Friday, April 28, 2006
Friday Puppy Blogging!!
You may have figured out by now that Dusty likes her faux sheepskin.
Monday, April 24, 2006
Oh Say Can You See?
I was at Ft. McHenry in Baltimore for their Civil War event last weekend. Far more famous for being the inspiration for our National Anthem, the fort was a military post until 1912. During the Civil War, it housed seditious Baltimorians. A stockade outside the fort contained captured Confederates prior to assignment to prison camps like Elmira and Sandusky.We helped portray the Provost Marshal's troops, who were responsible for keeping order in the fort. We bunked down in the guardhouse, right next to the cells, one of which is supposedly haunted, if you believe that sort of thing.
Since we were portraying a unit in garrison, I got out the polish, and shined up the U.S. plates on my cartridge box and waist belt, along with the eagle plate on my cartridge box sling. I thought I was ready to stand inspection, but we fell in with the Regulars, and their first sergeant singled me out because the company letter and buckle on my forage cap weren't shined!! You'd think they'd cut me some slack for being with the Pennsylvania Volunteers!
Anyway, it rained all weekend, which seriously cut down on the number of tourists at the fort. Having lots of tourists to talk to and interact with is the key to a living history event, so the rain was a real bummer, and the threat of lighting cancelled our planned march through Baltimore.
Although the rain curtailed our fun, we still got to do some firing demonstrations, and a good time was had by all, with the exception of those who drank entirely too much at the bar Friday night, and spent Saturday hurting!
Defenders!!
French manufactured cannon. I don't know if these guns are the same ones that were at Ft. McHenry in 1814, but they are definitely the same type. These are positioned in the outer works of the fort. The heavy ropes and pullies were used to bring the cannon back into battery after firing and loading. 32 pound cannonballs wait in the racks at the rear of the guns.Gunner's View
A gunner's view over a 32 pounder smoothbore in the outerworks of Ft. McHenry.Do Not Climb
Not Inspiring
At least, not inspiring to Francis Scott Key. One of the bombs fired at Ft McHenry by the British which failed to "burst in air." I however, found touching this relic to be quite inspiring.Threesome
A battery of Rodman guns at Fort McHenry. Note the way the guns can traverse on their mounts.Massive Monster
A 15" Rodman. The 15" refers to the diameter of the shell/barrel. These massive costal guns are similar to ones used in the Civil War, but the ones now at the fort were cast in the 1870's at the Fort Pitt Foundry, which was located near the where the History Center and the Seagate buildings now stand. Some of these guns were cast at the West Point Foundry as well. You can see the ratcheting device at the rear which was used to elevate the tube.Costal Defence
Two massive Rodman rifles. Some of these muzzle loading behemoths were still in service as late as 1912.Big Ten Incher
Trying to look Victorian with a 10" Rodman gun. These guns were mounted on some of the first carraiges to utilize hydrolics in an effort to minimize recoil. Before hydrolic pistons, the gun, when fired would roll back on the carraige frame, and was ratcheted back into battery.Not For Reading
Not all magazines are for reading. This one serviced some of the guns in the outer works. The fat guy detracts from the photo though.Caledonia Furnace
On the way to Baltimore I took a side trip to Caledonia State Park, a lovely little space along US 30.The rear of Thaddeus Stevens' blacksmith shop in the park. Stevens was a leading Pennsylvanian abolitionist and a supporter of public education. His iron furnace was destroyed by marauding Confederates during the Gettysburg campaign.
Creek
The creek at Caledonia Furnace. I thought it looked better in color than in grey scale.Friday, April 21, 2006
Friday Puppy Blogging!!
I took Dusty to the vet this week for spaying. She's doing fine, but it looks like she hasn't forgiven me yet!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Friday Puppy Blogging!
Monday, April 10, 2006
Home Opener!!!
Well, There's always the Beer
Vote Tomorrow!!
If you're in the 30th, don't forget that there is an important election tomorrow to fill convicted Republican criminal Jeff Haybay's seat!
election, allegheny county, north, flaherty, dolan
election, allegheny county, north, flaherty, dolan
Friday, April 07, 2006
I'm Somebody!!
Holy crap, I got a mention in the P-G today!!
The Morning File's trip through the blogosphere wouldn't be complete without regular stops at the political blog Froth Slosh B'Gosh
I guess the P-G likes reading their own words, since much of what I do is link to a P-G story, excerpt heavily from it, and then add some variation of, "I'm outraged!"
Anyway, thanks P-G!! It certainly explains why the hit meter is spinning this afternoon, and why I'm having a hard time posting =)
The Morning File's trip through the blogosphere wouldn't be complete without regular stops at the political blog Froth Slosh B'Gosh
I guess the P-G likes reading their own words, since much of what I do is link to a P-G story, excerpt heavily from it, and then add some variation of, "I'm outraged!"
Anyway, thanks P-G!! It certainly explains why the hit meter is spinning this afternoon, and why I'm having a hard time posting =)
Friday Puppy Blogging!
Soldiers and Sailors
Went down to Soldiers and Sailors last week, heven't been there in years. Five bucks gets you the self-guided tour. Most of the displays concern the ACW, which is to be expected because it S&S started as a GAR post, but there are displays from most of the U.S. of A's conflicts. See General Grant's camp chair! See military firearms! See pieces of trees with cannonballs and shell fragments in them!! There is a fascinating display of Women in the military, and some Gulf War II relics, including a piece of carpet from one of Saddam's palaces made of one dollar bills. Well worth the admission price!Hmmm...photo seems slightly akilter. I did live in West Virginia for five years, perhaps one leg is longer than the other to compensate for the steep terrain in Elkins?
Groundpounder. I noticed an "error" on this statue. The soldiers kepi hass crossed rifles on it, which is a post-Civil War hat device. Should be a bugle. Otherwise, he's attired in CW garb.
Interesting Rock!
Monday, April 03, 2006
Opening Day!!
Well, beat the drum and hold the phone - the sun came out today!
We’re born again, there’s new grass on the field.
A-roundin’ third, and headed for home, it’s a brown-eyed handsome man;
Anyone can understand the way I feel.
Oh, put me in, coach - I’m ready to play today;
Put me in, coach - I’m ready to play today;
Look at me, I can be centerfield.
Well, I spent some time in the mudville nine, watchin’ it from the bench;
You know I took some lumps when the mighty casey struck out.
So say hey Willie, tell Ty Cobb and Joe Dimaggio;
Don’t say "it ain’t so", you know the time is now.
I got it!Got a beat-up glove, a homemade bat, and brand-new pair of shoes;
You know I think it’s time to give this game a ride.
Just to hit the ball and touch ’em all - a moment in the sun;
it’s gone and you can tell that one goodbye!
-John Fogerty- "Centerfield"
