January 19-20, 2008

Ted, Glenda and Maija

The weather was appropriately seasonal for this year's Feast of Thor gathering - a bit on the blustery side and cold. We gathered together at Steve's house on Saturday evening, where we found a most-numerous selection of delicious snacks ready and waiting to be eaten.

We listened to music, laughed, drank and, of course, ate until it was time for sumbel. It was a heart-felt sumbel that lasted just a bit beyond the traditional three rounds.

After sumbel the mood remained relaxed and there was more catching up and visiting until late into the evening.

Sunday morning, kindred members and guests arrived with crock pots full of chilis, stews and soups to be served for feast. One of the fringe benefits of having a thriving and growing kindred community, is that every year for Feast of Thor we have more delicious selections from which to sample. This year, Steve's kitchen was as full as it ever has been with various pots and serving dishes of soups. More on feast later ...

Early in the afternoon we donned out coats, jackets and tuques and ventured outside around the vei for blót. Steve led an excellent blót to our kindred's patron, the Hammer-Weilder, recalling Thor's trip to the hall of Utgard-Loki, the trials endured, and how they serve as examples for us never to give up. That even if we feel frustration or discouragement, our best efforts will pay off in the end. Given the trials and tribulations that many of the kindred members have undergone in recent months, this blót's message was right on point.

Following blót we headed back into the warmth of the house, and back to the warmth of simmering pots of delicious goodness. Yes, it was time for feast. When kindred members actually develop strategies and plans of attack that enable them to eat the most soup in the most efficient ways possible, you know you've got a good tradition going. This year's feast was as good as ever. We had the traditional -- Jada's clam chowder and Suzanne's white chicken chili. We also had pillage stew, hunter's stew, lentil soup, beef and barley, vegetable, and more. Oh yeah, there was also dessert - coconut cream pie and German chocolate cake.

With bellies full and spirits high members and friends eventually headed back to their homes after a wonderful Feast of Thor weekend.

Click here to view some photos from the weekend