February 16-17, 2008

Bernhard (aka Grampnir) and his granddaughter, Lexi

Kindred members and friends gathered together at Bernhard and Shari's homestead on a cool and "Tennessee seasonal" Saturday evening to kick of the events for Charming of the Plow 2008. Most guests arrived armed with snacks and coolers of their favorite beverages in hand. The snacks were added to the growing spread on the kitchen table while coolers were dropped off in another room (with easy access, of course). The selection of snacks this particular evening was quite diverse and plentiful, and being a group that loves to eat, folks spent much of the early evening hovering around the snack table while visiting and catching up with one another.

After all had arrived and were properly fed, we gathered together in the family room to begin sumbel. The Gods and folk and family were honored, and boasts, brags and hopes for the future were made in a sumbel that extended past the traditional three rounds into open sumbel.

There was more snacking and conversation after sumbel until it was finally time for folks to head back to their homes to rest up for the events of the next day to come.

Sunday morning arrived with the threat of showers in the air as, once more, the folk gathered together at Bernhard and Shari's warm and beautiful home. There was the usual visiting and more conversation that morning until early in the afternoon we gathered around the vei for our Charming of the Plow blót.

Bernhard led the blót to Frey in his heartfelt, informative and clasically understated style. The Lord of the Alfs was honored and his blessings asked for as we placed our hands on a loaf of bread symbolizing fertility and a bountiful harvest to come. We stepped outside into a soft rain and placed the loaf and poured offering into the freshly turned earth of the garden. The light and refreshing rain seemed a good omen as it fell on the newly dug earth and many felt the presence of Fro Ing among us.

Awaiting us back indoors as we stepped in from the rain was an impressive array of tasty fare for feast. Some of the dishes included tender pork loin, fried chicken, several wonderful pasta salads and casseroles and a much fought over pineapple upside-down cake. As always, the food was plentiful and delicious and no one left hungry.

Shortly after feast, with full bellies, members and guests departed back to their own homes after another frithful Charming of the Plow weekend.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend