thothhrod

Skinny Angles

2005-04-16T02:07:22Z

Ugh, this campaign is depressing. In the past we vikings have raided Angle land and sacked the towns or have been bought off by the weak Saxon kings. Alfred paid us lots. Byhrnoth paid us 22,000 pounds of gold. Vae victus! A few years ago we received 24,000 pounds of gold. How weak these Saxon are!

Well, a few years ago, Aethelraed, the bastard Saxon king, got mad and ordered a massacre of many vikings living in Angle land. Many settlers were killed even though they have been living here for 200 years!

So our king Olaf, and another norse king Svein, are back to wreck vengeance upon the Angles. This is much more than the usual plunder for gold. Yesterday we past through the east Anglian settlement of Maldon. This is a happy town to visit. Back about 15 year ago, Byhrnoth was defeated and they gave us lots of gold.

So, we are happy to march on Lundenburg. But it is very strange to see the Saxon farmer. They are all very gaunt and malnourished. It seems they have had a very bad year with the crops. Well, good for us. There will be less and much weaker fyrd to battle. Hopefully the Angles and the Lundenburgers will cave in and give us settlements and trading rights all over Angle land. If not, they will die by the sword. Either way, it is depressing that they attempt to stand against us.

More Viking Ships - War is On

2005-04-14T01:20:05Z

I cannot begin to tell you how excited I have been these past few days! Our navigators have guided our ships successfully to Angle land. We have had smooth sailing. And I have had the great pleasure of seeing many more viking ships and meeting many viking sailors along the way: first in Norway, then out at sea, and now on the Angle coast. By my estimate, there are now over 200 viking ships near the mouth of the Thames.

We did have a night of hosting from our viking settler friends in Angle land. They have extremely good beer here. So we all drank and talked all night at the coast, under the stars, in sight of the ships, and in the company of many friends. Part way through the thing, hersirs addressed the crowd and gave many rousing speeches. I thought this was impressive, as they spoke with truth, and insight into the condition in these lands.

The highlight came when our high king Olaf came and gave a speech (and most of the hersirs and thegns got to sit up close and hear him directly as he drank.) For 10 years now Olaf has been trying to take Lundenburg, also know to the locals as Lundenwic. Many vikings and normen have died trying to free this town from the hateful Saxons. And now we have hundreds of ships worth of vikings amassed for the battle. I have been on raids before, even a few fully concerted castle and town sieges, but never have I been involved in a battle this big.

So now our large mass of vikings will split and attack the town from several sides. My group will travel overland, possibly meeting with the Mercians or the hateful Saxons. Another group will take ships up the Thames, and assault the big bridge and prevent any relief forces from arriving. (Another smaller group will stay here and protect the ships and our hosts.) Divide and conquer. Our 10 year war with the Saxons continues.

Clear Skies and Fine Winds

2005-04-09T02:26:23Z

Our viking flotilla sails on. We encounter nothing but clear skies and fine winds. Many are fishing from the sides of the boats and catching excellent fish for dinner. We have not yet had to slaughter our goats or pigs. (Fresh milk nearly every day too, but only a little when it is your turn.)

We have met with a few more ships. I find it amazing that we can all meet out here on the high seas. Our navigators are very good. We are now up to 110 ships. They are nearly too many to count. No raiding. This is full war.

Sleep comes easy. There is nothing like rowing, and a few sword and wrestling classes to make you tire. Occasionally, we go for swims in the ocean, but the salt sea is making my skin rough. Combine that with the sun and the wind, and you see my skin is getting raw. At least I smear it with grease, but my nose is red.

Today the moon took a bite out of the sun. Yesterday there was only a slim moon cresent in the sky near morning. Today the moon moved right next to the sun and then bit it! I think the moon is closer to us than the sun.

More sailing and fine weather. No wonder why the dead sail ships in the afterlife.

