Pennsic XLVIII, Peace Week, Freyasday
Fre Aug 2 06:55 EDT 2019
I got perhaps 9 hours of sleep last night.
Laptop at 50%.
Freyasday 08:38
The solar panel was charging even in the early low-angle light (0.6-0.8 amps), and the battery's up to 13.5v, so it will probably hit the charge cut-off soon and not do much charging today. I guess I should be using the laptop more? I could start adding descriptions and tags to the photos I've taken. I could leave the laptop charging now. (I think I will. I won't be back until I need recorders later (16:00)?)
Laptop at 42%.
Saturnsday 00:01
Just finished dinner - a couple of slices of pizza, but there was some meat dish leftover from the camp across the street, the same camp that had the extra stew a couple of days ago.
Today's classes:WhenWhereNameInstructorDescription
09:00 1.0 hrA&S 4The Venetian ArsenaleLord Edgar RefskeggVenice's Arsenale (shipbuilding facility) was the backbone of Venice's power throughout much of the Republic's history in the Middle Ages. The Arsenale could build ships faster and at a greater volume than any other facility of its time and, indeed, it provides one of the earliest example of assembly line manufacturing. We'll go over the history of the Arsenale and its capabilities using both primary and secondary source material.
10:00 2.0 hrPerforming Arts Rehearsal TentPennsic Known World ChoirLord Cailin mac AindréisThe repertoire includes pieces by Palestrina, Lassus, Ravenscroft, Bateson and others. We rehearse two hours each day for a week, then perform a concert on Thursday evening of War Week.
12:00 1.0 hrA&S 3Reinventing the WheelDuchess Melisande de BelvoirWhy do we do things in the SCA the way we do them, and how could we do them differently? How can we stress the "Creative" part of our name in the structure and planning of our events? Come prepared for active discussion and brainstorming!
13:00 1.0 hrA&S 14Medieval Jewish FightersLord Gideon ha-Khazar
Medieval Jews fought for Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Mongol, Indian, Chinese, and other armies. Jews also fought in community self-defense, sometimes successfully. Class lists examples and often-repeated historical patterns that apply to fighters from other often-marginalized groups as well.
14:00 1.0 hrA&S 10Boza! Get Your Boza!Baron Drogo Rainulf deDragonera
Boza is an eastern European and Middle Eastern beverage made from fermented cereal grains. It is lightly fermented and is still served today. It is of a sour disposition but strangely leaves you wanting more. Age 21+
15:00 1.0 hrA&S 4Loop-in-Loop Chainmaking Demo/DiscussionLady Prima Aurelia Argentia
Learn the tools and techniques of making fine silver loop-in-loop chains. Link-making and construction demo, along with examples of various periods/styles.
16:00 1.0 hrPerforming Arts Rehearsal TentSinging and Playing Unbarred MusicThl Siri ToivosdotterSCA period music was generally written without measure lines. Fully embrace period music! Come sing (most are vocal pieces) or play (any C or F instruments) in four parts with THL Siri. Knowledge of standard notation and rhythmic values necessary. Teen-friendly class!The Venetian Arsenale was rescheduled from Wodensday; I noticed it only by luck. The subject is interesting, but the presentation was lacking; the Anglo-Saxon Migration I was planning to go to probably was better.
KWC rehearsals continue to satisfy.
Reinventing the Wheel got to the subject of how to get younger people interested in the SCA. I suppose as a non-member I might provide insights on attracting new members, but I don't know how to appeal to young people. This has been an issue for the contra-dance community also (and English Country Dancing).
Lord Gideon ha-Khazar (the instructor for) Medieval Jewish Fighters thought I took this class last year, but he didn't look familiar to me. Searching back, I see I took his Medieval Female and Minority Religion Fighters class last year. Good material for someone considering creating a Jewish SCA persona.
Erin was at the Boza! class. We tasted bozas made from from bulgar wheat and millet. This class ended early, and I went back to camp to get instruments. On the way to the next class I saw eftychia and Colleen arriving.
The Chainmaking demo was a continuation of Tiwsday's chains class. This is something I could do, but I think I'd prefer making chain-maille chains.
