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A surprise storm heralded the last days of spring and the beginning of summer.  A hurricane the likes of which hasn't been seen on the shores of Heathfield for some time blew in during the night.  There had been warnings and portents, but few expected the storm to hold such strength.  In it's wake, it left many homes damaged, trees downed and mud left behind when the sea surged onto the land.  Damage to the crops was also minimal in most places though a few farms lost everything.  Some livestock had been lost as well.  There was little loss of life inland considering how violent the storms were.

It was not the same however, on the sea itself.  Lives were lost when two ships crashed during the height of the storm.  One of the ships was from Heathfield, a fishing vessel that was trying to make it back to shore.   Captain Flanagan as well as several crew members were lost. Teens from Heathfield had gone out that day to earn some extra money.  Most of the passengers of the second ship, the Blue Mermaid, were lost as the ship went down quickly.  Some were saved within minutes of the wreck by vigilant inhabitants.  Bodies are still being recovered as the sea is reluctant to give up her dead.  Several smaller skiffs have been reported as missing.  We mourn with those who lost loved ones.

The lands of Ballicastle, Tyremoor and Hedgebrier received some high winds and heavy rains but the brunt of the storm was taken by Heathfield.  The island of Innis Daingneach was untouched as was the lands of Kildare.  Once again our King and Queen have been extraordinarily generous in aiding those who have lost their loved ones, homes and possessions and aid has been received from our sister realms.  Hopefully such a storm will not touch our shores again. --submitted by Sir Alexander McDonough

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It was decided by Peter James O'Neill, King of Innis Daingneach, to create a melee course where the Knights of the realm could test themselves as well as those who seek to become knights under the banners of the Four Kingdoms. These are held privately in these test as to not distract the knights nor those testing them. An open demonstration might be considered in the future as time permits. The first to be tested were Nathaniel and Gabriel Moorland, brothers who are now serving Chadrick McAndrews, King of Ballicastle. They will be knighted in a ceremony in the near future. They were joined by King Peter himself,  Vincent de Beauvais who is one of King Karl von Rundstedt's  Four Horsemen and King Peter's knights, Sir Aiden Collins and Sir Lancely Caster.

The men tested themselves at archery, wrestling, jousting and tug-of-war. The evening ended with six very muddy knights being treated to a meal, and massage.  The contests are not held as part of a tournament but so each knight has a chance to better himself while going up against his peers.  The melees have been ongoing and will continue during the warmer months with the next one promising to hold a surprise, one created by Sir Lancely in a Gauntlet. Sir Julian Graham is up next to be tested. Lads interested in becoming Squires to some of the knights are welcome to join in and help out that they might be chosen for such a prestigious position. --submitted by Sir Aiden Collins

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Home Is Where The Heart Is
by Portia DeLanyea

I do not have a story of the people this month.  Instead I speak of that which everyone can relate and hold dear.  Home.  It is where the heart is they say.  A place that always calls you back with open arms, no matter how hard you might fight it in times of pain.  It can be like a glove that fits better than another.  A blanket that makes you feel safe when all others leave you cold.  Home is the place that lets you live forever.

Many would find that statement of the lands of Heathfield and her sister Kingdoms true.  A place that many 

venture from to find themselves, only to come back and learn they were here all along.  Or even chance upon the hearty sands of her shores and into the welcome arms she possess.

Could anyone truly leave her?  Abandon that haven of hope that banks in each nook and cranny that ebbs through the breezes of her landscape.  I say not.  Not from those that swear fealty to her cause and her stones.  To people and her air.  Heathfield embraces even the vilest of hearts and turns them into a pure radiance.

It is a blessing that she thrives as she does, our fair Heathfield and beyond.  A pinnacle of the most safe and greatest dreams.  Love her, honor her, and she will never leave you lacking a perfect home.

Life Around Here

In the wake of high winds and slashing rains is the world washed from Spring to Summer, leaving each and every person grateful to be alive. Though the damage was not extensive, the unexpected savagery of the storm reminds us all that summer is as fierce as it is slumberous whether on land or sea.

Bright are the year's longest days, the temperature rising from balmy to sultry while life slows to a comfortable, cooler pace. The waters of the lake caress the skin like a tepid bath,  the air heavy with the sounds of cicada and crickets who sing their lazy songs. Bright-faced day lilies open up to fill their cups with the wealth of sunshine, while daisies and queen anne's lace wave in the meadows turning from green to gold, hiding children at play.

These are the golden days, meant to be shared with friends and family, and remembered always. -- submitted by Mairenn MacNeils

Births: None this Month. Marriages: None this Month. Engagements: Robert Frasier and Lisette McTiel. Deaths: Many unknown taken by the sea during the Hurricane and the captains of the two ships. Citizenship: Please welcome -- Fiona MacLaren, Christa de Repetigny, Sir Julian Graham, Cairenn Turlough, Corina Turlough, Kieran Turlough, Sonali Roshan, Evelyn Cage, Amory Randall.

OTHER LIFE FORMS

Changelings -- Changelings are creatures from the Invisible World that have taken on the form of a human, usually a child, while that person is carried away to live among the faeries. Elves and pixies are most commonly the culprits, either leaving behind one of their own to grow up among mortals or leaving a piece of wood enchanted to look like the mortal that was stolen. Sometimes the changeling will fake its own death or mysteriously disappear in order to rejoin its own family (now one member larger with the addition of a human brother or sister).

There are various methods of protecting a child from being stolen: leaving open iron scissors where there child sleeps (dangerous and not recommended), placing a key on the child's blankets, turning the father's trousers inside-out and hanging them over the cradle, or stringing bundles of rowan and garlic along the sides of the infant's bed. Despite the abundance of methods, however, few are employed today.

Changelings often have distinct characteristics that set them apart from other children. They may have a tail, a hunched back, or a withered appearance, even if very young. They may also develop a grayish or greenish tone to their skin. A changeling will also eat differently from a regular child. Although they can consume enormous quantities, some are very picky and occasionally refuse to eat anything but uncooked vegetables or flowers. Their hair an nails grow long quite quickly, adding to the strangeness of the changeling's overall appearance. Perhaps the unnaturally swift growth is due to the difficulties with aligning a human body to a faerie passage of time.

The Fey folk cry and laugh at inappropriate times and say unexpected and strange things. A person that speaks entirely in singsong or riddles is probably a changeling. Changelings have been known to try to lure their human "family" into the hands of their faerie family. Beware if asked to go on a moonlit walk through the woods with a family member that has been behaving strangely.

To win back your stolen family member,  you should catch the changeling and return it to the faerie mound where it came from. If this proves impossible, you can threaten the changeling with iron, which has the same effect on changelings as it does on all creatures of the Invisible World. Although in some of the old stories the changeling is thrown on a fire or burned with a hot poker, it is unlikely that such an action would go unpunished.

Occasionally a changeling will grow up with a mortal family and his or her odd characteristics will diminish, until even the faerie forgets that it is not human. -- submitted by Kathleen Frasier - from Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide

July

July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days.. July begins (astrologically) with the sun in the sign of Cander and ends in the sign of Leo. Astronomically speaking, the sun begins in the constellation of Gemini and ends in the constellation of Cancer. July was renamed for Julius Caesar, who was born in that month. Previously, it was called Quintilis in Latin since it was the fifth month in the Roman calendar which started in March. Because of its origin, until the 18th century this month's name was pronounced the same way as the name "Julie".

Julius Caesar, 100-44 -- was born in the year 100 BC into a patrian family who claimed decendancy from the kings of Alba Langa and through them, Aeneas of Troy whose mother was the goddess Venus. Caesar's name Julius comes from Iulius, the family name. This comes from Iulus, the name of Venus' son. At the time of his birth, Rome was still a republic and the empire was only really beginning. The senators ruled, motivated by the greed of power in the hope of becoming either a consul or a praetor, the two senior posts which carried imperium, the legal right to command an army. From these posts it was possible to, with the help of the army at your command, conquer new territories and so gain a triumph and the pleasure of knowing that your name would be remembered forever in statues and inscribed monuments, paid for by the spoils of the war.

Caesar made his way to praetorship by 62 BC and many of the senate felt him a dangerous, ambitious man. Because of this, they deprived him of a triumph after his praetorian command in Spain (61-60 BC) and they also did their best to keep him out of consulship. He finally became consul in 59 BC. Much of the thanks for this achievement should be given to Gnaeus Pompeius (Pompey the Great) who had just come back from a campaign which had doubled the income of the Roman treasury and gained three new provinces to the empire. Because of this he had popular support and his voice carried great weight with the public at large. Because of Pompey, however, to become a leading person in Roman politics you had to have more then just an ordinary triumph. It was because of this that Caesar, during his consulship, pushed through a special law giving him a five-year command in Cispine Gaul and Illyricum, both provinces in the empire covering North Italy and the Adriatic coast of Yugoslavia. Caesar saw this as a great opportunity to extend the empire either into Gaul or in the Balkins. While in Gaul, the most important section of the Roman Army, positioned at the German border, was under his control.

He was a brilliant military leader and lead many campaigns: 58 BC -The Helvetic Campaign, 57 BC - The Belgic Campaign, 56 BC - The Venetic Campaign, 55 BC - The German Campaign, 54 BC -The British Campaign. Because the whole point of these campaigns was to get high public and political acclaim, he wrote about all the campaigns and sent the books to Rome so people knew and remembered his name. Caesar had all the acclaim he could hope for and the triumph to back it up, however, to get the position he felt his achievements deserved, he had to take his troops across the River Rubicon and in doing so declare civil war on the state and Pompey. Pompey, the person who had got Caesar to where he was, was sent to stop him but failed. General Pompey fled to Egypt while Caesar entered Rome in triumph as Dictator. The battle for Rome continued for five years of bloody fighting. He was assassinated by a group of senators, possibly in support of Pompey or possibly for some gain of their own, on the Ides of March 44 BC, below a statue of Pompey. --taken from (http://www.iol.ie/~coolmine/typ/romans/romans6.html)

Dear Tae...

How do you know when to take friendship farther and onto the next level? -- Hopeless Romantic

Dear Hopeless Romantic, It's not a matter of taking it to the next level, as it is having it naturally move so. If you're asking of yourself when is the right time, then it means feelings are already being felt, at least by yourself. If you try to push it along too fast, especially if the other party feels things not in the same way, you could easily destroy not only any chance you may have, but lose a friend along the way, which would be the heaviest of prices to pay. Just let things move along as they are, for if it's meant to be, your answer will soon come.

