Leechcraft
My father was trying to reduce the use of Leechcraft as a means to heal people. Leeches suck blood. You NEED your blood. Leeches are good for dealing with infections and removing bad blood or encouraging a wound that needs to bleed to do so. Using it for every damnable ailment is ridiculous! Have we not entered the 19th century?! Leechcraft was popular in the 15th... FIFTEENTH century. ZOOKS! You would think we progressed since then.
Jasper Williams Mysteries
Vanessa is reading those Jasper Williams Mysteries. They are like Penny Dreadful Horror Tales, only for mysteries. I have read a couple of the ones she has finished. She is very enamored by this crime solving duo of Jasper Williams ("investigator") and his assistant Dr. Theodore Forde (an American doctor from out West). They are entertaining. I am uncertain whether they are fact or fiction. Vanessa swears these men are real and can solve ANY problem. Oh sweet Vanessa.
Pending Funeral
Good thing one of my shirts is black. I can feel the heaviness in the home among the few residents. Lady Eleanor Flemming has been readying the rooms for the funeral and making arrangements. The body of Ewan cannot sit in the snow forever without a proper burial. So why does it nag on me that his death was unnatural? Beyond that fact that he was healthy and fit and young, he should have had no reason to die so suddenly. It just seems... wrong, like something is off. I need answers. Maybe I will be able to find them at the funeral.
Saturday, March 4, 2017
Thursday, March 2, 2017
Foraging & Healing
Chester is all snowed in everywhere, but there is still lots to explore. I have been here 2 weeks now and have explore the village. I now know where all the shops are. I shouldn't get too lost if I have to get somewhere in a pinch. The grounds of Lubscome proper and the nearby fields, frozen streams and marshways and around the mines have a plethora of stuff naturally growing that I can harvest, even in winter! With the bottles and pouches I got from the cook, I will absolutely have a small apothecry in my bedroom. For no other reason than it makes me happy and comfortable to do so.
I came with smelling salts and camphor, mint herb and essence, rose water, and orange blossom water. They stay in my satchel with a roll of bandage in case I might need them. I left my little mortar and pestle in my bedroom with the jars and pouched. I had salve from balm of gilead, but I gave that to Lucy for the horse that became lame. I will have to craft more... though... that is a LONG process.
Here is what I have found so far:
I came across cattails and wild parsnips. Noting the cattails, but I am not collecting them. They are bitter and really only emergency filler food if you must. The wild parsnips is a great winter find.... except the water and ground are frozen. I have to chip them out. They made a great gift for the cook for more supplies to make salves and whatnot. I needed some oil, grease and beeswax.
There were some milkweed pods, too. Not many, but I will remember their location for spring where I will be able to harvest more. The couple I did get will thaw and be rendered to help with kidney and gall stone problems, also for coughs (which is a likelihood as winter continues in the cold and damp of England).
Among the trees, I found lots of Juniper berries (delicious tea, also great tincture against infection to be used topically), Willow bark (infused as a pain and fever releif), White Pine (not as much as I hoped to find, can be made into tea for coughs and colds or the sap can be used as an anticeptic), Birch (I want to tap if for sap but I have no spigots), Hackberries (tiny berries that are nutty and good food additive, surprised no one was using them as they really are tasty), and hawthorn berries (the leaves are not available at the moment but the berries I can make into medicine for blood pressure problems).
I found both sweet cicely and hemlock. They are almost identical, except the former is good for coughs and ulcers while the latter is toxic.
I also found bush roses with a great many rosehips. I spent the day collecting them and injuring my hands a great deal to do so. But they are better than oranges for healing and boosting the immunity against illnesses. These too I gave some to the cook. I treated my thorn stabbed frozen fingers and enjoyed a fruity tea of rosehip and juniper berries with a hint of mint.
I also found balm of gilead! There was plenty after foraging through the grounds and even the town. I let people look at me funny while I collected it. Who cares if the deaf mute collects tree bits? That day was one of my happiest. The balm of gilead is now slowly rendering in oil. I will be able to use a weak version in 6 weeks, but better if I can let it sit for 6 months. I suppose the timing of that will really have to depend on what happens next now that Ewan is dead.
Ewan's body has been put in the snow while people search for a Will and try to sort things out and plan a funeral. I have not even been allowed to the frozen body. It just seems... suspicious... how he died. However, the people here do not know me nor trust me to be of any use. I understand. They want his body treated with the uttmost respect. This is where my persona ruse has hindered my ability to help.
A date has been set. The funeral will be February 24th.
I came with smelling salts and camphor, mint herb and essence, rose water, and orange blossom water. They stay in my satchel with a roll of bandage in case I might need them. I left my little mortar and pestle in my bedroom with the jars and pouched. I had salve from balm of gilead, but I gave that to Lucy for the horse that became lame. I will have to craft more... though... that is a LONG process.
Here is what I have found so far:
I came across cattails and wild parsnips. Noting the cattails, but I am not collecting them. They are bitter and really only emergency filler food if you must. The wild parsnips is a great winter find.... except the water and ground are frozen. I have to chip them out. They made a great gift for the cook for more supplies to make salves and whatnot. I needed some oil, grease and beeswax.
