Shrewfaire is over - again!  Was it indeed only two days?  Well, for those of us on the ground, it started on the previous Saturday, with Chuck of the Artyfactors laying out the site per the Cartographer's design.  And then we were setting up our stuff by Wednesday morning, and watching the rest of the mushrooms pop up in the field.  And then, suddenly it was Faire!  Heat and dust during the day, cooler temps and mead at night, laughing and carousing until midnight (or so) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Tear down on Monday/Tuesday, and it is just a hayfield again.  We make a place for it, and the magic happens.  Truly an extraordinary occurance. 

Huzzah to the Shrew and all the Shrewfolke!

Sir Cai MacRoi

By the Grace of HRM Elizabeth (and the Shrew)

Warden of the Northern Marches

Commander of the Shire Reaves

THE Shire Reaver!

Wednesday, Jul 30th 10:49 am CST

August is almost upon us, and that means September is almost upon, and THAT means Shrewsbury is almost around the corner - how's your garb?!  My wife has to totally rebuild my nice black wool doublet slashed "in the scottish fashion" with the red liner - my dog ate it (really, he did!).  I did paint my helmet black with red accents - I know, it will be hot, but since I am basically one armed, it is more for show than anything - don't fret Sir Clisto, the rest of the armor is plain!

66 years ago today, the Empire of Japan attacked the United State at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  My grandfather's birthday was also December 7th.  He was in a US Army hospital in California when they heard the news.  He never wanted much for his birthday. 

Tomorrow, Dec 8th marks my 42nd birthday.  I am a little more weathered than I thought I would be, but I am still upright and mobile (sort of).  This goes for my twin brother, too.

It is also the day John Lennon was gunned down by a psychotic jerk who should have fried in the chair.  If we could have talked John into dumping Yoko before that happened, he would probably still be alive and making music with Sir Paul.  Psycho's attract psychos.

 Tonight, I lift a glass of Guiness (it's good for you!) to my grandfather, my twin brother, myself and John.  Grampa appreciated a good beer, Don (the other Don) and I appreciate a good beer, and I would like to believe Mister Lennon didn't mind one either.

The Wheel turns, and turns again, and we must turn with it.

 Slainte' mhath,

 Sir Cai

So, here we are at the turning of the year.  What Celtic people knew as the New Year, when the veil between the physical and the spirit worlds was thin...

I have seen my family grow, all the cousins are now the old folks (including me), and the children have taken our places, as we have taken our parents and grandparents places.

The Circle turns, and turns again, and we have no choice but to turn with it.

Blessed Be.

Well, here we all are! I am but the latest Shrewfolke to be here, it is all Don Thumb's fault.

As far as who I am and what I do...  I am the Director of Site Safety for Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire.  I am responsible for the safety and security of ALL folk who come to play faire, be they patrons, merchants or Shrewfolke!

I am also Guild Leader for the Shire Reaves, the strong arm of the Law (the ONLY Law) at Shrewsbury.  As Don indicates, I am in charge of the big guys with the clubs. 

 I have NOT been doing faire for as long as Don (who has?), but I have been with SRF since first faire, 12 years ago.  I have not been to many other faires, although it is always my intent each year to do so.

Fear Me, Oh Cutpurse and Footpad, and ye People of Ill Repute!