Unbarred Music was fun; a bit of a challenge, but most of the music was familiar, so much of the time I didn't need to be counting.
Interesting classes I didn't go to today:WhenWhereNameInstructorDescription
09:00 1.0 hrA&S 2Changes in Perspective: the Anglo-Saxon MigrationLady ArastormFor most of the 19th and 20th century, early Anglo-Saxon history was based on the Bedean story of the Anglo-Saxon migrations/invasion from Europe to Britain. Archeological studies have led to new perspective on the written evidence, and it may no longer be as accurate as we'd hoped. Discussion of how our view of Anglo-Saxon history is changing in the 21st century.
09:00 1.5 hrA&S 13Special Operations in the Age of ChivalryMaster Morien MacBainHistory Is Made At Night! An anecdotal survey of raids, assassinations, betrayals, ambushes, reconnaissance, and psychological operations in period.
09:00 1.5 hrEast Kingdom Royal (East Kingdom Royal Kitchen)Roasting Over CoalsMaster AethelhawkClass will be a practical and first-hand opportunity to watch the roasting of whole animals over a bed of coals. Instruction in preparation and maintenance of the fire as well as adjustments in cooking the animal will be demonstrated. Class will begin in the morning with trussing, coal bed preparation and initiation of the roast. Then, students can stop back occasionally as the day moves on to check on how the the roast is progressing.
09:30 1.5 hrA&S 16Cordoba: Glitter on the Ornament of the WorldMaster Gilles de BeauchampsLet's talk about the somewhat improbable rise of Cordoba from a sleepy town in Andalusia to a world power; how Muslims, Jews and Christians managed (at least for some of the time) to coexist and thrive together. Included are one tale of derring-do and splendid revenge, one tale of a man who was renowned as the finest singer of his time and how he changed the way we eat today, and, at no extra cost, a discussion of why martyrs are not always a welcome thing.
10:00 2.0 hrA&S 2The Road to AvalonLady Nyfain merch CoelAn overview of King Arthur tales, from books written a few hundred years after the supposed events to music of our own Heather Dale, to a dizzying array of movies. I've got them all and want to tell you about them!
10:00 2.0 hrUniversity-BattlefieldMehteran: Ottoman Janissary BandMaster Osman UstaThe Osmanlı Mehter Takımı (Ottoman Janissary Band) studies music and history of the Ottoman Mehter military marching band from the 14th-17th century. The Mehteran will learn the historic Ottoman songs, Ceddin Deden, Osman Pasa, and Ahmed Nesim-i and played on zurna, davul, horns, cymbals, and kettledrums, and sung by a choir, and will learn the historic Janissary march for performance at Pennsic. Brass horn players, percussionists and singers are welcome and encouraged to participate. Further details on the Mehteran Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/134233213955988/
11:00 1.5 hrA&S 8Espionage and Covert Action in the Elizabethan AgeMaster Morien MacBainA survey of Elizabeth's intelligence service, spymasters, codes, and night's black agents, as well as the litany of conspiracies and plots they faced!
11:00 1.0 hrA&S 10Soap in a Bottle! DIY Hard Soap for Soapballs, &c.Mistress Elska á FjárfelliUse a 2-liter soda bottle to safely make small amounts of cold process olive oil and lye soap without having to invest in fancy equipment. Basic modern and medieval soap-making will be discussed, as well as how to make period scented soap balls. (If you have access to bottles with lids, please bring to class.) Due to the use of potentially harmful chemicals, the class is only open to people who follow instructions well (no kids)! Each participant will leave with a bar of soap in a bottle.
12:00 1.0 hrA&S 7Blood from the Clouds: Marvelous RainsLady Ursula MortimerThe Ancients observed rains of blood, of frogs, of fish, which continue even unto the present day under Elizabeth, Regina. Once a cause for superstitious terror, these rains are now understood as part of the Prime Mover’s ineffable plan, a necessary part of the World Machine. We will calm your fears and explain these phenomena with the tools of natural philosophy.
