The Tolkien Coming of Age Club 2

[Mithalwen]

Oh I have excellent close vision .... but I need to go soon and get to work with a bottle of potion that promises to cover all grey :rolleyes: (butI'm worth it...)
Ealasaide - Hail and well met. Well I am a fairly new arrival but I haven't explored all areas of the downs yet ... Books, mirth and Quiz Room being my usual habitat - usually getting out of my depth and pushing my luck with the Barrow Wight's tolerance level.

[Ealasaide]

AHA, Mithalwen! That explains why we have not run across one another. I have been pretty much exclusively a denizen of the RPG forums lately, but am hoping to branch out again soon! I know I'm kind of late in getting there, but I've been eying the Chapter-by-Chapter threads, thinking that I'll get there eventually.

What I'm really hoping is that our good Prof. Hedgethistle will do the Silmarillion next. **hint, hint** ;)

Regarding Beowulf... I believe I've heard about that one already from our good esteemed codger colleague, Hilde Bracegirdle. She says it's pretty good!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Glad to see you've survived the hurricane(s), Ealasaide!
*Puts on her glasses and looks around.*
Nice to see the rest of you still hanging in here too!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Actually, I don't have that version of Beowulf yet, but I have remembered the reading glasses, and the signed edition is weighing on my mind! Signed by the artist that is... not that old yet!

Mithalwen, banish the thought! Put away those elvish potions and such that would prolong youth, and wear those white hairs proudly! You have earned them...plus they add, surprising texture, don't you think? :D

[Ealasaide]

Glad to see you've survived the hurricane(s), Ealasaide!

Thanks, Esty! Yes, I managed to get through both storms in relatively good shape, only I lost a great many trees to the high wind. Seeing as an Ealasaide falls in the Tolkein-Seuss Bestiary somewhere between an Ent and a Lorax, that part of it was very distressing. :(

It just rips at my heart to see the destruction of any big, beautiful, old trees. Around the Orlando area alone, we must have lost a couple hundred of them.

On a lighter note:
...magic potion to hide the gray.... hmm... I've dyed my hair so many times now & so many colors (currently artistically striped, platinum & brown), I'm not sure what color it is supposed to be. :eek: Maybe I should shave my head & start over. hee-hee ;)

[Mithalwen]

*scuffles around the club room wondering if she should deliberately create a disturbance to wake the old folks up a bit ... investigates the cupboards, sanatogen, steradent, spare hearing aid batteries, the official club magnifying glass ..... Looks at the slumbering inhabitants and hopes that they are merely slumbering * this might be worth a try *opens laptop and starts playing the film DVD* :p

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Huh? What's that? Is the extended version of Return of the King out yet? Oh, I was only dreaming.....zzzzzzzzz....!!! (and snoring with emphasis.)

[Ealasaide]

Hmmm... speaking of PJ's movies...this has been bothering me for some time:

What's with Elrond's hairline? Is male pattern baldness common among elves? Or, Elrond being only half-elven, could this be his human side coming out? (So to speak. ;)) Comments, anyone? I believe this may be the first time I have encountered an elf with a receding hairline.

[The Saucepan Man]

Poor guy. He raised Isildur's hair as his own, but then it ran off with his daughter. :( :p

Incidentally, this issue was recently raised on this wonderfully named thread:

Gillete, The Best Cirdan Can Get! (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=2501)

[Snowdog]

Ok, don't get me started on Agent Elrond (Welcome to Rivendell, Frodo Baggins) Smith and his hair....

That said... what with the EE ROTK not coming out til December ... 12th I think?

Glad to see you folk in the southeast have made it through the storms.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

It is a little-known secret that the Hair of Isildur was actually a toupee, and after being passed down for so many generations, who can blame Elrond for not wanting to wear it?! (canon reference - HoME XIV, 'The Shaping of the Coiffure'. )

[The Saucepan Man]

It is a little-known secret that the Hair of Isildur was actually a toupee ...Indeed. For thus it was revealed to Faramir in a recurring dream:

Seek for the Hair that was woven;
In Imladris it resides;
There shall foreheads be open;
Shinier than babies’ backsides.
There shall be shown a token
Of pileous pates near at hand,
For Isildur’s Brow shall beckon,
And the Hairpiece forth shall stand.

[Mithalwen]

or it might be worth bellowing into Prof Hedgthistle's ear trumpet to see if he kept the other one......

Hugo has always had a high hairline even when he had a lot more hair (Bodyline,1983)... and since he was wearing a wig, they would have surely reversed the retreat. I just think he look even more intelligent...

Maybe this is the quintessential difference between the underage and coming of age club - Screaming Hugo Fangirl rather than Leggyboppers... :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Here, I thought it just the elven version of a mohawk! Elrond...such a rebel. :D

[Ealasaide]

AHA! So THAT'S what they have been talking about all this time...the hair of Isildur! heehee Well, I suppose I should be grateful that Elrond didn't go in for the comb-over look. :eek: Scary!

But...while we are on the subject of Elrond's hair.. what about those two tails that hang down on either side of his face? Dreadlocks, perhaps? With a mohawk? Someone needs to have a word with his hairdresser.

Brilliant poem, Saucepan Man! :)

[Mithalwen]

Perhaps the knots are to remind him of something...
Surely it was the "hare of Isildur" that was required ....or perhaps the heir of Isildur's hare... explains what Aragorn was doing int he wilderness all that time.. :D

[Estelyn Telcontar]

The heir of Isuldur's hairy hare??

Har, har!

[Mithalwen]

I believe Isildur's hares produced very fine warm wool that was prized, especially by elven rug weavers :D

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Anyone interested in the question of Middle Earth hares might want to check out this thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=10869).

Perhap's Isildur's hare deserted him when he was ambused and found a new home with the Elves of Mirkwood. . .?

[Lalwendë]

Elrond is standing in front of his mother-in-law's infamous mirror, combing his locks, and gazes down sadly at the excess strands which have come out. He sighs wistfully "Oh well, hair today, gone tomorrow".

[Mithalwen]

Anyone interested in the question of Middle Earth hares might want to check out this thread (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=10869).

Perhap's Isildur's hare deserted him when he was ambused and found a new home with the Elves of Mirkwood. . .?


This is possible and would fit the time frame since Legolas would have been no more than an elfling at this time I believe. The descendents of the original hare of Isildur (the resulting distinct species being known still in the North as "Isildur's Hare") were bred by the Silvan Elves and Thranduil made a gift of several breeding pairs to his kinsmen in Lorien. Much to his chagrin, Galadriel failed to reciprocate this gesture by sharing the secret of how the wool could be combed and blended into the famous cloth used as camouflage by the Galadhrim - for it was believed that the wool of an Isildur's Hare was vital in this fabric. Even the Noldor of Imladris could not find the method and so were limited to using the wool in a coarser form for rugs.....

[Ealasaide]

Ah, mercy! You all are too quick and too clever for me! :)

I feel like an ent surrounded by elves. I think I'll go back to my trees hroom, hroom.... at least I can keep pace with them. :p ;)

[Snowdog]

You will notice there were no 'high-forehead' Rohirrim. Elrond knew that an herb called Rohgain grew there, and so had to send an army to protect his source from Sarumann who never did get that hair thing down for the orcs......

Everyone knows the true Hair of Isildur was plucked from Isildur's head by a tiny hand of the infant Valandil when daddy kissed him goodbye.....

[Ealasaide]

Alas, the one true hair!

[The Saucepan Man]

Gimli's the hair of Galadriel, right?

Those Elves in Aman are going to get a lot more than they bargained for when he arrives with Legolas ... :eek: ;)

[Mithalwen]

Given its symbolism it would be more intriguing if Gimli were Galadriel's hare. The hare represents the moon and since Galadriel represents the morning and so the Sun, it could be taken to mean that Gimli was her complemetary opposite, her true soul mate. Of course the hare also represents fertility and sexuality so it could simply be a euphemism that they were more than just good friends :p

[Ealasaide]

the hare also represents fertility and sexuality

Interesting! Not that it has any relevance here, but in Native American Indian tradition, the Hare is a trickster, who also represents fear, in that he is a "fear-caller", i.e. he talks constantly about his many fears, thus calling them to him and making very bad things happen to himself.

[Mithalwen]

Freud would have a field day with this...

[Snowdog]

Given its symbolism it would be more intriguing if Gimli were Galadriel's hare. The hare represents the moon and since Galadriel represents the morning and so the Sun, it could be taken to mean that Gimli was her complemetary opposite, her true soul mate. Of course the hare also represents fertility and sexuality so it could simply be a euphemism that they were more than just good friends :pGimli would have to be into shinnying...
So their offspring would be Half-Elven? Half-Dwarven?

Ealasaide, I thought the raven was the trickster in Native-American lore.

[Ealasaide]

Snowdog - Actually it depends on which tribe you belong to. You must be from the Northwest Coast! Raven is the trickster amongst the Haida, Tlingit, etc. In the Eastern Woodlands, Rabbit is the trickster. Amongst the Southwestern and Plains tribes, it is coyote. :)

[Snowdog]

Ah, right you are. The Salishness and the Lewis & Clark mania has gripped me. There are many a tricksters about!

I just read Mark12-30 post about rockers way back up the page... I thought we who were weaned on the good ol 60's & 70's rock when it was new, rocking chairs. With my daughter listening to the Stones and Pink Floyd in her mix, some things never change I guess. :D

[Mithalwen]

Err New Romantics are more my time - all those men in frilly shirts and skirts! But the young today seem to have more open tastes.. at least my god-daughter and her crowd do..

[Raefindel]

Hello Friends, It's been a while. I've been dealing with some heavy family stuff and haven't been by the Downs in months. Just wanted to check in and see what you are all up to.

[alquadae]

Big Hug!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Ah Raefindel! So very good to see you!! :)

[The Saucepan Man]

*With a clattering of pots and pans, the Saucepan Man stirs from his bath-chair in the corner and raises a dusty monacle to his (currently yellow) eye*

Rae! How ya doin'? :)

[Ealasaide]

Hello, Raefindel! I don't believe we have met, but welcome back all the same. :)

[mark12_30]

**Hauls self out of rocking chair, cackles with glee, siezes Rae's hands and dances a dusty jig around the porch**

The MOCHA-COFFEE ELF-LADY! The MOCHA-COFFEE ELF-LADY IS BACK!!!

**Brandishes cane** The coffee's MINE! Made for ME by Mrs. Raefindel, a queen among elves. Get your greedy hands away from the coffee pot and I'll pour one mug at a time.

(Wise Elven-ladies know that Hobbits have a fondness for Mocha Coffee, surpassing even the greediest likings of the Big People...)

[Raefindel]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes everyone. Saucepan, nice monacle.

LOL Helen! If you like it that much I'll send you some coffee and brownies for your birthday. I feel SOOOoooOOOO bad for missing your birthday.

Hello Ealasaide, it's nice to meet you.

While everyone is welcoming me back you can all congratulate me. Oct 13th is my 20th Wedding Anniversary!

Oh Helen, In answer to your e-mail, no you didn't give me music by the Hobbitons, but it sounds cool. I picked up a few cd's at the Lavendar Festival by a couple from Oregon. It's harp and pennywhistle. Very cool! Have to send it with the Coffee and brownies.

Hmm... haven't I posted the coffee recipe on the recipe thread? I'll have to check, It's not very Middle-earth, but kinda a must for cool fall weather like this. It's actually a secret of the Elves...

*Rae dusts off rocking chair and settles in, handing out recipe cards in large print*

[Snowdog]

Coffee recipe??? I do have a BBQ sauce/maranide that used some coffee in it.

[mark12_30]

Snowdog-- barbecue sauce? it sounds almost like adding caffeine to coffee! Wow.

Rae, I think you posted a link to the coffee recipe. (But it isn't the same unless it's made by the elves, you know.) At any rate: not to worry; but if you do happen to send brownies and coffee I promise I won't hit you with return postage! And as for CDs, well, you know me!

Maybe you'll have Harp and Pennywhistle music coming from your local hobbits before too much longer... ;) :D

[Raefindel]

Are You planning a visit? I'd be thrilled to trade my rocking chair for a walking sitck!
Or carry a sword instead of a walking stick!

The mushrooms are all over the rainforests. The mornings foggy, the afternoons bright. It's a perfect time for Hobbits and Elves to go walking together. :)

What's your favorite color, Helen Hobbit?

[Mithalwen]

Congratulations for yesterday ... and for enlivening the old folk..... must be some coffee... :)

[Raefindel]

Thank You Mithalwen . We had a nice time.

I posted the coffee recipe on the Arda Recipe Book thread.

[Snowdog]

A most excellent recipe it is too! I posted a tater recipe I have grown fond of.

How is everyone here in the Club??

[mark12_30]

Snowdog,

I'm quite well today, thanks. The lungs are working! Always a plus. I had a busy weekend, but got a lot done. Broght in lots of firewood, but it's too warm to start a fire! I'll take it.

