Daily 5:19 am
8 May 2008
I’m not sure if Artemis intentionally positions herself so I cannot work, or if she’s just seeking out the warmth of the light, but either way it’s really cute. When I insisted she move, so I could use the machine, she did, and then shortly thereafter resumed a similar position on the industrial serger.
It’s going to be sunrise, soon. I’m headed to bed.
~MB
Daily 11:01 am
7 May 2008
As I went through the procedure, just now, of viewing this photo on flickr, choosing the view sizes option, and ultimately copying and pasting in the correct url, I was forced to view this photo for a moment in its large size. At full screen width, you can clearly see the children pouring off these buses, and I was reminded of an animated film I’d seen as a child. I’ve thought often of this film, but I know not a title, or anything further about it. It’s probably been thirty years since I’ve seen it. ****make that forty!) **** If anyone out there has any information about it I’d appreciate it. I’d sure love to have a copy!
****addendum: After a little bit of research, I have discovered that the name of the film is What on Earth! and that it was directed by Les Drew in 1966, and nominated for an Academy Award in 1968. The narrator I reference, is actually the voice of a Martian visitor who has judged the automobile to be the true inhabitants of the Earth, and we humans mere parasites. ****
It is, as I said, an animated film, with a narrator—much like a Goofy short from the Walt Disney Studios. In fact, this may be a Disney film, but I really think if I had to guess, I’d pin it on Warner Brothers. But, at any rate, it discusses life on planet earth and shows images of highways and cloverleafs and cities and houses and cars and trucks. But, it’s not until the very end that a vehicle parks, and small creatures emerge from it, and go into a house (I believe), that you realize the whole film has been presented as though the “life” on earth IS the vehicles themselves. The beings within are referred to as “parasites” in the final moments of this clever little film.
That’s the way I viewed the children leaving these buses . . .
The second of our Kids’ Days dawned with the threat of more rain, and the worries that the thousands of young feet would destroy our site, as they did a year ago. But, in fact, there was very little rain all day–just a light misting, really—and none of the severe thunderstorms and hail that was foretold by meterorologists. The crowd of kids was pretty big, but far less unruly that anticipated, also. I stayed largely in the background, sitting and working on building chain girdles and chains of office. Marcus and Mary more than adequately manned the East Wind Games booth, and Donny and Garry controlled the Pendragon booth. I had the much-appreciated opportunity to visit with Miss Dana Browne as she did some needlework, and then with Bill Teel, as we discussed historical fashions and customs until we bored Donny and Garry silly, I’m sure. The guys got involved in the discussion when it turned to weaponry, and I’m afraid that’s where I bowed out! But, all in all, it was not nearly the awful day I’d dreaded. I really had a good time. Perhaps with a happier taste in my mouth about it, I’ll get on the ball and do more with my “Costume Museum” for next year.
I had a delightful surprise when I returned home—my husband was already home! After a short time, we decided this was the perfect opportunity to steal a couple of hours and go see a movie! So, off to Iron Man we went! What a pleasure! And not just the company! The movie is great! It is a very honourable update of the Iron Man story. The acting is well-done, the plot is good and solid, and the special effects are out of this world. We enjoyed it very much, and even enjoyed our food at The Movie Tavern. It was a good evening.
~MB
Daily 10:26 am
6 May 2008
Kids Days at Scarborough—not something that most of us look forward to each year. More or less, we just view this event as something that must be endured. And what’s a sure way to make it even worse?—add rain.
As I prepared to leave the house this morning around 8 a.m., the rain began. And in mere moments it had worked itself into quite the storm. Thunder, lightening, and very, very heavy rain at our house. I ended up eschewing shoes in favour of garden clogs, and a good thing I did, too! The dash from the porch to the driveway involved water way up over my ankles, and I was wet up to the knees by the time I splashed my way to the truck.
As I drove out of the driveway, down our street, and out onto Green Oaks Boulevard, I actually had to steer my truck around the bags of trash that were freely floating down the road! The drive to faire was a bit tense and I called Kyle to warn him of the deep, standing water I was hesitant to drive even my truck through. Flash flooding is something that I have a very healthy respect for, and don’t ever want to push my luck with—I’ve seen too much film footage!
I got to faire safely (and Kyle got to work safely, too) just ahead of the big rain there. There were very few vehicles of any kind in the parking lot, and certainly very few buses. The day’s attendance was destined to be small, thanks to the weatherman’s warnings. The rain came—although nothing like what we saw in Arlington—and the site got kind of soupy for a while. But, with so few attendees, it never got as icky as it did last year. At East Wind Games, we saw some chess club geeks (god bless them!) and made a few sales. In the words of Mary, “not bad for a Tuesday!” 
