[Artemisia] Artemisia Digest, Vol 84, Issue 22

[regis at inav.net]

Greetings,
The recent discussion about SCA skills that would be 
useful in a catastrophic situation is something I have 
long mulled over.    For me learning these skills has been 
more interesting then just going to a costume party and 
playing at Courtly behavior.   Before I get flamed, let me 
say that those things fill a need for many of us to be 
social.  Lets agree that many times the Mundane world is 
tedious, unappreciative and doesn?t always recognize 
individuals for achievements.   I don?t play much or have 
time to go to events last few years, but I lurk around the 
edges and delight in my many friends adventures and 
accomplishments.   But, back to topic.
	Gardening, weapons skills,  health remedies are all 
vital.   This area of the country has a long tradition of 
food storage due to the memories of the hardships of the 
pioneers.   I think that we should look at some of these 
principles and skills and encourage relearning a few.   I 
have found that if you learn and try some of these 
techniques, you gain a better appreciation of the easy 
life we have now.  
I am currently taking lessons from a blacksmith, the first 
things he is teaching me is how to make tools.  Then we 
will take these tools to make more complex tools and 
items.   He is willing to do some demonstrations and 
classes for the SCA if there is interest.  He also can 
make you those more period accessories you need.  Knives, 
campfire irons, belt buckles, penanular brooches, and 
such.    I want to learn these skills for my own 
curiosity, but, in the scenario being discussed, being 
able to make the tools, weapons or repairing them would be 
very important.   
Some skills I can bring to the table and am willing to 
teach in the future if asked:   Silvers & Gold smithing 
and base metal working,  including casting, and wire 
wrapping techniques.   I can start a fire from flint and 
steel and have some skills at outdoor survival.   I have 
working plans for ?Mormon Handcarts? .  I am thinking that 
it would make a great camp item for that period look as 
well as darn practical if I have to load out my emergency 
storage items and trek out to join your village.   
   I grew up on an Iowa farm, where we did lots of 
gardening and had hogs, cattle, poultry, baled hay, raised 
corn and so on.  I was also one of those folks that 
hurried up, joined the military, got educated so I 
wouldn?t have to work that way forever.   It was hard 
work, but I am glad I learned those skills and values. 
 Modern kids have it too easy, but that?s a whole other 
discussion.  
Lastly, those of us that are medicated will have a hard 
time, but how many of our issues, diabetes (type 2 at 
least),  High blood pressure, obesity would benefit from 
honest hard work, less highly refined foods.   I know that 
as I loose weight much of my problems start to disappear.
Yours in service,
Anton von Heidleberg,

Mka:  Regis Johanns

PS.  Anyone else enjoyed watching  "Frontier House"  on 
PBS a few years back?  How about "The Colony" ?  These 
shows made me think hard about improving my survival 
skills.