Renaissance notation knives

Renaissance notation knives had music inscribed on the blades. Each blade had the music for one voice as part of a chorus who would sing the benediction or grace at a meal. If you listen to the video at the end of the article, you will hear some lovely music.
http://www.openculture.com/2017/07/renaissance-knives-had-music-engraved-on-the-blades-now-hear-the-music-performed-by-modern-singers.html

Finding Mjǫllnir, the Hammer of the Gods

While shopping at Goodwill, I found a wide camp bed. The cashier asked me about the cot and I mentioned Society for Creative Anachronism events. The cashier said he did Norse events and was looking for a new shield.   Somehow the topic came up about how we were building a dragonship for the WA State Fair for our Icelandic horses and I was looking for Viking arms for kids to wear for photo ops. 

The cashier said, "Wait right here. There's some treasure you need to see."   He got a manager to cover for him and ran off.  He came back a few minutes later with a double headed ax, two Viking helmets, and Mjǫllnir, Thor's hammer. When I asked his name to thank him, he said Thor. I was taken aback but I checked his name tag which did indeed say Thor. So when kids ask us where we got the hammer, we can truthfully say that Thor gave it to us.

Sea Silk from Clam Spit

Not horse related, but here is an amazing piece of history--how to spin silk out of clam spit.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20170906-the-last-surviving-sea-silk-seamstress?ocid=ww.social.link.facebook

SCA tokens--the garter buckle

When you attend a SCA event, you are given a token to wear when you sign in to prove that you have paid for the event and signed the appropriate authorizations.  Tokens that I have been given ranged from a glass jar of honey to a bead to a charging mounted knight.  The token for this tournament was particularly attractive--a miniature garter buckle decorated with a horse used to hold up hose.  I will be wearing this token frequently as a piece of jewelry.