Roz gets armored

YAHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

I did it. I have met the deadline, and am going to be able to fight at Pennsic! On one of the hottest days this summer, with the humidity at least 130% (OK, so it felt that way), Sir Loric came on over to see what I had been up to lately (the last time he saw me I had poisoned myself, but that is another very long story...).

There was a bit of time there that I was beginning to doubt I was going to make the deadline for authorization (for Pennsic, deadline is next week), but Sir Loric, our Marshal - Michael, Lord Rafael, and Lord Ezekiel all seemed to think that my armour is good, my shots are strong, and I don't flinch (although it would probably help if I actually kept my eyes open when I throw a shot... hehe). I had so wanted to fight Oldcastle style, but I think the muscle memory was getting in my way. Maybe it was 15 years since I last fought (more like 22 or so since I was *actively* fighting and training Marines out at 29 Palms to fight), but it seems to be like riding a bicycle. I just could not seem to keep my sword up, back, and cocked--- let alone keeping my shield pointing out in front of me. I kept squaring up, shield foot forward.

But I feel good, great, as a matter of fact. Maybe I will actually fight in Baronial Champs next Sunday too. Hmmm... Here are a few shots from my authorization fight:




































Unfortunately, blogger does not seem to allow movies, so I will have to put it up at www.artisansrow.org/rozauthorizes.mov It may be slow. (I didn't know Ralph was shooting video, let alone audio...) Oops.

I still have many things to finish (rather to adjust), such as:

1. remembering to put the boots back in the armour box after I take them off, before the next practice....
2. Those that know me (and who knew Carlwyn) know that those are not my arms. In truth, I am contemplating changing mine; in the meantime, I am going to make a red shield cover - a different one than I already started in white - (and am getting a nice spiff red surcoat made too...) for Pennsic.
3. I need to continue looking for the Underarmour shirts (maybe I will splurge for the leggings, too), which is going to take a trip into Atlanta, since we do not have a Sports Authority here in Athens. It is unbelievable, but the sporting goods stores here have only the short sleeve ones in stock, and -NO- one seems to have female groin protection).
4. I already took an inch out of the C-belt, and I either need to take another inch out or make a new one (no, I seriously doubt that I have lost two inches off my waist since I made the belt a couple weeks ago). I am leaning towards a new one, out of slightly thicker leather, as this one kind of curls (and really stretches too).
5. I really need to make a new gorget; I am very uncomfortable with the thickness of the padding on the one I got from Vickie, but am loathe to remove the it. Besides, I really like the ones Master Geoffrey makes and feel certain I can make one similar in an evening in the shop.
6. I need to put a basket on the shield, and adjust the straping.
7. I need to move the thigh straps on the legs up about 5 inches, and put in straps at the knees, so that I can loosen the laces around my calves.
8. Straps rather than laces for the elbows would probably be good too.
9. And, I need to adjust the shoulder straps on the breast-plate (they need to be slanted where they attach to the plastic, so they "curve out" a bit). Of course, that will mean redoing the attachment of the spaulders.
10. Oh, and at least one more arming cap, with another inch of padding in the top of the helm to make it sit a bit higher on my head (it tends to "mush down" a bit when I tighten the chin strap, so that I am looking straight into one of the bars).

And I need to remember when to quit. I was so psyched that I didn't want to stop, and got rather overheated. I am home, and have had a shower; all is better now. Well, mostly. I am still on an adrenaline high here. I think the grandkid David and I will go out for ice cream to celebrate.

Til next time~~~