Aug 2011 b

Sat 06 Aug 2011
Back home and relaxing after our 10 year wedding anniversary week in France.

Mon 08 Aug 2011
About 10 minutes before the rioting kicked off in Hackney (London), Steve went past 11 riot vehicles, enroute home from work. Jen's workplace closed early today after reports of the local Stratford shopping centre closing. We both got home safe & sound, although Steve did strategically place "sporting equipment" about the house in case he needed to use it on any possible intruders.

Tue 09 Aug 2011
Jen sent home early from work again, due to possible rioting. Actually, where she works in Stratford is extremely close to where the building works for the Olympics is taking place - so there's a very strong police presence in the area, no trouble broke out here. Steve was also sent home early, but no trouble near his work either.

Thu 11 Aug 2011
It finally seems the authorities have managed to halt the civil unrest and looting in London. So now things are basically business as usual.

Sat 13 Aug 2011
Shopping online trying to find somethings for us to wear to Oktoberfest...

Sun 14 Aug 2011
Today is Jen's birthday, and what she really really wants is to have a DIY problem finally fixed. The trellis has been broken for so long now, and finally we've spent a few hours together and fixed it.

Oh and Jen says thanks to everyone for the wonderful birthday wishes.




Fri 19 Aug 2011
So we both have the day off work, and we got up early and Steve drove us to Raglan Castle in Wales. Stayed at nearby hotel. Hooray for showers!
Steve run the Pas d'Armes early morning at the same time Jen ran a costume class. Steve fought throughout the castle in the afternoon in numerous scenarios, and thoroughly enjoyed himself.

SCA campsite at Raglan Castle, Wales

Steve looking his finest in his best armour pieces

SCA combat on the bridge

SCA fighters relaxing during court

Guillet pulls a face whilst faking a broken leg.
Actually he had injured his knee during the fort assault.

Relaxing with friends in the evening by the fire.

Sat 20 Aug 2011
Today was the big Coronet tournament, which Robert and Genevieve won and were invested as Prince and Princess in the late afternoon. Way to go guys!
Here's our youtube video of the Coronet Tournament: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j9rTQ3zWxKM
In the afternoon, Steve finally got to fight with all the other trainees and fighters from the local Thamesreach group, in the "Oxford Rolls" tourney. Pick-ups later with Elffin were loads of fun for Alaric.
After court, Steve took on a new squire, Alex of Derlington, in a short ceremony on the bridge.

Alex of Derlington, new squire of House Bangor

Arnod and Sorscha - what a cute couple.

Spectators watching the tourney.

Floris and Robert (seated) between bouts

Ozbeg talking with Signy and Elffin

The consorts with the Princess during the Tournament's Final (best of 3)....

The victors proclaimed - Genevieve and Robert.

Mary and Elffin chatting after the tourney

Elffin, Racaire and others enjoying Alaric's
cooking from "Vesuvius" his craticula.

Robert and Genevieve being invested as
Prince and Princess of Insulae Draconis

The new Royals

Sun 21 Aug 2011
This morning, to celebrate 20 years since first authorising as a heavy fighter, Steve held the bridge against all comers for two hours.

Yep, Alaric's still holding the bridge

Alaric and Guillet pose on the bridge, Raglan Castle.

SCA combat in the Fountain Courtyard

After helping to pack down Deb and Clancy's tent (thanks guys for your stirling hospitality over the weekend), we headed off to pick up our latest ebay purchase, a stonky great sideboard from Mary's place; and then bedside tables from Elffin on the way home. Enjoyed a pleasant backyard dinner with Elffin, Signy, Tina and Deb & Clancy.

The sideboard, with dolphin motif carvings....

Thu 25 Aug 2011
Apples growing in the backyard!

So tonight we went and saw the new Conan movie. Jen was Not impressed - the old Arnie movies were better, and that's saying something!

Fri 26 Aug 2011
Tonight Jen farewelled colleague Lucy who's off to make a nice leap in her career and pay scale. Glad for her, but sad to see her go.

Sat 27 Aug 2011
Hurrah! Another long weekend - love it!