To all who assisted at Steppes Artisan... I apologize for the delay and brevity with which I give these words. My Lady took our computer to a convention out of town Sunday last, and I have been ill and unable to go to my back up computer source, the library.
   To thank all of you personally would be my greatest hope, but for the moment:  Their Excellencies, Fritz and Catrin, Baron and Baroness Steppes, without whose guidance and love I could not have accomplished anything, and to our Seneschal, Francesca, My eternal gratitude for her moral support and unfailing faith in me.
  To so many more, Maili Donnel McGregor and those who assisted her in setting up and decorating the hall, including of course, MY LADY Anne the Spinster.  To Morgan Cain, for the site book, artisan registration, and so much more, I give you thanks for all your guidance.  To Susanna the Herbalist and so many other for the precious rings as site tokens.  I know mine will be worn for many years to come
   To Lady Osanna, Lady Elspeth, Lord John, and those others who faithfully stood up to the hordes at the gate, and dealt with them with patience and understanding.  To Gerita and all of her faithful minions who kept our best watered and fed, bless you all.  To Rafael, our Chiruregeon, who kept an ever alert eye on all to succor those who were not so concerned with their well being as was he, may your wisdom and patience continue to grow.
   I wish to thank Lord Iaims and Lady Alysia and the others who attended to their Excellencies every need, before, during, and after the event.  To Lady Muriann, who directed the production of the scrolls, any amount of thanks to you and your artists would not be enough.  And from the west came Lord Borek, who, with his crew of mighty helpers, returned the hall to an incredible state of readiness for the next days business, huzzah!!!
   And to the Archers and the Rapier Fighters, you worked mightily to prepare yourselves for the days events, and with Lords Jacques and Brendan, put on such a showing of skill and determination in the heat that will not soon be forgotten.
   And last, but by no means least, to all of those who presented to the populace not one great feast, but two.  To Lord Petruccio and Lady Ronna, to Lords Chris and Angus (sp), and to Lady Liadon and Alina, and the rest that I may have missed, a salute to you all.
   An event Steward is not the one who deserves the thanks of the populace, for that person is only the one who knows who to ask to do all the work.  And I even had to ask "Who do I ask?", since this was my first event.  I will remember you all.... especially if I ever need any good people.  And be assured, if any of you need help, I will always do all I can.    Bre'nainn Mac Giolla Pha'draig, event steward, Steppes Artisan.


May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past.
                          Irish Toast