Indulgences

Suggestions Requested

2007-02-21T12:23:00.000-06:00

This year I was asleep at the wheel on keeping up with the blog, so I am starting early to get into the swing of adding posts to it. We are always looking to add new items to the Indulgences menu, as well as Pavilion and Cottage, and I would appreciate suggestions. I am thinking I would like to add at least one cigar from Ashton. A couple of customers suggested adding a Riesling to the wine list, if any of you have any ideas, please let me know.

Opening Weekend has Come......... and Gone

2006-10-06T11:03:00.000-05:00

Opening weekend has past and it was rather slow. I think everyone forgot opening weekend actually started on September 30th. Many of our regulars returned thankfully. Master Sutton, Granny Snatch, The Goblin Queen, and Kelly with her Happy Hour crew. Even Clay the Bard and Archer made an appearance with a new flute to enjoy a Hard Cider. It was fantastic to see all of you again and hopefully more will show in the coming weekends.

I am definitely in trouble this season with the estrogen overload in the shop. It is all girls, which makes things interesting to say the least. They are Marti, Amanda, and Christy aka Molly Spirits. Stop by and introduce yourselves to the new crew as they are waiting to meet all of you.

Job Faire is HERE!!

2006-06-22T08:47:00.000-05:00

The Texas Renaissance Festival Job Faire will be on August 12th and 13th. MIL, the company the Indulgences staff works for will be there. You cannot miss any of us veterans, as we will be in the traditional purple color T-Shirts. Of course we are looking for help, but there are several "Sister/Brother" Shoppes that are hiring also. Here is a list of the shoppes and brief descriptions of what they do:

Dragonslayer: This is THE shop where everyone gets all of the authentic Texas Renaissance Gear. This includes the beautiful collectible tankards, t-shirts, pewter and other items. In addition there are mini-Dragonslayers throughout the land.

Swords & Shields: This is the group that sells the wooden swords and shields from the entrance to Sherwood Forest.

Garlands: This the group that sells the beatiful garlands you see everyone wearing, especially in the wedding parties.

The Cottage Tea Shoppe: This is our sister shoppe. They are very family oriented as they provide the famous Strawberry Lemonaide for the first time last season. They have several delectable deserts, including some specifically for the theme of the weekend.

The Pavillion: This is another of our sister shoppes. They serve the enticing coffees and expressos all day long. The captivating aroma will draw you in. In addition they have fabulous candies, chocolates and FUDGE.

Rose & Thistle: Another sister shoppe as they are next door to us. They provide all the fabulous pewter, swords, pens, and glassware.

Noble House: This is the premier shopped at the Festival. You will find many beatiful pieces of wood and exotic jewelery here. All of it from distance places and unique here at the Festival.

For directions to the Renaissance Festival, click here.

Our interview process is rather long, plan on being there most of the day. If you cannot make it during those two days PLEASE contact Nancy Snell by calling : 936.894.3355 or email her at nsnell@dragonsquest.com

Auditions Are On

2006-03-27T18:17:00.000-06:00

The Texas Renaissance Festival has posted a huge sign up at the entrance to the site. Apparently auditions for entertainment is upcoming soon. I believe the dates were May 20th and May 27th.

Thanks to the friends of Indulgences, Volume 6, and shortage of advertising space

2006-02-01T22:11:00.000-06:00

When sale are slow, patrons few and advertising space is at a premium. Bran knows the cure!

Thanks to the friends of Indulgences, Volume 5

2006-01-21T23:15:00.000-06:00

Erin Elf is always in a good mood at Indulgences!

Bran Demonstrating how to give proper service when the crowds get too big. All you need is 4 arms.

Erin Elf is always a joy to see. She seems to have that knack of flying in, always at the right time.

As pretty a pixie as you could want. Very well mannered too. She only turned one fellow into a toad this season, but he misbehaved and had it coming.

We are looking forward to seeing you soon, Erin!

Thanks to the friends of Indulgences,Volume 4

2006-01-21T23:12:00.000-06:00

There are times when you think that Indulgences is a quiet place, and yes the surroundings are lovely and serene.

John and Lawrence relaxing. The the festival gates open.

We have indoor comfort seating, The outdoor Piazza al Fresco ( that would be the covered patio to those who do not yet speak Rennie) has the finest people watching in New Market Village. Plenty of seats, all kingds of interesting people to visit with, 25 yards from the Noon Parade Grounds and table service as often as we can.

Next door the finest handmade Strawberry lemonade and on the other side the best home made ginger bread you ever ate. You also have a fine view of the fireworks from the piazza through the trees in the evening.