12:00 1.0 hrA&S 13Modern Alchemy: SaponificationBaroness Lucia de MoranzaA conversational look at what's really going on in your soap pot. NB: This is not a how-to class; this is an in-depth look at the reactions going on. Some basic knowledge of soap making will be an asset. Just because your persona didn't know what was happening doesn't mean you can't!
12:00 2.0 hrDance TentRunning a Dance Musician PitMaster Albrecht CatspreyThis lecture and applied performing class will discuss methods for running and conducting pickup musicians' group to support SCA dance events. Musicians, bring your acoustic instruments and be ready to do some playing and possibly some conducting. We'll go through methods and key techniques to have a smoothly run dance event, using coordination with the dance teacher and interaction with all musicians. Please bring instrument, music stand, and Pennsic pile copy.
12:00 1.0 hrPerforming Arts Rehearsal TentWho Said You Can't Sing? (They Were Wrong)Lady Cynthia Anne of Silver LakesIn this beginning to intermediate level singing class, led by this year’s Youth Choir Director, we will practice techniques for healthy and pleasing vocal production. Warmups, repertoire and exercises to strengthen solo and group singing will be taught. Open to Adults and Youth 12+.
12:00 1.0 hrValkyrie UnderWares (Booth #183)What to Wear Under There: Medieval UndergarmentsThl Emer ingen ui AidanWe'll explore the range of garments people were wearing beneath their outer clothes, from Roman era to the High Middle Ages. Men's smallclothes will be discussed but we will focus on women's underwear and supportive garments.
13:00 2.0 hrA&S 8History of Period Sewing ToolsThl Aveline de CeresbrochWhat would your persona have used to sew? Get an overview of the development of sewing tools and learn how you can make or where to buy reenactment supplies to build your very own period-specific sewing kit! Lots of implements to inspect and try out! The art and technology of sewing has developed well past the days of sewing with sticks and small bird bones, but how did it develop and when did neat inventions like scissors, thimbles, thread winders, and needle books arrive on the scene? See lots of pictures of extant finds of sewing implements (and also get to handle a number of tools that will be present at the workshop). Get detailed information about when we think they were first used en masse. Learn what your persona would probably have owned and used, based on both the time period as well as your location. Materials reviewed will cover all of Europe, Russia, and portions of the Middle East and East Asia from antiquity through the 16th century. Handout includes more than 50 full-color pages professionally printed in high resolution. Auditors welcome to attend for free.
15:00 1.5 hrBog UMelodic Music Realizations on Basse Danse TenorsMaster Albrecht CatspreyMelodic Realizations is a lecture and applied class on the methods of writing melodic divisions above a 15th-century basse danse tenor line. A solid knowledge of basic theory is required. Bring instruments as we will play some of the monstrosities we come up with.
16:00 1.5 hrA&S 16Songs of Sorrow: Ladino/Sephardic SongLady Laila al-Sanna' al-AndalusiyyaAll levels welcome. Be prepared to sing. Drummers and other instrumentalists are also welcome. Reading music is not required. Period music comes in many shapes and sizes, and not all of it sounds like Gregorian Chant. The music of the Spanish Jews is some of the most passionate, satisfying music of the medieval and Renaissance periods. Built on Jewish scales and employing a language that combines elements of Spanish and Hebrew, Ladino music taps into the pathos and heartache of the Jewish Diaspora. This class will include a short history of Ladino music, a quick tutorial on Ladino pronunciation, and a few pointers about vocal style and ornamentation. In the main body of the class, you will learn 3-5 easy-to-intermediate Ladino songs. Music will be provided, but the songs will be taught by ear, as they would have been in medieval Spain. Sayyida Laila al-Sanna' al-Andalusiyya' is the current East Kingdom Queen's Bard, and the former Bard of Caid, and has been teaching voice and music in and out of the SCA for 18 years. Ladino music is her specialty.
17:00 1.0 hrA&S 19Medallion Cord Make-and-TakeVarvara Laska doch' KoudelkaLook spiffy with a medallion cord you made yourself by fingerloop braiding. This is an easy-to-learn technique to create handsome strong cord in any combination of colors.
A lot of people arrived on site today. There are many more people here the 2nd week. (There are a few people who are here only the 1st week.) Daphne and Colleen are here, as mentioned before, and Scott arrived too. Caer Edgemere are all here now, except Anna didn't get back today. There are many more tents up on our block today. There were a few going up next to us before I left for my 09:00 class this morning. How do people arrive here early Freyasday morning? Do they live nearby?
The evening's big stupid excitement was turning on the oven to bake pizzas. The oven and water heater stay here in a storage locker 50 weeks. To use the space better, a lot kitchen plastics (cutting board, food dishes, etc) are stored in the oven. Nobody checked the oven before turning it on to pre-heat. A lot of things melted in the oven. (A surprising amount didn't melt.) It took a long time to clean. (Yep, another very late dinner.) And we couldn't clean it all out. After I scraped out, swept out, and wet-toweled out as much as I could, we had to just burn the rest off that had dripped into places we couldn't reach. ☹ We eventually had dinner.
While I was trying to clean the oven and its racks a bard from our neighbor camp (Flamingo Bluff) was in competitive conversation with our camp's own big-talker, and our neighbor eventually turned his attention to me. I was (metaphorically) tethered to the sink to wash the oven rack, and there was a pizza in the oven that required attention. Why doesn't it occur to people who like to talk that if no one else is talking (i.e. responding) it's not a conversation? There's no way to leave these ordeals without appearing rude.
The solar charging for the last 2 days is way more than I ever got at our old site. This was a new solar panel last year, with 3 times the output of the old panel, but last year we had a lot of cloudy days. And the old site has morning and evening shade, which cuts the direct sunlight for charging. Besides charging up the laptop today, I also partly recharged the tablet. (I don't have any more used planned for the tablet this Pennsic.)
Saturnsday 01:16
One of today's arrivals is snoring. (I need earplugs for the traffic anyway.)
Laptop at 42%.
Saturnsday 02:02
I've had a shower. I wish the showers were closer.
[This entry was originally posted as https://syntonic-comma.dreamwidth.org/1081241.html on Dreamwidth (where there are
comments).]
I got perhaps 9 hours of sleep last night.
Laptop at 50%.
Freyasday 08:38
The solar panel was charging even in the early low-angle light (0.6-0.8 amps), and the battery's up to 13.5v, so it will probably hit the charge cut-off soon and not do much charging today. I guess I should be using the laptop more? I could start adding descriptions and tags to the photos I've taken. I could leave the laptop charging now. (I think I will. I won't be back until I need recorders later (16:00)?)
Laptop at 42%.
Saturnsday 00:01
Just finished dinner - a couple of slices of pizza, but there was some meat dish leftover from the camp across the street, the same camp that had the extra stew a couple of days ago.
Today's classes:WhenWhereNameInstructorDescription
09:00 1.0 hrA&S 4The Venetian ArsenaleLord Edgar RefskeggVenice's Arsenale (shipbuilding facility) was the backbone of Venice's power throughout much of the Republic's history in the Middle Ages. The Arsenale could build ships faster and at a greater volume than any other facility of its time and, indeed, it provides one of the earliest example of assembly line manufacturing. We'll go over the history of the Arsenale and its capabilities using both primary and secondary source material.
10:00 2.0 hrPerforming Arts Rehearsal TentPennsic Known World ChoirLord Cailin mac AindréisThe repertoire includes pieces by Palestrina, Lassus, Ravenscroft, Bateson and others. We rehearse two hours each day for a week, then perform a concert on Thursday evening of War Week.
12:00 1.0 hrA&S 3Reinventing the WheelDuchess Melisande de BelvoirWhy do we do things in the SCA the way we do them, and how could we do them differently? How can we stress the "Creative" part of our name in the structure and planning of our events? Come prepared for active discussion and brainstorming!
13:00 1.0 hrA&S 14Medieval Jewish FightersLord Gideon ha-Khazar
Medieval Jews fought for Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Mongol, Indian, Chinese, and other armies. Jews also fought in community self-defense, sometimes successfully. Class lists examples and often-repeated historical patterns that apply to fighters from other often-marginalized groups as well.