Curious sightings

2005-04-06T21:24:46Z

This is proving to be a fine trip so far. Although we encountered two heavy thunderstorms (a sure sign that Þor is watching us), we easily clear the massive swells and continue to head west. Our navigator knows by the night stars where to steer the ship. We are heading somewhat southwest.

We have not been doing much rowing. The wind has been good to us. Knútr our hersir and captain has us rowing about 1 hour a day to keep in good shape and sleep well at night. Torbjörn and I sit on our pack as we row. We also have 10 others from our village. The rest of the ship are vikings from areas around Knútr's town. We share our food and play games, but none of us has had a drop of beer to drink since leaving. There is plenty of water from the spring rains. There are lots of sausages and pickled goodies.

Along the way, the lookout spotted two other groups of friendly ships. Our starting group of ships is small. These new groups are large. One has 46 ships and the other has 31. Knútr our hersir spent some time on these ships and shared the battle plans with their commanders. Now our ships follow in this flotilla of 80 viking ships.

These ships are a great sight to see! I know that this will be no ordinary raid. Of course raiding is fun, but vikings have lived in Angle land for over 200 years now. There are many viking settlers there, and we are running out of enemies to raid. Even mighty kings like Alfred have paid us gold for many years. No, this mighty flotilla has a bigger purpose in store. More news to you as I hear it.

Kind Friendly Vikings Wanted

2005-04-05T19:31:57Z

All you kind and friendly vikings, read this help wanted ad.

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=816&e=1&u=/ap/20050405/ap_on_fe_st/norway_vikings_wanted

All the rest of you warlike and bloodthirsty pillages, get on a ship and come see me or Knútr.

Off to Sea

2005-04-03T02:34:58Z

Good day from the Njord out at sea. Yes, my friend Torbjörn and I are out at sea with our hersir Knútr and 37 other vikings for a total of 40 warriors. The Njord has room for 32 rowers, so we are going to get some time off from rowing as various people swap in and out. However, this first day there has been no need for rowing. We are under sail power for all day now. Unfortunately with the good winds and clear cold air, I have also felt the sun. So now my face is wind and sun burned already. I have to apply some cool grease to my face to ease the dryness. Many other fair-skinned vikings also look red tonight.

Besides the warriors, we have a sail maker, a navigator, and a wood worker. I work wood also, and some of the other warriors can help with the sails and such. We all can take turns steering the ship or looking out for land and other ships. A few of the warriors know the Saxon tongue, and we try to teach this to the others. Already there have been a few sing alongs with the music players. I sing all day, but I cannot play instruments very well.

The ship is fully laden with goods. Besides all the armor and personal belongings, each man has contributed to the common store. Beer and wine are put into common barrels. A few pigs and goats are along for the ride, and we will have them when the time is right.

Besides the Njord, the Øyvind and the Vibeke from Knútr's village are also making the trip. And we had 5 more ships from the neighboring villages also come to meet us, so now we have a total of 8 ships for the trip. Based on the number of vikings with us, we now know what kind of raids we can make and what fights to make.

The wind blows. The ships move. The vikings are in good spirits tonight.

Packed and Stacked

2005-04-01T13:59:09Z

Today I made my goodbyes to my wife and family. The house is in good shape, and the barley has been planted. Everything is in good order and will do well when I am away. My son carved me a hnefatafel piece to use for games on the long journey.If I do not return, I will see them in Valhalla.

My friend Torbjörn and I readied most of our goods last night. We have a small cart that we loaded our armor, our weapons, and much of our supplies for the journey. For war, I have brought my mail hauberk, long sword, two throwing axes, and spangenhelm. For survivial, I have brought my long cape, lots of dried foods, a dagger, small rope, and some hack silver. Together Torbjörn and I will wheel the cart to Knútr's village. Hopefully we will bring it back full with plunder.

I feel good, and I am in good shape for the trip. I have a feeling we will sail soon. Last evening it rained again, and then the night sky was clear and windy. This morning the wind was still howling. A cold north wind.