One of the many entertainers that visited us regularly was Clay the Bard and Archer. He enjoys the atmosphere and plays traditional folk music Irish, Scottish and others, when the muse is upon him.
Clay is a fine gentleman, we love to have him as a guest and you might even get a chance to meet him too.

Thanks to the friends of Indulgences, Volume 3

2006-01-21T22:43:00.000-06:00

Here; Dashing , Daring Dusty prepares to attempt an illusion of astounding proportion with Bran.
John the Cooper and his lovely family are giving him moral support.

A drum roll please. Once again I must warn you that they are professionals, so please don't try this at home. The consequences could be unpedictable. So with jaws set and a steely glare Bran and Dusty Proceed.

Isn't it amazing!

And neither of them was injured during the performance!

Hard working Lawrence.

Leonardo must be trying to fly his machine again. Remember freinds, if you see him hanging around The Piazza of Indulgences no more wine for him for a while.

A photo of a Beefeater and Robuck a freind of Bran's for years.

If you think you know what is going on here please let us know so that we can make rules to stop it!

2005-12-08T23:41:00.000-06:00

The following photograph was found on the ground near The Indulgences Shop. We have no idea what is going on and frankly, find it disturbing and disgusting.

If you wish to guess or comment on what may actually be going on please leave your comment.

The management of Indulgences wish to state clearly that the actions shown wheather real or digitally altered do not reflect the actions or opinions of the management of Indulgences, The Texas Renaissance Festival or any living or dead person(s).

Note:

No animals were harmed during the making of this posting.

Thanks to the following Friends of Indulgences - Volume One

2005-12-08T23:23:00.000-06:00

We had a great 2005 season at indulgences. It would not have been nearly as much fun without the many people that visited us.

Memebrs of the crew; Lawrence "the Magnificently Tailored" and John "the Cooper" excelling at looking cool. Don't try this at home people they are professionals!

A rare shout of John the Cooper doing a Fermentation Dance with a statue of the mythological Indonesian wine diety. Amazing foot work.

The Fairy Godfather and Bran have been friends for years. The Fairey Godfather has a funny story ( appropriate to the age group ) for all and grants free wishs to the good!

Festival beauties seem to congregate at Indulgences. Here two regulars, The Lady Ranu on the right side and Susie on the left. Sigh...........

The Lady Ranu again (remember she is royalty gentlemen) Double Sigh..........., and in the background Dicksie of Noble House.

This golden dressed goddess refused her name, but her body guards were very polite as they dragged me( Bran) Away.

Philosphical thought of the day for contemplation.

2005-12-03T23:08:00.000-06:00

What is the opposite of ennui?

Off oui.

Thanks to following friends of Indulgences - Volume Two

2005-11-24T15:50:00.000-06:00

Page Two of thanks to the "Freinds of indulgences".

The list grown so long that it has to be published in two pages. To quote Lady Martha of The Clan Stewart "it's a good thing!".

The Fairey Godfather was a regular and has been granting wishes to Bran and Renaissance Rose for years. He tells stories to children of all ages and the stories are age appropriate to the group.

These two pretty rennies were regularly seen performing a morning ritual of hand waving, as if it could be seen by someone far off in the distance.

The 2005 Texas Renaissance festival year has ended. and things are quiet again at the site of The Indulgences Shop.I have been thinking about what a good year it was. We had time to practice new material.

Here The goodman curan from Stratford at Bo share a glass of wine. He is an actor and minstrel extraordinaire. Be sure to demand a copy of his latest music at your local music store.

Occassionally we have an unsavory visitor or two on the Piazza. These two were well behaved enough but as rough a pair of cubs as ever you would want to meet. I keep getting the feeling I've seen them somewhere before.

The good man Curan from Stratford at Bo- The good man Curan stopped in for a visit and lights up indulgences. It is always a treat to see your smiling face and you keep us on your toes with your witt.

alwa The good man Curan from Stratford at Bo- The good man Curan stopped in for a visit and lights up indulgences. It is ys a treat to see your smiling face and you keep us on your toes with your witt.

Sadly I do not have photographs of the following people to share but they were regulars on the piazza and always a pleasure to have.

Granny Snatch-

You can be sure that if you sit around indulgences long enough, she is sure to check your assetts.

Lady Bolin-

Is a lovley performer who glides in from the Royal Court in the most fantastic outfits you have ever seen. As graceful and poised as a swan gliding across a lake.

We hope to see you all again next year and of course, bring your freinds.

Last Week End Excitement

2005-11-22T11:10:00.000-06:00

Well last weeK end was the last week end of The Texas Renaissance Festival. Every one working here and the same seems to be true for most other shops, that we all seem to have the same reaction on the week end before the last one. It goes something like this: Finally last week end, I am so tired; Oh no! it is last weekend, what will I do with all my free time!!????

We were visited by many fantastic people and and many of our old freinds.

We were particulary blessed to have regular visits from some of the greats Nicole, Kelly and The Goblin Queen. I will list their shops later if I have their permission.

Some of the funiture was sold on the festival days so we will most likley have new seating and decor in some areas, we are busily scheming now.

We had great patrons this year please come back and see us next year, we promise new treats, even better service and a new fertilty dance form John.

I have had may request from the patrons to post the pictures that I have of John doing His Cambodian and his Polynesian fertility dance is loin cloth on the Piazza al Fresco of Indulgences. If I get enough on line request I will be happy to put them up so keep watching and leave those comments.

Best wishes and Happy Holidays to all the patrons that moade our Festival Year so much fun.

Bran

Why is this cat smiling?

2005-11-17T12:17:00.000-06:00

Who is this handsome fellow and why is he smiling?

6 toed cat paw photos as promised.

2005-11-15T22:06:00.000-06:00

I was sold.. sort of

2005-11-15T20:00:00.000-06:00

Bran has been attempting to sell me into servitude since the beginning of festival and was marginally successful on Sunday for a short time. This fabulous young lady with a very cute and bubbly personality bid on me and I have yet to fathom the reason why. I have to admit it was great fun and she was very cute and sweet. We are always trying to have fun with the patrons and she helped us out by playing along. She did so with much aplomb I might add.

Therefore we wish to thank Nicole down at Pendragon Costumes for not abusing me too much and having fun with us. It is too bad you will not be there during the final weekend. Your fabulous smile will be missed at our shop and we hope to see you again next year. We may not have any Iced Spice Wine at that time, but we will certainly attempt to have something else you and the crew down at your shop might enjoy.

Once again thank you.

Last Weekend's Special

2005-11-14T18:15:00.000-06:00

Last weekend we ran a special with our Raspberry, Blackberry and Peach meads. If you bought a bottle you received a free ceramic Texas Renaissance Festival mead horn. It may be back during the Celtic Christmas themed weekend this week, but we may be running a special on our White Muscadince wine that we used to create our Iced Spiced Wine creation.

This would be great for creating your own Iced Spice recipe for the holidays. Stop by our shop at the Texas Renaissance Festival so we can tell you how. You cannot miss us as we are near the front entrance beneath the giant purple and yellow mead sign (and Davinci's Glider). We hope to see you soon.

6 toed cat paw photos as promised.

2005-11-11T23:46:00.000-06:00

Da Vinci Flying Machine photos above Indulgences Shop at the Texas Renaissance Festival

2005-11-11T23:38:00.000-06:00

Philosophical ideas of the day.

2005-11-11T15:57:00.000-06:00

Never wrestle a pig. It gets you both muddy and the pig likes it!

Mead Quotes

2005-11-11T10:08:00.000-06:00

From the moon-car in heaven did Odin also drink of the song-mead which was in the pitcher that Hyuki and Bil had carried from the secret well on the mountain, and Mani, the moon-god, captured. But wroth was Vidfinner at his loss, and he mourned more for the mead than for his children.
- Teutonic Myth and Legend by Donald A. Mackenzie

NEWTOWN, or Franchville, as twas called of old, is a sleepy little town, as you all may know, upon the Solent shore. Sleepy as it is now, it was once noisy enough, and what made the noise was -- rats. The place was so infested with them as to be scarce worth living in. There was not a barn or a corn-rick, a store-room or a cupboard, but they ate their way into it. Not a cheese but they gnawed it hollow, not a sugar puncheon but they cleared out. Why, the very mead and beer in the barrels was not safe from them. They would gnaw a hole in the top of the tun, and down would go one master rats tail, and when he brought it up round would crowd all the friends and cousins, and each would have a suck at the tail.
- The Pied Piper

Recommended mead information sites:

www.gotmead.com

Friday's open comment thread...

2005-11-04T09:41:00.000-06:00

Doesn't this seem so true??

You don't stop laughing because you grow old. You grow old because you stop laughing. Michael Pritchard

Later this evening I will attempt let everyone know if we got our restock of Vampire Merlots and Cabs in. Guinevere there will be no restock for... sorry.

Thursday's Open Commments...

2005-11-03T10:08:00.000-06:00

When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it. - Bernard Bailey

It is good to be without vices, but it is not good to be without temptations. - Walter Bagehot

The only thing worse than a man you can't control is a man you can. - Margo Kaufman

Quotes from my Google homepage today.

Inquiring mimes want to know...What happened to the Da Vinci airplane and will it actually return?

2005-11-03T09:47:00.000-06:00

What happened to the Da Vinci airplane and will it actually return? Well it seems to have dissapeared. Rumors and only rumors are that it may yet be seen flying aver the skies near Indulgences. If you would like to see it again leave your comment requesting its' return.

It can now been seen suspended over the indulgences shop.

Rumors are that Leonard (remember my freind Leonard) dragged it up there and tried, unsuccessflly to fly it off th roof again.

Photos will follow.

The Celtic Gypsy visits Indulgences

2005-11-02T15:03:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday we had the honor of Natalie and Kelly dropping by to visit Indulgences Bran sang a sightly off key, a cappella rendition of Golden earrings( see lyrics below), an appropriate enough tune for a gypsy if sung correctly.

He further challenged the couple to balance a glass of mead held by only the base, with Natalie on a chair and Kelly on the ground (one side in Natalies' hand and the other in Kellys' hand) as a practice of team work as a couple. The couple were great sports and didn't spill a drop.

I suppose that the only danger of spillage was laghing at the singing.

Natalie; He's a good sport and He's a keeper.

Best wishes to the happy couple!

Golden Earrings

There’s a story the gypsies know is true
That when your love wears golden earrings,
She (he) belongs to you.
An old love story that’s known to very few,
But if you wear those golden earrings,
Love will come to you.
By the burning fire,they will glow with ev’ry coal.
You will hear desire whisper low inside your soul.
So be my gypsy;
Make love your guiding light,
And let that pair of golden earrings
Cast their spell tonight.

Wednesday's Open Comments

2005-11-02T08:49:00.000-06:00

Okay we have resorted to begging now....

Somebody start commenting on our blog.

Please??

The Cottage Arrives....

2005-11-02T08:40:00.000-06:00

The Cottage has started posting over at their blog.

The Cottage
A permanent link is to the left in our links section.

The girls over there have the only fresh homemade Strawberry Lemonade at the Texas Renaissance Festival. Their desserts are very pleasant also. They are right next door to us so feel free to sit at our patio with your family to enjoy a glass of wine and the children can have some lemonade or strawberry lemonade. If you are not in the mood for alcohol you can get some yourself along with their fine iced teas.

Since Mead was mentioned....

2005-10-31T18:59:00.000-06:00

I feel obligated to inform everyone that plans on buying our Guinevere mead will likely be gone by this Saturday. We always have a limited supply of these every year from the Rocky Mountain Meadery in Palisades, CO. Once it is gone we will have only four kinds left. The drier Lancelot will be our only traditional Honey mead left.

On the other hand, we still have an ample supply of our flavored meads: Blackberries & Honey, Raspberries & Honey, and Peaches & Honey. Do stop by to sample our wares. If mead is not of interest to you we have an ample variety of contemporary wines, cordials, and ports.

What is Mead? - A Public Service Announcement

2005-10-31T11:41:00.000-06:00

During the past weekend we had many of the patrons at the Texas Renaissance Festival join us at the Indulgences shop and enjoy a glass of fine quality mead or wine.

There was an overwhelming number of people who did not know what mead was?

They would walk up to the bar and ask, and of course we would explain. It is our obligation, we are professionals (at lease after a fashion). I left John the Cooper and thought about our obligation to the public. Besides keeping them healthy and safe (drink sensably and appoint a designated driver, future additions will include notes on appropriate ways to compensate the DD for his or her decication) and to educate and inform the public.

In answer to the question of "What is mead?" and before Brother Courviosier agrees to publish his favorite recipe, we would like to offer a web site which answers every question you can imagine about mead.

We are happy to offer our services in answering questions also and would love to see recipes from other amateur mead makers. Please send us your question or recipe as a comment if you would like and we will be happy to show it.

http://www.gotmead.com/

The Bee's Lees

The Bee's Lees A Collection of Mead Recipes Joyce Miller, Editor ...

Mead Recipe: posted by popular demand.

2005-10-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

Many of the patrons at Indulgences have commented to us that they brew their own mead at home.

Excellent!

You can come to Indulgences and find out what a well finished product should taste like.

I also have been brewing for over 35 years with my father and now with my son.

This recipe was a good starter recipe and makes a 5 gallon batch.

Mead making takes Patience.

Green mead or mead that is consumed directly after the completion of fermentation is drinkable.

To achieve a mellowing of the flavors and get a proper finish to the product takes time in the tank (or 5 gallon jug). I have aged undrikable wine for 15 years and it is transformed into something wonderful.

This why I never make less than a 10 gallon trial batch. by the time you taste, transfer, test and filter, it gets consumed quickly.

Mead recipe number 1

15 lbs raw honey

1 gallon fruit juice of your choice

2 packages of yeast (from your local brewing supply house)

Mix together the liquids filling about 6 inches from the top with water

crush and mix in 2 campden tablets and wait 24 hours with fermentation lock on top

open and sprinkle the dry yeast on top

Keep at 70 - 75 Degrees F for 6 weeks to 3 months until the fermentarion lock stops bubbling

Store for 1 year before final filtering bottling.

Purveyors, Is that an accusation?

2005-10-25T08:50:00.000-05:00

John the cooper and I were accused last week end of being Purveyors.

John is the sensitive type and we work hard to shamelessly provide the patrons of New Market Village an excellent glass of Mead. We worked hard most of the morning and were approached by two lovely women with the name tags Dangeous" and "Armed" pinned to their chests respectively. When they switched positions we could see that they were "Armed and Dangerous"!

If The lovely "Armed and Dangerous" ladies read this or if you know them, tell them to present themselves at the Indulgences shop at the Texas Renaissance festival for appropriate punishhment!

They are required to purchase a glass of mead each and compliment (or kiss) John.

6 Toes on a Paw and Stranger Things - by request

2005-10-25T08:48:00.000-05:00

I have finally gotten Gwynevere to hold still long enogh to photoghraph her paws.

It was fairly easy after she fell asleep. I hope these photographs are helpful.

When Gwynevere was first adopted she was entirley black except for one gold monocle around one eye. I stated earlier: that one should be careful about what you name a cat. We decided upon "Gwynevere Gold Dust". Three weeks later, she has gold patches all over her face and gold flecks through her fur. DNA or Destiny?

I understand that she is reffered to as a "Polydactal".

I am not sure if this means she has "many dactals", or many "Pteradactals" or something even stranger that I really don,t want to know about.
She is a sweet cat with an excellent disposition and if we are ever attacked by "things" less than an inch tall such as crumpled balls of notebook paper, she will protect us. She is a 6 inch tall terror.

I have discussed Gwynevere with many of the patrons that I meet at the Texas Renaissance Festival amd a few have heard of the extra toe phenomenon. They refer to them as "Hemmingway Cats" becaause apparently he owned some. I know that President Teddy Roosevelt had one in the White House.

http://www.messybeast.com/poly-cats.html#whatis

Best of Luck to Natalie the Celtic Gypsy!

2005-10-21T21:32:00.000-05:00

News to The Friends of Indulgences

The Celtic Gypsy is to be married!

We were recently paid a visit by the beautiful Natalie known her friends as
The Celtic Gypsy At The Indulgences Shop at the 2005 Texas Renaissance Festival.

It was a pleasure to see you Natalie, and now the sad part, she brought her fiancé with her. He seems a nice enough fellow, but they are to be wed soon, so all of her admirers will have to be resolved that she is off the market. Sigh!!!!

We hope that Natalie will visit us again so that we can announce her wedding Indulgences style.

Be sure to visit us at the Indulgences shop at The Texas Renaissance Festival and find me; Bran ap Bleidd

(for those of you that don’t speak Welsh, that is Raven son of Wolf)

Be sure to call attention to yourself in case we are temporarily blinded by beauty or you are surrounded by a swarm of admirers. We want to see you again and of course,

Best Wishes to the Happy couple!

Visit her at her blog site by clicking on the photo! By clicking here celtic gypsy

trf-indulgences.blogspot.com

1001 Dreams

2005-10-06T23:28:00.000-05:00

Continuing with the themed weekends at the Texas Renaissance Festival, next weekend, October 8th and 9th is 1001 Dreams. The wizards, elves and fairies will enchant the streets of New Market Village. We at the shoppe are looking forward to the fantastic costumes that should appear during this fanciful festivity. Everyone be creative and enjoy the fantasy theme.

Leonardo DaVinci flying machine at Indulgences Shop at Texas Renaissance festival

2005-10-06T11:33:00.000-05:00

We were visited by my Itallian friend Leonard as I had said earlier. What a wild man! He comes from the town of Vinci in Italy. We were sitting around some months ago, and Leonard claimed he could build a flying machine!

We have really great mead and wine at Indulgences.

He said he would visit us a this years festival and he arrived with the flying machie in tow. He swore it would fly! Well, sometime that evening, he jumped off the roof in it!

We have really great mead and wine at Indulgences.

Neither Leonard or the flying machine were injured and Leonard staggered away to sleep. The flying machine is still there beside the patio at Indulgences as you can see and it has a sign hanging from the tail: "flying machine for sale, used only once".

We have really great mead and wine at Indulgences.

The handsome fellow in front of the flying machine would be Bran and as you can clearly see, if Leonard had caught an updraft, he could have crashed into the wine cellar, instead of the edge of the Terrace al Fresco at Indulgences. That would have been a tragic waste of many young bottles because:

We have really great mead and wine at Indulgences.

Come and visit us.

Not so bunched up

2005-10-04T07:33:00.000-05:00

Sat and Sunday were a little slow for us, but it was a good warm up for me. By the end of sat, my "character" started to emerge and my bloomers didnt get all bunched up as I had worried. We sold tons of wine, had wonderful conversations and fun. I want to thank the lovely flute player who graced our shop both days with beautiful music. And also the GOD FAIRY, for his humor and my wish. John and Bram were a hoot as always. We managed to fry a computer also. Seriously if you want a nice place to relax then stop by to see us, we will take great care of you. Dont forget to ask for the Balini either. I seem to be getting an evil rep from Bram....hummm how may I tourture him next weekend..../looks to Bram and gives "THE LOOK" Muahhhahahahahah.

Murphy Visits Opening Day

2005-10-01T23:30:00.000-05:00

Well it was an eventful day at the Shoppe. We stayed pretty busy, but Murphy payed a visit to our shop... and brought a few relatives.... along with their pet gremlins. We fully expected things to not go so well, but not that bad. Hopefully none of the patrons noticed our distress throughout the day. We are always diligent in making sure our visitors have full cups and are enjoying themselves.

We started a new tradition this year also: If you purchase and finish a bottle we will give you a bottle tag to write your comments on to put in our wine racks. We have gotten a few pretty good ones so far and that is fantastic to have. We welcome everyone to do so. Stop on by and visit us to create your own.

Open Invitation

2005-09-29T23:32:00.000-05:00

Opening Day of the Texas Renaissance Festival is nearly upon us. We are all anxiously awaiting its arrival. Well, some of us are still finishing things up, but as Brother Courviosier said, we have the drinks prepped. This is the inaugural year of our blog and we are opening the invitation for everyone to post their adventures at TRF, especially Indulgences. We will be posting all of ours, when we are not serving all of you that is... Photos are especially welcome.

So come join us opening day of the Texas Renaissance Festival and do not forget to say hello to Margaret who will be hiding out at the entrance to Sherwood Forest at the cigar cart.

Gearin Up

2005-09-29T20:03:00.000-05:00

Well, so far I missed last weekend due to the Hurricane, even though not much happend around here. So far my costume seems to be coming together, no pouch, I cant find my old one so I guess ill have to find more creative ways to hide my tips. J/K. Personally after all the wine tasting with John and Gary I cant wait to start on sat . I usually dont like wine and we have some wonderul stuff. Well all for tonight, but stop by an give us a Huzzah while you pass, an drink some wine, and smoke a cigar, and have some cider ohhh and our trail mixes...and yeah..see you Sat!

Pre-Festival Panic has officially come over me for the second time, but it never kilt anyone!

2005-09-28T14:00:00.000-05:00

You can tell when it is getting close to festival time. I have had it for the second time now.

I have so may things to prepare that they cannot all possibly happen for opening day. I will just have to do the most important first priority and follow up with the rest as quickly as possible.

1. The wine is in the cellar and cold. (Check!)

2. The cigar humidor is stocked. (Check!)

I hope I have something to wear under my kilt.

3. The project by that Italian friend of mine Leonard is ready to be transported to the festival grounds. He is a fine fellow and great company, and another bonus in my list of values; a complete wildman. This thing is huge! Does he plan for us to put it in the shop? It will never fit! Well.. we'll set it up outside and people will just have to come out to see it and the other new changes at indulgences.

Mutant 6 toed cats.

2005-09-28T12:45:00.000-05:00

Many of you are already aware that I have a lot of free time. A friend of the monestary has recently offered up for adoption a mutant 6 toed cat. I have named her Gwynevere (note the correct Celtic spelling of the name).

She is clearly a high energy cat and anxious to learn. She has already begun taking over the duties of dish washer and I must say that she is taking her typing lessons quite seriously (even if her spelling is terrible). Well she should be really fast with 12 fingers when she finally gets the hang of it.

We will get along famously as long as she does not start getting into the mead. Perhaps I will let her do the signs and menus for Indulgences festival this year.

Chain mail fashions

2005-09-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

Brother Courviosier said...
Chain mail fashions:I have noted that there will be number of things different at indulgences this year.We have spent a brutal amount of time tasting wine, tasting wine, and let us not forget tasting wine; in order to bring you the finest products for your personal festival indulging. The dedication to finding the finest products to serve simply boggles the palate.Many of the wines that we serve here have been discovered by us and and imported exclusively for your pleasure. They are not available anywhere else in the state! One of the many discoveries was the shocking melding of flavors. We sampled a plain but adequate red wine and were not impressed. One of our dedicated staff consumed a Jalepeno based H'ors d'ouvre and re-sampled the same wine and found it incredible after the openning of the taste buds. We therefore now serve several snack mixes to enhance the experience.If you like spicy; we have a mix called Fuji's Furor which contains Wasabi covered peas. Excellent. We invite patrons wearing chainmail to join us for the best in treats at indulgences.

The worst is past

2005-09-24T17:04:00.000-05:00

We live up here just behind the Renaissance Festival grounds and things are just fine. We only had some high wind gusts occassionally and a light dusting of rain. It wasn't even enough to bring some of the plants back. Tomorrow we will be finishing up some things at the shop and cleaning up any messes left over from Rita.

Awaiting Rita

2005-09-23T21:38:00.000-05:00

I am sitting about the house with all of the windows boarded up awaiting the storm. It is pretty windy out about now and occasional very light shower are occurring. So far we are holding up okay. The weather report and forecast can be found here:

http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ifps/MapClick.php?CityName=Todd+Mission&state=TX&site=HGX

We are going to be there Sunday to finish up some things and likely clean up any messes that Rita leaves behind. Hopefully we are still on.

By the way.... anyone stopping by please leave comments. We would love to hear from everyone.

Itchy

2005-09-20T21:33:00.000-05:00

I had a great weekend at the clean up. I did get eaten alive by thousands of bugs, but I met a lot of great people. I am still working on my character background. I have decided on the name Danny O'Riley. As O'Riley is my grandmothers maiden name. And Danny is an old nick name of mine. ( My middle name is Daneece) I have been trying to find Irish accent examples but am not finding much. I have a feeling it will be some crazy chaos with my shop partners, but so much fun! This is a very short post tonight, but I shall add to it soon.

The Dust Is Now Clear

2005-09-18T21:40:00.000-05:00

Well, we have all the dust and cobwebs cleared out and we have started dressing everything up. The shoppe is starting to get some color with the decorations. The fountain is fired up and running well, definitely adding to the ambiance. We are looking forward to the new fountain that will be in front of The Cottage, the new tea shoppe. They have some truly exciting things to offer the patrons this season. We now have our wine racks stocked and nearly ready for opening day. We will have a few things to finish up come next weekend, but not much.

Feel free to comment on the new blog and let us know what you think or ask questions and hopefully we will see everyone opening day.

Well, that is if you are of an age legal to imbibe alcohol. ;-)

Clearing the Dust

2005-09-17T22:08:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was the first day of our work weekend. We started dusting off the cobwebs and fluffing up the pillows. From the top down we have been cleaning and preparing and the shoppe is beginning to shape up nicely. With the addition of the ceiling fans the area should be a little cooler even during the day. Much better to enjoy a glass of port and a cigar.

With a large portion of our wine stock now in we began filling the racks and everyone will be pleased with what we will be offering this year. The meads we bring in every year have of course returned and you will find no better in New Market Village. We were able to taste test the new hard cider and it has a very light and refreshing taste that everyone shall enjoy, especially on a hot day. The frozen or iced concoctions we will have should be a hit also on those warm days. Everyone should be sure to stop and visit with us, but mostly to sample the wares.

Rumors

2005-09-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

There is a rumor that two new residents will be making an appearances as staff members at indulgences.

Brother Courviosier-

A member of the Amantillado order. Origially, the order was a break away group from the original Amantillado order founded in Herez Spain. The order produced the now popular Sherry (or Sheherizac to the English) in order to support its expenses. The order left Herez to find a more rural setting in which to avoid the crowding of the cities and commune with God and nature in quiet meditation.

The Amantillado order now produces wines and meads of the highest quality, and sells them to support what a growing following cannot donate.

They are presently located in the Basque region between France and Italy, in the high mountains.

Brother Courviosier is a given name that he accepted when he joined the order in his mid twenties. This is the custom in such orders to leave the worldly past behind. He was given the name Eynon by his father and mother, Bliedd and Elen. His name before he joined the order was Eynon ap Bleidd. They lived in the town of Laugharne.on the bay Carmarthen.

Brother Couviosier was originally from a family in Wales and traveled as a conscripted soldier in The Kings army. He had no taste for fighting or the military in the first place and happily gave up this profession for the opportunity to study wine making with the other brothers.

The name is French in origin, as French, Itallian, Spanish and the Basque dialect (a mixture of all) are all spoken in the region.

He has come these miles to New Market Village and Indulgences, in order to sell fine selected wines in order to raise funds to increase the size of the chapel, in order to acomodate the rapidly growing membership. The chapel is constructed by the brothers in the traditional fashion using field sone from the region. It has an alter at one end and the only exit at the opposite end of the building.

He has taken this long journey because of a panic rush to vacate the chapel when the alter vestments caught fire due to a dripping candle. While no one was seriously injured, Many were bruised and jostled about.

It is for this reason, that Brother Couviosirer may remind you of the wisdom - never put all of your Basques in one exit.

Bran ap Bleidd

He may be visited by his brother from Wales, a merchant who trades in goods from many regions including, of course, wine. He originally became a merchant by selling the locally woven woolen fabrics. He left town suddenly amidst a hail of controversy with the only explanation given that he had urgent sales of great quantities of fabric, pending in other towns (perhaps military tartans for Scottish kilts). He knows the quality of good things and bad . A bit of a rascal.

He appeared suddenly at New Market Village and has taken a great interest in the brewing going on, wine being a common interest in the family. He followed as you might say the sound of the cork popping.

Rumor has it that he has been testing, testing and testing to find the best recipes to brew and the best wines to sell. It is difficult job but someone has to do it. The rumors also continue that he has been brewing mead in secret somewhere for the past year. It takes a year to brew and a year to age if you want to make it just and right.. Large fermentation barrels have been moving through town and toward the woods to the North of New Market Village. There are a lot of thickly wooded areas there into which things can disappear with much ease. It has been said that he has a huge bounty of more than 200 gallons aging that will be available for tasting and drinking at the Texas Renaissance Festival next year.

I strongly suspect that The King doesn’t get wind of these goings on he will surly demand a public tasting of the first barrel to be tapped.

Let me know when these fellows arrive so that we can be sure to find them appropriate accommodations.

Gary.

Am I screwed?

2005-09-16T00:04:00.000-05:00

Humm well lets see. If you read johns blog, it will correspond with mine. I know there are a lot of people out there who want to work a ren fest. Well this being my first year I decided to chart my course for rennism. Ever been to an interview and have someone say..Sell me ale and slide a cup your way. I did an I froze LOL. So here I am, excited to work at this great shop and have lots of great fun, but afraid I will piss my pants as soon as I have to spout "some creative jests" in "Old English". So ill keep you updated and tell you how much a bunch my bloomers get into. It should be entertaining. Oh yes and my costum is great fun in its self..hope it gets cold soon casue that corset is pretty dang tight.

It Begins

2005-09-15T23:16:00.000-05:00

I decided that this would be a good idea to bring the 21st century to the Renaissance. This blog is dedicated to our shop at the Texas Renaissance Festival known as Indulgences. If you are not familiar with us we are near the main entrance and are purveyors of alcohol and fine cigars. Namely wine, port, and of course mead. This year we are adding a few new things that we will serve. One of these is a hard cider which is very tasty. We will also be serving and Iced Spiced Wine which we hope appeals to the crowd this year.

Also this year something new is the entire team that will be serving there. This is my second year at the Festival working for MIL. Last year I ran the Cigar Cart in Sherwood Forest. If you actually remember me and wish to find me this year you now know where to look. Margaret is replacing me at the Cigar Cart and will do very well, we are sure. Gary is a long term veteran of the Festival and MIL. He is moving from his previous shop, The Hampton's to become part of the fabulous crew at Indulgences. New this year and rounding out the team is Tricia. She seemed a bit nervous at first but having to put up with Gary and myself I can understand why.

We will be updating you as to the happenings when we can. By all means come by and visit the new crew and see the changes we have made to give you a great place to have a few pleasant drinks and maybe a cigar with it. Do not forget that we have the best seats in the evening to enjoy the fireworks too.

See you soon.