14:00 1.0 hrA&S 10Boza! Get Your Boza!Baron Drogo Rainulf deDragonera
Boza is an eastern European and Middle Eastern beverage made from fermented cereal grains. It is lightly fermented and is still served today. It is of a sour disposition but strangely leaves you wanting more. Age 21+
15:00 1.0 hrA&S 4Loop-in-Loop Chainmaking Demo/DiscussionLady Prima Aurelia Argentia
Learn the tools and techniques of making fine silver loop-in-loop chains. Link-making and construction demo, along with examples of various periods/styles.
16:00 1.0 hrPerforming Arts Rehearsal TentSinging and Playing Unbarred MusicThl Siri ToivosdotterSCA period music was generally written without measure lines. Fully embrace period music! Come sing (most are vocal pieces) or play (any C or F instruments) in four parts with THL Siri. Knowledge of standard notation and rhythmic values necessary. Teen-friendly class!The Venetian Arsenale was rescheduled from Wodensday; I noticed it only by luck. The subject is interesting, but the presentation was lacking; the Anglo-Saxon Migration I was planning to go to probably was better.
KWC rehearsals continue to satisfy.
Reinventing the Wheel got to the subject of how to get younger people interested in the SCA. I suppose as a non-member I might provide insights on attracting new members, but I don't know how to appeal to young people. This has been an issue for the contra-dance community also (and English Country Dancing).
Lord Gideon ha-Khazar (the instructor for) Medieval Jewish Fighters thought I took this class last year, but he didn't look familiar to me. Searching back, I see I took his Medieval Female and Minority Religion Fighters class last year. Good material for someone considering creating a Jewish SCA persona.
Erin was at the Boza! class. We tasted bozas made from from bulgar wheat and millet. This class ended early, and I went back to camp to get instruments. On the way to the next class I saw eftychia and Colleen arriving.
The Chainmaking demo was a continuation of Tiwsday's chains class. This is something I could do, but I think I'd prefer making chain-maille chains.
Unbarred Music was fun; a bit of a challenge, but most of the music was familiar, so much of the time I didn't need to be counting.
Interesting classes I didn't go to today:WhenWhereNameInstructorDescription
09:00 1.0 hrA&S 2Changes in Perspective: the Anglo-Saxon MigrationLady ArastormFor most of the 19th and 20th century, early Anglo-Saxon history was based on the Bedean story of the Anglo-Saxon migrations/invasion from Europe to Britain. Archeological studies have led to new perspective on the written evidence, and it may no longer be as accurate as we'd hoped. Discussion of how our view of Anglo-Saxon history is changing in the 21st century.
09:00 1.5 hrA&S 13Special Operations in the Age of ChivalryMaster Morien MacBainHistory Is Made At Night! An anecdotal survey of raids, assassinations, betrayals, ambushes, reconnaissance, and psychological operations in period.
09:00 1.5 hrEast Kingdom Royal (East Kingdom Royal Kitchen)Roasting Over CoalsMaster AethelhawkClass will be a practical and first-hand opportunity to watch the roasting of whole animals over a bed of coals. Instruction in preparation and maintenance of the fire as well as adjustments in cooking the animal will be demonstrated. Class will begin in the morning with trussing, coal bed preparation and initiation of the roast. Then, students can stop back occasionally as the day moves on to check on how the the roast is progressing.
09:30 1.5 hrA&S 16Cordoba: Glitter on the Ornament of the WorldMaster Gilles de BeauchampsLet's talk about the somewhat improbable rise of Cordoba from a sleepy town in Andalusia to a world power; how Muslims, Jews and Christians managed (at least for some of the time) to coexist and thrive together. Included are one tale of derring-do and splendid revenge, one tale of a man who was renowned as the finest singer of his time and how he changed the way we eat today, and, at no extra cost, a discussion of why martyrs are not always a welcome thing.
10:00 2.0 hrA&S 2The Road to AvalonLady Nyfain merch CoelAn overview of King Arthur tales, from books written a few hundred years after the supposed events to music of our own Heather Dale, to a dizzying array of movies. I've got them all and want to tell you about them!