Hard work is its own reward

2005-03-29T01:24:05Z

I've been busy as a beaver since Knútr the hersir announced we would be sailing soon. This past weekend I met with the villagers at the Thing on Saturday night, had some good mead we freed for the occasion, then yesterday and today I worked hard getting my home in order.

I painted and built a room of shelves for my wife. I pulled my chainmail and sword from a barrel of oil, and hung it up to dry. It still looks nice and shiny from when I repaired it and stuffed it in the barrel from last year. I also took an inventory of some sausages to bring on the trip. (There is not a lot of room on the ship, so you have to bring some calorie-dense foods.)

Since we are going to battle, I brought out my good tunic. I washed it in the river, and hung it out to dry too. I have a cheap tunic that I wear for most of the work around the house, but for battle I bring out a good one. It is not as nice as my formal wear, but it is nice and thick and rich and perfect for battle. I will also take a bath before we leave, but that will do little good as we will soon be on the briny sea.

Busy, busy, busy. We vikings are good talkers, but we are not such verbose writers.

Mjolnir in my Head

2005-03-26T13:34:15Z

Ugh, I am ᚪᛜᛈᛕed up! I had about ᛯ drinks in the tavern last night. Well, at least we all shared stories and the news.

As we talked, a big storm brewed up outside. The rain fell in sheets. The wind blew and the lightning and thunder struck like claps of Þhor's hammer. Smashing all about, the hammer was striking many blows. We took it as a good sign and got quite excited. Some of the younger ones were throwing their axes about.

But as you know, when thrown Þhor's hammer will always return, and now it is pounding in my head. I made my way back to my village, and now I must tell my friends of the news.

Knútr and the Ships

2005-03-25T20:56:29Z

Torbjörn and I again walked to the next village to check up on Knútr's ship the Njord. It looks almost ready to go. All the woodwork is done. There is still work to be done on the sail, but the sailmaker and lots of the villagers are working on that. We cannot load the ship until a day or two before we sail, or otherwise we would help Knútr with the preparation.

Besides Knútr's ship, there are also two other hersirs and their ships sailing: the Øyvind and the Vibeke. Those ships are equally in good shape, so the village is alive with excitement. As in past years our small local fleet will meet up with others and head west. I do not know how many ships we will have or where the ships will meet before hitting open water.

Knútr says to return next Friday and be ready. If the winds are favorable, we will sail. When I head back to my village with Torbjörn, we will spread the word to the others, and then we will get our houses in order.

It is already getting late here, so there is no sense walking home in the dark. So tonight Torbjörn and I will drink with the locals, exchange news, and see how our party is shaping up this year.

A person should tend to the oak if they want to live under it.

2005-03-22T16:03:52Z

It is the duty of hird and thegns to help others get ready for war. Hrothmund and I this morning came up with an exercise program for those wanting to go viking. It takes about an hour and combines warming up and stretching, and exercising the heart and the muscles. It also helps make strong bones and joints, and makes you feel good.

Ideally you should do this year-round, but all you dreng and gestir can begin with this program at winter solstice and be in good shape by spring sailing time. If you are exhausted early in the season, take your time, do what you can, and try to improve a little each week.

A Viking Daily Exercise Program
Walking	10 minutes	Walk a bit. Walk up and down hills and stairs. Good for warming up. Good for the heart. Simulates the long marches we do from shore to town.
Stretching/Calisthenics	10 minutes	Bend and stretch all your limbs. Make yourself flexible. Good for the muscles and joints. Good for dodging blows and avoiding the enemy attacks.
Rowing or Wood Chopping	20 minutes	Row your boat across the fjord. Chop some firewood for the day. Good for the heart. Good for the back, abdomen, and upper arms. Gets you ready for sailing and long travels. Gets you ready to hack with your battle ax.
Lifting Weights	15 minutes	Lift and swing pairs of weights. Rocks or logs or weapons will do. One pair should be medium heavy - about 4 kilos (or the weight of a sword or battle ax). One pair should be very heavy - about 10 kilos. Lift them skyward. Swing them around your head. Nice and easy. No heavy blows, just gentle lifting and swinging. Use all your muscles. Your arms, shoulders, back, and legs. This is good for the muscles and joints. Gets you ready for lifting a shield and sword, striking blows, and fending off enemy attackers.
Walking/Stretching	5 minutes	Cool your self down. Stretch out your muscles. Have a drink of water and light snacks to rebuild your energy and fortify your muscles.

