The World Championship Blacksmith's Competition

On Friday, we spent a couple of hours cheering on our good friend, Steve Walthall, at the World Championship Blacksmith's competition in rainy Ashland, Virginia, at the State Fairgrounds. The Fair had been cancelled due to the weather, but the semi truck w/ the forges was moved into a huge livestock barn.  We watched Steve and the others have 1 hour to forge 2 horseshoes based on a design they were given.  And, then, we watched the farriers have 12 minutes to make a shoe based on a 10 second look at a foot.  It was very impressive! 

Change of Plans....Brunswick Railroad Days is Cancelled

We are sorry to report that Brunswick Railroad Days has been cancelled for this coming weekend. We received word this afternoon from the organizer, Lisa, who said the following:  "It is with heartfelt sadness that I must convey to you that we must cancel Railroad Days this weekend due to the prevailing forecasts that suggest the approach of a potentially dangerous and damaging storm in our region. I am sure you have all been keeping an eye on the forecasts and have wondered what would be happening. While we were prepared for rain, this is more than we feel is safe for the entertainers, vendors, volunteers, and visitors who might participate."

We were a bit surprised, given that we hadn't been following the weather reports!  We are up to date now and think that Lisa made a wise decision, although we are very sorry to miss the event.  We had a very good time last year, and I had my Brunswick Railroaders T-Shirt ready to go! 

So, "Keep Calm and Steam On" as they would say in Brunswick, and we hope to be a part of this fun event next year.... 

Blacksmithing at Jefferson Patterson Park's 1812 Fair and Reenactment

The 1812 Fair and Reenactment at Jefferson Patterson Park was a great way to spend this past Saturday.  Jeff forged with his friend, Chris Roper of Yellow Dog Forge, which was a lot of fun.  Chris used to be a student of Jeff's and they enjoy times when they can work together.  In addition, the Maryland Light Dragoons were in full fashion (notice the younger dragoon!).  The park is a beautiful property, and Xander made the most of his explorations, too, when he wasn't watching the blacksmiths at work!

Marbling Class

I took a fantastic class in acrylic marbling this past week at Cat Tail Run Book Bindery.  The class was taught by Regina and Dan St. John of Chena River Studios.  I took the same class the year before and had so much fun that I returned....and if time permits, I would love to take it again next year!


 A chevron pattern:

A palm pattern:

Photos of the DAR Induction Ceremony

More photos from the DAR induction,... Thank you, Phyllis!

Admitted to the Daughters of American Revolution

When my younger son saw me today he promptly wanted to take a photo and then said, "You look like you are going to talk to a judge!"  That made me laugh because the last time I wore this suit (around 15 years ago), I probably was talking to a judge or doing something else in my "attorney" capacity.  Today, though, I was being inducted into the Kate Waller Barrett Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.  After about 6 months of rather intense research and compiling documents that supported the research, my application was approved.  And, for those of you who are interested, my patriot is Jabez Hart of Massachusetts and he was a founding member of Victor, New York.

Colonial Williamsburg in Late August (Favorite Scenes)

 

How Xander Tours Colonial Williamsburg

Xander has 2 basic principles for touring Colonial Williamsburg:

1.  Always look through (and under) fences.  Amazing creatures live there!

 2.  English Ivy can hide other, smaller but still amazing creatures so take time to peer, sniff, and even sit among the ivy to scope out the situation:

Dyeing Wool with Annatto Seeds

What a lovely, butter yellow result!  Annatto seeds on un-mordanted merino wool, left to soak overnight:

I have the remaining dye bath available if anyone has anything to dye -- just let me know asap.