Thinking hard about "The Hedged Inn", and hoping it can be made into a fun, useful, enjoyable, and Tolkien-focused ... mission... quest... thing.

[mark12_30]

What's your favorite color, Helen Hobbit?

It depends... :rolleyes: For what? :p


For a long time now I've been racking my brains on how to make a functional, useful Lorien cloak-- no, not like in the movies, although those were nice enough; I mean one that can actually blend in in the woods or in the fields or in the water or in the fog.

The scots did it with multicolored tartans. By Victorian times there were "hunting " tartans that were woven with greens and blues, or with faded, earthy colors-- essentially "camo" colors appropo for their environs.

Clan Matheson Hunting (http://www.scotchcorner.com/mill/tartans-m/matheson-hunting.html)
Hunting Stewart (http://www.regiments.org/tradition/tartans/stuarth.htm)
Hunting Erskine (http://www.regiments.org/tradition/tartans/erskin-h.htm)
Hunting MacKinnon (http://www.regiments.org/tradition/tartans/mckinnh.htm)

Would I use tartan? Maybe. Not sure. I've toyed with the idea of using actual camo! But it's not all that attractive for town wear. I want some sort of nice woodsy, leafy pattern. (Like what?? Dunno-- I haven't seen it yet.) I'm thinking more of a reversable cloak, with greys and blues on one side-- or should it be greys and browns?-- and then greens and browns on the other side. Or *something * like that! Both my cloaks are solid color and unlined, and they are rather drafty; Rae's cloaks are always lined and they're cozier.

Hmmmmm, hmmmm.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

The lungs are working!

You haven't been sick, I hope!

And as for cold? "I reckon it's cold enough today to start a right good fire!" Hilde says eying the rows of specifications books beside her with a rather peculiar gleam in her eye. "Bonfire even, maybe!"

[mark12_30]

You haven't been sick, I hope!

I think I've passed seven weeks straight. Antibiotics, steroids, sprays, inhalants, whatnot... I'm tired of financing pharmaceutical heirs and heiress' college educations... but there it is. Breathing cannot be lightly discounted these days. And at the moment, the lungs are working quite well.

"I reckon it's cold enough today to start a right good fire!" Hilde says eying the rows of specifications books beside her with a rather peculiar gleam in her eye. "Bonfire even, maybe!"

With a nod, mark12_30 glances at the shelves to her left. "Aye. One could get a good bit of heat from them, indeed."

[Raefindel]

A most excellent recipe it is too! I posted a tater recipe I have grown fond of.

How is everyone here in the Club??


Thank You for the compliment, Snowdog . The Tater Recipe sounds delicious, too. When I lived in the south (California, it's near Gondor) I did indeed grow coffee, though, when I moved with my people back North it died in the cold.

I had thought of trying to grow a cocoa plant as well, but someone comvinced me it would never bear fruit as it required a specific insect to polinate it, and it was sadly not indiginous to Gondor.

And as to how I am, I am well, thank You. I have many sewing projects sitting on the sidelines waiting till my house is finished before I begin them. How are you?

Helen, girlfriend, I've gotcha pegged! I kinda had ya figured for a green girl, but I wanted to check. Next time you come out here you can take the green cloak home with you if you want it. Not sure if it's what you're looking for or not, but it doesn't fit me and I don't wear green. Not sure why I made it...

[mark12_30]

Helen, girlfriend, I've gotcha pegged! I kinda had ya figured for a green girl, but I wanted to check. Next time you come out here you can take the green cloak home with you if you want it...

**gasp**

Of COURSE I do. And... well, there it is. Golly!

**Fidgets with delight**

...and just so I can find the coffee next time:

Arda Recipe Book (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?t=4527)

[Raefindel]

I'm trying to get Cory to burn those CD's I mentioned, the harp & pennywhistle, but he has so little time and so many things waiting for his attention. I'm just not computer savvy enough to do it myself. Perhaps the little gymnast can do it now. He's in advanced computer class.

I see things all the time and think "Helen would like that!" and "when Helen get's here we can do this together!"

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I think I've passed seven weeks straight.

Ah! I'm so glad to hear that you seem to be improving; we have someone here on week 4! Can't think of what might be causing it, but I'm afraid it might be dragons! :eek: Sorry, feeling a bit giddy, I've finally been unchained from my desk!

[Raefindel]

Chained to your desk? What a terrible fate!

Alas, I'm in the mood for a walk but have no walking partner, O Relic of Wandering Days! Helenhobbit comes but once or twice a year and we are always hard-pressed to do all we have planned.

Wouldn't it be nice if we all could walk together? I long for a walking partner. I must confess, my good Hobbits, that in the autumn and winter I have little to do and long for company, even the company of Hobbits,for there are none in these parts. Perhaps the mossy,wet forests and the cold of the mountains keeps them away.

[mark12_30]

...burn those CD's.... Perhaps the little gymnast can do it now. He's in advanced computer class.

I see things all the time and think "Helen would like that!" and "when Helen get's here we can do this together!"

You are the best elf ever... If the gymnast is able, that's fine-- but no guilt-trips from the east, all right? How are the princess and the harper doing?

I would love to come, and see you, and wander under the firs, and see the mountains-- mountains!-- and see my dear auntie again. She's like my Bilbo-- I never thought of it that way before! She's definitely settled in her Rivendell!!

I've been listening to monkish music a lot. There's a lovely song by JMT that I sing every morning... I've even been doing vocal work again. Next time, we must have a list of songs to sing. You harmonize too well not to.

[Raefindel]

I'm already working on the list! No Elf would pass up the opportunity to sing with a well-tuned Hobbit!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Yes, it would be enjoyable to have a nice walk with friends, even if they’re elves. ;) Though I will say that I no sooner wrote that I’d continue on from Rivendell to Mordor (The Walk to Rivendell thread) then I stopped my daily outings! Nothing like the thought of actually reaching the place to give one pause, and a long pause at that! But then again Esty must be near by now. Maybe she can report her findings. (I have visions of very an active Mordor historical society there and possibly one or two dozen lively reenactment groups! Quite chilling!)

As far as there not being many hobbits round you Miss Raefindel, a never heard tell of many of us that made it out to the Blessed Realm out west. Leastways, not yet.

And I do owe an explanation…. These chains are entirely self-made and imposed. I learned the craft as a youngster from a couple of rather indulgent Noldorian elves passing through. They are quite invisible unless you know what to look for, having been specially anodized in a lovely shade of green particularly attractive to employers, and are engraved with all sorts of ruins touting work ethic, loyalty and single-minded determination to carry though on rash and foolish oaths taken by the design department! They are very useful when faced with impossible workloads and when your Tookish side urgently presses for a bit of wandering at inopportune moments.

EDIT: so sorry, it appears that I deleted a necessary word, it has returned now. :p

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Hi, I'm Estelyn and I'm your hostess here at the Barrows' retirement home! I'm happy to see that so many of you have settled in, made friends, and are chatting away! Those of you who are still physically active are invited to grab your walkers, canes - or Nordic walking sticks, whatever suits you - and join me. I've passed the Crossroads and am not far from Shelob's Lair. I do have the advantage of knowing about it in advance, though, so I have prepared by bringing along insect repellant. Do you think it will help??

(Alas, a slight illness has slowed me down the past few days, but I never stop completely - thanks to my dog, who is not related to Farmer Maggot's...)

[The Saucepan Man]

... so I have prepared by bringing along insect repellant. Do you think it will help??I wouldn't be too confident. Spiders aren't insects. :p ;)

I hope that all of you who have been under the weather are now well back on the road to recovery. Personally, I blame the air-conditioning in this darn retirement home ...

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Maybe its all that English rain?

Esty, glad to hear that you are almost there! I think your dog and a good hefty mallet might serve you well with Shelob. And do be careful on those steps!

[HerenIstarion]

I know I should not intrude upon my seniors when they smoke their pipes and have their tea in their cosy armchairs, but I'm tiptoeing into this Hall of Deserved Repose because of my maniacal pedantism. In post #205 (http://69.51.5.41/showpost.php?p=347751&postcount=205) Mark asked for certain thread, and in post #239 (http://69.51.5.41/showpost.php?p=348769&postcount=239) Child provided the link to one which were similar and approved of by Mark. Well, just in case we once again change software and links of the kind 'here' or 'there' are no longer usable, let me update the information with the title and author of the the thread mentioned:

The Loss of Knowledge (http://69.51.5.41/showthread.php?t=4701) by Alkanoonion (http://69.51.5.41/member.php?u=269)

Now, as pedantism prevailed, and my deed is done, I slink away quitely. Enjoy your tea.... :)

[mark12_30]

Thought some of you might get a kick out of this. Here's a picture from 1976 (remember Frye boots?) My penpal from Michigan visited for two glorious days (alas that she was not my next-door neighbor!!)

My friend is wearing my (brown) cloak, and I am wearing her (purple) cloak-- because of the shirts/ blouses we chose that day, we thought the colors went better.

HnH76.JPG (http://members.cox.net/hrwright61/HnH76.JPG)

I have since removed the fake-fur lining from the brown cloak (it weighed a TON) and shortened it a bit.

Oh, and Esty-- I have been walking a fair amount. The trick is to start keeping track of it again! I was distracted for a time by swimming in a lovely little pond, but the season for that seems to have passed, alas.

[Mithalwen]

I know I should not intrude upon my seniors when their smoke their pipes and have their tea in their cosy armchairs, but I'm tiptoeing into this Hall of Deserved Repose because of my maniacal pedantism. In post #205 (http://69.51.5.41/showpost.php?p=347751&postcount=205) Mark asked for certain thread, and in post #239 (http://69.51.5.41/showpost.php?p=348769&postcount=239) Child provided the link to one which were similar and approved of by Mark. Well, if we once again change software and links of the kind 'here' or 'there' are no longer usable, let me update the information with the title and author of the the thread mentioned:

The Loss of Knowledge (http://69.51.5.41/showthread.php?t=4701) by Alkanoonion (http://69.51.5.41/member.php?u=269)

Now, as pedantism prevailed, and my deed is done, I slink away quitely. Enjoy your tea.... :)


I think HI,you will find many of us require something stronger to keep us well preserved (formaldehyde anyone? :P)... SO the young bloods are spying on the fogies? I guess we have to forgive this breach of etiquette ... such a helpful boy :D

[mark12_30]

I do think it's charming and delightful to have a visit from a young 'un... so long as they are respectful and well-behaved. **hefts cane**

Come again and visit us, H_I, now there's a dear. Such a nice boy.

[Lalwendë]

*Parks 70's vintage chopper bike and shuffles in*

Mark - what a splendid photo! You know, that very 'look' is fashionable again right now - and those boots are marvellous, I've a pair rather like that, but in black and the lacing is fake. I shall have to find a photo of myself from 1976, and then you will see a real-life hobbit child. :D

[Mithalwen]

Oooh I wasn't allowed a chopper ... only a hand-me-down "sit up and beg".... Hmm the summer of '76 is about as far back as I can remember clearly, "the great drought" and saving water. I remember having a huge sunhat so I guess I looked like a mushroom, a mushroom who was waiting for front teeth:)

[Lalwendë]

The advantage of having big brothers was that you got all their cool things once they had finished with them. :) But then my mum used to ban me from going out of the garden with it. :(

Yes, *reminisces* the summer of '76. We went to Scarborough and the car overheated in Malton; I remember my dad stomping around with an angry red face, looking for water while we all screamed because our legs were sticking to the vinyl seats in his Vauxhall Viva. Then we got to Scarborough where I was sick on another girl in Peasholme Park. I had a strange hat too - with a knitted flower on the front, with a huge eye-like button in the middle. Around this time we learned about greek myths at primary school and I soon acquired the nickname 'cyclops', which I happily added to the others, including 'duracell'. Happy days. ;)

[Mithalwen]

Elder sister (torturer), Yellow Renault, vinyl upholstery (of course) but very practical for all those hours spent outside pubs with only a glass of lemonade and a shared packet of crisps for amusement......

[Lalwendë]

I think my parents thanked the lord for the invention of the table-top space invader machine. It stopped them from having to troop into the 'family room' every five minutes because a fight had broken out between us and some kids from Stoke-on-Trent over a heated game of pop-o-matic frustration. Then we all got old and they lost two of us to Tolkien for several years. ;)

[Mithalwen]

Oh we had one of those binatone tennis games!!!! even my reactions were quick enough for that....... and my sister scorned Tolkien til she discovered Orlando Bloom :rolleyes:

[mark12_30]

Well, if we're going to really reminisce...

My niehgborhood was built in an ancient apple orchard. A few of the trees were still standing when I was ten. But the nearest candy store was in the next town. To get there, my friend B. and I used to cut through the woods to the golf course and then take a back road from there. But cutting though the woods was delightful, because we walked on what we called "The Hobbit Trail". It began at the stone wall two yards back of my house, and cut through many acres of private woods (naughty us!) til it came to a ridge. (It seemed a great big ridge to us, who were small hobbits after all.) Beyond the ridge and past a hollow lay the vast rolling Downs of 'Maynard Country Club'. I now understand the true nature of the Greens-Wight, who vented his wrath on small children that put footprints in his greens and sand-traps.

:eek:

Far beyond the Golf-Downs rose the buildings of men. In those days Sharkey's Mill Buildings were inhabited by Digital Systems (before they made it big). We hunted through several candy-counters to find what we sought. It was always a relief to be safely on this side of the Golf-Downs and once again travelling the Hobbit-Trail back home.

The Hobbit was read to my class in fourth grade. Let's see, that would have been 1968 or 69 or so?... Because by 1972, I had braved The Paper Store fantasy section (Main Street) and had purchased a Red-Heraldry-Box Ballantine paperback set of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

I remember when the Gold-box set came out a few years later I wanted one of those too. And the Red Leather edition was a faroff dream... Realised at last.

[Mithalwen]

Well I think it was 79 before I read the hobbit ... (I am afraid I don't remember the 60's cos I really wasn't there... ;) ) And although I was a precocious reader and soon having read everything in my class library had to go up to the "top class" (lol - the seven year olds!) for higher level "Wide range readers", at home it was probably Winnie the Pooh... and Issy Noho and Teddy Robinson - and other arctophile literature :)

[Lalwendë]

*Sigh* - I was 12 when I first read the books. Wish I could have that experience all over again... My Mum always says that if there were no books in the house then I would read the cornflake box; I've always been a bookworm. I remember learning to read from looking at maps, wondering where all the lines went. And then reading 'There was an old woman who swallowed a fly' at playschool to my friend Andrew - and then no doubt he would have gone and eaten something from the sandpit, he was that kind of boy. ;)

When we moved to the house where my Dad was born (I guess you could say he moved back) there were lots of old tumbledown barns to be pulled down so for a while the big garden was like a battleground full of trenches, and we used to play 'War!' - the exclamation mark was very important to the game. Then we made 'the greenhouse tavern', stealing pint glasses and making 'pints' out of muddy water in them. We used to find clay pipes buried all over the place and pretend to smoke them, filling them with dust and blowing it out.

Mark - that might make an interesting thread - 'What's your Sharkey's Mill?'.

[mark12_30]

...you start it...

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Oh heavens, what fun. I remember being a wraith with a shovel frequenting a golf course around '76 or so. A friend and I tried to turn a picturesque bent in the stream into an eyot! And looking back I realize now that that picture I carry inside my head of Rohan is based on the green expanses of that same place.

[mark12_30]

Oddly, my mental picture of Rohan has been hugely influenced by the movies. Living in NE as I do, I always struggled to find good riding trails; too many young woods with no trails at all. The more I rode, the fewer fields I rode in.

Imagine riding on a golf course-- :eek: What a good way to die young.

But then, I can't picture Kentucky Bluegrass very well, either. It always has pristine white-board fences... not very rohirric.

Here in RI we have turf farms. Not very rohirric, either.

Perhaps something more like what the buffaloes run on out west...?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Imagine riding on a golf course-- What a good way to die young.

Yes, now-a-days I realize that my friend and I probably cause quite a comotion behind the scenes, or a heart attack in the greens keeper!

Actually, we had a long sloping hill, (great for sledding), bordered by an excellent if small woods which was my Fangorn. Rohan and Fangorn nestled in suburban D.C.! Funny thing is that as I first read LoTR, these where the pictures in head, not the other way around. I was the bane of the greens keeper long before I found Tolkien.

[Mithalwen]

Mark [/B] - that might make an interesting thread - 'What's your Sharkey's Mill?'.


Lal.. just to put my mind at rest... did Andrew live to adulthood under your tender influence?

Hmm one of my "Sharkey's mill"s would be the monstrously insensitive housing development around Orange Cottage in Brockenhurst. the ugliest imaginings of 80's architects surrounting a tiny elizabethan jewel. Another is the soulless modernisation of the Inklings' Bird and Baby in Oxford... Oh dear.. I am sounding like Prince Charles...... and I do like some modern architecture

[Lalwendë]

:D Mithalwen, that made me laugh! You know? I have not seen him in many a year. I think our mothers had to keep us apart in the end, lest we cause any more junior mayhem. I think I may ask her if she knows where he is. He may have had to go and join the infant division of the French Foreign Legion after the little prank we got into involving the altar cloth in the local Chapel.

What have they done to the Bird & Baby? Have they ruined it? How typical...Iwas planning a trip to Oxford soon, too. I parked near it a few years ago but was unable to go in! Darn. :(

[Mithalwen]

Well I haven't been for a few years but as I recall, apart from some relevant Inkling photos it was that rather characterless stripped pine stye... much preferred the Lamb and Flag across the road but that was under threat from the modernisers as I recall..:( Someone has been ratrher more recently and described it..... hope to go again soon.... visit old stamping grounds..

[mark12_30]

Didja know that card-making has been perfected to a high art by an elf in Forlindon? I just got the loveliest card today, and it's standing on my computer next to the previous one. See, the first one shows the Eren Luin (http://members.cox.net/hrwright61/EredLuin1.jpg), and the second one is a little pool (http://members.cox.net/hrwright61/EredLuin2.jpg) on the eastern side of the mountains. You could probably see the Shire from there on a clear day...

Lucky me, to get letters (and packages!) from such a lovely elf.

[mark12_30]

The luckiest hobbit in America is sitting wrapped up in a lovely, lovely green cloak (http://www.hallsofmandos.net/Raefindel%20&%20Mark%201230.jpg) made by the Forlindon elf. Yep, the same one that made the cards... and the cookies.

Was ever a hobbit so blessed?

[Raefindel]

I'm so Blessed to have such a lovely Hobbit for a friend!

The kids keep asking for you, too!

[mark12_30]

I put the cloak on, took my dog outside, and played tag with her (and hide and seek) around the garden paths. The cloak moves beautifully, and it's warm... and it's down to my ankles! Amazing. Happy hobbit.

ps. Hubbie likes your coffee, too! He had some this morning.

[Raefindel]

Did you make him some with Splenda or Equal?

[mark12_30]

No, he can have regular sugar. He adjusts for it. (This after Rae reworks the whole recipe... :eek: )

[Raefindel]

Many people have asked me to make them a sugar-free version, which would be as simple as the regular, especially since I always have the splenda on-hand. But I've never tried it. Was hoping you had and could tell me if it's good.

Turn on your cell phone, Helen!

[Mithalwen]

*Mithalwen enters & shuts door quickly behind* Jolly cold out there...... mulled wine anyone? Beigli? just while we wait for the EE....

[Snowdog]

'What's your Sharkey's Mill?' Wow... I think it would be some of the greenbelt woods that were around when I was a kid. Skyway Park woods is one I remember. Some fair entlings there where we would have our summer high-school keg parties. Lots of trails and creeks and such. Now... its a ghetto condo complex.

[Raefindel]

* Rae hobbles up and takes a seat in her rocking chair*

Hi Guys! Have a cup of Christmas Cheer.

Q: What do Santa Claus and Shagrat have in common?

A: They both sing slaying songs after a hard days work.

*Everyone confers and decides Rae has lost it and needs to be sent to a retirement home*

Happy Holidays from the Elf in the Northern Mountains.

[mark12_30]

Not to worry, dearie. If they didn't see it coming they likely won't notice it going by either.

I *finally* finished sorting my song sheets and lists. I have lists that go back to songs I learned in 1983. (0_0)

I wonder what I did with my old ballad collections... Once upon a time, I must have levelled at least an acre of forest, making Scottish notebooks and such. (Wonder if they're in the attic? Can't find them now. ) And I think I'm still missing a "favorites" notebook. Wonder what I did with it.

Don't tell Treebeard, he'll be after me next.

It's wonderful running across the oldies. I found several that were written by a friend. Great tunes, too.

[Samwise]

This li'l Hobbit's feelin' older, as she just turned 34 last month.... :p (seems just yesterday I came of age....) :(

Hopin' you are all well.

Have a Merry Christmas, all.

Samwisethefaithful

[mark12_30]

Umm, belated happy birthday... and Merry Christmas.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Merry Christmas, Samwise!

[Samwise]

TY very much, Hilde! And the very same to you ! ;) :D :)

[mark12_30]

I could have put this in Music Reviews, I suppose, but, well...

Sunday grey and cold just before it snowed, I was out in the woods gathering kindling. Music was on "Shuffle", and what played but the very haunting Rohirric lament after Pelennor... this one, off of the Stephen Oliver/ BBC set:

We heard of the horns in the hills ringing,
the swords shining in the South-kingdom.
Steeds went striding to the Stoningland
as wind in the morning. War was kindled.
There Théoden fell, Thengling mighty,
to his golden halls and green pastures
in the Northern fields never returning,
high lord of the host. Harding and Guthláf,
Dúnhere and Déorwine, doughty Grimbold,
Herefara and Herubrand, Horn and Fastred,
fought and fell there in a far country:
in the Mounds of Mundburg under mould they lie
with their league-fellows, lords of Gondor.
Neither Hirluin the Fair to the hills by the sea,
nor Forlong the old to the flowering vales
ever, to Arnach, to his own country
returned in triumph; nor the tall bowmen,
Derufin and Duilin, to their dark waters,
meres of Morthond under mountain-shadows.
Death in the morning and at day's ending
lords took and lowly. Long now they sleep
under grass in Gondor by the Great River.
Grey now as tears, gleaming silver,
red then it rolled, roaring water:
foam dyed with blood flamed at sunset;
as beacons mountains burned at evening;
red fell the dew in Rammas Echor.

Did I say haunting? It was. But next (from Howard Shore & Billy Boyd) came this:

Home is behind
The world is ahead.
And there are many paths to tread
Thru shadow to the edge of night
Until the stars are all alight
Mist and shadows, cloud and shade.
All shall fade.
All shall fade.


My hair stood on end.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Yes, that is very beautiful, and the time of the shuffle quite good I would say!

[Samwise]

But next (from Howard Shore & Billy Boyd) came this:
Home is behind
The world is ahead.
And there are many paths to tread
Thru shadow to the edge of night
Until the stars are all alight
Mist and shadows, cloud and shade.
All shall fade.
All shall fade.


My hair stood on end.
12-23-2004 03:31 PM


:eek: Oh, I don't doubt it. I was so upset that on the ROTK disk Billy's song seemed so short. :( It was so awesome.

[Child of the 7th Age]

It seems a bit disrespectful to do this right after the haunting lyrics that Helen has posted. But I've found that's the way life is....one minute you're crying and the next keeling over with laughter.

This is a brief trip down memory land. Did anyone go to college in the sixties? And does this sound vaguely familiar? These are quotations from an article about Tolkien, apparently based on a personal interview, that appeared in the New York Times, January 1967. (http://www.nytimes.com/1967/01/15/books/tolkien-interview.html) I've pulled out the quotes that deal with topical things.

As well as hobbits-benevolent, furry-footed people, fond of bright colors-Tolkien has put into books a grizzly man who can change into a bear, a thieving, English-speaking dragon, dark horsemen in the sky who cast freezing shadows, and a dreadful war in which thousands of goblins perish. He has spilled them into a separate world called Middle-earth and dressed them with names, lineages and languages which he explains in a 104-page appendix. The explanation is sending Americans, especially students, half-mad with delight. One student's mother said: "To go to college without Tolkien is like going without sneakers."

I love that last sentence. In fact, I am stealing it for a new sig. Sounds like this reporter saw me packing my Ballentines into my luggage, being very careful they didn't get left behind.

There is a Tolkien Society of America and a Tolkien Journal. At meetings of the society it is usual to lie around eating fresh mushrooms, a favorite hobbit food, drinking cider and talking about family trees, which no hobbit can resist. One must remember to call wolves wargs, goblins orcs, treelike people ents and the sun She. A popular greeting is, "May the hair on your toes never grow less." Everyone wears a badge with a slogan naming a Tolkien character: Frodo the hobbit or Gandalf the wizard; and louder enthusiasts chalk them on walls, sometimes in three-foot-high letters, preferably at the 116th Street-Columbia University subway stop. Tolkien books sell in student cafeterias next to the cigarettes; they have been translated into nine languages including Japanese and Hebrew and are part of the degree course at Liege University. Their world sales are almost 3-million copies, but it is the Americans who are wildest about them. An unauthorized paperback edition sold well over a quarter of a million copies. In the fifties, World Science Fiction called Tolkien the best fantasy-writer of the year and gave him a model rocket. "It's upstairs somewhere," Tolkien thinks. "It has fins. Quite different from what was required, as it turns out."

Oh, my! This all sounds familiar. He must have attended the small liberal arts college that I went to, which prided itself on being "counter-culture". We actually had meetings in our dorm rooms that resembled this. Blushes and slinks off.

Students produce lots of allegories. They suggest that the Dark Lord's ring represents the Bomb, and the goblins, the Russians. Or, more cheekily, that Treebeard, the tall treelike being, "his eyes filled with age and long, slow, steady thinking," is Tolkien himself. In a rather portly note to his publishers, he replied: "It is not about anything but itself. (Certainly it has no allegorical intentions, general, particular or topical, moral, religious or political.") But he will agree that the Shire, the agreeable hobbit country, is like the West Midlands he remembers: "It provides a fairly goof living with moderately good husbandry and is tucked away from all the centers of disturbance; it comes to be regarded as divinely protected, though people there didn't realize it at the time. That's rather how England used to be, isn't it?

I am innocent of this. I never made any such outrageous comparisons to the bombs and the "Russians" or Tolkien as Treebeard! Thank goodness for all of us, that no one today would suggest that the Orcs are Russians (or vice versa) with a straight face. Would that all such useless stereotypes would float away on the wind!

If it had been left to him, he would have written all his books in Elvish. "The invention of language is the foundation," he says. "The stories were made rather to provide a world for the language rather than the reverse. To me a name comes first and the story follows. But, of course, such a work as 'The Lord of the Rings' has been edited and only as much language has been left in as I thought would be stomached by the readers. I now find that many would have liked much more." In America, especially, Tolkien words are creeping into everyday usage; for example, mathom, meaning an article one saves but doesn't use. A senior girl at the Bronx High School of Science says: "I wrote my notes in Elvish. Even now, I doodle in Elvish. It's my means of expression."

Oh, boy! I'm dying to know who wrote those notes. We have a lot of friends who went to Bronx Science just about this time....

But, at the Berkeley campus bookstore Fred Cody, the manager, said: "This is more than a campus craze; it's like a drug dream." In the U.S. hobbits have quite replaced Salinger and Golding as "in" reading. Tolkien seems to promote a mild kind of intellectual hooliganism. But his supporters argue (overwhelmingly) that, on the contrary, it does everyone good to stay in the Tolkien world, where things are still green; there is hope for people and pleasantness. At Ballantine Books, the paperback company which publishes Tolkien at $1.50 per copy, an editor thought that "young people today are interested in power and they are interesting in working out the conflict of good and evil. Here it is worked out for them."

If that sounds overly simple and sententious, consider the point C. S. Lewis once made, asking why Tolkien should have chosen to point morals in such extravagant fantasy:

"Because, I take it... the real life of men is of that mystical and heroic quality... The imagined beings have their inside on the outside; they are visible souls. And Man as a whole, Man pitted against the Universe, have we seen him at all till we see that he is like a hero in a fairy tale?"

That is one quality with a powerful appeal to students. There is another. Tolkien's writings allow thousands into the finest and most select kind of college tutorial; they demand that attention be paid. J. I. M. Stewart, another Oxford don storyteller-he writes detective stories as Michael Innes-puts the thing perfectly in his memory of Tolkien as an orator. "He could turn a lecture room into a mead hall in which he was the bard and we were the feasting listening guests."

That quote from Lewis is quite striking. So striking that I wonder if it deserves a thread and discussion? I had not seen that before.

Do any of these memories ring a bell?

[mark12_30]

That quote from Lewis is quite striking.

Quite!! Consider it stolen!! ;)

[Ealasaide]

I agree that the quote from Lewis is quite striking and that it would make an excellent topic for a thread of its own. Do you plan to open one? If so, please let me know, I would like to drop in there.


I went to college in the early eighties, so I missed out on the other memories you mention. My initial reading of Tolkien was very solitary - locked in my bedroom every day after school. I remember thinking that I was the only one who responded so strongly to Tolkien's work, as my friends and family at the time seemed rather uninterested at best. How wrong I was! :)

[Raefindel]

I wish I could have termed my family's reaction as "disinterest".

I was 14 when first I read Tolkien and was met with down-right horror! My family treated me like I was reading material printed by a witches coven or a satanic cult.
They still frown upon it, even now.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Yes, Tolkien’s works had until reaching the Barrow Downs been a rather private thing for me. The only person I knew who had read it was my brother, and over the next maybe 10 years I met about three others. Still we didn’t really talk about it, and it didn’t really enter conversation until Dungeons & Dragons started up. Then the debates began at our house. D & D seemed to cheapen Tokien’s world in my view, precisely because that mystical and heroic quality was totally obscured.

And while I did not have a Frodo lives button, and only very occasionally saw graffiti bearing the names of Frodo or Gandalf, I did have two prized t-shirts in the 70’s, one with a drawing of Gandalf and one of Smaug.

If the stories had been more popular with my peers, I wonder if I ever would have read them. Probably. I confess that it surprises me to see how large numbers of college students in sixties embraced them. I simply cannot picture 'my batch' doing the same.

Also news to me was the comment that they seemed most loved in the US. Is that true? Is it still the case?

Rae, I know what you mean about some people thinking that LoTR is somehow evil. If they only knew how wrong they are!

[Lalwendë]

I love these stories of what it meant to be a Tolkien reader in the 60's/70's. In the early 80's I used to daydream about that world where everyone seemed to be a Tolkien fan, although I know my daydreams were probably far removed from reality. I always used to think it would have been wonderful to experience university life at that time. I'd actually love to see a book written about what it was like to be a Tolkien fan in those years; it might well be nostalgic, but it would be interesting to see where some of these fans went to from Tolkien. Maybe some of the 'Downers might be in it? ;)

Growing up as a Tolkien fan in the 80's was a welcome relief; it was quite a bleak world, with the ever-present spectre of unemployment, the 'greed is good' mentality and the horrors of a cruel world on the news every day. I sometimes wonder if my love for Tolkien's world partly grew as a response to that cruel time in history. There was quite a love for Tolkien and counter-cultural literature, music and art which grew up in the Liverpool area at that time; I remember seeing Pink Floyd grafitti on this one wall in Bootle every time I went into the city. I think there was a strong need amongst young people then for what Tolkien had to offer; it was seemingly a place full of dreamers. It was always quite easy in the 80's to find fellow Tolkien fans - his work was one of the many things shared by those who 'reacted' against the cultural commercialisation of the decade.

Then I was dropped into the academic world in 1989 and endured the wasteland of the 90's, when Tolkien was seemingly deemed unworthy and uncool, and it was nigh on impossible to find any fellow fans! Or at least, any who would admit to it. With the films, somewhow fans came crawling out of the woodwork - and that is one thing I will always be thankful to the films for! Are these years something of a Renaissance for Tolkien fans? If so, I hope it carries on!

[Ealasaide]

The only person I knew who had read it was my brother, and over the next maybe 10 years I met about three others.

Hilde- am I counted amongst those three? As I recall Tolkien was quite a big thing with us in high school. ;) You were the only person I knew over those years who was into Tolkien the same way I was, even though I didn't meet you until years after I had first read LotR.

[Raefindel]

Ealasaide , It sounds like we might be about the same age. When did you graduate high school, if I may be so bold as to ask?

I graduated in 84. I just had my 39th birthday.

I went to a private school (a Christian school) and I knew only one fellow Tolkien reader. Well, actually, she is the one who started me reading Tolkien. For a Christian school they were fairly liberal on the Tolkien subject. I remember watching "The Hobbit" animated movie at school.

[Ealasaide]

Raefindel, yes, we are very close in age. I graduated high school in the Class of '81. I turned 41 in September. :eek:

I saw a coffee mug right about the time I turned 40 that said "40 - Welcome to the Wonder years! (Wonder where they all went...)" It gave me a chuckle because I was thinking the exact same thing.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

...am I counted amongst those three?

But of course you are! And imagine my delight at finding someone who read such interesting books. (And had such equisite taste in library seating arrangements! :D) Do you remember the storage room of our high school art/photograpy class, and all the graffiti covering the walls? Thinking about it, I do believe I put a tribute to Tolkien up there. :cool:

With the films, somewhow fans came crawling out of the woodwork - and that is one thing I will always be thankful to the films for! Are these years something of a Renaissance for Tolkien fans? If so, I hope it carries on!

If it is a Renaissance, I too hope it lasts. I am enjoying it tremendously!

[Child of the 7th Age]

First, thanks to everyone for their interesting responses. I went ahead and posted that thread. Visible Souls.... (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=368301#post368301post368301) Friday probably isn't the best day to do that, since folk tend to be busy. But I am such a great procrastinator! If I didn't do it now, it probably wouldn't get up. But if you get a chance this weekend or next week, pop in and add your $.02.

Raefindel -

Your family's reaction must have (and still must be) hard for you. There are so many books out there now that deal with LotR and the Bible, some spelling out daily meditations and others discussing Christian themes e.g., Finding God in Lord of the Rings; Walking with Frodo, A Devotional Journey; The Gospel According to Tolkien. But perhaps they would not feel comfortable with those.

***********

Lalwende: I used to daydream about that world where everyone seemed to be a Tolkien fan, although I know my daydreams were probably far removed from reality.

Hilde: Also news to me was the comment that they seemed most loved in the US. Is that true? Is it still the case?

Interestingly, I do think it was more popular in the US than in England in the late 60s and early 70s, although I wouldn't say that is true now. I spent a fair amount of time living over there then (at the university and later doing research for my dissertation) so I've got at least a little basis of comparison.

The reason, however, that there were so many Tolkien fans was precisely because the kids in the US felt so alientated from what was happening in the government and the society as a whole. It was an exhilarating time to be alive (we thought we were remaking the world. :D ), but also sad and frustrating. The Vietnam War hung over the heads of college students. Several of my friends died fighting and there were others who made a hard decision to apply for a CO or to take the risk of ferrying people over to Canada. (My home was in Detroit, which is right on the border.)

The frustration about the war spilled over into many areas. College students were looking for something that would get them away from the problems and frustrations of the 60s, but they were also searching for books that took a strong moral stand. Tolkien was part of this equation. His emphasis on protecting trees and the environment was especially beloved, since many students were involved with the environmental movement that was just getting off the ground.

Of course, there were many differences between the values of the Catholic professor from Oxford and those of the counter-culture students. However, we didn't know that. Very few students knew much about who Tolkien was since not much had been published. We were years away from Carpenter's biography or the Letters. There was a book out by Lin Carter, and another one by William Ready, I think; the latter was really bad. (JRRT was very angry about that one.) A few more things were out in England but it wasn't like today when it's easy to sign onto Amazon.co.uk and immediately buy a book. So things were pretty isolated. Most of the information that I got came through the Tolkien Society. (I remember someone named Vera Chapman who headed it at one point and who wrote fantasy herself.)

As Gandalf told Frodo, we're all stuck with the problems and the challenges of whatever age we were born in. And all we can do is try to respond in a positive way.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Having lived outside of Washington D.C., I suppose that my surroundings were a bit bleak and pessimistic in the early 70’s and I missed a great deal of the good aspects that the older kids had found in that era. But there seemed to be a tangible sense of humiliation and cynicism floating down from in the adult world, no doubt from the duel jolts of Vietnam and Watergate. So finding Middle Earth did quite a bit to revive a dying a sense of hope and ideals, and brought back beauty to life.

[mark12_30]

Last fall some friends gave me a M-E Birthday party-- Lorien decor, Shire menu. They had made lembas-pizelles for the birthday party and I had raved about them.

The same friends gave me a Pizelle iron for Christmas (with the wheat-free recipe enclosed, bless them.) They even found a pizelle iron for which one of the 'sides' is a tree.

Happy hobbit.

[Samwise]

Okay, I'll bite....(so to speak)...what's a pizelle?

[mark12_30]

Umm, they're kinda made like waffles. But thinner. Usually the cookies are round, and thin, and kinda brittle.

So let's say four-inch round waffly cookies, crisp & sweet.

And it looks like it's spelled with two zz's... my bad. "Pizzelle."

[Raefindel]

Hmm... They sound kinda like waffle cones... sorta. I think I've seen the irons in cooking stores.

[mark12_30]

You can make little waffle cones out of them bu rolling them into a cone shape & letting them dry.

But then they're not lembas anymore.

;)

[Samwise]

Yum. :p Round waffley Lembas cookie cones, maybe? TY for the expain. ;)

Hiya, Miss Rae! How's my favorite Elf? :D

[mark12_30]

Sweet! I'm on Caradhras! (http://www.srh.noaa.gov/showsigwx.php?warnzone=RIZ006&warncounty=RIC009&local_place1=West+Kingston&product1=Blizzard+Warning)

Er... welll....

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Shwoa! Six foot drifts! Four inches in a 25 minute period! And I thought 6 inches in 4 hours was bad. We got about a foot it looks like.

