April 27, 2003

Once again, Ostara was celebrated at the Osborne homestead. However, this year, for the first time, it was a camping event. Many thanks to all the kindred members, especially John and Beth, for all the hard work clearing the camp site and creating such a beautiful and special place for the kindred to enjoy.

A good time was definitely had by all the campers on Saturday night. Kippers were eaten (Herbert and Felicia had them for the first time), a sumbel was held around the campfire, and Beth, on several occasions, performed the "mating call of the Southern belle." The fun went on well into the wee hours of Sunday morning before everyone turned in for the night.

Late Sunday morning, the rest of the kindred arrived and joined the campers down at the house for the Ostara celebration. The weather was perfect.

After some catching up, the feast was held. As always, there was no shortage of food and drink. Baked ham, pot roast, deviled eggs and pasteries were just some of the items available for sampling.

Shortly after the feast ended, blót began. Beth acted as gyðja as the group gathered outdoors at the wooded vé. Ostara was hailed, the group was blessed with spring water and rune eggs were selected at random and eaten.

After blót, conversation and visiting lasted well into the late afternoon before members began making their way home.