THE UMBRIAN MUG - November 1998

Welcome to the ninth edition of the Umbrian Mug. This edition covers the month of November. If you know of a Kingdom member who isn't getting the Umbrian Mug, please let me know so that I can rectify that situation.

A Message from the Thrones of Umbria!

Salutations to one and all in this happiest of times, for it is GOOD TO BE QUEEN!

We are most happy to have this opportunity to tell each and everyone in this KINGDOM "THANK YOU" for your most honorably fought war. We have many wonderfully fun and exciting things We wish to accomplish in the coming year. We would like to promote and enhance the fun, frivolity, honor, and chivalry. It just seems very difficult to find a starting place. We have much that will work and much that will not work. We ask for the populaces indulgence. It is Our intent to make things better for everyone. We want to encourage your ideas but We cannot begin to be able to hear each and everyone's inventions in their infancies; Therefore, We ask that you sound them out and bring them to your household, to the estates meetings, or through the guilds being assembled. This is not an attempt to snub anyone; it is a better way to bring better ideas to light.

The past month has been full to overflowing for Ourselves. We attended The Imperial estates meeting as an observer, (not something we recommend) although We must say that His Imperial Highness Sir Nicholai put on quite a show. We attended only the first day, so We will have to defer you to the His Royal Majesty King Sir Duriel for any details on what was voted on and passed.

We also attended the Imperial coronation which was a spectacle - We wish We could share with each and everyone of Our populace. HRM Sir Duriel and We were honored by being seated at the big peoples table (High table). We were seated between Their Royal Graces Lady Diana of Umbria and Lady Angenette of Aragon. What lovely company. Both of these ladies have rapier wits and it was quite the task to keep up with them. And then the grandeur began; Their Imperial Majesties Sir Jehan and Dame Katherine made a very grand entrance into the hall. Although they were dressed in orange and black, there was nothing "trick-o-treat" about these two people. They were elegant and poised. They held their last court in which they named several people for honors; two from our lands: Sir Frederick was given the Order of the Lion, and Skye O'Malley was made a Lady of the Empire. This took, was it one or two, courses of the meal? Then there was the ceremony for the removal of the crowns, where Sir Frederick, as the Imperial Chancellor, guarded the crowns and Lord Sir Iain came up and helped him. Then the new Tsar and Tsarina Sir Stefan and Dame Katyana were coronated, and it was a very humbling sight. They gave the first five minutes of their reign to the granting of boons. His Majesty Sir Duriel asked for another Port in Umbria, to be called the Boon Docks! Through this we had two more courses. Then Their Imperial Majesties held court and HRG Lady Dame Diana bestowed the title of Lord and Lady Baronet on Lord Sir Cedrick and Lady Dame Francesca. Then Dame Francesca and Sir Cedrick presented the Banner of Umbria (which Sir Cedrick received a master work for it our war) to Sir Nicholai. We presented to the Tsar and Tsarina Waterford crystal goblets, of which Sir Duriel said that at least there were a few good things to come out of Ireland. Sir Duriel then presented a wonderful platter to Sir Nicholai, and then to apologize to Ourselves presented Us with a stunning mother of pearl necklace and matching earrings. At which time We were heard to say that if He were to continue giving Us wonderful baubles We could forgive a slight to the Irish every now and again. And we had two more courses of food. We have rambled far enough.

Unfortunately, Waylan of Winchester gave the artisans in a box the night off however We believe We saw Sir Waldham with some artisans working for him, if you wish to see portraits.

Everyone at Imperial treated Us with the utmost hospitality and were very kind and gracious. We sincerely hope that We have the opportunity to return the favor in the coming year.

As to Our own coronation, you will have to ask others as We feel it not honorable to toot Our own horn. However, our greatest "Thank You" to the Free Amazons for all the hard work they did to make it a success. And last, but certainly not least, "Thank You" to His Royal Majesty Sir Duriel for paying from His own coffers for the fine Feast and Musicians, and for providing the menu. We know there are those We have forgotten; please forgive and know that We will acknowledge good and honorable deeds done by all in Our Kingdom.

With Our Deepest Love,

Lady Dame Roawyn O'Riley

Queen of Umbria

Final Ducal Event Report!

The November Ducal Tourney (our last DUCAL Tourney) was held on the 14th. We had both Combat and Arts Tourneys.

The Combat Tourney was run by Sir Cameron FitzCannon, our last Ducal Minister of War & Joust.  However, he did not turn in a report, so I have no information from this Event.

The Arts Tourney was not reported by the last Ducal Minister of Arts & Sciences, Lady Dame Francesca Kilshannig, either.

The Ducal Prize for Most Entertaining Death was retained by Lord Sir Iain Duncan Mackintosh. And since the Duchy is no more, this award is retired, being held only by Lord Sir Iain. HUZZAH to Lord Sir Iain!

Canton of Thunar Tourney Report…

As for the November Canton Tourney, which was held on the 4th, it was a fine fight…

The Knight's Renn List was won by Squire Alexander - this was his first Knight's Win.

There was an Arts Tourney, with the Win going to Lord Sire Michael Sinestro, for his Calligraphy entry.

We honor all participants of the Events with a resounding Huzzah! And speaking of Huzzahs…

...For the November Canton Tourney, Squire Alexander won the Combat Tourney in Knight's Renn. This was his first Knights Win. For the Arts Tourney, Lord Sire Michael Sinestro won with his Calligraphy entry.

...All of the participants of the Events and War!

If I have missed anyone in any event, please contact me, and I will correct this in the next issue of the Umbrian Mug.

Happy Birthday!