Best of luck with the exercise. Take care of your body. Get ready for some fun.

This Old Viking

2005-03-20T03:27:30Z

Here I am training for a trip. I row, I run, I lift weights, I walk. Every day, every week.

But spend the day planting barley corn, pushing down the adze and guiding the bulls, and I am beat. My back is sore. I can hardly lift my arms. Well, at least I have my wine, a cool night, and a song in my head. Time to visit the land of Nod.

Work not done, needs no reward.

2005-03-18T02:18:55Z

Work not done, needs no reward, but for a hard-working farmer there is much to be done. Today we had nice weather and the whole family and many hired hands worked the fields. We are breaking up the land and the many clods in the field. Lots of sunshine today, but the clods are big from many recent rains.

Soon it will be time to drop the adze and put the barley down.

Time to Get Moving

2005-03-14T01:29:30Z

As you may know, I have spent a large part of the winter juggling several projects.

With my own family, I have spent much of the fall and winter maintaining a farm, repairing the household, and preping foods for winter and spring consumption. Thanks to lots of planning, we now have many smoked meats, sausages, pickled vegetables and eggs, and many other tasty delicacies for late winter and spring.

With my village, I have met with the Thing and listened to the wishes of my Hersir. I have kept in good shape over the winter, kept abreast of the winter ship building, and prepared for our late spring trips to other lands.

Finally, for the good of my family and all, now comes the most important task. I must plant my seed to ensure that we all have good food to eat in the summer and for next year. Last year I grew wheat, but this year I will plant barley. I made some trades with others in the vllage that I will plant their barley corns while they plant other.

Barley is good for my land. I have high and dry fields, so this is good for barley. And I have left the wheat stubble high from last year to help prevent erosion. But one must plant barley earlier than wheat. And I have caught a whiff that winter is breaking and spring is coming.

So now that ice leaves and moisture grips the field, my family and friends and hired hands must move to break up the clods in the fields. We hope to spend a while furrowing the fields and getting ready for the planting. The sheds doors are open to dry the barley corns. A few more weeks of work and the barley will be bedded down. Once in the ground, we can ready our sails and head west!

Visiting Friends

2005-03-10T02:35:46Z

Today I walked with my friend Torbjörn to the next village. We are going to see our hersir Knútr and see the ship we will be sailing this spring.

Knútr's ship, the Njord, is looking very nice. It has 32 oars and room for 30 to 40 warriors. It has a single mast, but the new sail is not yet ready. Last year's sail was torn up from battle and Knútr sold much of it to the local farmers and villagers. The prow and stern of the ship have beautiful carvings that will strike terror into the Angles and their priests. There are still more repairs and another mast in the works, but I am impressed and excited to be a part of this trip.

As a warrior, I will be required to bring all my provisions for a few months. Most importantly, this will include my armor and sword, and a pig or goat for the journey. I will bring some wine too, but we will put that together in big barrels. I am wealthy enough to have my own sword and helmet, and I am rich enough to have mail like Knútr. I am a good farmer, but I cannot fill special positions like the navigator, the carpenter, or the sailmaker. Still, together, I expect we will have a good journey and get much gold.

Oh, this is exciting. It is good to see the Njord in such good shape. Tonight Torbjörn and I will spend all night in our house and share stories and drink. Of course there is much work to do. I will have to sow our farm and do much spring cleaning. But once that is in place, I will get to sail once again.

