What do you "assign" to the Shire?

[MCRmyGirl4eva]

All Sherlock Holmes stories, and Student Assisting in the school library :)

[Galadriel55]

O. Henry's short stories. They are something I could imagine hobbits telling each other over a pint of mead. Except that you'd have to move the stories back 4 ages...


I also assign silence. I think that many people underestimate it. It is sometimes so good just not to listen to anything, not to have any noise in the background.

[Lollipop010900]

Books,

My friends,

Books,

Tolkien and everything he wrote,

Books,

Puppies,

and finally...

More books

[Oddwen]

I assign the hollow noise that apples and thick books make.

[Gilnaur]

Good food
Flowers blooming in the garden
Gentle rain showers
Fresh air
Peace and Quiet
Books
a good pub
a sense of community

[Galadriel55]

Snow.

[Celuien]

Whoever fixed my account so that the posting permissions are restored! Thank you.

[Galadriel55]

Welcome back, Celuien!

[Mithalwen]

Yes it is Shireworthy in itself.

[THE Ka]

Finding out you work with a man named Bilbo at the local casino.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Finding out you work with a man named Bilbo at the local casino.

Clearly he needs to be assigned to the Shire because that's where he's from! :D

[Mithalwen]

Getting home safely after having to go out in fresh snow and not having to go anywhere else. Unless I want to go and play and take pictures. Though I couldn't believe the school was closed. When I was there they never decided to close before we had to leave. Though we listened to local radio in hope. And my mother wouldn't drive in snow so we had to well only too find most of the teachers hadn't got in and we would sit in the assembly hall for an hour or so them they would admit defeat and let us go home.

[THE Ka]

Clearly he needs to be assigned to the Shire because that's where he's from! :D

Definitely. He works in maintenance right now and so far it's looking like Moria down there so we need to give the poor fellow our condolences.

It just really improved my entire day when I found out it wasn't some joke. His wife looks more like Goldberry, so wherever Bombadil is, he's lost out obviously... :smokin:

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I assign getting a job. There's a frozen yoghurt place down the street from where I live. They were hiring and I sent in a resume. One of my friends is the manager of the shop, so she put in a good word for me with the owner. I got hired without even having to do an interview! I am going to save up some money to travel, and then I am going to go places! Literally. ;)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I assign getting a job. There's a frozen yoghurt place down the street from where I live. They were hiring and I sent in a resume. One of my friends is the manager of the shop, so she put in a good word for me with the owner. I got hired without even having to do an interview! I am going to save up some money to travel, and then I am going to go places! Literally. ;)

That's really a nice thing, certainly belongs to the Shire :) (Have a) Good job ;)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

That's really a nice thing, certainly belongs to the Shire :) (Have a) Good job ;)

I agree! The best part about it is that it can help me reach very Tolkien-y (or Downs-y, at least) ends. I have very tentative plans to travel with Aganzir, plus I can have money to go to the moot later this year. A job has the potential to make someone very happy.

[Galadriel55]

I agree! The best part about it is that it can help me reach very Tolkien-y (or Downs-y, at least) ends. I have very tentative plans to travel with Aganzir, plus I can have money to go to the moot later this year. A job has the potential to make someone very happy.

Definitely! Getting a decent job was one of the best long-term things that happened to me this year. If I keep up this rate for another year, I could very well attend a moot! :D

[Aganzir]

I assign friends getting a job. ;)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Definitely! Getting a decent job was one of the best long-term things that happened to me this year. If I keep up this rate for another year, I could very well attend a moot! :D

What would be cool if we could both go to the same moot. :smokin:

I assign friends getting a job. ;)

Of course! I start tomorrow, then I'll practically be rolling in the dough (that I will later bake and eat to congratulate on a job well done). Ah, I am so punny.

[Aganzir]

What would be cool if we could both go to the same moot. :smokin:
Wantwantwant.

I assign champagne and salmon and cake.

[Lalwendë]

Penguin documentaries narrated by David Tennant that make your child shriek with laughter. :cool:

[Lalwendë]

LEGO.

I don't need to justify it, you know it's right :cool:

[Ardent]

Gooseberry jam

and butter that has been spread over toast while it is still hot (and not spread too thin).

[Aganzir]

Sneaking Tolkien quotes into your thesis. :cool:

[MCRmyGirl4eva]

Snow days and 2-hour delays.

[Mithalwen]

Being with people who know you really well and still love you and leave you feeling better about yourself and the world.

[Galadriel55]

Finding out that you are not only accepted for a position you hoped to get into as a volunteer, but also you will be paid for it!

[Galadriel55]

People you don't really know coming up to you because you're reading a book they have read or have heard of to discuss the story with you. For the past week or so I have been having the most delightful discussions with a student a year younger than me about Jane Eyre, possibly the most delightful discussions on non-Tolkien literature I've taken part in.

