January 21-22, 2006

Herbert gives young Matthew a lift

All gathered at Steve’s homestead (aka JarlshofR) Saturday evening to kick off the Feast of Thor weekend, one of the kindred’s favorite events of the year. We had a great turnout and were pleased to welcome some new faces to the mix -- Rob and his family. Hail to the visitors!

Even though the fare for the evening was supposed to consist of snacks only, as usual, we had quite the spread of food upon which to feast.

The early part of the evening was spent visiting with one another and getting to know our new guests, while the kids enjoyed playing in the back playroom.

Later in the evening we all gathered around the large candle on the coffee table and began the traditional Thruðheim Saturday night sumbel. It was a mostly light-hearted sumbel, full of joy and frith, and given that it was Feast of Thor weekend, Redbeard was toasted frequently in the first round.

Following sumbel, as always, there was more merrymakingR before everyone headed home to rest up for Sunday’s events.

We were greeted with rain showers Sunday morning, although the temperature was fairly mild given the time of year. Folks began arriving around noon juggling pots of hot soup – the traditional dish for Feast of Thor.

This year’s soups included: Jada’s clam chowder, Suzanne’s white chicken chili, Beth’s corn chowder, Bernhard’s beef with pear stew, Steve’s lentil and sausage soup and Ed’s pasta stew. All were incredible, as always, and all were full after feast and ready for blót.

We next gathered around the vei and Cliff led us in a powerful blót to the protector of our folk and patron of our kindred, Thor. Thanks were given to Redbeard for his protection and strength, and his blessings for the coming year were asked.

There was some more grazing upon the delicious fare after the blót ended and much more visiting. Finally, all made their ways home after a great day.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend (requires Flash7)