Saturday, April 11, 2009

Medieval Grumps

If it weren't for my knee today I would be loading up my car with all the medieval stuff you can imagine - big canvas tent, canvas stool, coin die, clothes, knives, bowls, belts, pouches, boxes, shoe-making stuff and a token amount of 21C clothing - because this is the weekend of the first Company of Chivalry event of the 2009 season.
I would be stopping off to pick up my friend and tentmate Leggy before heading off across the River Severn into Wales and going to our favourite haunt, Caerphilly Castle.Unlike the general populace we are allowed to drive into the castle, in order to offload all our kit. So I would drive carefully up the path, hazard lights on and mindful of pedestrians, across the drawbridge and through the huge oak doors with the iron latches, parking in the outer bailey. First job would be to put the kettle on while we wait for people to arrive. When the van arrives we would all help unload the huge amount of company equipment from it.

I would unpack the tent and, with the help of a couple of the men, erect it to create our temporary home for the weekend. It's a very old tent, been through several hands, but is still doing sterling (if a little damp) service. We would empty the car into the tent and then try and make sense of the madness.

With the sun still shining, a fire would be lit, the local fish and chip shop will be raided and the alcohol will be fished out of various bags and boxes.

There will be laughter, teasing, and camaraderie, hugs and cuddles. Traditionally on the first event of the year new equipment and clothing is usually held up for general admiration and discussion. I know some of the smelly soldiers have new swords and mail, and there are a few new skills in the group to be debated - with the help of alcohol, of course!

But I am at home with a duff knee, dying material for new dresses, only dreaming of being there........and a bad case of the medieval grumps...

Update: They're all home happy after a dry, sunny and very successful weekend
:-)

cq

11 comments:

carmilevy said...

I'm so sorry you have to miss out. It's never easy to sit idly by while everyone else dives right in. I hope you have a rapid recovery from surgery onthe 22nd so you can quickly rejoin your compadres in advance of the next event. I find your descriptions of your experiences to be absolutely captivating, and I know the weekends in these amazing places will be more enriching for everyone once you're back in the groove.

Tanya sent me by today to wish you a happy. Many happies, actually.

MorahMommy said...

I hope your knee is feeling better soon, so you can be out enjoying yourself. I hope you are able to do something fun to get over your "bad case of the medieval grumps"!

Tanya sent me!

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Your knee will soon be sorted and you'll be able to join in. Still, I know what it's like to miss out, but hopefully you'll be back in the swing of things soon. :)

Bobkat said...

Yeah, it sucks feeling left out but I am sure they miss you too.

Just focus on getting that duff knee sorted and getting back in with the tick of the Medieval crowd! {hugs}

Melli said...

I'm sooooo sorry CQ... I DO hope TODAY is a better day for you. Surgery is just around the corner! And then the healing will begin!

Happy Easter!

Ladybug Crossing said...

Oh, CQ... I'm so sorry you got left behind and couldn't go play at the castle. I know how much you enjoy that stuff. Maybe next time???
At least we got to visit here, right? I know... it's just not the same.
xoxo
LBC

Walker said...

Awww I'm sorry you couldnt go but when the knee is 100% you cant tramps around all the castles you want :)

Monica said...

Oh! I would be grumpy too! Wishing you a speedy recovery.

& Netchick sent me.

rashbre said...

I'm sure you are counting the days towards the operation now. Its interesting to hear that there's an actual 'start' to the new season - with everyone comparing armour and whatnot.

Soon you will be back in the fortifications!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

Sorry you are having the Medevil Grimps, my dear....Hopefully that surgery will fix your knee and then you will be back out there with all your mates, enjoying the pleasure of their company and the pleasure of the whole thing!

I miss your visits, my dear. Is it something I said?

utenzi said...

I'm sorry you're feeling so poorly, CQ. I do love that picture you posted tho. Great expression on a very precious face!