10:00 2.0 hrUniversity-BattlefieldMehteran: Ottoman Janissary BandMaster Osman UstaThe Osmanlı Mehter Takımı (Ottoman Janissary Band) studies music and history of the Ottoman Mehter military marching band from the 14th-17th century. The Mehteran will learn the historic Ottoman songs, Ceddin Deden, Osman Pasa, and Ahmed Nesim-i and played on zurna, davul, horns, cymbals, and kettledrums, and sung by a choir, and will learn the historic Janissary march for performance at Pennsic. Brass horn players, percussionists and singers are welcome and encouraged to participate. Further details on the Mehteran Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/134233213955988/
11:00 1.5 hrA&S 8Espionage and Covert Action in the Elizabethan AgeMaster Morien MacBainA survey of Elizabeth's intelligence service, spymasters, codes, and night's black agents, as well as the litany of conspiracies and plots they faced!
11:00 1.0 hrA&S 10Soap in a Bottle! DIY Hard Soap for Soapballs, &c.Mistress Elska á FjárfelliUse a 2-liter soda bottle to safely make small amounts of cold process olive oil and lye soap without having to invest in fancy equipment. Basic modern and medieval soap-making will be discussed, as well as how to make period scented soap balls. (If you have access to bottles with lids, please bring to class.) Due to the use of potentially harmful chemicals, the class is only open to people who follow instructions well (no kids)! Each participant will leave with a bar of soap in a bottle.
12:00 1.0 hrA&S 7Blood from the Clouds: Marvelous RainsLady Ursula MortimerThe Ancients observed rains of blood, of frogs, of fish, which continue even unto the present day under Elizabeth, Regina. Once a cause for superstitious terror, these rains are now understood as part of the Prime Mover’s ineffable plan, a necessary part of the World Machine. We will calm your fears and explain these phenomena with the tools of natural philosophy.
12:00 1.0 hrA&S 13Modern Alchemy: SaponificationBaroness Lucia de MoranzaA conversational look at what's really going on in your soap pot. NB: This is not a how-to class; this is an in-depth look at the reactions going on. Some basic knowledge of soap making will be an asset. Just because your persona didn't know what was happening doesn't mean you can't!
12:00 2.0 hrDance TentRunning a Dance Musician PitMaster Albrecht CatspreyThis lecture and applied performing class will discuss methods for running and conducting pickup musicians' group to support SCA dance events. Musicians, bring your acoustic instruments and be ready to do some playing and possibly some conducting. We'll go through methods and key techniques to have a smoothly run dance event, using coordination with the dance teacher and interaction with all musicians. Please bring instrument, music stand, and Pennsic pile copy.
12:00 1.0 hrPerforming Arts Rehearsal TentWho Said You Can't Sing? (They Were Wrong)Lady Cynthia Anne of Silver LakesIn this beginning to intermediate level singing class, led by this year’s Youth Choir Director, we will practice techniques for healthy and pleasing vocal production. Warmups, repertoire and exercises to strengthen solo and group singing will be taught. Open to Adults and Youth 12+.
12:00 1.0 hrValkyrie UnderWares (Booth #183)What to Wear Under There: Medieval UndergarmentsThl Emer ingen ui AidanWe'll explore the range of garments people were wearing beneath their outer clothes, from Roman era to the High Middle Ages. Men's smallclothes will be discussed but we will focus on women's underwear and supportive garments.
13:00 2.0 hrA&S 8History of Period Sewing ToolsThl Aveline de CeresbrochWhat would your persona have used to sew? Get an overview of the development of sewing tools and learn how you can make or where to buy reenactment supplies to build your very own period-specific sewing kit! Lots of implements to inspect and try out! The art and technology of sewing has developed well past the days of sewing with sticks and small bird bones, but how did it develop and when did neat inventions like scissors, thimbles, thread winders, and needle books arrive on the scene? See lots of pictures of extant finds of sewing implements (and also get to handle a number of tools that will be present at the workshop). Get detailed information about when we think they were first used en masse. Learn what your persona would probably have owned and used, based on both the time period as well as your location. Materials reviewed will cover all of Europe, Russia, and portions of the Middle East and East Asia from antiquity through the 16th century. Handout includes more than 50 full-color pages professionally printed in high resolution. Auditors welcome to attend for free.