Birthday greetings to the Members of the Kingdom for the months of December and January:

DECEMBER:

Milena Myers (1st)

Cara Craig-Maguire (5th)

JANUARY:

Nuada Og (12th)

Lady Kate MacPherson (18th)

Collen O'Riley (19th)

Squire Duncan Wallace (20th)

Sir Fredrick von Burg (21st)

Caitlan McDaniel (27th)

Note: Please contact the Steward, Lady Skye O'Malley, or myself (Lord Sir James the Red) for entering your birth date into the Kingdom records. We will not ask which year, in case you are afraid of us knowing how ANCIENT you truly are!

Collegium Announcement!

December 9th the will be a Collegium held at Encanto Park during Fighter Practice. Sire Serene will be teaching about Ceramics. This will begin at 8 p.m. Come on out and learn more about this interesting craft. For further information, see Sire Serene.

This section is to announce to the Populace the memberships that are due for continuing the fine Adrian experience. All dues expire on the 1st of the month. There is a 30-day grace period; please get with the Steward, Lady Skye O'Malley, promptly and renew! If you have already settled your membership with the Steward, then just smile when you read your name!

DECEMBER:

Brian Lehmbecker

JANUARY:

Julie Decker

Ralph Decker

Raeann Decker

Athois Blackthorne

Melissa Boylan

Recipe of the Month

This is a new section, where you will find a new recipe each month. This month's recipe was sent in by HRM King Sir Duriel, and is definitely mouth-watering!

Di Limonia Di Polli (Chicken in Lemon Sauce)

This recipe was written by Mestre Robert, cook to Ferrante I, King of Naples (1458-1494).

Original Recipe:

Friggansi li polli con lardo e cipolle, e pestisi l'amido non mondo e distemperesi col brodo de la carne de porco, e colisi, e cocansi con li detti polli e spezie. E se non avessi amido, spessisi il brodo colle tuorla d'ova; e quando sira presso l'ora del ministrare, metti in quello succhio di limoni, o di lomie, o di cetrangole.

Translation:

Fry chicken with salted port fat and onions, and grind unblanched almonds and combine with port stock, and strain, and cook with the chicken and spices. If you don't have almonds, thicken the liquid with egg yolks; And when it is nearly time to serve the dish, add the juice of lemons or bitter oranges.

2 lbs. chicken drumsticks or 1.5 lbs. boneless breasts

2 onions, chopped

1-2 T oil

1 cup ground blanched almonds

2 cups chicken stock

1-1.5 t ground ginger

freshly ground pepper

salt (depending on saltiness of stock)

1/2 t pure saffron threads infused in 1/4 cup hot stock

juice 1-1.5 lemons

Trim chicken pieces as necessary, pat dry. Heat oil in a wide, shallow pan (large enough to hold all the chicken comfortably in one layer). Lightly fry onions until soft, but do not allow them to color. Add chicken pieces and slowly seal on all sides, again without browning.

Place almonds in a food processor. Add hot stock and process for about 2 more minutes. Using a coarse sieve, strain this almond milk over the chicken, pressing down on almond residue to extract all the liquid. The almond milk should have the consistency of thin cream; it will thicken during cooking.

Add ground ginger and saffron steeped in stock, together with a good grinding of pepper. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes (for breasts) or 30 minutes (for drumsticks). Remove the lid and increase the heat to boil the sauce down to a thick, creamy consistency. Add the juice of 1 lemon, taste, and if necessary add more lemon juice. The lemon flavor should be distinct but not overpowering. Check for seasoning, and add a little salt if desired.

Bardic of the Month

Another new section, this will be a showcase for period pieces and "home made" bardics. Again, our first piece is sent in by HRM King Sir Duriel.

"When the Sweet Breeze Turns Bitter"

When the sweet breeze turns bitter

and the leaf falls down from the branch

and the birds change their language,

I, here, sigh, and sing

of Love, who holds me bound and captured,

Love, whom I never have had in my power.

I am weary, for I have won nothing from love

but toil and torture,

for nothing is so hard to get

as the thing I desire;

and nothing fills me with such longing

as the thing I cannot have.

I rejoice in a jewel

so precious that I never loved another thing so much;

when I am with her I am struck so dumb,

I cannot tell her my desire,

and when I go away from her I think

I lose my mind completely, and everything I know.

The most beautiful lady a man ever saw

is not worth a glove next to her;

when the whole world grows dark,

where she is -- see, there is light.

God let me live long enough to have her,

or see her going to bed.

I start, I burn, I tremble, all over,

sleeping and waking, for love of her.

I am so afraid of dying,

I dare not think of asking her;

however, I shall serve her two years or three,

and then, maybe, she will know the truth.

I neither die, nor live, nor get well,

I do not feel my suffering, and yet it is great suffering,

because I cannot tell the future of her love,

whether I shall have it, or when,

for in her is all the pity,

which can raise me up, or make me fall.

I am pleased when she maddens me,

when she makes me stand with my mouth open, staring;

I am pleased when she laughs at me,

or makes a fool of me right to my face or behind my back,

for after this bad time the good will come,

very quickly, if such is her pleasure.

If she does not want me, I would have liked to die

that day, when she took me as her servant;

oh lord, how gently she slew me

when she showed me the look of her love,

and locked me in such an enclosure,

I never want to see another.

I am full of worries and yet I enjoy it,

for if I fear my lady and court her,

I will be false or true, it all depends on her,

faithful or full of tricks,

a vulgar or a courtly man,

full of torment or at my ease.

If may please some and annoy others,

but she can retain me, if that's what she wants.

Cercamon says: a man will hardly belong in court if he despairs of love.

Cercamon (mid-12th century, Translated from Provencal)

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