Michigan Meadery

B. Nektar, a Michigan meadery, is featured in this video.

Crossbow Inn

It just came to my attention that there is a medieval-themed restaurant in Grand Blanc, Michigan (nearby, in other words) called the Crossbow Inn. As you can see from their photos, the ambiance is "medievalish" rather than medieval, but that's to be expected. And the menu is completely conventional, without even a nod at the Middle Ages or even Europe. If I try it, I'll mention it here, but I'm told they have good steaks.

Cannon at Crecy?

Did artillery make its first tentative appearance in European military history at the storied Battle of Crecy in 1346? Maybe.

Manuscript How-To Site

The invaluable SCA Today provided a link to this very interesting and useful site.

Thrusting Tips

I am reliably informed that all the cool kids have thrusting tips from Master Eirik Dweorgaex's Munition Grade Arms these days. Not wishing to be laughed at and pointed at when I reenter the lists, I have ordered a bunch. I recommend Master Eirik's wares; his postage calculator was a little funky, but he considerately refunded half the postage, which was very thoughtful of him. He also has very good shaved rattan; I haven't ordered any yet but Geirmundr has, and I was very impressed with his.

The thrusting tips arrived with alacrity, and I hope to have my new swords assembled over the weekend. Siloflex this time; I propose to move entirely into the 21st century this time. Or no, the 14th century... oh, you know what I mean.

From the Department of Much-Delayed Projects

Some time ago, mentioned in the dim past of the blog, I may have mentioned the notion of refurbishing my armor, in order to do some serious heavy combat once again.

Over the weekend, I unearthed all my armor and equipment, went over it with my partner in carnage, Lord Geirmundr, and made various plans. He's going to kindly cut out some shield blanks for me to paint, edge and strap (I already had a few bent); I'm going to completely refurbish the helmet and build new swords; I just ordered some thrusting tips; and tomorrow a check for a much-needed new gorget goes in the mail.

So some progress is being made at last.

Update: Oh, and photos will follow as equipment is completed.

Question

So, what does the SCA in Genesee County or the mid-Michigan area require to grow and prosper? I've been wondering about that for a while, and wondering what I might do to add some value in this regard.

If anyone's still reading this sadly neglected blog, and has a notion, they might choose to comment, or to email me. And I'll note any decisions I make along those lines.