Sigh, where are Aragorn and Boromir when you need them! ;) :D

[mark12_30]

Strider worked at our driveway for quite a while. But then Boromir showed up on an ATV ("Where heads are at a loss, horsepower must serve, as they say in my neighborhood") and finished the driveway for us. We paid him in frozen venison; and he was pleased.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

We've a little help as well with the drive. I suspect he was trained by Saruman though. It seems he requires peeling up a percentage of turf with each job, so by spring, if it's been a snowy winter, the driveway looks a little like the movie version of Isengard. And I don't mean the park in FoTR ;)

So the walkways have become my look out, though I'm sure this guy wouldn't mind clearing them with his pick-up truck and blade! :eek:

[mark12_30]

WooooooT!!!! The citadel at the havens is CLOSED! UNBELIEVABLE! Another day by the cozy fire drinking Raefindel's coffee! HALLELUJAH!

Er, I mean, Another day shivering by the fire and waiting for Boromir to finish up with the, er, snow-shoving.

**dances the springle ring**

Coffee?

[Raefindel]

Hello My Friends

Here in the Northwest it's been around 55 and partly cloudy, until today. It's 62 and clear. For all intents and purposes, Spring seems to have arrived in the Elven Lands. The Malorn trees are in bloom and the pussywillows are purring. My Irises are 4 inches tall and the moles are doing their best to undermine my garden.

Unfortunately, my little elves are sick (they're half human ya know)and I'm trapped in the house.

Coffee's just not gonna do it for me this time! I need some FREEDOM!

[Samwise]

Hullo, Miss Rae! :)

Thank you for the absolutely lovely card and bookmark I recieved the other day. :D I fully intend to write you via snail mail ASAP.

So sorry to hear the little Elflings aren't well. :( I hope they are all better, soon!

[Raefindel]

You're welcome!

I've been making a lot of cards lately. Been spending a lot of money on card-making supplies, too.

[mark12_30]

Hey, how about a page of us oldsters in costume?

I've got this amazing green cloak I can't wait to show off... and the new (old!) boots are cool too. For elvish days.

Then there are hobbit-days.

I don't have many mannish days.

[Raefindel]

Can't wait to see them!

[Samwise]

Then there are hobbit-days.

LOL---I have Hobbit days most every day! A few Elvish ones....when a Man friend and I go take our twice-yearly trip to Armstrong nat'l park....but...I am too much like the Hobbit I named myself for than an Elf....I look for Elves in those trees as opposed to imagining being one....;)

As for costume, well, I have a lovely purple cloak an Elven maiden I know made me, plus a dress made me by a Hobbit lass....and I can't forget the Elven Brooch made for me by the afore mentioned Elven maiden....and of course, what Hobbit outfit is complete without a decent blade; my STING ! :D

Went to the DMV today to get a new ID.....ANY picture taken in my Hobbit attire will be better that the one taken at the DMV today I'm SURE ! :p

Me: "'Elves! Elves, Mr. Frodo! Can't we go and see them?' Sorry, it's the setting."
My friend Mike: Hey, if you see an Elf, I want to know."
~Me and an over-sized Leprechaun I know having a conversation in Armstrong Woods.

[Raefindel]

Hmmm... My cloaks are on 2 coasts! I'm a famous NATIONAL Elven Cloakmaker!

[Samwise]

Hobbit 1: Where'd you get that GREAT cloak?!:eek:

Me: Oh, its custom-made....from the Rafindel line, don't you know.... ;)

[mark12_30]

Remember this (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=366593&postcount=346)? I thought it couldn't be beat; but today the music went from

"...Red fell the dew in Rammas Echor."

To Faure's:
"Pie Jesu domine, dona eis requiem,
sempiternam requiem."

At the moment, it's Strider's song of Tinuviel & Beren.

[mark12_30]

It's STILL snowing. Between the wind, and the snow, and the rest of the weather... I've worn my green Raefindel cloak to work several days running.

:D

[Raefindel]

STILL SNOWING? Good Lord! It's been 60 here.

I went to the fabric store and found this AWSOME fabirc; it was green with leaves, and I'm thinking CLOAK...




Like I need another...

[mark12_30]

Yes. For when you go walking in the woods. Of course you do.

[Samwise]

It was in the 80's here the other day. :p Can't wear my PURPLE cloak from the Raefindel line 'cause if I do I'll be a roasted Hobbit! :(

[Snowdog]

Snow? Thats snow precious?? Usually during a winter I will have upwards to six feet in the yard in January. I think we managed a max of 10" on the ground at any one time, with maybe 20" total falling between October and January. Its been spring through February and so far through March. The snow is gone and they already had a few bush fires in the hills. Its going to be a long hot dry summer if it don't rain some in the next couple months.

Where did all the rain and snow go? Southern California! Death Valley has gotten about 5 years worth of rain in a couple months!

Hail clubberz! Been away for a time! Good to see everyone!

Anyone in the Pacific Northwest in August should attend the Washington Reniassance Fair (http://www.washingtonrenfaire.com/)!

[Raefindel]

Yeah, I'm in Port Orchard. I've never been to that Faire, though I've tried. They've been talking for a few years about moving it out of Gig Harbor, moving it to Port Orchard in a more permanent grounds like Fort Nisqually has.

I've been to this Fair in Port Gamble Medieval Faire (http://www.medievalfaire.org/)

Do you live in Washington, Snowdog?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Someone here said that it has been the third snowest year on record for this area. I find that hard to believe, but it could well be right. It has been great deal warmer than usual as well, which strangely seems to mean more snow for us.

It's perfect weather really, if you must travel. Picturesque but not overly troublesome. Never over a couple of feet at a time.

[Mithadan]

Snow and again snow! What is this "snow"?

I think I'll go to the beach. :p

[Raefindel]

We are experiencing the dryest winter here in 40 years. The governor has declared a state of emergency.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Snow and again snow! What is this "snow"?

Think of large wet sand but flattened out and cold :p More fun than the Havens of the snowbird! And quite exhilarating when driving your wain to work. But then again a drive in the Havens must be quite exhilarating in its own right. :cool:

Mizz Rae I think I have an inkling where your precipitation has got to! Ask Helen there on Caradhras!

[mark12_30]

Mizz Rae I think I have an inkling where your precipitation has got to! Ask Helen there on Caradhras!

I could mail it to you one bottle at a time? Good old Shire Post.

[piosenniel]

Raefindel

Same here in Oregon! Snowpack so poor, my hubby is already lining up the fire crews for the forest he works on.

~*~ Pio

[Snowdog]

Yeah, I'm in Port Orchard. I've never been to that Faire, though I've tried. They've been talking for a few years about moving it out of Gig Harbor, moving it to Port Orchard in a more permanent grounds like Fort Nisqually has.

I've been to this Fair in Port Gamble Medieval Faire (http://www.medievalfaire.org/)

Do you live in Washington, Snowdog?Yes I do! I live in the high mountains outside of Cle Elum. I was curious about that fair! Thanks for the info!
I found the Ren fair I posted about when I was going to my brothers when he lived in Lake Bay. I have to admit, the grounds where they are at is pretty cool with the woods and creek and bridge and all...

Yeah.. drought.... Our (so-called) governer's declaration... And yes, they are setting fires up here to burn out the underbrush and fallen fuels now before it gets tinder dry. An ounce of prevention.... makes for a smokey Kittitas Valley though when the wind isn't blowing.

[Ealasaide]

Hi, everybody!
I've been away from this thread for about 6 mos & thought I would pop in & say "hi" before my rocking chair was chopped up for kindling by one of you frozen northerners... ;)

[Mithalwen]

Oooh signs of life or should that be death?

Well here in blighty we have just had the first dry bank holiday weekend in living memory, and the population is divided between the rugged up "cast not a clout" faction and those who deem that the sighting of an unfamiliar shiny thing in an equally unfamiliar blue sky demands shades and shirtsleeves. My favourite time of the year - spring unfolding the beechen leaf and all.... so forget your rocking chair and get a deckchair. Shame to waste a nice day frowsting inside - should be out enjoying God's fresh air (aieee a "I'm turning into my mother moment"). I am going to tidy up the garden.... :p

[Ealasaide]

How about if I drag my rocking chair out into the yard? :D

It is quite nice outside here, too, though overcast and very humid. I have just spent about an hour running the dog around the great outdoors and, once I give her a quick spot bath - she rolled in something nasty - I will be out and about again, running a list of errands as long as my arm.

Have fun gardening! I wish I could have a proper garden, but, living in a condo, I am reduced to container gardening, although I do have definite ambitions toward creating a container jungle out there on my balcony... ;)

[Samwise]

It has been raining off and on here in California (leastways my neck of it). ;)
Good for the garden. :) Everything's coming up nicely, except that this year I think there is a conspiracy amongst the daisies to TAKE OVER. :rolleyes: I have been yanking them up with some of the weeds 'casue they deliberately deposit themselves in places like right in front of a daylily.....








My Hobbit Hole on the Web (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Number_3_Bagshot_Row/?yguid=39722730)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Mithalwen, if I give you five dollars will you come tidy up my garden too? Weather is not so bad, though we still have been getting snow flurries. Sun and 70's expected over the weekend. No you say? One yard is enough perhaps? Okay, how about five dollars and a glass lemonade while I am frowsting inside working on an RPG...with the windows set wide open of course.

EDIT: Aw darn, now its 50's and thunder showers for Saturday. Good day for this hobbit to be indoors! ;)

[Mithalwen]

Oooh you can do tons with containers - I have lots for annual stuff and even fruit and veg - tiny tomatoes and my blueberries are contanerised cos of the soil......

I am trying to put low maintenance stuff in the beds and borders since I work full time and like to be able to sit outside (oh the joy of laptops!) without feeling to guilty!!!

If that is real lemonade.. you might have a deal - but I will encourage you to spend outrageously on plants ;) .....

I must give the lawn another cut though - but this timeI might use the roller mower - do feel a bit of a twit vacuuming the lawn after using the quicker hover mower ... even though it is a proper garden vac......

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

But of course, only the most real sort can classify as lemonade in my book!

Actually, I’m a ‘would be’ gardener, poor in time and funds but I’m trying to improve. (I have bought beetroot and bean seeds, as well as currant and raspberry plants, with high hopes of actually planting them!) But right now I have so many little stick piles lying about waiting for my neighbor’s annual Bonfire Glade reenactment, that it looks like a residential community for deranged beavers. And the grass needs a scythe in places. It has been too wet to mow.

[Ealasaide]

Thanks for the suggestions, Mithalwen. I have a good start on my Container Jungle already with heather, philodrendrons, a few varieties of lily, and a jasmine vine, not to mention a fiercely overgrown ficus tree. I had thought about trying a fruit tree or some vegetable plants, but hesitated since my balcony is screened. Don't you need bees to cross-pollenate the flowers in order to get veggies? I've always had this weird fantasy of growing pumpkins on my balcony...

...but I don't think I want a colony of bees on my balcony! :eek:

[Mithalwen]

Erm well you don't actually have to keep the bees (though we used to have some living in the neighbor's garage that would swarm on our apple tree) .... I think it is worth a try. And I think many species are self pollinators now.... :S I also have container ponds. A large planter and a half barrel .... just need a mini water lily and some weed if you add fish!!

Hide ... youcould go for a meadow/ wildernesss garden? I am trying to cultivate a bamboo thicket to conceal the compost heap but the frost got at one of them :( and alas my chances of luring in a panda are slim ...

[Lalwendë]

I am trying to cultivate a bamboo thicket to conceal the compost heap but the frost got at one of them

What sort of bamboo are you using? I hear some types are extremely invasive and can send up shoots fifteen feet away, so I'm a bit worried about growing it. I'm trying to think of plants for an exceedingly dry border. Unlike the rest of my garden which seems to suffer from excessive damp, this one border lies under a neighbour's vile leylandii and everything seems to die. I might just put some of my planters on there because I've gone over the top again and planted up too many. :rolleyes:

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Ealasaide, if you ever decide to install a lemon or lime tree, you have a customer for any extras! :)

Mithalwen, I have a sort of been aiming for a wilderness garden in this bit of space. Never thought of meadow flowers though, thanks. That might help with the mowing! I've been trying to do a little research on what might grow well, but I'm experiementing with a few edible plants this year. Seems like all the hobbit children round about are named Hosta and Clay even quite a few poor dears named Hickory, but none are called Carrot or Radish! :p Good luck to you with the pandas...if I see any, I'll send them your way, to the help cheer your bamboo and make it feel at home!

EDIT: Lalwendë, is bamboo something were you can plant its container in the ground to prevent its spreading?

[Ealasaide]

And I think many species are self pollinators now....

Self-pollenators now? Oh, I will have to give it a try, then. All this time I had been picturing either taking up bee-keeping or crawling around with a little paint brush, trying to hand pollenate the flowers (and I'm far too lazy for that.) I had no idea there was such a thing. Thanks for the tip!

