"Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset." Saint Francis De Sales

Friday, August 28, 2015

Waterloo in Miniature, Stairs and Dylan


My Slow Takes

1. In June, I wrote about the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo. My gaming buddies in Buffalo, New York put together a miniature battle and played it over the weekend. This time Napoleon and the French won. Here is an eyewitness account from the host, Richard.

“Yes, Napoleon has marched on to Brussels.
The French were victorious over the weekend, with a massive drive up the middle. Tim and Gary made a great turn around and pressed the attack home. Dutch and Brits were flying back as the guard opened a hole of about 3 feet across the center.
The Prussian’s are retiring in good order. Ed and I were not able to dent those French columns.
But Hougoumont held under Burk’s command, and Grouchy is still, ...."lost in Space"
It was a good time by one and all. Many thanks to Jill, Gary’s wife, for the food and Chuck’s wife also.”

The "Center"
2. I found photos of some of the “gaming guys.”

Historicon 1998 Me, Gary, Phil and Bob
The Host for the weekend, Rich. Date unknown.
Historicon 1983 Russ, Ed and Bob
3. On August 26, 1939 station W2XBS televised the first Major league baseball game. The teams were the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The announcer was Red Barber.

4. Dee and I watched Jesse Stone: “Benefit of the Doubt,” the other evening. It is not the first time we have watched it as we enjoy the TV series which stars Tom Selleck. ( I love the dog, Reggie.) So I did some research to see what other episodes may be available. The good news is that “Hallmark Movies & Mysteries” is getting the new production of “Lost in Paradise.” This should be airing sometime this fall.  
Reggie and Jessee
5. Our loving friend, Carolyn, had heart surgery on Tuesday. Please keep her and her husband Gerry in your prayers.

6. My favorite “stairs” are from Ottawa, Canada.”

“Abandoning the flat canvas of buildings, some street artists take to the stairs, transforming them into magnificent works of urban art.  It doesn't matter whether it’s with paint, plants, mosaics or wallpapers – the end goal is beauty, shared and enjoyed by all. This phenomenon is happening all around the world.  These are 20 of the world’s most stunning stairs.”


7. Bob Dylan - “Like A Rolling Stone.” This brings back memories of a summer at Sherkston Beach, Ontario, Canada.



Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Alaska, Altar Boy and Miniatures


My Slow Takes

1. George Carmack, discovered gold in Alaska on August 16, 1896.  It was the start of the “Klondike Gold Rush,” which lasted until 1899. More information here.

My favorite movie about the gold rush was “North to Alaska.” It starred John Wayne as Sam McCord and Stewart Granger as George Pratt.


2. Johnny Horton recorded the song, “North to Alaska.”


3. My brother Tom, and his wife Karen, came down for a visit over the weekend. He is always available when I have a project that needs to be completed. There was some repair work on our back porch that was a major issue for me. We completed everything and the porch looks great. Thank you brother Tom!

4. A good friend, Jim Hanifer, shared this photo from when he was in the army.  Look close at the Host that Father John is holding.

Jim writes;

“I was recruited by our Chaplain Father John Hurld(S.J.) when we were at Fort Knox, Ky. His assistant was being discharged and since the maneuver would be 35 days out in the field I got the job, because I had put down on my record that I was an altar boy and could drive his jeep and tow his trailer. I made an altar that I could wire to the hood of our jeep, out of a 90 millimeter tank round, that came in a pretty durable wooden crate. The altar, when not in use, was in the trailer. On Sundays we had three Masses at different locations.

I am the altar boy in the picture and at that moment I was ringing the bells at the elevation. Father's Mass kit was very compact. His Chasuble was made out of silk and folded up about the size of a over sized hankie. The cruets for the wine and water were plastic to avoid breakage. The Crucifix broke down for easy packing. We even had a altar cloth with a Saint's relic sewed in it.” 

Jim and Father John
 5. These are the last of my tavern miniatures. The next project is to paint the tavern.

Jonas Burwel & Samuel Dodds have had a wee bit more than normal. Hugh Griffith is heading over to talk to some other patrons.
6. Our son Todd, and his wife Lauren, have friends who were in a motorcycle accident this week. Dave & his daughter Kaitlin are at home recovering. Please pray for their full recovery, Dave’s wife Dawn and all their family. 

7.  Dave Mallett - "Second Cup of Coffee."



Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Silver Anniversary, Galileo and Friends


My Slow Takes

1. Jeanine and Dave celebrated 50 years of marriage. They renewed their vows on Sunday with Monsignor Shreve. 

Photo by Dee
2. I like these quotes from “Christin’s Quote Book.” 

“Wine is sunlight, held together by water.” Galileo Galilei

“The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.” —Galileo Galilei

3. This is the anniversary of the “Battle of Bushy Run.” It took place on August 5, 1763. There is a “Bushy Run” website that has information on the battle, which includes an eyewitness account by Henry Bouquet. Thank you to Ralphus at Flintlock and Tomahawk.

4. These are some completed “tavern” figures.” The tavern owners, Rhett and Drika Koeman and tavern maid, Mattie Bevan. They are all standing out in front of the local Courthouse.


5. I just finished watching the third season of “Game of Thrones.” Thank you to our son Eric for loaning me the discs.

I have been watching the series from the beginning and have selected Tyrion Lannister (played by Peter Dinklage) as my favorite character. He is witty yet humorous when dealing with his adversaries. Deep inside he has a kind heart, although it is limited in who it shares it with. Like me, he enjoys his wine, although there is a tendency to over indulge.

One of my favorite Tyrion quotes; “Oh, "monster". Perhaps you should speak to me more softly then. Monsters are dangerous and, just now, kings are dying like flies."

That's probably a Cabernet Franc he's toasting with.
 6. Our friends Mary and Dan, invited Dee and I, and Stephen’s family to spend the afternoon on their pontoon boat. The weather was hot, but the water refreshing.

Dee made a veggie tray and stomboli and Stephen brought dessert. 
Floating on the reservoir and diving from the boat was relaxing and fun. 

The gang!
Dan, showing how to relax in the water.
7. Peter Paul & Mary - Blowing in the Wind




Go over to "This Ain't the Lyceum,” where Kelly is hosting more takes, including information on SMA.