On my way home, after a much-needed and long-overdue (having a busy schedule sometimes leaves no room for self-indulgence!) massage, I realized I was seeing some bluebonnets alongside the road. Bluebonnets where none had been so far this year. We’d been commenting that the bluebonnet population was way down this year—sparse and even absent from familiar places. As we understand it, not enough rain—although, the bluebonnet experts say this beautiful little plant wants lots of sun and very good drainage. Being too wet will kill it for sure. So, who knows why, exactly, but bluebonnets have been in short supply.
So, when I spotted some new ones, I immediately thought of “my” herd of longhorns and decided that if the animals were visible, I’d pull over and see if there were new bluebonnets there, too. Besides, after a Kid’s Day at faire, spending time with a different kind of herd—a better-behaving one—seemed the perfect thing. The herd was in the field, and sure enough . . . there were a few bluebonnets, as well! I spent nearly forty-five minutes photographing these peaceful creatures. This lovely little herd seems to consist of one bull, ten cows and this spring—five little calves. For more “cow” photos visit my flickr site. But, I’ve picked one for inclusion here, that highlights the wildflowers, and shows the length of these horns!
Realizing that I’ve developed a little bit of an obsession about this small herd of cattle, I decided I should learn more about them. I’ve done some research now, and I’ve learned much! I’ve learned that the first longhorn cattle were brought to this country by the Spanish in the sixteenth century and I am greatly amused at the Renaissance connection! :-) By the early nineteenth century, other varieties of cattle had naturally and successfully crossbred with the original longhorns, and nature had created a new, super-hardy breed. This animal was so highly sought after, especially in the wake of the near-extinction of the American Buffalo, that it, too, was nearly brought to the brink of extinction by about 1900. The government stepped in, and the population again grew, with seven distinct lines, or families. The Texas Longhorn, in all its varieties, is highly self-sufficient; it is able to live off the land, needs less water, and is far less less dependent on a particular diet than many cattle breeds. It is easy to handle, and apparently very easy to drive, being known for its docile personality—it seems they are as sweet as they look!
I have also learned that “my” herd is from the J Bar S Longhorn Ranch in Midlothian, Texas. I am unclear as to why there is always only this one small group that I see in this area, for it seems that the Ranch is home to many, many more. I was unable to find a head-count, but I did find reference to multiple bulls. Since my little herd has only one bull, I’m guessing there’s more of these beautiful cattle somewhere nearby. I am charmed by them . . . the country girl in me surfacing, I guess. I would love for John and Sheila Hodges, who own the J Bar S Ranch, to know how much joy these quiet creatures have brought me.
Moo.
~MB
6 May 2008
This guy lives above my bed.
I think it’s a brilliant piece of art.
Cheers.
~KR (Written on 7 May 200 
Listening to:
Pride (In the Name of Love) by U2
from Greenpeace Rainbow Warriors (Disc 1)
Camera: Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Exposure: 0.25 sec (1/4)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Arsenal and Daily and Photoblog 7:54 am
5 May 2008
This is one of many Arsenal branded items I own. It’s one way to saying to the world at large, "I’m a gooner, and I’m proud of it!"
Of course Arsenal broke my heart this year, as they have several years running. Poor exit from Carling Cup against the dreaded neighbours up at Shitehart Lane followed by an unceremonious drubbing in the FA Cup against ManU(re). Most recently a dip in form on the domestic front cost the Gunners far too many points allowing either Chel$ki or ManU(re) to take the EPL trophy again; while a strong Liverpudlian side kicked us squarely in the nobbies and dumped us from Champion’s League glory. Now, with one game left in the season (against Sunderland), the best Arsene and his squad can hope for is third place and no silverware for the cabinet. Now, of course, comes speculation time as the rabid English press start digging up dirt and causing massive amounts of unrest. We have already lost Matthieu Flamini to the Italian giants, AC Milan, and it looks like his on and off pitch chum, Hleb will be joining him in the city, but not on the pitch. The later being, at the moment, speculative rumour that I hope doesn’t come true. But, greed being the most fickle of the footballer’s love interest, Hleb will follow the money as Flamini did before him. Nonetheless, I’m a gooner ’til I die no matter the on and off pitch antics, hystrionics & rumours.
Cheers.
~KR (Written on 7 May 200
Listening to:
Wax Paper by J - Live
from Moistworks : Fuck A War
Camera: Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Exposure: 0.5 sec (1/2)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Daily 11:31 pm
5 May 2008
Sometimes, opportunity knocks and you just have to open the door! I was minding my own business, sitting at my dining room table, working on my laptop, when there seemed to be movement outside the window, and I was lured by the commotion to pull back the curtain and take a peek. And I got quite the eyeful! These two squirrels were celebrating their fertility—racing up and down and around this tree trunk, for all they were worth. And from time to time, they’d stop and . . . do this!