[Aganzir]

I remember the times that somebody reading A Song of Ice and Fire was enough for me to talk to them. But these days everybody reads it.

[Galadriel55]

Undeprecation!!!

[Galadriel]

Making pumpkin ice cream shakes with a friend. :D

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Finnish call center operators. I don't understand how comes somebody, especially working in that area, can be so cheerful and helpful and nice and all that to the extent that when you end a call which you made in order to solve an annoying problem, you feel absolutely "charged with positive energy", so to say. Yay!

[Galadriel55]

Finnish call center operators. I don't understand how comes somebody, especially working in that area, can be so cheerful and helpful and nice and all that to the extent that when you end a call which you made in order to solve an annoying problem, you feel absolutely "charged with positive energy", so to say. Yay!

Listening to a similar conversation (it was on loudspeaker) betwen two people who do not really know English, speak with horrible accents (Russian and Indian), bad phone connection, and trying to fix some internet problem. "Do you have a Dell PC?" "Why do you need to know if I have a Bell TV?" "Because you said you have a problem with your internet service!" "But my TV is not related to my internet!" and so on and so forth. They did sort it out in the end, but by that time I was dying of laughter. Funniest phone call I witnessed.

[Mithalwen]

Andy Murray, for ending a long drought.

[THE Ka]

The feeling of pure unadulterated joy you have at waiting for new books to arrive at your door, despite no longer being a kid and having a valid excuse to give to your other half why you're, 'skipping around the whole house like a drunk horse.'

:D

[Aganzir]

Living in a world where it gets better, eventually. Working for important things with fantastic, inspiring people. That sheer amount of enthusiasm and passion you sometimes encounter in people.

Words and phrases that are ordinary in one language and really dirty in another.

Telling Swede jokes with, and to, other Scandinavians.

Watching thunder roll across the sea.

[MCRmyGirl4eva]

Awesome boyfriends who are willing to treat you like a princess even though you never asked him to. :)

College English professors who let you write your 5-page research paper on fandoms.

[THE Ka]

Spending your sunday mornings playing Cards Against Humanity with some of your favourite Downers.

[Aganzir]

That next time my dearest Ka plays Cards Against Humanity on a weekend morning because lo! I will do all I can to be there.

[Mithalwen]

The Winter Olympics. Not because I am a huge wintersport fan but because it is giving my uncle afflicted by dementia so much pleasure. His short term memory is completely shot but the runs are so quick he can cope. It has been a while since I have seen him so animated, engaged and closer to his old self.

[Galadriel55]

I belatedly assign the Winter Olympics, which I found very satisfactory and beyond despite all the local dirty paper criticism.

I also assign remembering where a quote comes from. So, a few days ago, I was thinking of a quote that goes something like "This was ____, this was ____." I had no clue who the quote was talking about. Then I had a vague recollection that it's talking about a woman, and the two blanks are her names. Then I realized that one of them is her male alias. So I started to mentally go through the list of heroines from all over my reading list who may have fit the bill at some point or another. And this morning, without even thinking, I discovered it's Eowyn.

The true quote: "Eowyn it was, and Dernhelm also". But in my Russian translation, it follows the grammatical structure as I remembered it. Sheesh, Tolkien does sit deeply in my brain! :eek:

[Galadriel55]

The 30% sour cream (this (http://www.westerncreamery.com/en/images/Products-Item_02.jpg)one). Here in Kingston, the nearby stores only have the 14% one, which tastes like yogurt gone bad. This weekend I got the good, proper sour cream from Toronto. I could eat it till I'm sick, but I'm drawing it out instead.

[Galadriel55]

Snow!!!

(NOT the Barazinbar kind)

[Tar-Jêx]

Snow!!!

(NOT the Barazinbar kind)

So, the disgusting watery and dirty stuff that's sitting at the side of the road?

I like to assign Howard Shore for obvious reasons.

[Inziladun]

I want to take a moment to assign this forum.

There's a non-Tolkien forum devoted to computer gaming that I've never posted on, but have followed for many years. Today I saw that it had apparently imploded, with a former admin running amok, and the forum owner deciding to discontinue running it.

I am very much appreciative of this little island of sanity here, and the efforts of The Barrow-Wight for making it all happen and keeping it virtually the same as when I joined all those years ago.

[Mithalwen]

Testing your limited childcare skills by baking chocolate cake with ten year old mildly autistic twin boys and Armageddon not happening. Just a dropped egg and some spilled batter.

[Galadriel55]

The fact that after the Great Blackout you have things to assign to the Addicted to Barrow Downs / LOTR threads, and the fact that you had even more things to assign but forgot them.