There were some milkweed pods, too. Not many, but I will remember their location for spring where I will be able to harvest more. The couple I did get will thaw and be rendered to help with kidney and gall stone problems, also for coughs (which is a likelihood as winter continues in the cold and damp of England).
Among the trees, I found lots of Juniper berries (delicious tea, also great tincture against infection to be used topically), Willow bark (infused as a pain and fever releif), White Pine (not as much as I hoped to find, can be made into tea for coughs and colds or the sap can be used as an anticeptic), Birch (I want to tap if for sap but I have no spigots), Hackberries (tiny berries that are nutty and good food additive, surprised no one was using them as they really are tasty), and hawthorn berries (the leaves are not available at the moment but the berries I can make into medicine for blood pressure problems).
I found both sweet cicely and hemlock. They are almost identical, except the former is good for coughs and ulcers while the latter is toxic.
I also found bush roses with a great many rosehips. I spent the day collecting them and injuring my hands a great deal to do so. But they are better than oranges for healing and boosting the immunity against illnesses. These too I gave some to the cook. I treated my thorn stabbed frozen fingers and enjoyed a fruity tea of rosehip and juniper berries with a hint of mint.
I also found balm of gilead! There was plenty after foraging through the grounds and even the town. I let people look at me funny while I collected it. Who cares if the deaf mute collects tree bits? That day was one of my happiest. The balm of gilead is now slowly rendering in oil. I will be able to use a weak version in 6 weeks, but better if I can let it sit for 6 months. I suppose the timing of that will really have to depend on what happens next now that Ewan is dead.
Ewan's body has been put in the snow while people search for a Will and try to sort things out and plan a funeral. I have not even been allowed to the frozen body. It just seems... suspicious... how he died. However, the people here do not know me nor trust me to be of any use. I understand. They want his body treated with the uttmost respect. This is where my persona ruse has hindered my ability to help.
A date has been set. The funeral will be February 24th.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Vanessa, Lucy & the Horses
Ewan Ashford's death was a shock... for everyone here.
I REALLY got ignored after that. I was new, the guest, and so very not allowed to see his body. I really wanted to see it because he was young and healthy and seemed to have now reason for up and dying all of a sudden. The family shut me out.
Just when I thought I wanted to reveal myself to him... but he has died, and with no Will and no Heir, unless you count the adopted Vanessa. Suddenly my safety and provisions became very.... uncertain. I dare not reveal myself now.
Vanessa is a young girl, so very much younger in her head. My mother would say she was "delayed" or "full of fluff" or both. She seems like a child of 10 when she is nearly twice that physically. Sweet, though. So very very sweet and caring, but she really needs to be cared for. I find myself thinking of her as a little sister that is childlike in her head and unable to grow up. I will do my best to keep watch and keep her safe. Someone has to.
Vanessa can read, thankfully, and so I have started to write notes to her in my little notebook I carry with me so I can communicate. She was the first who actually took real note of me. I must have looked more lost than I expected. I had meant to be the one looking out for her and found her looking out for me. She toured me all over the estate, telling me about this and that and the people. She even remembers to look at me and make sure I am looking at her (because I am deaf and need to see her face and lips to understand). By God, she is adorable. I can see why Ewan (Do I have any right to call him by his first name, even though he asked me to?) took her in as his ward and then adopted her.
Having been shown about, I met the butler (Bradshaw). He of course can read. He seems serious and dedicated and the most shaken by the loss of Ewan. They must have been close and known each other a long time. He has been patient with me, and he deeply respects Ewan's choices. He seems determined to make sure no one ruins what Ewan has set into place so far or the promises Ewan has made. I met the cook, Marigold. ZOOKS! She can be a frightening woman! Delicious food but her kitchen is HERS and she is a terror to anyone who disturbs even a crumb! I appeased her by finding some winter herbs and traded them for a collection of old empty bottles, muslin pouches, and string. I think I will start to build a little mini apothecary in my room. I also met Jaime. She is the maid? A Scottish woman who is so much like a stereotypical story Gypsy that I almost laughed out loud. Being the ignored and quiet observer, I has noticed her clepto-habit. She doesn't seem to steal with any selfishness or maliciousness. When discovered, she seems genuinely surprised and returns everything.
I almost want to say that Ewan was a Collector of Broken Things (namely people), myself included.
In bare passing over this first week, I have also met Benjamin Whipple (the foreman of the mines and the man who handles many of the repairs of the estate, I think), Eleanor Flemming (Ewan's aunt), Dickie (Lady Flemmings son... I am not quite sure what his problem is but something is seriously "off" in his head, like he had been dropped, far too many times), Lady Theodosia Blythegarden and her maid Emmaline (both widows and recently moved here and are being the most helpful and supportive, often keeping a better eye on Vanessa than even I can).
I saved the best for last. Lucy.