15:00 1.5 hrBog UMelodic Music Realizations on Basse Danse TenorsMaster Albrecht CatspreyMelodic Realizations is a lecture and applied class on the methods of writing melodic divisions above a 15th-century basse danse tenor line. A solid knowledge of basic theory is required. Bring instruments as we will play some of the monstrosities we come up with.
16:00 1.5 hrA&S 16Songs of Sorrow: Ladino/Sephardic SongLady Laila al-Sanna' al-AndalusiyyaAll levels welcome. Be prepared to sing. Drummers and other instrumentalists are also welcome. Reading music is not required. Period music comes in many shapes and sizes, and not all of it sounds like Gregorian Chant. The music of the Spanish Jews is some of the most passionate, satisfying music of the medieval and Renaissance periods. Built on Jewish scales and employing a language that combines elements of Spanish and Hebrew, Ladino music taps into the pathos and heartache of the Jewish Diaspora. This class will include a short history of Ladino music, a quick tutorial on Ladino pronunciation, and a few pointers about vocal style and ornamentation. In the main body of the class, you will learn 3-5 easy-to-intermediate Ladino songs. Music will be provided, but the songs will be taught by ear, as they would have been in medieval Spain. Sayyida Laila al-Sanna' al-Andalusiyya' is the current East Kingdom Queen's Bard, and the former Bard of Caid, and has been teaching voice and music in and out of the SCA for 18 years. Ladino music is her specialty.
17:00 1.0 hrA&S 19Medallion Cord Make-and-TakeVarvara Laska doch' KoudelkaLook spiffy with a medallion cord you made yourself by fingerloop braiding. This is an easy-to-learn technique to create handsome strong cord in any combination of colors.
A lot of people arrived on site today. There are many more people here the 2nd week. (There are a few people who are here only the 1st week.) Daphne and Colleen are here, as mentioned before, and Scott arrived too. Caer Edgemere are all here now, except Anna didn't get back today. There are many more tents up on our block today. There were a few going up next to us before I left for my 09:00 class this morning. How do people arrive here early Freyasday morning? Do they live nearby?
The evening's big stupid excitement was turning on the oven to bake pizzas. The oven and water heater stay here in a storage locker 50 weeks. To use the space better, a lot kitchen plastics (cutting board, food dishes, etc) are stored in the oven. Nobody checked the oven before turning it on to pre-heat. A lot of things melted in the oven. (A surprising amount didn't melt.) It took a long time to clean. (Yep, another very late dinner.) And we couldn't clean it all out. After I scraped out, swept out, and wet-toweled out as much as I could, we had to just burn the rest off that had dripped into places we couldn't reach. ☹ We eventually had dinner.
While I was trying to clean the oven and its racks a bard from our neighbor camp (Flamingo Bluff) was in competitive conversation with our camp's own big-talker, and our neighbor eventually turned his attention to me. I was (metaphorically) tethered to the sink to wash the oven rack, and there was a pizza in the oven that required attention. Why doesn't it occur to people who like to talk that if no one else is talking (i.e. responding) it's not a conversation? There's no way to leave these ordeals without appearing rude.
The solar charging for the last 2 days is way more than I ever got at our old site. This was a new solar panel last year, with 3 times the output of the old panel, but last year we had a lot of cloudy days. And the old site has morning and evening shade, which cuts the direct sunlight for charging. Besides charging up the laptop today, I also partly recharged the tablet. (I don't have any more used planned for the tablet this Pennsic.)
Saturnsday 01:16
One of today's arrivals is snoring. (I need earplugs for the traffic anyway.)
Laptop at 42%.
Saturnsday 02:02
I've had a shower. I wish the showers were closer.
[This entry was originally posted as https://syntonic-comma.dreamwidth.org/1081241.html on Dreamwidth (where there are
comments).]