[Galadriel55]

I assign new posts, especially on threads that have been long dormant.

[Inziladun]

Taking a Vacation day, "just because". :cool:

[Galadriel55]

Having the floor to yourself for a week before your floormate came back.

[Inziladun]

Timely blessings that remind me that I worry too much. :)

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Timely blessings that remind me that I worry too much. :)

I will have to second that.

I often have to remind my self not to worry so much, and when I succeed, it makes life so much more bearable.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I was chatting with a coworker today about the difference between geeks and nerds and I mentioned my membership at this here bunch o barrows. He said, "The Barrow-downs?" and I took it as him not knowing about it. Turns out he has read the book and we discussed Tom Bombadil at length. It was fun and I'm so glad that we could chat. That, I will assign to the Shire any day

[Galadriel55]

I was chatting with a coworker today about the difference between geeks and nerds and I mentioned my membership at this here bunch o barrows. He said, "The Barrow-downs?" and I took it as him not knowing about it. Turns out he has read the book and we discussed Tom Bombadil at length. It was fun and I'm so glad that we could chat. That, I will assign to the Shire any day

I second that with a great second!

I also add those times when you can just come up and chat with complete strangers because you share a common nerddom. Recently, I got acquainted with a guy who was wearing a Game of Thrones shirt and a couple girls who were discussing Doctor Who monsters. Sharing nerd (or geek) obsessions makes you instant friends, and makes it easier to strike up conversations. So I assign geeks to the Shire any day, and geeks who show it I assign twice! :D

[Pitchwife]

I'll third it with great third (and fourth it with great quart, if need be)! Bonding with random strangers over shared geekdom is cool, I've had such moments with students across the circulation desk at the library where I work. One sported a bag the shape and colour of the Tardis, and it turned out she had been to The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff in her holidays. Imagine my envy!

I also third what Zil and Rune said upthread about worrying too much. I do that too far too often, but fortunately I'm unlearning the habit under the beneficial influence of my happy-go-lucky wife.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I'll third it with great third (and fourth it with great quart, if need be)! Bonding with random strangers over shared geekdom is cool, I've had such moments with students across the circulation desk at the library where I work. One sported a bag the shape and colour of the Tardis, and it turned out she had been to The Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff in her holidays. Imagine my envy!

I also third what Zil and Rune said upthread about worrying too much. I do that too far too often, but fortunately I'm unlearning the habit under the beneficial influence of my happy-go-lucky wife.

Lauri and I went to the Doctor Who Experience in 2010 when we visited Cardiff and it was so awesome. We both squealed when we saw the familiar park area outside of the building out of excitement and my mother got so startled that she almost crashed the car. Yeah, don't be like us when you go.

On a less chat skwerly note, we also went to the Eagle and Child and when I eventually get my behind over to Oxenmoot, I will be assigning that to the Shire too.


As an addendum, I also assign my garden because I love it and weeding gives me peace. I feel like Sam Gamgee would approve. :D

[Galadriel55]

As an addendum, I also assign my garden because I love it and weeding gives me peace. I feel like Sam Gamgee would approve. :D

I'm positive he would. :)


I assign the first sunburn of the year. :cool:

[Mithalwen]

Feeling better in mind and body (not yet right mind you but better).

[Aganzir]

Coming back here after a year's absence and finding the forum still alive and well. ♥

[Galadriel55]

Seeing two such fantastic things above this post, so appropriately assigned.

Happy to hear you're better, Mith, and welcome back, Agan!

[Mithalwen]

Thank you

[Kuruharan]

Coming back here after a year's absence and finding the forum still alive and well. ♥

Yay, Agan's back! :D

We missed you.

[Aganzir]

Yay, Agan's back! :D

We missed you.
Aww thank you, I missed you too!

While I was gone, though, I've been spreading the love of dwarves by doing several beard workshops, both with friends and Oxonmoot participants. ;)

[Kuruharan]

While I was gone, though, I've been spreading the love of dwarves by doing several beard workshops, both with friends and Oxonmoot participants. ;)

Good job!

Spread the good beard! :smokin:

EDIT: Especially if your workshops are anything like the dream (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=684082&postcount=1963)of phantom's...

[Aganzir]

EDIT: Especially if your workshops are anything like the dream (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=684082&postcount=1963)of phantom's...
*shifty eyes*

(I'd completely forgotten about that dream though and burst out laughing halfway through it... it's hilarious! And those dwarf heads would make gorgeous house decoration.)

[Kuruharan]

And those dwarf heads would make gorgeous house decoration.

You Brute! :eek:

[Pitchwife]

I assign seeing Agan, Lommy and Legate back in black!

[Thinlómien]

I assign seeing Agan, Lommy and Legate back in black!Awww, I assign being back and seeing so many familiar fa... usernames? :D And all the active new members too.