Lucy is the daughter of the stable master. Since he had died, she was kept on as the new stable master in her father's place. A woman... as stable master... in a position of power in a usual man's profession. This gives me great hope. And really, she has been the most amazing with me. Attentive to my deaf/mute condition, reading my notes with care and watching out for my wellbeing both physical and emotional. She has such a strong spirit and a huge caring heart. If she were a man, I would be so very much in love. I have spent the most time with her. Just sitting in the peace of the stable with the horses. I had never ridden one before, just taken in cart with my (step)father for medical errands. When there is nothing to do, this is where I come. Sometimes I forage outside. I will write about that soon. Sometimes I just come and pet the horses and help Lucy care for them. She is teaching me all about their basic care. I can now even saddle one myself. I noticed her concern over one that had become lame, having pulled a muscle running in the snow. I had brought with me an ointment of balm of gilead. It is good for such things. I can make more, I foraged quite a lot this week. It will just take time for that to be ready. I think Lucy has figured out my talent with medicines and doctoring. I am not sure if I should confirm it to her or not. Or reveal anything else about myself to her. I will wait it out and be sure before I take such risks. She is so kind. I almost want to bury myself in her shoulder for my loneliness. I bury my loneliness in the shoulders of the horses instead.
Lucy has agreed to teach me to ride. This skill will not happen overnight...
I REALLY got ignored after that. I was new, the guest, and so very not allowed to see his body. I really wanted to see it because he was young and healthy and seemed to have now reason for up and dying all of a sudden. The family shut me out.
Just when I thought I wanted to reveal myself to him... but he has died, and with no Will and no Heir, unless you count the adopted Vanessa. Suddenly my safety and provisions became very.... uncertain. I dare not reveal myself now.
Vanessa is a young girl, so very much younger in her head. My mother would say she was "delayed" or "full of fluff" or both. She seems like a child of 10 when she is nearly twice that physically. Sweet, though. So very very sweet and caring, but she really needs to be cared for. I find myself thinking of her as a little sister that is childlike in her head and unable to grow up. I will do my best to keep watch and keep her safe. Someone has to.
Vanessa can read, thankfully, and so I have started to write notes to her in my little notebook I carry with me so I can communicate. She was the first who actually took real note of me. I must have looked more lost than I expected. I had meant to be the one looking out for her and found her looking out for me. She toured me all over the estate, telling me about this and that and the people. She even remembers to look at me and make sure I am looking at her (because I am deaf and need to see her face and lips to understand). By God, she is adorable. I can see why Ewan (Do I have any right to call him by his first name, even though he asked me to?) took her in as his ward and then adopted her.
Having been shown about, I met the butler (Bradshaw). He of course can read. He seems serious and dedicated and the most shaken by the loss of Ewan. They must have been close and known each other a long time. He has been patient with me, and he deeply respects Ewan's choices. He seems determined to make sure no one ruins what Ewan has set into place so far or the promises Ewan has made. I met the cook, Marigold. ZOOKS! She can be a frightening woman! Delicious food but her kitchen is HERS and she is a terror to anyone who disturbs even a crumb! I appeased her by finding some winter herbs and traded them for a collection of old empty bottles, muslin pouches, and string. I think I will start to build a little mini apothecary in my room. I also met Jaime. She is the maid? A Scottish woman who is so much like a stereotypical story Gypsy that I almost laughed out loud. Being the ignored and quiet observer, I has noticed her clepto-habit. She doesn't seem to steal with any selfishness or maliciousness. When discovered, she seems genuinely surprised and returns everything.
I almost want to say that Ewan was a Collector of Broken Things (namely people), myself included.
In bare passing over this first week, I have also met Benjamin Whipple (the foreman of the mines and the man who handles many of the repairs of the estate, I think), Eleanor Flemming (Ewan's aunt), Dickie (Lady Flemmings son... I am not quite sure what his problem is but something is seriously "off" in his head, like he had been dropped, far too many times), Lady Theodosia Blythegarden and her maid Emmaline (both widows and recently moved here and are being the most helpful and supportive, often keeping a better eye on Vanessa than even I can).
I saved the best for last. Lucy.
Lucy is the daughter of the stable master. Since he had died, she was kept on as the new stable master in her father's place. A woman... as stable master... in a position of power in a usual man's profession. This gives me great hope. And really, she has been the most amazing with me. Attentive to my deaf/mute condition, reading my notes with care and watching out for my wellbeing both physical and emotional. She has such a strong spirit and a huge caring heart. If she were a man, I would be so very much in love. I have spent the most time with her. Just sitting in the peace of the stable with the horses. I had never ridden one before, just taken in cart with my (step)father for medical errands. When there is nothing to do, this is where I come. Sometimes I forage outside. I will write about that soon. Sometimes I just come and pet the horses and help Lucy care for them. She is teaching me all about their basic care. I can now even saddle one myself. I noticed her concern over one that had become lame, having pulled a muscle running in the snow. I had brought with me an ointment of balm of gilead. It is good for such things. I can make more, I foraged quite a lot this week. It will just take time for that to be ready. I think Lucy has figured out my talent with medicines and doctoring. I am not sure if I should confirm it to her or not. Or reveal anything else about myself to her. I will wait it out and be sure before I take such risks. She is so kind. I almost want to bury myself in her shoulder for my loneliness. I bury my loneliness in the shoulders of the horses instead.
Lucy has agreed to teach me to ride. This skill will not happen overnight...
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