More soup

2005-03-07T00:13:15Z

Today was yet another training day as I prepare for my annual trip to Angle Land. Like the last few weekends, it rained here. Once again, I made a big pot of soup to recover from training and warm my bones on this cold wet day.

Today I made the soup with barley, peas, carrots, and potatoes. We have lots of barley in these parts. Many of the villagers including myself grow it. We harvest it in the fall, and we keep it in raised barns all winter. The barns look just like any other village house except they are raised on wooden piers to keep everything dry and to keep the rats out. Peas are great. We grow them outside in the summer and inside our houses and barns in the winter. Carrots and potatoes and other root vegetables we grow all year. I love root vegetables because they keep very long in barrels. Just keep them dark and dry and you have good food for long. Of course, add salt (from the waters of the fjords), pepper (from trading), and other herbs (dried from the fall and summer). Tasty!

Eric the Red has brought back from his travels a grain called corn. It is yellow like wheat, but with big sweet grains. You can boil the grains and eat them like wheat, or grind them and make bread, or make sweet syrup from them. Eric is one of the most famous Vikings. He visited Greenland and then went on to visit Vineland. There he met the Skraelings who gave him about corn. He brought some back, and it is very tasty, but we are having trouble growing much of it. Some of us grow it, but it does better in warmer lands or in the middle of summer.

Ha, ha, Eric called the new land Vineland! Everyone laughs because we all know grapes and grape vines grow everywhere. Angle Land, Rus Land, Germania, Hispania, Mongolia, Vineland. Everywhere I know, they grow grapes.

Get Ready

2005-03-03T03:19:44Z

Hello, I am still getting ready for our annual raid on Angle Land. Although today was cold and wet, I still did more rowing and running. Today is Wotan's day, and I always do a good deal of training in the middle of the week.

When I was done with training, I was so tired I could hardly move. But I still had chores around the house. I milked the cows in the evening, and then I just sat by the fire and made butter. We have a nice butter maker, so I just sat and worked the butter maker and made butter. My wife made bread today, so I had a nice fresh warm piece, with fresh butter. Ahh, tasty.

This is a tough time of year. At the same time I am getting ready for my long trip, I still have to get the house and the farm ready. In a little while I have to plow and drop some seed. Last year was mostly wheat, so this year I will plant barley. Then, once that is down, we do our trip. Then a few months later, we return, and it is time to watch the crops until harvest.

Ack, the work of a viking is never done. Those Leidang have it easy compared to me.

Spring is coming

2005-02-24T02:34:18Z

Although it is still cold here, I am training and getting ready for our village's yearly trips. We sail and head west in the spring time. We go and visit Angle Land, spend a few months, and return to out families.

First I have to spend a little time getting into shape. I like to run and that helps keep me in shape. Even in the cold winter, I take the dogs and go running on the hills and trails. I wear leather shoes, but sometimes that is cold in the snow. I stuff rabbit fur in the shoe, but still that is cold. And sometimes the leather show rubs my feet raw. So I smear my feet with butter or lard. That helps my feet.

On long runs up the mountain, I get tired. Sometimes I bring jam or jelly on the run for energy. The dogs and I drink from streams and puddles so we don't drop. Sometimes it is so cold we lick the snow or icicles. But running is fun. The dogs really like it. Especially if they get to chase a reindeer or squirrel.

Then for more training I row our coracle. I cross the fjord even in the middle of winter. Sometimes there is ice there, but me and the coracle bump around and do alright. On the other side of the fjord I jump up and raise my arms. My hands are raw from the oars. But even in the cold, I warm up and take off my furs. It is fun to row and feel the air and see the porpoises and sea animals.

You can get really tired like this. The best food for a norseman in training is a big pot of soup. We boil water and put the vegetables we have been saving all winter: cabbages, lettuces, leeks, onions, carrots, garlics. Then you can add a rabbit or a squirrel. On a cold day, there is nothing better than soup. Add a nice loaf of bread, and I am all set for the evening.