Hilde, remember the lemon tree you gave to me when you moved to Balto all those years ago? It was about a foot high. When I moved somewhere (I forget where - I've moved so many times!), I handed it over to my mom who planted it in the ground. It is now about 30 feet tall and has lemons regularly. I should ship you a few of those, but I think it would take a midnight raid of my mother's garden to do it. She's very attached to her lemons. ;) On the other hand, any lemon trees I grow would have to be bonsai trees by comparison. I wonder if a mini lemon tree would have mini lemons....?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Oh yes! :D I do remember that little lemon tree. Thirty feet? What a gardener she must be, to think it sprung up from a seed! Look for email soon Ealasaide, regarding proposed midnight raid. ;) Mother permitting of course!

[Ealasaide]

Why do I suddenly hear the distant echo of "Theme from Mission: Impossible" ringing in my ears? ;)

[mark12_30]

I wish I could have a proper garden, but, living in a condo, I am reduced to container gardening, although I do have definite ambitions toward creating a container jungle out there on my balcony... ;)

Pollinators on your balcony: no problem. They'll find you. Plant the plants, and don't spray them when they come! Lots of flying things can pollinate: moths, bees, wasps, even bumblebees will do the trick. Leave them alone while they are hunting pollen and you should have no problems. I love my wasps; I stand a few inches away, and they are far too busy to bother me. (I don't wear perfume, so they don't think i'm a flower... if you do wear perfume, that's another story.)

Veggies on the balcony: if it's sunny, no problem. Not quite hobbit-like, but probably very Gondorian, and maybe elvish too in places like Gondolin.

A friend of mine grew morning glories in tubs and window boxes on his balcony, and put up strings here and there, and had a LOVELY balcony jungle.

EDIT: whups, Ealasaide, I missed the part where you said your balcony was "screened"... er, how about window boxes??

[Mithalwen]

Tomatoes, strawberries and peppers are self pollinating and while I have not managed a significant crop from my strawberries (I have one of those plantes with holes in the side for plants) they are delicious. You can get a good crop of cherry tomatoes from a few plants - and well I am embarking on my first attempt at peppers this year!

Will check on the bamboo - but you can sink a container! .. I didn't but the living one hasn't spread at all yet - it has yellow leaves and dark stems. The crispy brown one was a dwarf variety .......

Leylandii is a horror - apart from anything else it strips the minerals from the soil :S

Mini lemon trees produce mini lemons that look really cute in a gin and tonic ;)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Hey Ealasaide, don't forget to check on the weight limits for your sanctuary.

[Lalwendë]

I know someone in this building who grows tomatoes on the window sill by his desk. I've seen him pick one and eat it with his lunch - how's that for fresh food?

But as for pollination, you can just leave most species to the hands of nature. Though I think pear trees can be difficult if another one is not close by, and you can end up with interesting white and pink Hawthorn (May blossom) on the same bush if you have red flowers close by.

On a balcony I'd hang a lot of baskets - a few cascading balls of lobelia (stick some plants through the sides of the basket liner, too) would be lovely. As for weight on such a structure, stick to light plastic containers.

[Mithalwen]

but the problemisif it is enclosed that nature can't get even it's hand in.;). But if you buy you plants anywhere half decent they will be able to guide you even if it doesn't say on the lable... certainly trees are more of an issue.

I am feeling very virtuous because I managed another gardening session before work this morning (it would be a less viable option if the garden were not secluded enough and the weather mild for me to get away with gardening in my jammies :P)..... got to get the jungly bits under control....

[Ealasaide]

Hey Ealasaide, don't forget to check on the weight limits for your sanctuary.

KABOOM! heh heh heh

But seriously... my balcony is fairly sturdy - block & stucco - but weight is why I tend to avoid putting in any water features, like waterfalls or goldfish ponds.
I do need to add some more hanging pots, though, and welcome any suggestions for pretty cascading varieties. I will look into getting some lobelia. Thanks for the suggestion, Lalwende. :)

[Mithalwen]

Don't forget youcan mix fruit and flowers in a hanging basket - lobelia and cherry toms go well...

[Ealasaide]

Hmmmm... lobelia and cherry tomatoes... I never would have thought of putting the two together. To be honest, I had never thought of mixing flowers and veggies in the same pot. Interesting! :)

[Mithalwen]

Hmmmm... lobelia and cherry tomatoes... I never would have thought of putting the two together. To be honest, I had never thought of mixing flowers and veggies in the same pot. Interesting! :)


The only caveat is that I would be careful which food and non food plants I mixed - especially if i had small peopel around...

[Raefindel]

Nasturtiums are edible and would look great with cherry tomatoes. In fact, I often put nasturtiums in salads. They are sweet with a peppery after-taste.

Pansies are also edible.

[Mithalwen]

And so are roses .. I saw a beautiful cake recipe which I quite fancied for my forthcoming birthday but it requires in addition to the rose (which is no problem ) rose petal jam... which I have only ever seen in Fortnum and Mason at vast expense many years ago so ..... anyway with a bit of luck - I will not have to provide my own cake.... :D..... I have spent much of hte bank holiday weekend in the garden and queued for ages to get to the tip ...then the way home passes my favourite garden centre so my car looked like a compost heap going and a conservatory coming back :D...... I couldn't resist getting some currant bushes (White red and black..) and a paeony...vabout to bloom... I have various paeonies already but have never persuadced them to produce flowers so while I know it is cheating... I do love them..... I have also bough a pond liner .. when I cleared the space between the greenhouse and the garage (bit of an over grown dumping ground for old flowerpots, watering cans etc.). I realised I was making various frogs and other creatures that I can not name homeless .. so I am building a nature pond to rehome them before I finish the clearing ..... must be mad... but even though I screamed when this frog jumped out at me, I don't want it to die because I have destroyed it's habitat .... eeek .....

[Raefindel]

The cake sounds wonderful. I've seen a recipe for an angel food cake with rose petals in it. It was beautiful.

As for frogs, I like them and even spiders, but you're right, no one wants them jumping out at you unexpectedly. When I worked as a florist I opened a box of leather fern (they come form florida) a frog jumped out at me and I screamed and scared the manager. Leather fern is well known in the industry for harboring creatures in the boxes with it. I even heard a story of a snake ...

[Mithalwen]

Ooh how lovely to have worked as a florist .. I do love flowers but I don't think I am creative enough. A snake would have finished me off .... it is the unpredictable way they move with frogs that gets me since at least in this country they aren't dangerous. And also if you have assumed something is a small stone it is extremely disconcerting for it to move at all..... the worst time was years ago ... I was alone in the house becasue my parents had gone to my sister's graduation and I had stayed up late and (stupidly) watched one of those true life crime programmes about women being attacked by intruders and even though it is really as safe a neighbourhood as you could find, I thought I would double check the doors.... So I went into the hallway and something moved ... and I screamed .... and it was a frog.... don't know if the cat had brought it in through the flap or it had hopped in while the doors were open (it was a hot summer day) ... but it was there. Since it was so late, I was tempted just to go to bed since I was fairly sure it couldn't manage the stairs (or the door..) but the idea of it being somewhere downstairs waiting to pounce the next morning was too much..... so I improvised on the glass and postcard technique for removing spiders and grabbed a wastepaper basket.. of course everytime I was about to drop the basket over the frog the wretched thing jumped, every time the frog jumped I screamed (and felt ridiculous and worried that the neighbours would think I was being murdered ) ......was so relieved when I finally trapped it...

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Oh, if only Ealasaide were around, she could tell some tales about large Floridian spiders captured via candied fruit container and fly swatter. The things were as big as my hand!

But this must be the weekend for frogs, or toads rather. I upset one when moving the wood pile. All sorts of things under there, including a depleted store of hickory nuts. No snakes thank goodness, though I did work at a place where they imported neem seeds for research and got quite a few extra that came with it!

Well, I still have to plant my currants and raspberries, but at least the beaver den and high grass look is gone. ;) Off to the outdoors to find a nice sunny spot!

[Mithalwen]

Spiders I can generally cope with though I loath Daddy Long Legs as they flutter .. I learnt it was quite useful to NOT be afraid of the things my evil elder sister was ... :D mwaahahaha... of course we are fairly short on toxic creatures here (unless you count politicians and the stars of reality tV)..which helps. Had to remember to be more careful in exotic parts.. the alligators were enough for me in Florida ... (and post & rail fences no protection!!!)..

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Ah, Daddy Long Legs! I remember thinking that those waving legs were sending some sort of code to their brethern when I was young, and that hoards of spiders would seek me out if I harmed one of their comrades. Funny that the description of Shelob didn't affect me quite so badly as those fragile spiders of my youth!

But the mammoth spiders of Florida! I remember when I was staying with Ealasaide's family one summer, I was talking on the phone when one of the fiendish things ran across my lap! :eek: I became convinced that they got some sort of sinister joy out of shocking people, dropping from the ceiling or nestling in the bed clothes.

But living in India cured me of such phobias in a hurry..... :p

[Raefindel]

Anyone ever put flowers in your bath? That'll make you feel like an Elf!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

No, I haven't tried flowers, but have put in a bit of rose water now and again. Now that makes for a sweet smelling hobbit, if not an elf!

[Mithalwen]

I sometimes put rosepetals i if I find a bloom fresh windfallen ... but I do like the "Lush" bath ballistics that contain petals too... only pain is cleaning the bath...

My father told me plenty of horror stories from his time in India (Army 1945-48).... aand how vital it was to shake your boots out really well....

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I actually saw a scorpion crawl across a pile of sandals at a child's birthday party when there, and plenty of venomous snakes showed up at unexpected moments!

[Mithalwen]

Well there was the man who walked around all day with a (squashed ) frog in his boot..... .and as for snakes ...the night he fell in to bed after a late duty without checking his bedroll... and felt something wriggle..... fortunately it was the mongoose who had attached himself to the camp........ I would love to go to Kashmir but it is a bit iffy at the moment.... and some places are easier than others for women lone travellers

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Fortunately, I didn’t find anything in my shoes! I did have a snake crawl up the wall and under the roof tiles into my bedroom. Luckily, I wasn’t there when it happened or I wouldn't have slept for weeks! Yes, it was poisonous.

Last I knew Kashmir was iffy for everyone, including the people who called it home. It seemed from my rather disadvantaged vantage point that everyone had moved out. But still it must be beautiful. I never made it that far north.

If you do go there yourself, there are some wonderful places that might be less risky. Some of my favorites are the Ellora and Ajanta caves near Aurangabad, and the Vijaynagar ruins of Hampi and Badami futher south. I can’t describe what it was like to stand there and picture what these places must have been like in their heyday and the people who inhabited them. And the best part was that they were largely not commercial when I was there.

[The Saucepan Man]

... I would love to go to Kashmir but it is a bit iffy at the moment.... and some places are easier than others for women lone travellersI was in Kashmir some 13 years ago and, even then, travel there was not recommended. There was a 7pm curfew, a strong Indian military presence and gunfire in the (not so far) distance at night. One day, on a car trip into the mountains, we got stopped by a very scary looking group of individuals toting machine guns who demanded to see our passports (to check for Israeli stamps). It was not long after that some backpackers got kidnapped and (ultimately) beheaded and the government issued advice not to travel there ... :eek:

Stunningly beautiful place, though, and extremely friendly people (although I did get ripped off on a carpet purchase). It is a shame about the troubles because they were very reliant on the tourist trade. I have heard, though, that with easing Indo-Pakistani relations, it's starting to open up again and they have even refurbished the fledgling ski resort there.

[Mithalwen]

Well when my cousin was planning a gap year we had been thinking of going together.. but he has decided to proceed directly with his brilliant career....
Actually, the terrorism side I find less scary - I have had enough near misses in London and Paris to think that what ever fate has in store for me it isn't that. Terrorism is relatively random....but even on the verge of old-bagdom, if you travel alone in areas where respectable women do not travel alone you are certainly courting trouble. Especially since my height and colouring would make me very conspicuous..... maybe one day ..... and we still have the carpet that my father brought back all those years ago ... it probably would be valuable if it hadn't been left on the floor and had its tassels " hooved".... :eek:

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

The last time I was in India was when those hikers were captured. And ater 10 years of living there on and off, I wouldn't suggest traveling alone. The people are wonderfully hospitable, but it would be good to have someone who knows the area take you around...and keep you from paying too much for your carpets.

Where was your father posted Mithalwen?

[Mithalwen]

Well I think he was moved around a bit .... He was in England (indeed in those famous crowds outside Buckingham Palace ) on VE day (I would point out that he was a very young soldier and a rather old father ;) ) ...... and then sent out to India to fight the Japanese - which wasn't necessary in the end but he was stuck out there for a bit .... it is a terrible cliche I know but I all I can say for certain today is "Daddy was in Poona..." ... I was going to say another coupkle of names but just for the instant I cannot be certain that they are from his photo album or the current Radio Serialisation of "The Jewel in the Crown"!!!!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Ah, Poona! Not too far from where I was as well.

[Snowdog]

... i dont like spiders and snakes, but thats not what it takes..