My photo seems hazy, ’cause I was shooting through the dining room window glass—not recently enough washed, it seems!
Monday Stuff ’til about 2 ‘clock. Then, I scooped up Stephen and we ran some errands—did a little shopping, and banking and the like. Then, later in the evening, after getting him home in time for Dancing with the Stars, and going home myself, Kyle walked in the door and as he kissed me hello, asked me where I wanted to go for my TexMex dinner to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! Such a mind-reader! We ended up at Mexican Inn—I think we’ve decided it’s the best value and the best margaritas at the most covenient distance from home. And, we actually had decent service, again!
~MB
Daily and East Wind Games and Faire and Festival and Photoblog and Scarborough and Texas 9:57 pm
4 May 2008
Somehow I managed only one photo in the 24 hours that made up Sunday. Not sure how, but it is what it is. This is me:
I have on a brand new, brilliantly black & yellow landsknecht chapeau (I will have to look up the proper time for the hat UPDATE: The hat is apparently called a tellerbarret ("platter hat")) and a new pair of green-tinted sunglasses with bronze rims. The sunglasses are reproductions of a pair of spectacles that date to the very early 18th century. I’ve been told that there is very little difference between this pair and the few pair that have been dated to the early-mid 16th century. Therefore, I feel fully vindicated in owning, wearing and selling them at a Renaissance festival that takes place, ostensibly, in 1538 England during the reign of HRM Henry VIII (although I feel pretty confident in saying that musketeers, frock-coat clad pirates in tricorns, and ninjas didn’t make their debut in England until much later).
Cheers.
~KR (Written on 5 May 2008 )
Listening to By-Tor and the Snow Dog by Rush
from Retrospective I (1974-1980)
Camera: Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Exposure: 0.017 sec (1/60)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
ISO Speed: 80
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash fired, auto mode, red-eye reduction
Daily and East Wind Games and Faire and Festival and Game and Photoblog and Texas 9:54 pm
3 May 2008
Saturday. Week 5 of Scarborough Faire.
Happy Birthday Starr!
The day was phenomenal for a faire day. Temperature in the low 70’s with a slight breeze and sunshine. Can you ask for better? Here you see a family playing chess on my large chess table that I have set up in the front yard. In the foreground, next to a small garden is another table with a jumbo draughts (Americans call it Checkers) set.
I was taught to play draughts at an extremely early age, as are I think most American youth. I grew, quickly, to detest the game because I either won too quickly or lost too quickly. There was no challenge in the game. As the owner of a game store, I have found a new love for draughts, but not in the form I was taught. There are, literally, hundreds of draughts variations that enhance the game and make it much more challenging and oh, so much more fun. My favourite version is Irish Draughts and I sometimes play it to distraction.
Cheers.
~KR (Written on 5 May 2008 )
Listening to:
We’ve Been Had by Walkmen
from The Walkmen
Camera: Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire, auto mode
Daily 9:53 pm
2 May 2008
A page from my woman’s playbook allows me to post this as a 2nd May photo. Although, technically, the photo was taken on 3 May, I was still awake and primarily vertical. So, having not dropped off to the Land of Nod just yet, I call it my Friday, 2nd of May photo.
It’s a Victorian Lady jewelry stand that, at the moment stands devoid of jewelry. I took it in a low-light environment with the lens almost touching the protruding arm of the stand. I sorta dig how it turned out.
Cheers.
~KR (Written on 5 May 2008 )
Listening to:
Symphony No. 4 by Peter Tchaikovsky
from The Great Composers: Tchaikovsky (Disc 4)
Camera: Canon PowerShot SD850 IS
Exposure: 0.167 sec (1/6)
Aperture: f/2.8
Focal Length: 5.8 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0/3 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire
Daily and East Wind Games and Game and Photoblog 9:52 pm
1 May 2008
Happy Beltane! Happy Mayday! Happy Birthday, Sis!
This photo was taken at my local haunt, Rob’s Billiards and Sports Bar.
I was writing an article about Scottish Billiards rules & scoring and needed to test the scoring system. So, after work, I went there and roped a couple of friends into playing with me. I like the game.
You can read the rules at the newly-launched East Wind Games blog.
Cheers.
~KR (Written on 2 May 200
Listening to:
Les Trois Cavaliers by La Bottine Souriante
from Rock & Reel
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 | krmb on Hinderance |
 | Angie on Hinderance |
| krmb on Longhorn in Wildflowers |
 | acorngirl on Longhorn in Wildflowers |
| acorngirl on Longhorn in Wildflowers |
wanton wastrel