Dear Tae...

Do soulmates actually exist, or is that just an old wives tale?  What do you do if you think you've found yours? - Just Curious

Dear Just Curious, There is such a thing as a soul mate, one that you're destined to be with. Someone who you'll find deep understanding that will be mutual. It's not someone you seek, on the contrary, your soul mate is usually the last person you would suspect. It's by coincidence that you'll meet, and from there is where all will fall into place. If you think you have, you're probably wrong. It's when you feel this is the one that you've met the other part that completes your whole. Time is precious, do not actively seek for you shall bypass it completely with little chance of turning back. Follow your heart, but at the same time be discreet. If it's meant to be, you'll know, when the other acknowledges feeling the same way.

Dear Tae...

Recently, I made a huge mess of things with people close to me.  I have no idea of how to make amends.  Any suggestions? -- Emotionally Clumsy

Dear Emotionally Clumsy, If you know you did wrong, then you do know the way to make amends. You must correct that which you've done, if at all possible. If you're truly sorry in your heart, they'll see this. The word spoken is just that, a word. It's the feeling that's put behind it that makes it believable and monumental. You must begin by becoming very humble, prepared to gain the retribution from those you'll have to face. If you angered or hurt them, they will lash out at you so that they can feel better. This is a punishment for your ill doings, and you must take it with a humbled heart and a cool mind. Let them vent, for it will be followed by tears, then comes the process of healing. To undo what you have done, you are going to have to suffer.

April-to-August Spring-Summer Contest Extended

There are pranks still afoot that are yet to be determined for the contest so what was started in April will continue through August. An ongoing effort over these three months. Large and small. So those wishing to try out such skills, there is still time.

This is open to Allied Castles to join in!

In honor of April Fool's Day, and any prank within humor, a contest is being conducted during the whole month of April and extended to August giving ample time on who can play the best prank on another. The best Prankster will receive the prize of an Arabian stallion, a pouch of fool's gold, plus a gold plaque engraved with their name depicting them as King or Queen of Pranks. Second prize will be a finely crafted Dagger and sheath,  given to the one taking a prank in the light it was given. There will be one trick to all of this too, if the one on the receiving end can pull off a coupe then it will be a winner take all! Those of other allied castles and friends may join in if they feel so inclined or mischievous.

 Events recorded of such pranks and reactions will be submitted to Lahoneee.

RECIPES of the MONTH

BANANA PUDDING 

1/3  cup all-purpose flour * Dash of salt * 2 1/2  cups 1% low-fat milk * 1  (14-ounce) can fat-free sweetened condensed milk * 2  large egg yolks * 2  teaspoons vanilla extract * 3  cups sliced ripe banana, divided * 45  reduced-fat vanilla wafers, divided * 4  large egg whites (at room temperature) * 1/4  cup sugar

Preheat oven to 325°. Combine flour and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually add milks and yolks; stir well. Cook over medium heat 8 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Arrange 1 cup banana slices in bottom of a 2-quart baking dish. Spoon one-third of pudding mixture over banana. Arrange 15 wafers on top of pudding. Repeat layers twice, arranging the last 15 wafers around edge of dish. Push cookies into pudding. Beat egg whites at high speed of a mixer until foamy. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread meringue evenly over pudding, sealing to edge of dish. Bake at 325° for 25 minutes or until golden. Note: Banana Pudding may be a bit soupy when you first remove it from the oven. Let cool at least 30 minutes before serving. -- submitted by Aislyn O'Leary

CHERRY PIE

  About 3/4 cup sugar * 5  tablespoons cornstarch * 7  cups dark sweet cherries (about 2 1/4 lb.), rinsed and pitted * 1/2  teaspoon almond extract * 1/4  teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1  package (15 oz.) refrigerated pastry for double-crust 9-inch pie

1. In a large bowl, mix 3/4 cup sugar and cornstarch; add cherries, almond extract, and cinnamon; mix gently. 2. Ease 1 pastry round into a 9-inch pie pan. Scrape cherry mixture into pastry, mounding in the center. 3. With the tip of a sharp knife, cut the shape of a cherry (at least 1 1/2 in. wide; plus a stem) in the center of remaining pastry. Center pastry over fruit. Press pastry edges together, then fold under at rim and pinch edge decoratively. Lightly brush pastry with water, then sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon sugar. Set pie pan in a larger, shallow rimmed pan lined with foil (to catch any drips). 4. Bake pie on pan in a 375° oven on the lowest rack until pastry is richly browned and filling bubbles in the center, 1 to 1 1/4 hours. Let cool at least 2 hours for filling to firm. Serve warm or at room temperature. Yield: Makes 8 or 9 servings -- submitted by Aislyn O'Leary

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SPINACH RICOTTA RAVOLI (Italy)

The Pasta: 1/2 pound fresh or frozen spinach * 3 1/2 cups durum wheat flour or high-gluten bread flour * 5 eggs * 1 tablespoon olive oil * 1 to 2 tablespoons reserved spinach water * 1 teaspoon salt

The Filling: 6 ounces ricotta * 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan * 1 pound spinach, precooked * Salt and pepper * Butter to finish

Time: 1 hour. You will need a rolling pin, one medium and one large saucepan, and a zigzag pastry cutter. Do not forget to cook the spinach for the stuffing at the same time you prepare the spinach for the pasta. While the dough is resting, prepare the stuffing. Mix the cheese and chopped cook spinach together very thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper. To make ravioli, mark one half of the pasta sheet into squares without cutting through. Divide the filling between the squares, piling little heaps in the center of each. Dampen the pastry between the piles, and then fold the other side of the dough over the top. Cut through both layers with a knife, or a zigzag pastry cutter. Put a large pan of salted water on to boil. When it comes to a rolling boil, add in ravioli and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until pasta is tender. Drain thoroughly, then transfer to warmed serving dish with butter. -- submitted by Juliet Ryan

BLACKBERRY ICE CREAM

  3  cups sugar * 3  tablespoons all-purpose flour * 1/2  teaspoon salt * 10  cup half-and-half * 8  large eggs, beaten * 1  teaspoon vanilla extract * 4 1/2  cups fresh or 1 (1-pound) package frozen blackberries * 1 1/2  cups sugar * 1  tablespoon fresh lemon juice * Garnishes: fresh mint, fresh blackberries

Combine first 3 ingredients in a large Dutch oven. Whisk in half-and-half. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, over medium-high heat. Slowly whisk about 4 cups of hot mixture into beaten egg. Add egg mixture to remaining hot mixture, whisking constantly, until mixture reaches 160°. (Immediately remove it from heat to prevent curdling.) Let cool completely, stirring occasionally. Stir in vanilla; chill 8 hours or overnight. Combine blackberries and 1 1/2 cups sugar in a separate bowl; stir well. Cover and chill 8 hours, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar. Stir in lemon juice. Stir berry mixture into custard mixture. Pour into container of a 4-quart ice-cream maker. Freeze according to manufacturer's instructions; if recommended, pack freezer with additional ice and rock salt, and let stand 1 hour before serving. Scoop into serving bowls; garnish, if desired. Note: To hasten cooling of custard mixture, partially fill sink with ice water to come about halfway up sides of Dutch oven. Let pan remain in ice-water bath, stirring often until room temperature; chill. Yield: Makes 1 gallon. -- submitted by Aislyn O'Leary

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SCOTCH BROTH (Scotland)

  2 pounds mutton or stewing lamb * 1/2 cup barley (pearl) * 2 quarts cold water * 2 pounds root vegetables - leeks, carrots, onions, turnips * Peppercorns * 2 teaspoon salt * 2 bay leaves * 1 sprig of parsley * Chopper parsley * Leek

Time: 20 minutes, plus 1 1/2 hours cooking. You will need a large stew/stock pot. Cut the meat into convenient pieces, put into a large pot with the barley. Cover with cold water, bring to a boil. Skim and let simmer for half an hour. Meanwhile, peel and chop the root vegetables into short lengths. Add them at the end of the half hour, together with a few peppercorns and the salt, bay leaves and parsley. Bring the soup back to a boil and simmer for another hour. Sprinkle on a generous handful of chopped parsley and a few fine-sliced circles of leek. -- submitted by Juliet Ryan

MEATBALLS IN SAUCE (Albondigas en salsa - Spain)

  3 slices of day old bread * 1 pound ground meat (pork or beef) * 2 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped * 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley * 1 egg * 1 teaspoon salt * Pepper * 1 pound tomatoes (or 1 pound jar of tomatoes) * 1 green pepper * 1 large Spanish onion * 2 tablespoons flour *  4 tablespoons olive oil * 1 glass of white wine, sherry or water

Time: 1 hour. You will need a bowl, two plates and a wide frying pan. Crumble the bread and put it to soak in 2 to 3 tablespoons water. Mix the meat in a bowl with the garlic, parsley, beaten egg, salt and a few turns of the pepper grinder. Scald, skin and chop the tomatoes. Seed and chop the pepper. Peel and chop the onion. Squeeze the bread crumbs dry and add them to the meat. Work the bread-crumb-and-meat mixture together well with your hands. Spread the flour out on a plate. Form the meat mixture into small balls between 1/2 inch and 1 inch in diameter with wet hands. Roll the meatballs in the flour. Heat the oil in the frying pain. When it is lightly hazed with blue, add the meatballs. Cook them gently for 10 to 15 minutes, turning them to brown them lightly. Remove and set aside. Put in chopped onion and sauté for a minute, then add chopped pepper. When both are softened a little, add tomatoes. Bubble all together for a few moments to make a thick sauce. Return meatballs to the pan and add the glass of liquid. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, turning meatballs occasionally. -- submitted by Juliet Ryan

ALMOND MARZIPAN CREAM (Frangipane Italy)

3 eggs * 3/4 cups all purpose flour * 2 cups milk * 1/2 cup sugar * 3/4 ground almonds

Beat the eggs together. Mix the flour with a little of the milk, and then stir it into the rest of the milk and beaten eggs. Cook the mixture over low heat like a custard , whisking steadily and adding the sugar and almonds, little by little. When thick, remove from heat and pour into an oiled baking dish. When it is cold, cut into squares and serve. -- submitted by Juliet Ryan

MUSHROOM RICE (Romania)

1 cup rice * 2 ounces thick bacon (butcher's block, not sliced) * 1 onion * Scant 2 cups of water * 1 pound porcini, chanterelle or morel mushrooms * 4 tablespoons butter or bacon fat * Chives to taste * Salt and pepper

Time: 30 minutes. Slice bacon into small cubes. Peel and chop the onion.. Fry bacon in hot, dry saucepan. Push bacon to one side and turn onions and rice in the bacon fat until both are transparent. A little extra fat may be needed to prevent sticking. Add water, bring to a boil and let rice simmer for 20 minutes, uncovered, until all moisture is absorbed and rice is tender. Clean and de-stem mushrooms while rice is simmering, slice and set aside. Chop fresh chives. Melt butter or bacon fat in a frying pan, sauté mushrooms until tender. Add in chives at the last minute, salt and pepper in moderation. Mix mushroom ragout into warm rice and serve. -- submitted by Juliet Ryan

SUMMER FRUIT SALAD

1 pt. raspberries * 1 pt. blueberries * 1 small honeydew melon * 1 small cantaloupe * 2 tsp. sugar * 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves (optional)

Rinse the raspberries and blueberries, and allow time for them to dry thoroughly. Seed and cube both melons. In a stainless steel or glass bowl, toss together the berries, melon and sugar. (Of course, you can add or substitute other fruits, but keep in mind that fruits like bananas, pears and apples oxidize quickly and will discolor.) Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours. Right before serving, wash the mint leaves and use scissors to snip them into small pieces. Toss in with the fruit. Serves 8.  -- submitted by Sarah McDonough

COLD SOUP (Made with Yogurt and Walnuts - Bulgaria)

1 cucumber, seeds removed * 2 to 3 garlic cloves * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/3 cup walnuts * 4 cups yogurt * 1 small bunch of mint and dill, chopped

Time: 20 minutes, plus 1/2 hour prep. Grate and dice cucumber, salt it and put it to drain in a colander for 30 minutes. Peel and crush the garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Crush the walnuts. Rinse the cucumber and stir it into the yogurt with the garlic and the walnuts, ladle into bowls and sprinkle dill and mint over the top. -- submitted by Juliet Ryan

Did you Know?

Incense - Incense is the perfumed fumigation that results from the burning of various gum resins, flowers, barks, roots, dried seeds, and herbs.  Burning incense has been a part of magical and religious rites for thousands of years.  It was believe in the past that incense smoke carried one's prayers up to the gods.

A memorial stone placed on the breast of the Sphinx in Gaza, Egypt, shows Tuthmosis IV pouring libations of wine to his deity Ra and offering him incense.  Worshiping deities and burning incense in their honor is one of the most common scenes depicted in ancient Egyptian art, which is carved and painted in the temple interiors.  Egyptians worshipped Ra at sunrise with resin, at midday with myrrh, and at sunset with kuphi (a compound of sixteen ingredients, including sweet calamus, honey, raisins, resin, myrrh, and wine).  The usual Egyptians censer, or thurible, was a hemispherical bronze bowl supported by a long handle.  The bowl rested in a formed hand, while at the other end there was the symbol of Ra, most often a hawk's head crowned with a disc.

From early use in Egypt and Babylonia, incense spread to Greece and Rome.  Homer mentions the burning of incense, as does Hesiod.  It is probable that gums and resins from around the Indian Ocean began finding their way into Greece by the eighth or seventh centuries.  The Orphic Hymns specify a variety of incenses for the deities, all of which are selected based on some occult significance.  Frankincense became popular with the Romans, first for religious rites, then for state occasions.  It was offered on a daily basis to the household deities, the Lars familiaris.

Incense did not find its way into Christian ritual until the fifth century AD, although it had been part of Judaic ritual since the seventh century BC.  One of its earliest uses occurred in England, as remains that have since been labeled "incense cups" were found in barrows on Salisbury Plain, not far from Stonehenge.  The cups are small round vessels of clay with perforations on all sides that could only have been used for burning incense. -- submitted by Aislin NiFaelen (taken from 'The Witch Book' by Raymond Buckland)

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Job Finder

Contact Draven MacShire for: Music Store Proprietor wanted. Firemen needed on a volunteer basis. Donut Cafe, proprietor to open shop. Bounty Hunters, Chimney Sweeps.

Contact Malcolm Douglas for: Dentist needed to set up office. Sign Maker needed.  Leather Worker Craftsman/ Proprietor needed to take over established shop.

Cook wanted, contact Ashleigh Davison

Thanks to the Job Finder many have gained employment: Anyone looking for a job not listed or offering their services/hiring please contact Draven MacShire.

Monthly Horoscope

Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
       As the month begins, you are likely to be struggling with financial issues.  You are inspired to have fun and want to shower your loved ones with gifts and such, but there just isn't enough to do all that you would like to do.  As the month progresses, your encouraged to learn about new people, places, and beliefs.  The more you open your mind to learning about others and exploring life with an open-minded adventurous attitude, the more popular you become.

Leo (July 23 - August 22)
       As the month begins, you and your business partner or spouse are not getting along too well.  You are also not happy with the way things are going at home.  There’s too much going on and you are fed up.  You are challenged to find a way to bring a more peaceful atmosphere into the situation.  As the month progresses, you are in the mood to really enjoy life to its fullest.  You are deeply and passionately moved and want to share the experience with loved ones and later with your social groups too.  There is a lot of emphasis on finding peace of mind this month and turning your home into the kind of place that you can feel really good about.

Virgo (August 23 - September 23)
       As the month begins, you are experiencing a lot of stress.  You've got issues at work, communications issues, and possibly a spirit question plaguing you.  Nobody would blame you if you had a complete meltdown at this time.  However, we both know that Virgos are tougher than most, so as much as you'd like to fall apart, you probably won't.  As the month progresses, your home life gets better, your career gets a boost, your social life picks up, and you and your spouse or business partner share some great ideas.  By the end of the month, you have a fresh start in your mental health sector, so things will brighten up soon.

Libra (September 24 - October 23)
       As the month begins, you are struggling a bit financially.  You cannot afford all of the social activities that you would like to attend or you are unable to afford to join professional associations that would boost your career.  As the month progresses, you experience quite a bit of professional success and networking gets a lot easier.  Your ability to communicate and to negotiate lucrative business contracts helps to make things easier too.  By the end of the month, you should have no problem meeting new people and joining professional groups.  Launching an Internet business might even be worth looking into.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)
       As the month begins, your professionalism is in question.  There is some doubt as to whether or not you are up for the job.  You also have some issues at home that may be playing into the dynamic making it difficult to focus completely on career goals at this time.  As the month progresses, you not only have the ability to earn a great deal of money but also to start a whole new career if you like.  Throughout the month you have a lot happening in your travel and pleasure sectors too, so you could be quite busy.

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)
       As the month begins, you are being challenged to open your mind to new ideas, new religions, new philosophies, and such.  You aren't in the mood and someone is accusing you of being narrow-minded.  As the month progresses, your love life and your business partnerships both flourish.  As you bring more love and money into your life, you eventually do open up and start looking at these new concepts.  But you do it in your own way in your own sweet time.  You are actually ready to make a fresh start in this area of your life by the end of the month, but only because now you feel like it.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)
       As the month begins, you are still struggling with financial issues, especially joint finances.  As the month progresses, you and your spouse or a business partner are able to connect really well and together the two of you not only negotiate some nice financial contracts but you also are quite the dynamic duo socially.  It seems that everyone wants to hang out with the two of you or to do business with you.  By the end of the month, the area of your chart involving sexuality and joint resources is lit up with all kinds of great energy.  So one way or the other, you'll probably be celebrating.

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)
       As the month begins, you have someone who is not too thrilled with your public reputation.  This person is a spouse, a business partner, or a competitor.  You want to simply ignore them, but that only adds to the problem.  As the month progresses, your career is going so well that you feel pretty good about the whole thing.  Even though you are work-oriented this month, you still find the time to let the ones you love know how much they mean to you.  You don't always have enough money to spoil them like you want to, but your heart is in the right place and they know it.  This is a really good month for you.  Have fun!

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)
       As the month begins, you have too much on your plate at work and feel quite stressed out.  Red tape and bureaucracy are likely to have you ready to tear your hair out.  As the month progresses, you are encouraged to have lots of fun, travel, fall in love, play with children, sing, dance, create great works of art, learn new things, and simply enjoy life.  There are times when things could get a bit tense at home, but with the right attitude you can really turn things around.  Try to take your vacation during the second half of this month when things are easy and breezy.

Aries (March 21 - April 20)
       As the month begins, you have issues with children, pets, lovers, or involving your creative talents.  Either people are being disloyal, cheap, or just greedy.  As the month progresses, your home life becomes the center of attention. You are still having a difficult time completely enjoying yourself, but there is a lot of energy in that area of your chart trying to get you to at least try to enjoy life more

 Taurus (April 21 - May 21)
       As the month begins, you have someone who is not too thrilled with your residential situation.  This person is a spouse or a business partner.  Whatever the problems are at home, it looks like they are also affecting your ability to come across as a professional.  As the month progresses you have the ability to earn more money, which should help matters at home.  Eventually, you get a fresh start at home, which could result in a new house, new roommate, or some other fresh start.  You also have some wonderful networking opportunities that can result in lucrative business deals and delightful new friends.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)
       As the month begins, you have all kinds of communications and business negotiations problems.  It seems like nobody is listening to what you are trying to say.  Major purchases are not a good idea at this time.  As the month progresses, your romantic or business partner steps in to help with the situation and also you take time to polish up your professional image so that people see you in a better light.  By the end of the month, you have plenty of reasons to celebrate financially and romantically.   --submitted by Nataliya Andree

??? Question Corner ???

1. If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one ability or quality, what would it be?

2. You have the chance to meet someone with whom you can have the most satisfying love imaginable -- the stuff of dreams. Sadly,  you know that in six months the person will die. Knowing the pain that would follow, would you still want to meet that person and fall in love? What if you knew your lover would not die, but instead would betray you?

If you would like to reply and have it published in next month's issue, please submit the question with your answer to Lahoneee.

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Thought for the Day

Life is a pure flame, and we live by an invisible sun within us.  - - - Thomas Browne  --submitted by Sara Devonshire

Advertisements

Wedding Candles are specially priced as spring and summer are the most popular times for weddings and other such special events. Ask for Kathleen Frasier or Samantha Golden.

Dahlia Special: at Lisette's Floral Shop. Wedding bouquet specials this month and next.

Benzaiten Imports has received a second shipment of wonderful items  from the mysterious land of India.  Gold filigree necklaces some with  precious or semi-precious stones, bracelets of gold mesh, beads or delicate gold wires, sandals, saris of colorful silks, statues and more.  We have also obtained some exquisite music boxes and porcelain dolls from France and Vienna. We carry a line of cigars and tobacco products from a new distributor in the colonies. Hours are from 9:00 am to dusk. We are located in the warehouse district. Owners:  Alexander McDonough and Garath MacShire

Dockside Tavern and Inn:  Rooms: Mon-Thur Single private rooms: 6 gold a night, Double private rooms: 8 gold a night to include 2 meals and 4 drinks free from 2 pm - 4 pm,  Fri-Sun  Single private rooms: 8 gold a night, Double private rooms: 10 gold a night to include 2 meals and 6 drinks free from 1pm - 4 pm, Rooms by the hour, with companion - 2 gold, to include hot bath, meal, and 4 drinks. In the Underground Room, poker, craps, darts, and pool tables are now provided. Door charge of 5 silver a head, this will include one drink. Happy Hour extended from 11am - 4 pm; Shots of white liquor - 2 silver; Shots of gold liquor - 1 silver; Ales - 5 copper 

The Needle and Spool Clothier:  Summer is knocking at the doors and it is time to shine like the sun.  Imported fabrics have been acquired for the balls and dances.  From a flowing gown to a crisply tailored suit.  Any pre-made clothing for Spring will be on sale with half off the asked price.

The BookStop: Things are ready to bloom.  Stop on buy to get the Almanac pamphlets as well as any books that can give pointers or just explain a certain type of plant.  Any gardening title that is purchased will receive a small sack of seeds (your choice.)

Heathfield Orphanage: Gifts, food, and monetary offerings are greatly appreciated.  School supplies needed for the coming months.  Inquire with Henna Barrett Suex about any questions.

Bright and Bold: Art supplies and paintings. Get a special deal on portraits this month. Art painting on furniture also offered. Inquire on pricing with Claire O'Reilly.

McKnight Veterinary Clinic is now open at the McKnight estate in Heathfield. Donovan McKnight, DVM, and Katherine McKnight. We are trained in the treatment and care of all domestic and most exotic animals.  The estates are located just outside of Heathfield near Barrington Hospital. Free check up of your pet for the first visit to get acquainted. Emergency service.

Lost And Found
~ Of all the things I've lost in life .... I miss my mind the most ~

Lost: Two Spider Monkeys are still missing. Male by the name of Pharaoh and female by the name of Daisy.  If found, please contact Aleric Traugott or one of the Traugotts. A reward of  10 gold each is offered.

Found:  One pair of Pointe slippers, see Logan Cunningham

Lost:  One book of plays in French. If found please return to Christa de Repetigny

Where To Find It - Services Offered

Want to better your business?    Place a listing here!

Gossip from the Wharf
"If you believe these - I have lands in Rhydin to sell you"
by The Wharf Crones - Matty and Pearl

All gossip that comes in through the port, and places least expected,  you can be sure that Matty and Pearl know every little tidbit and then some added. Embellishing is a way of life to make the tale far more colorful. If something is not certain nor clear, it is easy to fill in those gaps; there is nothing like assuming. They will make sure all gossip gets around come rain or shine and the sharing of a tea biscuit. There is a place for Drama Queens.

**Oh, what a sight at a dockside tavern!  The keeps-to-his-study-stoic male, brother of the Harem Hussy, and an exotic Oriental lass sharing dinner, a flower, and making plans for ones to come! Little ones?  Pearl and I continue to be amazed on how handsome the men are in these lands. We want a mail male order catalogue!  Does the Hussy have any more single brothers? Wait, who was that I near barreled over in the hall in my haste to catch the two in progress?

**Of all the sights we have seen, or anyone else!, there has never been such a phenomenal one as seeing the steely buns kingsman wearing the latest fashion hat! Not only that, but looking real good in it. Will it start a trend? What of the fair haired maiden he took it from and was that smoke later on of a different stint coming from the castle? Something more than hats is afoot, or is that ahead? Either way we want to know!

**Once more the heartthrob knight is surrounded by ladies, lashes and hearts fluttering but is there a protest it is all hyped up by the very knight himself? In days of old and Camelot, will he live up to the legend or prove the opposite?

**The shy young miss seems to attract some of the most handsome young men, yet, mirror mirror on the wall who is not bold at all but a reflection? Is the other side not as shy that was brought out by one so gifted? Did she have her eye on one but now will that still be? We're keeping an eye on her.

**The young miss is not the only one as on the other end of the scale comes the glass lady. Will she have a slipper to be found? Will it be a prince or another? Older ladies have a draw, Pearl and I have not given up! Maybe we should start an older ladies club with plenty of cream puffs and scones.

**One lordship of a prominent family, that has recently returned and  making his mark more than his racehorse's addition to the tracks. With the turn of a card will he win more pies than he can eat or throw in a dinner or two. He is beating the law of averages so far. How will the chips fall for this luring male? Will lady luck turn the tables and have one win his heart and not just his chips? All his cousins married off but word has it a new brigade is on the way. Reinforcements. We're keeping track of the ships' lists for one surname in particular. Pearl and I can be the welcoming committee. We'll put our best dresses and bonnets on.

**Love blossoms and soon wedding bells ringing. The last of this Duke's siblings to fall to matrimony but there are the cousins! This lady's way was a punch in the stomach and a kick in the shins that won her man. A direct way to a man's heart, not food but punch? Shall we start such a new trend? Would it start a war!

**It has been noted that steel buns do not sink to the bottom of the lake even when bared. Pearl fainted at the sight of the emerging knight who'd been frolicking with two scantly clothed ladies in their swim gear. Was there laughter from all or just the nymphs about the seahorse. Pearl and I have been noticing the changes, is it something in the air that has our favorite horseman acting weird or something else that has him acting like a young bucking bronco? We're keeping our eye on this rodeo, tickets soon to go on sale.

**Italian cuisine was still on the menu for one Tyremoor Lord who decided to make it his favorite forevermore. Predictions of old have seen two out of three by the one left single of this family. Will it be winner take all or two out of three isn't so bad?

**Moving onto the clock shop as one we keep an eye on and ear to, ring my chimes. The elder having earned new titles, will the younger sport one too? Twinkle eyes seems to attract the ladies, will he eventually get to meet the live Cuckoo? One blow out ended up in paid for vacation that seems to be enjoyed and will he notice the shy governess about his tick tocks? Is she interested in his wares or in the man himself? We're keeping an eye on his shop! The brother has recently returned, will he too have them flocking and will the little sister find her way through life's crushes and challenges without getting crushed?

**So what of our catalogue specials, two that have turned the cousins' heads enough to sit up and take notice. Are they still hopeful? Still there is a long stretch if there will be any real wedding bells with ready made brides to go, or, they will stay on having found a home. Only question we really have, is where is the third hiding out. She has managed to avoid even our sources. Now there is something in and of itself!

**So the Farmlands Lord decided to finally break from his funk after getting caught up in age differences to a point of distraction. They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach but some that have good hands may well give that adage a challenge. He asked one on a date, not that such puts two together but we are keeping our eyes on him. Besides, he is not hard on the eyes! Pearl has been going cross eyed lately with so many. It would be hard to chose so I'm willing for any tossed my way!

**Four sisters have returned to set the Thistle on end, one a fiery mouthed lass and terrible tease on her older more serious sister while another is quiet and the youngest combustible. Still, none of them escaped the draw of the handsome knights, two in particular but they will be in for a surprise as more show up. Their heads will be spinning like pretty tops and we'll be peeking from some window or peep hole we managed to drill, fits in with the knotty pine knot holes.

**Now what of that matchmaking Queen of so many still unwed brother in laws been up to lately? Too quiet for comfort after her little tea with eligible ladies to learn more of. Ribbons collected we don't feel will be worn in the hair. Most we recognized except two who were from Tyremoor. Honestly, if they could win a prince, there is hope for us! Who were those two sisters? We'll start having to go up to Tyremoor to snoop around. There is the Duke of the Keep they say is quite handsome still. THE Douglas even over his handsome sons, nuts don't fall far from the tree and we love cracking nuts!

**There is the saying that when life throws you lemons to make lemonade. One clock maker was quick witted in a sticky situation that left him without company for his planned out vacation. There are always arrangements that can be obtained if one is will to spend a pretty coin but have it worth ever pence spent and more to boot. So after heated words he was off with enjoyable company as we spied them from the bush. Will it be over when the vacation is done? We wonder what will happen best as the best laid plans pave the way to hell far too often. Devil take us too if this man is going there, we've got the hand basket big enough to fit the three of us!

**It is said that a man's best friend is his dog, or wolf in the case of one. Will that be changed with the appeal of one young miss? Hard to tell with this stranger in our midst but we're banking on changes and the same adage threatened, it is not through is stomach to reach a man's heart but through his dog.

**There seem to be a few returns and another most recent was of one nymph that loved to sleep in trees and the kind of actions gossip is made of. No sense of proper in any of her actions but it seems that those ways have changed, a new and better path being followed than the floozy. Darn! Gives us less to gossip about!

**The lake seems to be enchanted this year and more the romantic under the moonlight and stars the rule. Some to work and others not but one had a gypsy passion to it in a come on light my fire, literally and figuratively. Pearl and mine could use a stoking! Any volunteers? We are going to pitch tent at the lake and find a willing, or not so willing, victim, I mean prospect. I have a lot to offer!

WANTED

500 Gold Pieces Offered on Captain "Blood Bath" Black ... Dead or alive.

Crimes: High treason against England and Spain, Murder, Plundering and pillaging innocents, Thievery, Arson, Kidnapping, and Rape.  Reward is high for any who brings this scoundrel to justice.

500 Gold Pieces Offered in Reward for turning in Elizabeth Monroe

To the authorities in Heathfield. Crimes ranging from trespassing, harassment, desecration of a burial site to assault and battery

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