Yes, I'm in Eugene, Oregon, it is terrible for allergies here, especially during grass pollen season. I save a lot of money by buying the nettle powder in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs and making my own capsules. 2-3 taken in the morning helps greatly.

One of my favorite stories as well! More recently, I have discovered that freeze-dried nettles make an excellent anti-histamine for seasonal allergies. I live in one of the worst areas for pollen in the US, and have been able to entirely give up my Claritin in favor of this more natural alternative.

Thank you so much for those links, I'll get in touch with them! Yes, I do know Clive Hicks-Jenkins work on the mari lwyd, it's amazing!

I don't think I've commented on a post here before, so I first wanted to say thank you for directing me to so many wonderful musicians, books and artists over the years! And for your book The Wood Wife which is one of my favorites. Anyway, I was hoping you might be able to help me. I am planning on making an Obby Oss inspired by the Welsh Mari Lwyd this year. But, living in the States, I don't have anyone to guide me as to the technical construction of it - how exactly the horse skull is mounted on the pole, most importantly. Reading all the folklore about them, there is little practical information available. Seeing as your husband has carried one, I'm hoping you either know or could direct me to someone who does? I'd be very grateful.