It is also called “Viking Chess.” We bought a lovely wooden set for Nanny as she said she wanted a new game to play at Thanksgiving.
We measured and practiced in the front yard. All the kids were in back behind S’s place so we set up there, heirloom tape measure in hand, to downscale the size of the “court” for the younger kids.
We were missing one stake but instead of asking the company for another my husband has another route: string with rings, one for an adult court, one for kiddos.
They loved it and our best players were C and K, and K is a five year-old girl who had her target and went for it and was solid. C can be expected to be an athlete, and came through with winning strokes.
It’s a nordic game that is actually played up north in the USA. We brought it south of the Mason-Dixon line. Basically you chunk wooden “javelins” against small wooden posts and the winner gets the castle.
I never played, only tossed two javelins, but was active for both teams on the sidelines while my husband and brother (his, now mine) refereed. Oh, yes, this game needed some teaching and refereeing! We all had fun until three games in, the sun started to go down and the temperatures with it.
I did get to meet Uncle S’ new dog, a Great Pyrennees who protects the goats. Also I petted Dolly, a gorgeous Percheron, the biggest horse I’ve ever met. I’ve been spooked by horses for many years since I was thrown by a pony as a kid. Dolly let me pet her and followed me out into the pasture. So did a little wild kitty named Wayne.
Thank you Nanny and grands and great-grands for alleviating my fear of horses. Thank you Wayne for being you and taking care of mice in the barn. Thank you, M and J for housing us and Nanny and A for feeding us and letting me know I have family and now Kubb in the South, land of Sweet Tea and every kind of dessert possible.
I was held up on a train (freight derailment) so only got to make three dishes instead of the five or six I had planned to do. Brussels sprout and cauliflower gratin with parmesan and toasted pine nuts, mincemeat tarts, and southwest-inspired toasted almonds and cashews with ancho chili powder, chipotle, other chiles and cumin. The latter goes to the kitchen table after dinner where the ladies sit and chat.
It is always good to see the ladies and chat after supper. We now have a family photo and then the blessing, then go to dinner. Yes, I’m now with the moms and grandmas and there are growing up kids that don’t need 24/7 parental attention as they’re all with each other playing something on the grounds.
My standouts last week? C playing piano with me (he’s never had a lesson) and violin, he has studied for four years. He has an ear for music and a talent I’ve not seen often. He gave me a big hug when I left and yelled out “I love you!” I thought that was so sweet. I tried to talk to him about fingering on the piano but he would have nothing of it. Then again I asked if the gold mark was third position on the violin. I always had a star sticker on first position. One must nurture talent.
Find out about Kubb, also termed Viking Chess. It’s a fun game for family gatherings or work or whatever. Enjoy! Dee
Cooking with Dee 