February 17-18 , 2007

Ted laughs it up!

Kindred members gathered together at Bernhard and Shari's lovely homestead for this year's Charming of the Plow weekend. Folks started arriving about 6 p.m. on Saturday evening, laden with snacks and beverages, in preparation for a long evening to be highlighted by sumbel.

Everyone initially hovered around the kitchen table to be in close proximity to the snack-foods. There was lots of laughing, joking and the usual catching up that we do each and every month. Congratulations go out to Ted and Beth on the purchase of their new home here in Knoxville. We'll all enjoy having them closer to us.

As the evening progressed, location changed to the study, where we settled in for the evening and circled the chairs together for sumbel. It was a very emotional sumbel that touched on a variety of topics and went deep into the rounds of open sumbel. Shortly after sumbel, everyone headed back to their homes to rest up for the next day's activities.

Once again, the setting on Sunday afternoon was Bernhard and Shari's home. It was a cool, yet bright and sunny day, that hinted of the spring to come -- fitting for a Charming of the Plow weekend.

Make led a wonderful blót honoring the Freya, Frigga, and the Disir, our line of female ancestors. We made the offering at the base of a young evergreen tree in Bernhard's yard, wind crisp, sun bright -- the perfect setting.

We made our way back inside after blót feeling energized and ready for feast. Shari made a delicious ham that was the centerpiece. Some of the other items included a huge hunk of Jarlsberg cheese, deviled eggs, bean salad, and a sausage and pasta dish from Suzanne. As always, there was lots to eat, and it was all very delicious.

The day wound to a conclusion with members back in the study visiting until it was time for everyone to had back home.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend