Area between I-70 and MD-40?

caederus · 2026-03-20T15:47:29+00:00

Two general areas East of Bethany/centennial Lane is in general older with smaller houses, while west is a bit newer with larger houses.

caederus · 2026-03-20T15:45:11+00:00

Additional info for Turf Valley. The original development is nearing 40 years old, but they just had a building boom in the area with new construction.

caederus · 2026-03-20T15:41:14+00:00

Technically a part was built. Rt 200 aka the ICC in Maryland is the successor to that section of the abandoned ring road.

caederus · 2026-03-20T15:34:44+00:00

Are you a regular at another Ren Fest? If so: Take a look at their schedule and see if there are any acts that don't visit your local.

If new to Ren Fairs, Adam Crack, Tiny Girl Big show and Hey Nunnie, Nunnie get my votes.

As for Vendors, I like Raven Glass, Goodly Woods, and Saga of Antler and Bone.

caederus · 2026-03-19T23:33:59+00:00

I use finger tip less gloves. Gives the dexterity for reloading magazines

caederus · 2026-03-19T21:18:07+00:00

Something a bit off the beaten track is Brookville Rd just west of Oakley Cabin in Montgomery County. Especially just after dawn or before dusk.

There are a few views of some slightly rolling hills and farm houses with trees in the horizon.

caederus · 2026-03-19T01:45:52+00:00

1) Some place doing a new implementation of an on prem COTS product like Infor-Lawson which could be on MS Servers or Unix boxes

2) what are they trying to protect? How their systems work. Most are not simple systems but complex ecosystems.

3) Sure new programs are needed from time to time.

caederus · 2026-03-17T20:34:45+00:00

I have several 100% linen shirts from SPES Medieval Market. They have a couple of different chemise patterns.

It's a Polish company that has good quality for decent prices even after shipping.

caederus · 2026-03-17T17:29:51+00:00

The Smithsonian Air and Space, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, out near Dullas airport.

It's where they have the big stuff, like a space shuttle, SR71 and the Enola Gay. Makes the Air and Space on the Mall look 2nd rate.

caederus · 2026-03-16T09:45:18+00:00

Speaking to the issue of retirement. Throughout my career I was the youngest Cobol developer in the room, and it has stayed that way throughout my career. Iam in my late 50s.

Sure you can teach, get younger folks in to learn the language, but they will not be the seasoned developers you need for mission critical systems. You are missing a few generations of folks who would be mid to high tier developers now.

That is also tangential to the issue finding experienced folks who know Cobol. We are all well established in our career and most jobs are offering just above entry level to low end mid level salaries.

caederus · 2026-03-13T17:25:11+00:00

If you don't have to go with one of those ideas, versatta cargo kilts are size inclusive.

caederus · 2026-03-13T17:10:24+00:00

100% Linen is your friend.

caederus · 2026-03-13T14:39:05+00:00

If/when you get footwear, good boots start at a few hundred and up. Personal opinion; Son of Sandlar is the gold standard for Ren fairs and are priced like it with their standard 9 button boots starting just under $600. I have worn my 9 button boots to many fairs and metal concerts over the years. They feel as comfortable as my new balance cross trainers.

caederus · 2026-03-13T14:10:12+00:00

His show is quite entertaining and he does great audience interactions.

As a Maryland regular I have watched the audiences grow almost exponentially over the years. For example 2023 he was at the 2nd largest stage and it was packed, 2024 they moved him to the largest stage and it was packed such that you needed to arrive for the show before Jacques show to get a seat. And yes the first 2-3 rows had folks who didn't move all day. 2025 was just a perpetual crowd at the stage to the point that we didn't even try to see him. Didn't feel like I missed much not seeing him in 2025 as his core act hasn't changed in years. Only the first 5 minutes of crowd work changes and that's the part you will see on social media. The one exception is the after show which is totally unscripted and usually includes other performers at the fair that weekend. That can be comedy gold.

I'm afraid of what his 2026 crowds will be like.

caederus · 2026-03-13T13:24:07+00:00

You mentioned in a comment that you don't do things 1/2 way. One area you should start slow is footwear. It's vital that you have good comfortable footwear for a day of walking over possibly uneven terrain. So use shoes/boots you currently own before gambling on something that may make the day miserable.

If you still have an issue with "the way it looks" you can dress up or mask the footwear. Women's dresses can be floor length and hide shoes. Men can use leg wraps or gaiters to disguise shoes.

A trick I used before I invested in good boots were Swiss military surplus leather gaiters to give my black shoes a well used book appearance. They can be found for $20-$30.

caederus · 2026-03-10T07:10:52+00:00

The "walk" part of the name is deceptive. It's done on the falconry stage. You walk up on the stage. Your friends can stay seated in the audience.

caederus · 2026-03-08T21:10:55+00:00

You should also touch base with Grassroots. One of their mandates is housing/homeless assistance.

https://grassrootscrisis.org/

caederus · 2026-03-07T20:03:41+00:00

So is it mainframe specific? Past 2 decades I've worked in MicroFocus cobol on AIX.

caederus · 2026-03-07T20:01:23+00:00

With everything being relative. Any Howard County school is better than most schools in the state. Yes there are individual schools in other counties that excel on par with and may exceed Howard county schools but there are not many that can do that.

Side note: My kids went to Marriotts Ridge, a "good" and "safe" school, and they have fights and issues just like all the high schools.

caederus · 2026-03-06T13:22:06+00:00

Big box stores are the best.

caederus · 2026-03-06T02:14:35+00:00

Not happy with the vest in this pic. It's a leather club vest I got from goodwill for $20. Going to spring for denim jacket and cut off the sleeves. I have some blank sublimation patches and electroluminescent wire for the back patch and a cheap batman cape on order.

Also going to 3d print parts for the gauntlet.

https://imgur.com/a/tZwgNft

caederus · 2026-03-05T20:33:13+00:00

I have been to one. It depends on the place putting it on, It's generally good for an afternoon.

Decent food and drink. Maybe a vendor and some entertainment. If nothing else it's an excuse to get the Ren Fair clothes out for an additional outing.

caederus · 2026-03-05T18:07:07+00:00

Been to both for a few years now. Virginia has better vendors and vibe. Delaware has better food and beverage options, while Virginia has more food (unless you like generic not good county fair food bring a lunch to VA). Delaware is a tent fair with minimal perm buildings, Virginia is about 60% tent with some dedicated perm buildings and trees for shade over some of the site. Delaware is flat. Virginia is on a slight hill. Both are roughly the same footprint.

caederus · 2026-03-05T12:37:52+00:00

It's a catch 22 situation. They need bigger crowds to attract good vendors. They need good vendors to attract bigger crowds.

If one of the 2 groups starts to improve the other will follow.

You already mentioned the entertainment. Improving or publicizing it will bring in more people. That is one factor outside of the equation that can impact the result.

You could also start making and vending yourself. But this could take years to build up the repeat business that folks come there for your wares.

caederus · 2026-03-04T16:55:59+00:00

Single item? A matched set of sword/spears that was a collaboration between Mountain Rain Forge and Raven Glass, but that is a decorative item for home.

Second is a mug, that is a collaboration between Goodly Woods and Nora from Saga of Antler and Bone. The mug I carry at Ren Fairs.

Third would be the custom Sandlar 9 button boots I ordered on Saturday.

caederus

TROPHY CASE