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Thruðheim Kindred Founding Day Blót 2009
July 18-19, 2009
Steve and Glenda |
October weather in the middle of July! That's how it felt with low temperatures in the 50s and highs in the upper 70s. As usual, Founding Day was held at Big South Fork's Bandy Creek Campground. All of the kindred had arrived by 6:00 PM and settled around the camp fire. Cliff brought his mother and sister along with her family to help eulogize the recent passing of his father. Sumbel was rather emotional, as can be imagined, but Cliff and his family took strength from the support of the kindred. Several in the kindred expressed the hope that they would join us at future events.
After sumbel, that uniquely Thrudheim tradition called Kipper Time(tm) took place. The kippers took quite a beating, as in days of yore, with at least six to eight tins consumed. Some especially daring members even combined kippers with another camp fire treat (S'mores) to create a new delicacy dubbed "S'mordines". It's not clear if kippers on a graham cracker covered with melted marshmallow and chocolate would have appealed to the vikings, but it certainly could not have been any worse than lutefisk. Many stayed up until the wee hours of the morning, deep in conversation.
Sunday dawned pleasantly cool with low humidity as the revelers from the previous night slowly made their way back to the camp fire. Simple breakfasts with coffee or other beverages were accompanied with more lively conversation. Around noon it was time to gather around the vei. Cliff lead a blot to Tyr, god of the Thing, who was held up as an example of true fidelity to one's kin. Then each in turn expressed heartfelt thanks or desires to the kindred as a whole. Finally, the kindred joined together to hold the oath ring to renew their spiritual beliefs and oaths to one another.
Next came the feast, which had a distinctly summertime flavor, with fried chicken, beanie-weenies, mac-n-beef, several side salad dishes, and desserts including pies and banana pudding. Not much was left which made clean-up a breeze. Many then returned to the camp fire to discuss kindred business for the rest of the year. Reluctantly, the kindred departed, each with a new treasure trove of memories.
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