which may hear this unique call to battle. Here is his invitation:

Romans March on New Ulm This Fall 2009
Roman Soldiers will march on New Ulm, Minnesota , this fall, 2009. Members of Legion XIIII Milwaukee area and the Legion X Chicago area will set up camp near the famous Hermann Monument . They are coming to recreate an important historical event.
In the year 9 AD, Roman Legionnaires from the XVII, XVIII and XIX Legions fought a battle east of the Rhine River in northern Germany . The original battlefield in Germany , recently discovered by Tony Clunn, is helping tell the story. This was, in fact, such a decisive battle that it helped create the foundations for modern Europe .
The City of New Ulm and the Hermann Victory Committee are hosting a three-day Hermann Victory Celebration Friday , Saturday, Sunday September 18-20, 2009 .
A small-scale reenactment of the Battle of Teutoburger Wald will be part of this three-day event. Roman soldiers and German tribal “barbarians” led by Hermann the German (or Arminius as he was known to the Romans) will once again meet in the New Ulm “ Teutoburger Forest ” to set the course for the future of Germany .
Local barbarians and those from nearby tribes are invited to enlist in the reenactment. Saturday afternoon at the Roman campsite, you can join one of the tribes: Hermann’s Cherusci Auxiliaries, the Bructeri, the Marsi, or form your own tribe. We’ll supply the face paint and some Cherusci Auxiliary uniforms. Learn a bit of the history, dress and arm yourself as they might have 2000 years ago.
Saturday near sunset a reenactment of that battle will be staged. Varus and his Romans will march from their summer camp into the carefully planned ambush. History tells us one fall day in 9 AD Hermann the Cherusci and his tribal allies ended Roman expansion in that part of the world.
Visit the camp Saturday afternoon (all barbarians welcome) and later that day on September 19, a 2000- year-old event in history will be revisited.
Interested Romans and barbarians can contact http://us.mc376.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jkmake@gmail.com
and visit the Hermannmonument.com website to learn more about the three- day event

Was It May?

2009-05-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

Brrr! Well, no one camped. It was cold. That's all there is to it. The revelers came out on Saturday and brought warm garb and drank hot cocoa, watched the fighters thunk away at each other. There were hits taken and...lets see, two days later aught to be the time for fully matured aches and bruises...I'll have to check on their status.

Food was served and shared by all, yumm.

The stick game followed, to everyone's entertainment. The Youth Shire Stick Champion is the wiry and fierce Ashley. The Shire Women's Stick Game Champion is once again Melanie Wing! And the Shire Stick Game Champion, first time playing, is Cameron Hanson! Huzzah!

The pleasant though chilly day ended sitting about a fire that failed to perform adequately until some chilly soul got up and scrounged in the dark for some sticks.

It was a very nice time in a very nice setting with some very nice people who could see their breath.

A Maying

2009-05-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

May 15th, 16th and 17th the Shire Of Rivenwood Tower will hold it's Camping practice and May Party that will be combined in one big cheerful event this year. It will be held at Rush River County Park near Henderson, Minnesota. http://tinyurl.com/rushriverpark ; http://www.co.sibley.mn.us/content.aspx?Id=3D4DF025-AB29-44C6-8C73-90DB5B5677DE

Saturday the 16th there will be held Fighter Practice, Archery Practice, and the ever popular Stick Game! Shire Champions will be determined! Bring a chair and a cup.

Feasting will follow that evening. It is pot luck. Bring your own fire roastables, feast gear, and a dish to pass!

Come and join us!
http://rivenwoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/camping-practice.html

Bridget's Flame

2009-05-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

All gentles and nobles know by these presents that Stephen and Ailleanne, King and Queen of Northshield, having observed the many good works and labors in the art of coin making by Bartel Fitzneel, including sharing his vast knowledge and experience with any interested citizen, are minded to invite him into Our Order of the Bridget's Flame.

Huzzah Bart! Oops!... Lord...Lord Bartel Fitz Neel.

May 9th is Crown Tourney

2009-05-04T18:29:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 9th is Crown Tourney! It is in Chaska, Minnesota. http://rivenwoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/royal-crown-tournament.html Bart Saxton is creating the copper pennies that will be site tokens. They are based on 14th century French coins. I do not have a picture of one of them but can tell you that they are very pretty. Perhaps "pretty" is not a prefered moneyers term - but they are.

MLC Renaissance Fair and Business Meeting

2009-04-30T05:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 2nd, is the MLC Renaissance Fair demo. http://rivenwoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/04/mlc-renaissance-fair.htmlSet up is at 8:30 am and it opens to the public at 10:00am. It is at German Park in New Ulm, Minnesota. We will hold the monthly business meeting during the day. It is posted for 3:00pm - 5:00pm but we will try and fit it in whenever seems most advantageous. So far the head count is 5 adults and about 7 kids. If you are coming contact the Senechal. http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/

Nettle Pie

2009-04-29T14:04:00.000-07:00

As previously alluded to, here is the method for creating a nettle pie, tart, or more modernly known "quiche". Find yourself some nice, lush growing nettles anywhere from three to ten inches high - bigger if you wish but you will then only want to use the leaves as the stems have a tendency to get very stringy and tough. Pick one or two generous handfuls. Gloves are a wise choice unless you are curiously resistant to the stings as I seem to be.

Wash the nettles and shake or dab dry. (Again with gloves!) Chop roughly with a green onion or two and add 1 cup of the chopped nettles to your pie shell. Start with a single cup and if you find you like the wild green then boldly add as much as you can cram into your next pastry shell!

Next, whisk up 6 medium eggs in a bowl with salt and pepper to taste and 1/4 cup of milk or cultured buttermilk. Pour egg mixture over the nettles and make sure the nettles are covered. Bake at 375 F. for 30 - 35 min. or until a knife comes out clean.

Enjoy your medieval meal!

Nettles are full of important vitamins and iron. They were a plentiful green that people were desperately craving after a long winter of meat, bread, and root vegetables. Nettles, once a culinary staple, are now overlooked as noxious weeds. I am glad I "discovered" them.

Camping Practice

2009-04-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend of May 15, 16, and 17, The Shire Of Rivenwood Tower will hold it's annual - or rather "mostly" annual - camping practice. Bring out those tents and pavilions and examine the mildew. Check out the sturdiness of those poles and ropes. Assess whether the four remaining tent stakes are sufficient or if you really need to get yourself some more. Or, as in this illustration, rid yourself of the party pooper who consistently weasels out of camp set up and take down but is the first to claim the camp bed! (Note the tidiness of the women; the bag ready to catch the unnecessary object and the careful positioning so that the sheets do not become soiled.)

We will be camping at Rush River County Park http://www.co.sibley.mn.us/content.aspx?Id=3D4DF025-AB29-44C6-8C73-90DB5B5677DE near Henderson, Minnesota.

Saturday we will be having casual and friendly activities for fun and for the entertainment of newcomers and old friends that have lost touch with the shire. Invite people you know who have expressed an interest or people you just haven't seen in a while. It will be a very fun time!

MLC Renaissance Fair

2009-04-20T08:53:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, May 2nd we will be participating in the Martin Luther College Renaissance Fair. It will be held in German Park http://www.ci.new-ulm.mn.us/index.asp?Type=B_LOC&SEC=%7BE1858D21-968F-4150-B723-7D30484A3101%7D&DE=%7B822215F1-5E6C-4DD3-B4E8-0668A4447813%7D in New Ulm, Minnesota. Set up will be from 8:30 am to 9:45 am. The fair opens to the public at 10:00 am. We will be setting up four tents and so could use a hand or two for set up and take down at 5:00pm.

The shire will be doing fighting demo's and other "hand's on" type learning demonstrations. Anyone wishing to participate contact the Senechal of Rivenwood Tower http://www.rivenwoodtower.org/ before April 27th so that a fairly accurate head count can be provided to the MLC students organizing the fair.

Fighter Practice And Camping Meeting

2009-04-18T03:40:00.000-07:00

Fighter Practice is going to be held at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota this Sunday, April 19th, at 2:00pm out of doors in the fine sunshine! Martin Luther College is at the top of the Center Street hill across from Herman The German statue. Take Center Street to the top of the hill and turn right onto Summit avenue. Turn into campus at Waldheim Drive. Now here I must apologise as things are not definite as to a specific location. You must search about for clanking men with sticks. Park somewhere nearby and wander over to them.

There will also be held a camping meeting for next months camping practice! We will be deciding where it will be held and the fun to be hosted therein. Please feel free to join us!