[Aganzir]

You Brute! :eek:
Not your head, dearest Kuru. :p

[Kuruharan]

Not your head, dearest Kuru. :p

Well, that's a relief...but still! :eek:

[Inziladun]

To temper recent electoral anxieties, I'll assign this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Sw9Fh6uk4Q). It's useful to keep a sense of perspective. :)

[Inziladun]

Cooking fudge (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/9368/fudge/) for the first time and having it actually turn out decent. :eek:

[Galadriel55]

Having Jelly Babies for dinner. I blame this guy.

http://68.media.tumblr.com/3152fc5d129a683ed9c2966970b4d262/tumblr_n0ounllAvm1ssuoa0o9_r1_250.gif

[Mithalwen]

Cooking fudge (http://allrecipes.com/recipe/9368/fudge/) for the first time and having it actually turn out decent. :eek:

I do make quite a good chocolate fudge (though a cheffy friend said it was really ganache) but the last time I did something involving boiling sugar the instructions were a bit iffy and the pan had to be cleaned with a chisel.

[Galadriel55]

Nerdy things.

And May the Fourth be with you. :D

[Inziladun]

Having an unpleasant task unexpectedly canceled. :)

[Galadriel55]

Windless days with -1C and gentle fluffy snow in the winter. Absolutely wonderful days, and perfectly canonical Shire weather. :)

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Those impressions that take you back in time, and let you vividly remember days of pure joy.

It can be a whiff of fresh air with a hint of rosy smell, that reminds me of how my mother used to smell when I hugged her as she picked my up from kindergarten. It can be a song from a children movie that reminds me of how I used play with my friend Lise.

You know, those small things, that bring about an incredibly specific memory, perhaps one you had forgotten.

[Galadriel55]

I found this thread thinking to assign surprise +18C weather in November. And then I read through the last few pages of this thread, and I want to assign the good memories and shared joys and familiar faces. To quote Pitch from 4 years and only a few posts ago (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=705160&postcount=1817), it would make my day to see more of you guys "back in black".

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I found this thread thinking to assign surprise +18C weather in November. And then I read through the last few pages of this thread, and I want to assign the good memories and shared joys and familiar faces. To quote Pitch from 4 years and only a few posts ago (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=705160&postcount=1817), it would make my day to see more of you guys "back in black".

It is odd how things change.
Even though I miss the downs and the interaction we used to have on this site, and it is something i do every single day, I am reluctant to sign in. I think it is because I seldom have energy to read through the entire thread these days and feel guilty if i do not participate, so I end up only signing in every other week, and primarily lurk in some dark corner.

[Inziladun]

It is odd how things change.
Even though I miss the downs and the interaction we used to have on this site, and it is something i do every single day, I am reluctant to sign in. I think it is because I seldom have energy to read through the entire thread these days and feel guilty if i do not participate, so I end up only signing in every other week, and primarily lurk in some dark corner.

I am a good deal older now than when I joined the Downs, and I have changed spiritually more than physically over time.

Amid the general world chaos, I've had family deaths, retirement from my current (25 year!) career is imminent, and I begin a new job in a bit more than two weeks.

I find now that I don't often have the time for lengthy debates or discussions, and, indeed, my desire to 'pick apart' the books has lessened over the years. I've become wary of the 'magic' wearing thin, even though reason and my heart assure me that could not happen with Tolkien.

Still, I sign in every day, as a habit. Knowing this place is still here after so many years has often been a comfort to me, as things, especially the past few years, have changed so much in RL.

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

Amid the general world chaos, I've had family deaths, retirement from my current (25 year!) career is imminent, and I begin a new job in a bit more than two weeks.


Are you excited to start a new career, or is this change something that belongs to Mordor?

[Inziladun]

Are you excited to start a new career, or is this change something that belongs to Mordor?

It's the Shire. I look on it as a new chapter, not a slamming door. :)

[Galadriel55]

I assign the street names in my new town. I recently moved here, and it's so entertaining to pass through this one neighbourhood. I swear, whoever was in charge of naming these streets was having a field day. Here we have Camelot, Avalon, Merlin, Lancelot, Guinevere, Galahad, a version of Vivian, Shallot (okay, not quite Shalott, so maybe it's the vegetable after all). And then there's Ivanhoe, which goes with them about as well as a rock in a shoe, but I suppose it has Richard to keep it company.

[Alassë Estel]

The birds singing cheerily when they finally return from the South in the Springtime.

Catching fireflies on a late Summer's eve, with the stars overhead.

Campfires on Autumn nights, with juicy fat sausages and sticky marshmallows.

And those still, silent mornings of Winter, after a blanket of snow has fallen during the night, and there are rabbit tracks all over.