Prince Valiant, Viking Prince

2005-02-20T01:29:42Z

Har, har, har. Today the wife and I used the far seer toy to watch the saga "Prince Valiant". This is the saga of a prince, with Viking blood, who seeks to avenge his father, who has been exiled to British castle, and defeat the enemy Viking army. Prince Valiant also wants to be a knight of King Arthur's court, but he cannot be a knight until he serves Sir Gawain, the Green Knight, as his squire. Chivalric contests, Vikings, King Arthur, late Norman castles - historically, this saga is all over the map just like one of the modern day Renaissance Festivals. However, as a saga, there is plenty of cartoon action to keep the story flowing.

Some of the saga players may be familiar to you. Young Robert Wagner as Prince Valiant. Janet Leigh as Princess Aleta, looking like Linda Evangelista, but with Madonna bustier. James Mason as Sir Brack. Unfortunately, every knight wears full plate armor and every Viking wears cow horns or eagle wings helmets. I am one of the rare Vikings who wears horns (they detach so I can get a drink during battle), but most Vikings I know wear more functional spangenhelms.

The history is laughable, but the saga story is actually excellent. There is a bit of intrigue as Sir Brack is both a King Arthur Knight good guy as well as the Black Knight bad guy helping the evil Vikings invade Britain. Prince Valiant does all sorts of stunts climbing up and down castles, leaping about trees, and swimming underwater. There are many exciting chase sequences. Like many sagas of this period, many villains are thrown off castle walls to their death, emitting high-pitched, feminine screams.

There are two great moments of the saga. Once is where Prince Valiant helps the good Vikings and his Viking friend Boltar siege the bad Viking castle. Although the bad Vikings are ready with plenty of pig skins of inflammable oil, Valiant leaps all about, slashing pig skins with his sword, and helping his good Viking friends overtake the castle. The other moment is the final sword battle between Sir Brack and Prince Valiant. Although they have comically large chrome swords and silly garbage can shields, the battle is full of leaps, hacks, thrusts, parries, and running around. I'm sure many garbage cans and pots and pans were destroyed as impressionable folks reenacted this scene.

Lots of fun. A good saga. Laughable stereotypes. Give me more beer and pretzels.

Ill is it to abash folk of their mirth

2005-02-13T00:29:27Z

Have you noticed the many types of humor people favor?

I know many vikings who are happy with a drink. And so it is with me. Yes, this is mirth, and there is no reason to snuff it.

Other people laugh at ill fortune. I have had friend who laugh when one falls. Or when one hits their head on the door jamb. Or when the ice is thick and people slip. For the most part this is not funny to me. But yes, I too laugh when a man is kicked in the groin. It is not nice to laugh at ill fortune, but it happens with me.

Others laugh at word play and jokes. I too laugh at these. Many jokes end where you expect one thing and yet another happens. There is always delight in surprise.

And who does not laugh at goofiness? Only the most sour person would not laugh at a funny face or someone sticking out their tongue. Or a man dressed as a lady. Or a dog dressed as a person. Or the funny song. What are these devils that make us goof around and blow off tension?

In my travels I see this is common among humans. We all like to laugh and have good times.

A Chill in the Air

2005-02-05T01:23:03Z

Yargh! A chill in the air around these parts. A cloudy sky. The trees are bare and the grasses are brown. But tonight there is little wind. It is my favorite kind of weather.

Some of the neighbors are complaining the foxes have killed their cats. They say the fox population is getting out of control around here. But I disagree. Have we not lived among the foxes and the deer and the birds here for generations? I think the cats run off as usual. People are making a scape goat. (Where does that Saxon word "scape" come from? Why do Saxons say I must not use a preposition to end a sentence with?) Why are people blaming the foxes? Fox, your name causes suspicion.

