The Scottish Highland Games

We went to the Highland Games Saturday in Ventura. Anyway, it's a crazy sub-culture-thing that I never knew existed until 4-5 years ago, when our friend Brenda invited us for the first time.

Chana and I like to go because of the interesting folks you meet, plus she and Brenda went to Scotland about 4 years ago. I really like to watch the strongman competitions too. I'd participate, but I don't want to embarrass anyone (myself), plus I'm not Scottish, you know.

The kids like to go, 'cause they usually get to pick out some kind of toy weapon. (we're such good parents) Also, the kids love haggis! Not really, but there is a band that plays there every year called Bad Haggis. Think 'funk with bagpipes'. It actually works and they're great players.


The above picture was taken when we went in May this year - my camera was full this trip. In the Ravenswood Leather booth they had all sorts of leather garments for warriors and ladies from medieval times. This girl helped Chana pour herself into that leather dress. Too bad it was about $1,000, or I would've gladly got her about three of them... woo!

Anduril, Sword Reforged

Last month, we went to the Scottish Highland Games. We had a great time and did our usual listening to our favorite celtic influenced rock music (Bad Haggis, which was great as usual), watching the caber toss (which is essentially throwing a telephone pole end-over-end), as well as other games, and looking at the thousands of weapons available for purchase.

I have always fancied Aragorn's sword Anduril (from Lord of the Rings), but have never gotten one... 'til this trip.

What can I say, I got a great deal, and it's a terrific replica, measuring in at 53" total length. So, now I just need to find some practical uses for it.

So far I've come up with:

1) letter opener
2) butter knife
3) to clean out my dirty fingernails
4) hedge trimmer
5) When the girls become dating age, I'll wear it when I meet their boyfriends.

Maybe it isn't the best idea to use this sword as a common household item, but since there is a shortage of ORCS around here, I have to or it'll never see the light of day. If you can think of more uses, please share them with me.