Oops... He everyone! Its been awhile since I dropped by! I remember when Kashmir was known for its :smokin: instead of violence, but then its always been a disputed zone.

Good to see everyone again! :)

[Mithalwen]

I think Poona (Pune) was just a depot since he aparently spent most of his time near Madras ( I was very noble and asked about it over Sunday lunch) ... i did flick through the photo album and noted down some names but I don't have my list with me.

However most pics were of of him, tents, the CO haranguing the troops and the troops being harangued, trucks stuck in rivers, the regimental "goats", various impromptu sports fixtures and the visit of the US Military attache who appropriately (though I can hardly believe it can be right) according to my best deciphering of Papa's scrawl seems to have been Col Hotshot..... :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Col. Hotshot, eh? That is a bit like Dr. Pain isn't it? I searched it as a surname and came up with one person named Bobby Hotshot, not even a Robert. Not knowing your father, I would hazard to guess that somebody must have dubbed him so.

[Ealasaide]

Hilde Bracegirdle said:
But the mammoth spiders of Florida! I remember when I was staying with Ealasaide's family one summer, I was talking on the phone when one of the fiendish things ran across my lap!

I suppose I should explain. That was quite a number of years ago at my parents' house. They are rather eccentric book collectors who didn't believe in pesticides. Cockroaches, the scourge of the tropics and semi-tropics, eat books. Rather than have their lovely book collection destroyed by cockroaches, my parents decided to let the spider population explode so that the spiders would eat the cockroaches and the entire situation would sort itself out naturally. Then, the spiders got out of hand. (There is a slash in the hall floor outside my old bedroom to this day marking the spot where I decided to take on a rather large spider with a flyswatter in one hand and a replica Civil War saber in the other. I missed with the flyswatter and struck with the sword. Missed with that, too, but I did leave my mark!)

Happily, my parents now see the virtue of a monthly visit from the Orkin man. :)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Oh heavens, Ealasaide, I nearly fell out of my chair laughing over that! And here I thought the spiders were due to your parents not believing in clear cutting the woods before they built their home! Just glad you didn't have the saber handy that day I was on the phone!

[Ealasaide]

What can I say? My parents have a logic unto themselves...

Just glad you didn't have the saber handy that day I was on the phone!

Oh, dear, that would have been ugly indeed! No, I think would have exercised a little restraint with the ol' saber. Sometimes discretion really is the better part of valor! ;)

[peony_foxburr]

My, my, it has been a long journey, though my last visit to the Barrow-downs was not as far back as I had thought...Just a bit too much going on in RL to keep up with all my hobbies. :D How appropriate that much of this last page is about gardening, as that has been my primary preoccupation in the last two months. Those of you on the East Coast share my ambivalence about the month of continuous rain giving way to continuous heat and humidity...The tomato plants, however, are loving it!

[Child of the 7th Age]

Welcome, Peony. I don't believe we've ever met since I was not involved in the Walk to Rivendell where you often posted. But it is good to see you on this thread.

It's interesting to me how many folk who love gardening seem to be interested in Tolkien. Tolkien's love of trees and other green things certainly comes through loud and clear in his tales. Alas, I have never had a gift of a green thumb though I can appreciate this talent in others.

Child

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Hello Peony! While not on technically on the east coast I do know what you mean about the humidity! Looks like this year the string beans might do just fine....

And Child , don't forget a good walk in the woods, whether to Rivendell or elsewhere. Over the weekend I found an unbelievably beautiful park that I had not known about. And I didn't even have to paint my thumb green to enjoy it!

[Lalwendë]

It's interesting to me how many folk who love gardening seem to be interested in Tolkien. Tolkien's love of trees and other green things certainly comes through loud and clear in his tales. Alas, I have never had a gift of a green thumb though I can appreciate this talent in others.

I've always had a love of trees and wildlife, despite being from a farming background (not all farmers view these things in such a benevolent light :( ) and this was amplified by reading Tolkien - I didn't quite realise until he articulated what I had always felt.

I'm not so green-fingered (as we say in the UK) myself, and I do have some sad gardening failures, but I find it's a satisfying hobby, and as time-consuming or easy as you want it to be. I personally got into it as a way of alleviating depression, it provides fresh air, a chance to be creative, exercise and a sense of fulfillment. And it results in a nice place to go and sit and contemplate. ;)

[mark12_30]

The secret to being green-digited is knowing what will survive in your yard despite all odds and against all foes. I've planted many pretty things; many have died. :rolleyes: Now few are left-- but what's left is very tough. In my Rhode Island yard: standard New England shrubs (lilac, forsythia) as well as daffodils, bleeding hearts, feverfew, spiderwort, Rose Campion, wild campion (some would consider it a weed), "Love in a mist" (Nigella), cosmos, morning glories, four-o'clocks, and a local fall favorite, New England asters -- more pretty 'weeds'. All of these either reseed themselves or spread by their roots. No fuss neccessary. :cool:

You live in Texas, right? Find out what grows in Texas (http://www.lnstar.com/wildflowers/flowers.htm), and give it a bit of room. From that list, I'd start with blackeyed susans, beebalm, coreopsis, bachelor button, toadflax (I love toadflax!!!!!) , butterfly weed, and spiderwort. Water them when they begin to droop. Keep a half an eye on them for the main part of the summer, and then forget them. Let them go to seed. Some will survive. Some will die. Smile!!! :p Next year, the survivors will spread.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

And a nice thing too, is often times the scraggly stuff comes back with gusto the next year! I'd like to replant the bed under the my front windows, but haven't the heart to dig up the hardy troopers now thriving there. My daughter hasn't the same sentimental attitude though, and as a result the dish pan containing her crayfish and tadpoles boasted some very pretty daffodils.

[Lalwendë]

I love how a garden is called a 'yard' in the USA, when what I call a garden is in actual fact a yard - a yard over here being very small and intended solely for drying your pants in, not really for cramming as many plants as possible into. :)

Foxgloves are my favourite self-seeders, as they are beautiful plants, despite being highly poisonous :eek: . I've been waiting to see what colour mine would come out as this year, and it's traditional purple, but you can get white, and even orange coloured ones.

[peony_foxburr]

Depending upon what I've been weeding, their color might be anything from brown to yellow (sap from a Eurasian wildflower that wants to take over the world)...

Yes, my philosophy is also that of "let the toughest plants win." Well, to a point--otherwise I'd be raising ragweed and dandelions. But there's no point in fighting whatever soil type, light exposures, and climate you find yourself coping with. I will nourish the soil with composts and organic fertilizer, mulch it to retain moisture and reduce weed competition, and provide water when Nature hasn't given up that one inch of rain weekly we are told we can expect in New England summers. But any plants that need even minimal attention (such as deadheading, or watching out for insects in their seasons) are close to the house.

I also found that my interest in gardening didn't really show itself until I moved to a house where there WAS space enough to make a garden. So, you never know...

[mark12_30]

a Eurasian wildflower that wants to take over the world.

What'ss it called, eh, preciouss??? What'ss it look like? Doess it bloom nicce, preciouss? Is it sshowy? Is it ssplashily sspectacular?

Speaking of taking over the world... I forgot Jill-Run-Over-The-Ground, which also sometimes gets called Jill-Take-Over-The-Ground. And we wouldn't forget Lily of the valley, would we, preciouss? No.

[mark12_30]

How is everyone?

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Can't complain. How are you? I haven't run into you for quite a while. Thought you might have run off with a pack of dwarves or elves or something!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I'm fine too - returned from my US trip over a week ago. The highlight of that was definitely meeting Sharon and Thenamir and going to the LotR exhibition in Houston! I had a fantastic day, met two wonderful members and their families, and was fascinated by the costumes, props, and other exhibit items. I have a photo to prove it; it will be up on Tigerlily's BD page as soon as she has time.

Now I'm looking forward to the next Tolkien event - 'Tolkien 2005' in Birmingham next month! I'm getting really excited about the activities there, am hand-sewing the trim onto the burgundy-colored Arwen-style dress I will have as a costume, and have made plans to meet the other Downers who will be there. I very much look forward to hearing lectures by the experts, seeing artwork by Anke-Katrin Eissmann (the very talented young German artist from whose picture my avatar was taken) and others, watching the plays and other entertainments...

[Fordim Hedgethistle]

Now you're just being mean Esty, with your litany of exciting events. I get to spend my summer 'vacation' renovating the house.... :(

[Raefindel]

Hello Everyone.

I'm well, just preoccupied with life in general.

Our renovation is nearing an end, though it won't be the August deadline we had hoped for. I'm beginning to concur with Birdland's suggestion to hire a band of dwarves to do the job and be done with it.

Being the Elf that I am, I'm anxious to get a garden planted at the house. I'ts been just dirt for so long...

We took time out yesterday and went to Seattle. The Seafair Pirates landed and sacked the village. Fortunately Elves hold no attraction for Pirates, and I was left pretty much alone.

[Samwise]

:( Feeling a tad lousy, but otherwise looking forward to being an aunt in about a month. :D

[mark12_30]

Can't complain. How are you? I haven't run into you for quite a while. Thought you might have run off with a pack of dwarves or elves or something!


Two small hobbits. Very small. And my Strider, of course.

The hobbits are fond of the water, and they don't speak Westron. I am having the time of my life. :)

:D

They do need hobbit-names. And maybe an elvish name too. Hmmm, something to think about. The elder is a very deep thinker, somewhat Frodo-like, and the younger is very Pippinish.

Edit: Phura and Gamba might be appropriate names...

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Ah, small hobbits and fond of water too! That explains quite a bit. You and your Strider must be having to keep a sharp look out for any mischief that might find them unawares!

Sounds as if some exciting and productive vacationing is going on. I'd even settle for some home renovation, let alone travel.

Some local pirating might be arranged, as there is a swashbuckling moonlight costumed canoe trip in the offering (home in time for breakfast)….and of course the local Medieval Fair, which is in full swing.

EDIT: (Err...the canoes aren't costumed, of course, only the participants as far as I can tell.)

[Raefindel]

Remind those Hobbits that boats are tricky enough without talk of "pushing and pulling". I thought of sending them another box of cookies, this time with rubber snakes in it, but didn't think the humor would be appriciated.

Sounds like a kick, Hilde! Our next Faire won't be till August, but I usually end up not going because I have no one to go with. :( It's so sad and boring by yourself!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I already have a little resident someone goading me to go. (Strangely enough she likes water too.) We got her decked out nicely last year, and she even went in for a pair of hobbit ears, but she still passes for elf rather than hobbit despite them...sigh. I don't know if my little money purse can stand for us to go again. I've been told it is my turn this year, and my fashion consultant is rather too good at spending siftly. Now, a good pair boots would be nice....

[Raefindel]

Hmmm. I know what you mean. I often cruise the second-hand stores looking for a good find, but then again I'm always buying fabric and patterns for another costume, too. I should have been an actor. I'd love to be in costume all the time.

[mark12_30]

Wow. I mean, wow. I just found Frodo-breeches-- linen-- dark brown-- gorgeous. inexpensive. And at wElf-mart. I thought they were all burnt out on LOTR... guess they saved the best for last.

Not sure when I'll wear them-- fall I suppose; Sept 22-- but I bought them.

[Samwise]

:eek: I feel bad, ME of all people, forgetting that Mr. Frodo an' Mr. Bilbo's birthday was coming up !!! SHAME, Samwise ! :( *smacks own wrist*.

Frodo: Now, Sam, it's perfectly all right, you have that nephew coming, after all...

*Snuffles* Maybe, Mr. Frodo, but to me it's unforgiveable, regardless how many little people are comin' into my life, if you follow me...

Any way, speakin' of costumes for fairs and such, I know this lovely Elf lady that lives up North....she's wonderful at makin' such things.... ;)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Had a bit of a Middle-earth moment...or possibly a 'senior moment' when passing a sign yesterday. Did a double take, as it said Haflinger horse for sale (I read Halflinger). I had known that the breed existed, but all I could think was '"Now how did a nice Shire pony end up in Amish country!" ;) I suppose it is the best place for it though!

[Alphaelin]

Hello, all -- I do hope I'm not interrupting. I am back at the Downs for a bit, as RL has let up for the first time in months and months. It's a pleasure seeing so many names I recognize from my last visit.

Succinctly, I have been working very hard with a theater company for the last couple years, and after a nightmarishly intense spring and summer, I am giving myself a small break before I lose my mind completely. Hopefully this means more time at the Downs, at least until our artistic director comes back from Europe. Sigh.

Please, continue to 'talk among yourselves'!

[Estelyn Telcontar]

Welcome back, Alphaelin!! The Gaffers around here don't forget old friends; you're more than welcome to join in the fun again! You might enjoy checking out the new Books sub-forum for the Chapter-by-Chapter discussions of the LotR, if you're in the mood for serious stuff. Otherwise, there's always fun to be had at Mirth if no one's talking here. So pull up a rocking chair and make yourself comfortable!