Yesterday I returned home to find a stray dog. Luckily, the dog had a collar with a rune on it. I could tell where he lived. I walked the dog back to his home. That dog made me laugh. He appeared to be young, but when I walked to the top of the hill with him, he was panting and tired. I thought, my dogs are great runners. Panting Dog, you would not last a day's walk with my dogs. You should have an owner like me.

Dog, reunited with his family. All were happy, and I slept well for it.

Runes and Marks

2005-02-01T22:34:21Z

Some cultures allow people to be exclusive owners of symbols and marks. For instance, if the hersir makes a coin and puts his mark on it, one is not allowed to make a similar mark whether it be on a coin or other paper. Or one can use the mark if they pay the hersir some money.

I have a money making idea. I am looking for various unique combinations of marks and words that no one has used before. Then when a person wants to use such a mark, I make money by offering them use of my mark. Or they can trade me a sausage or a pickled egg for using my mark. Even if this scheme makes no money, it amuses me by thinking up combinations that no one has done before.

I hearby claim rights to the words "shit torment." If anyone has seen this combination before, please let me know, and I will reliquish any rights. If anyone sees this combination hence, think of me and send a sausage.

[Updated thanks to esperantista goulo.]

Making some money

2005-01-26T01:39:21Z

A few years ago, Aethelred and a group of us warriors went on a big boat trip. For me, it was exciting. I was younger then and in great shape. We met up with Byrthnoth and the Saxon fyrd in Essex. Of course there was a tussle. We Vikings won that one, and they paid a tribute of 10000 pounds of silver to make us go away. We took the money, but we vowed to return again the next year.

Now for the last many years I have made it a point to go raiding every year. I am an old man by many standards, but I make up in experience what I now lack in physical strength. I sometimes laugh at the younger Vikings, and how they get injured trying to kill and hack and slash every enemy in sight. I tell them, "Do not worry about killing every enemy, just make sure you don't get killed." Some listen and survive. Others kill many men, but take on too many and get in trouble.

So now it is the middle of winter. Snow is still on the ground. In the spring we will plant our fields, and when the weather is right, we will all go a viking!

Not every cloud which darkens the day brings rain.

2005-01-24T00:43:44Z

Today the village has much snow. Late yesterday the clouds came. The wind was fierce and blow with strong gales - strong enough to snap a mast. Overnight and early this morning the snow fell. Today we have snow above the knees, midway up my thighs.

I shoveled a path to the barn. The cows need milking, and they are hungry. We have plenty of fodder in the rafters. It is warm in the barn where the cows are, and one can work up a sweat pitching fodder from the rafters.

After my chores, I returned back to the house. We played some games today. The village is quiet now. No birds sing. It is dark. The dogs sleep. The fire is warm and all is well with me.

There is a time for everything.

2005-01-10T01:34:11Z

It is winter here and the snows are deep. This time of year I am restless. Like many Vikings, I am a hard worker, and I want to see my projects come to conclusion. At other times of year I am planting, building, pillaging. Not this time of year. We sit and chew the fat. And tell many stories. We play games. I like to get out and chop wood, even if it is very cold.

Personally, I do not mind the cold if the wind is low. On the other hand, when it is time to go a-viking, I like the wind high. I like rain if I can stay indoors and watch it from near the fire. I hate when we get cold, rain, and wind all at once. All good things come in threes.

I like to hike on the high mountains near the fjord. This is impossible at this time of year. In the lowlands there is too much snow. In the highlands - lots of wind and ice. I cannot go for long hikes this time of year. I must wait for the snows to clear.

On the other hand, I am carving many trolls this time of year. Just take a block of wood and a sharp knife and make the funniest most grotesque thing you can imagine. Give them to the kids and your friends. In the summer I get none of these done. So, although I am stuck at home today, I still get lots of things done. Summer comes. Summer goes. Winter comes. Winter goes. Day. Night.