[mark12_30]

Hello, all

Swan Lake!!!! Welcome back!!! I hope all is well with you!!

[Alphaelin]

Thanks for the warm welcome back!

I hope to poke around the Forum and see what people are up to, but right now a rocking chair sounds great. I have been working 16 hour days for most of the last two months, doing my regular job and a temporary job connected with our production season, which is finally over. I was sort of pushed into the temporary position and was very worried about my ability to do the job right, so I was feeling stressed over it and not sleeping well, either.

However, I was able to keep up with my normal duties and the extra ones. In fact, I did much better than I expected to with the temporary job, and got to work with a terrific staff of college students/recent grads -- one of the very few things I fully enjoyed about the situation. The best description of the whole experience is "terrible and wonderful". (Wasn't that Garm's description of Giles of Ham's anger?)

:eek: And it didn't help that the day after I was done with the extra position, I had to drive our figure skater to a competition in Detroit (about three states away from us).

<settles into the nearest rocking chair, helps self to a tankard of Barliman's Best, and puts feet up>

I'm *still* tired :D

[Mithalwen]

I'm fine too - returned from my US trip over a week ago. The highlight of that was definitely meeting Sharon and Thenamir and going to the LotR exhibition in Houston! I had a fantastic day, met two wonderful members and their families, and was fascinated by the costumes, props, and other exhibit items. I have a photo to prove it; it will be up on Tigerlily's BD page as soon as she has time.

Now I'm looking forward to the next Tolkien event - 'Tolkien 2005' in Birmingham next month! I'm getting really excited about the activities there, am hand-sewing the trim onto the burgundy-colored Arwen-style dress I will have as a costume, and have made plans to meet the other Downers who will be there. I very much look forward to hearing lectures by the experts, seeing artwork by Anke-Katrin Eissmann (the very talented young German artist from whose picture my avatar was taken) and others, watching the plays and other entertainments...


My only Tolkien related event of the summer has been doing some work for the Hotel Miramar where the Tolkiens spent much of their time in Bournemouth. I smile everytime the file hits my desk thinking of Edith actually having some fun ....

I am a litle torn though because my current office is virtually around the corner from their Bournemouth house and I feel I would like to see it before this assignment ends, but I wonder it is too intrusive - visiting the grave is one thing but this is someone's home? Obviously I would only pass by - not stop and take photos or peek in windows... but I still feel a bit uncomfortable about the idea.

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I don't see any reason why you shouldn't walk past the house, Mithalwen! After all, don't we all stop to admire some pretty flowers when we see people's gardens, and don't you think they'd be more flattered than aggravated? Just think what you will feel like later if you don't make use of this opportunity now!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I smile everytime the file hits my desk thinking of Edith actually having some fun .... You made me me smile too with the thought!



Mithalwen, you have the right idea on what might irritate, and plan not to do it, so why not stroll by? I agree with Esty that it is better to go while you have the chance, than to kick yourself later for not having done so! Just a word of caution though, it would be unadvisable to dress like a cat burglar or in M-E costume as it might arouse suspicion. :D

Nice to see you back Alphaelin!

[Alphaelin]

Nice to see you back Alphaelin!

<waves from rocking chair>

Thanks, Hilde -- as I said, it's good to be back.

Mithalwen, I am envious of your dilemma. To see or not to see one of the Tolkiens' houses...lucky thing. I am sure you would not do anything horrible like stand there gawking for half an hour, or take pictures. Surely people go back and forth in front of the house all the time -- who could object to one more person stolling by?

And Estelyn! I am downright pea green at your upcoming visit to Birmingham. I have been there, alas, with non-Ringheads, so didn't get to see any Tolkien-related sites. :( However, I can tell you that the jewelry quarter there is fun to stroll through.

[mark12_30]

Rae! How's the West Coast Elf?

Not that I'm stalking you or anything.

**GAH** I can't believe you logged off.

[Raefindel]

Wow, I really need to wipe the dust off my rocking chair!

Hello HelenHobbit and hello all my friends! The West Coast is as hot as everywhere else and this Elf is melting! Can't wait to get into my house! The renovations are nearing an end and the Elvenhome is blessedly cool!

[Mithalwen]

You made me me smile too with the thought!



Mithalwen, you have the right idea on what might irritate, and plan not to do it, so why not stroll by? I agree with Esty that it is better to go while you have the chance, than to kick yourself later for not having done so! Just a word of caution though, it would be unadvisable to dress like a cat burglar or in M-E costume as it might arouse suspicion. :D

Nice to see you back Alphaelin!


Well you know..... it was such a nice evening on Friday and with the post gone no more could be done re the dead line so I drove the mile or so and had a look. And well ..... the house is fairly hideous but no more so than many bungalows of it's era, and I know that such (since they are very common in these parts) often compensate for their exteriors by spacious and practical interiors and the location well perhaps I should explain? The area is a seaside resort that became popular as a retirement resort. The conversion of the local college into a Unihas brought in more youngsters but basically there are so many old people around here that the shop windows are bifocal. Despite the recent tendancy to demolish 1 house and build 2 or more in its place, it is an area of mainly leafy suburbs with pockets of deprivation in betweeen the sea and proper countryside (New Forest/ Hardy's Wessex). The Tolkien's bungalow is on the fringes of Canford Cliffs where the property prices are teh highest in the country (if you are american, the equivalent might be the Hamptons or Boca Raton?). Tolkien's house is perhaps the humblest on the road but all things are relative.. there are a couple of architect designed houses which are probably worth squillions... which face the sea but Tolkien's backs on to Branksome chine, which could almost be a mini Rivendell. A steep tree lined gully, very peaceful and pretty in the sunshine and with the sea and view of the Island just the other side (or down the road).

[Alphaelin]

Well you know..... it was such a nice evening on Friday and with the post gone no more could be done re the dead line so I drove the mile or so and had a look.

Mithalwen, I'm so glad you decided to see the Tolkiens' bungalow. It sounds like you offended no one, and you've written the rest of us an admirable description of the house and its surroundings. Thank-you!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

…there are so many old people around here that the shop windows are bifocal.

Now there’s a thought, better patent that idea Mithalwen! Only what strength would be most common? Good for the jeweler's store too, I should think!

Thanks, for the wonderful description of the house and its neighborhood as well. I didn’t know that we would benefit from your excursion, but am so glad that you took the time to share your impressions with us. I couldn’t help but think a bit of an upscale Bagshot Row lying alongside Bag End. :)

[Mithalwen]

Not far off actually Hilde. Definitely more Baggins than Took or Brandybuck. Comfortable, prosperous, bourgeois not aristocratic, (self-made money not inherited) ...also plenty of other Midlanders made good ...

[Mithalwen]

some pics.... this is one of the houses I mentioned

http://www.nqsouthern.com/digitalpublication/digitalpublications/index.cfm?dpid=149&section_id=1208&article_id=2632

http://www.jurassiccoast.com/media/images/r/q/beachsun110_2Ejpg_Medium_110.jpg

http://www.francisfrith.co.uk/images/catalogue/c10/high/13/25519.jpg

http://www.vknight.co.uk/Rl2/shadbr.jpg

sorry can't find a recent photo... but the property above is not the most expensive on the road!!!!!

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Oh my, the Francis Frith photo reminds me so much of Tolkien's landscapes. Perhaps it is the prefectly rounded pathway that does it. But I suspect, at anyrate, that not all his descriptions (written or drawn) came straight out of thin air. I just can't picture him with the time to sketch!

(Sometimes I wish my house looked as empty as that! But where would I put my vast collection of dust bunnies? ;) )

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I just can't picture him with the time to sketch! Oh, but he did! In the book J.R.R.Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator there are a number of his sketches of various real locations! (There's a thread in 'Books' on the topic, started by yours truly, if you're interested.)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I have noticed with interest the thread that you started Esty, but don't have the book and wouldn't be able to talk intelligently about it. Actually both that particular tome and 'Letters' have been high on my 'to get' list for too long! I need to blow the dust off my change purse!

[Mithalwen]

Oh I have wanted Letter for ages .. thought it was out of print but tried ebay..think it is on Amazon though so really must...

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

...And it would be so good to find them in hardback, at a reasonable price of course....

[mark12_30]

I don't think I've ever seen Letters in hardback.

Anyone care for a visit to the ... er... was it seventies (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showpost.php?p=406617&postcount=51)? A bit immodest of me, but I'm quite fond of it.

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

I don't think I've ever seen Letters in hardback.

I have ordered a used copy, and am eagerly awaiting its arrival! The hardback version of J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator is quite a bit more, so it will be a bit longer before that will find a place on the bookshelf. I haven't the heart to buy it in paperback. It's hard enough watching LoTR fall to pieces!

So sorry, that I cannot see what this is about the seventies, Helen. You've got my attention, but my curiosity will have to wait until I am home!

[mark12_30]

Artist and Illustrator is a lovely book. I was confusing that thought with "Letters" and trying to remember a hardbound "Letters"...

So sorry, that I cannot see what this is about the seventies, Helen. You've got my attention, but my curiosity will have to wait until I am home!

Unrelated-- I was just vexed that the other thread sank so fast. And the timeframe-- Eh, Van Morrison sang Brown Eyed Girl (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/showthread.php?p=406617#post406617) in the sixties. Ooops. My mistake.

[Mithalwen]

Just as a post script to my visit to the environs of Tolkiens home in Branksome... it has views over to the Isle of Wight ( the diamond shaped island of the central south coast of England) which is nice and appropriate. There is a pub called the Wight mouse which creates quite interesting ideas!!!!


Byt he way I saw that the Tolkien's Oxford home is for sale again having been renovated - at about twice the price.......

[Bêthberry]

Mithalwen, can you provide more detail about this other home in Branksome?

Don't you just hate real estate developers? Now, there's another addition to Mordor! ;)

[Mithalwen]

Oh yes.. I spend my life writing to the council......

The Branksome house is the "Bournemouth" one (though technically it is in Poole). It could not be more unremarkable. A bungalow (IE all on one story), if it was not new built when they bought it, I doubt it was very old. Quite big with an built on garage, stone clad, greyish brick. Not really a front garden - more paved parking with a few beds. Just a fab location....

[Mithalwen]

http://www.thisisdorset.net/dorset/archive/2001/05/19/BOURN_NEWS_FEATURES12ZM.html

[mark12_30]

Last week was the South County Fair. I scored six elvish dresses. Woot! At fairground prices, too.

You know, with Rae's lovely and comfortable cloak, I no longer ***need*** to switch to hobbit breeches in the fall. I may. Or I could alternate, and dress as an elf early in the week, and a hobbit at the end of the week.

[Alphaelin]

Well, thank goodness I can get back to the 'Downs! I've been trying since yesterday evening, but the site was down. I feared the forces of Mordor had invaded the internet.

Three cheers to the BW for getting the site back up!

[mark12_30]

Rather than a "walk to RIvendell" I seem to be embarking on a "Row down the Anduin." I occasionally add in some bike-miles (cough, cough-- er, I'm riding a horse called "Bike"-- from Dunland; they talk funny down there!)

I s'pose I could start at Dol Amroth and go North...

Either way, Autumn will be here before long; the leaves will turn. What will you do? Pull a walking stick out of the closet? Clean off your Horse Named Bike?

I am of course hoping for a trip to Siberia to fetch my Snowhobbits. May the trip be in early autumn, and not the dead of winter....

[Ellewen]

I justs started the walk to Rivendell and biked (rode) the first twelve miles out-running a ringwraith... ;)

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Welcome to the thread Ellewen!

[Samwise]

:( This thread hasn't been posted in since last year???

Shoo, you nasty neekerbreekers !!! :mad:

*pulls Sting off the wall and cuts down cobwebs...*

How are all of you elder folk ? :D

[Hilde Bracegirdle]

Still puttering along!

[Samwise]

Good to hear it, Miss Hilde! :)

I am "puttering" myself, though I find my bones doing their impression of Rice Krispies of late.... :p

*Snap ! Crackle! Pop!* :eek:

[piosenniel]

This old geezer is still here. :D

It's been rainy and cold here in the Pacific Northwest - so the ibuprofen bottle has seen its numbers decline to ease the effects of the weather on well-used joints.

Hilde - did you ever get the hardback of 'Artist and Illustrator'? Gorgeous book - I do have the paperback.

My next purchase is going to be a hardback copy of Fonstad's 'Atlas of Middle-earth'. My hubby would laugh at this want of mine. I'm notoriously bad at reading maps on our driving vacations. And am always 'lost'.

I can, however, pinpoint the location of just about any place or landform in Middle-earth - thanks to RP'ing and my well worn paperback copy of Fonstad's book.

[mark12_30]

Hullo, Samwise! Hi Pio, & Hilde!

I'm still lurking. Anybody hiking? Biking? Singing?

Hmmm, maybe I should name my mountain bike Shadowfax. Or Arod. Except it's black.