Partly out of curiosity as to what everyone's doing and partly to get a few new ideas (not to mention some new discussion going), I thought I'd ask what everyone's doing this fall. What events are you going to? What projects are you working on? Are you still alive?!? (With my current work schedule, that last one's debatable sometimes.  :-/ )

With my schedule, I've only been able to go to two events this year since 01/01/05. I've somehow been able to swing next weekend off so am planning to go  to Ft Toulouse in AL. But, being a "trekker", I still like to take any free time I have and get into the woods, even if it's just the forty some odd acres behind the house.

As far as new projects go, I haven't done as much as I'd like. I have recently finished a new sleeved westkit, a white linen shirt, and some new cuarrans. I have my mother making me a pair of French fly breeches that she should have done this weekend. I've got some heavy tartan wool that I plan to make a new pair of bag hose with. I even took time enough in the shop to finish two knives that a gentleman has been waiting about three months for.

Anyway, I hope all is well with you, my brothers and sisters. Stay strong, stay safe, and enjoy yourselves.

Daniel

HI Daniel,
Good question!  Other than helping to get things organized for Culloden 2006 in May (which is going to be GREAT!) I'm time travelling to the Regency period for the most part since my family and I volunteer as interpreters at a pioneer village near our home. In addition we act as 'building parents' there for a gentleman's house, hence the period we do.  

Chris  

Feh. I've been preoccupied with animal shelter stuff and trying to make a living...the two do NOT go well together, either.

I am making a concerted effort to NOT buy/make/procure any more gear, because I have way too much stuff in my cellar. If I make any clothes in the next 12 months, it'll be a new set of womens' working garb, because mine is starting to look pretty ratty. Might also revisit some of my 17th century gear, as well.

I've taken this year off from doing local living history (not that anyone noticed :-/), and didn't make the Erie event (due to a pet illness that needed constant nursing care for several weeks)...so *all* I've done since Bedford '04 is...Bedford '05. Aiming at Culloden '06 if all goes well.

I've been needing a battery recharge vis-a-vis historical stuff. Every so often, I have to blow the cobwebs of cynicism and skepticism out of my brain with some good, old-fashioned recreational reading...for me this year, it's Russian history, because I can still feel a most un-scholarly twinge of romanticism about it here and there (I blame Alan Rickman completely for this intellectual failing of mine ;) ). So my main project is to get excited about history again after a long year of concentrating completely on modern life.

Im trying to come up with a pattern for a Highland Grenadier helmet that looks "Right"

Doing lots of research on the 78th, headed to the Clash of Empire's Exibit, events are pretty much over for me, and continuing to work a 2 weeks on 2 weeks off Overseas deployment schedule

Since a spinal cord injury that left me a paraplegic a year and a half ago ended my Highland charge days, I have been asked to take on two new roles during the 18th century Scottish Jacobite re-enactment events I have grown to love.  
One is to provide narration of the event that is about to take place so the spectators have a better understanding of what it is they are about to see re-enacted.  This of course requires that I am on my toes (so to speak) on my history.  
The other is the portrayal of an 18th century Scottish Presbyterian vicar, providing chaplain services to those of this religious bent amongst the predominately Catholic Jacobite army under HRH Prince Charles Edward Stuart, and historically authentic Presbyterian Sunday morning worship services.  This role has me needing a new wardrobe such as would have been worn by Presbyterian clergy in the Highlands of this time period and such things as a Geneva Bible, a Scottish Psalter and church documents like catechisms, confessions of faith, etc. that would authentically replicate what would have been available during the early 1700s.  I am hoping to have most of this ready for the Culloden 2006 event at Fort Loudoun, PA next May.  Any help in these areas would be greatly appreciated.

Hi All,

Lots of stuff on my own plate. For the '45 era, I'm working on
a regimental flag for Perth's unit, sending a basket and it's
blade to a friend in Canada to be "slipped" and tempered,
and working hard to field a unit by May of 2006. I've picked
up a few odd lengths of tartan for philabegs and philamors,
and hopefully have enough to at least get started.

The other era I do is American War of Independence, and
I've been pretty busy helping get the 76th regiment of
Foot off the ground, AKA MacDonald's Highlanders. It's
definately been some work doing the primary research,
as very little has survived. But I'm persistant, and have
come up with enough primary resource material on the
unit and late war highland regiments in general to get
started in a highly accurate fashion. I hope to sew a
camp flag and my regimental uniform this winter.

Personally, my wife and I just purchased a new house in
the really cool town of Granville, Ohio. Moving and home
issues have kept me hopping of late. I'm also in the
National Guard, and those guys have me working on the
thankless job of Quality Assurance. How I got stuck with
it is beyond me. I also hope to have a Burn's Night Supper
again this next year, which I haven't had in 2 years thanks
to getting called up to active duty and then sundry other
reasons. It's actually quite cool to sit around with friends
and read poetry whilst eating haggis...

Alex

I have been hard at work trying to add to my outfit for my new persona as an 18th century Presbyterian vicar from the Scottish Highlands in the company of the Army of King James, more specifically from Clan Cameron.  I have won some eBay auctions that are very helpful to this end.  
A big find was a period-correct wheelchair that will enable me to eliminate the anachronism of being in 18th century attire while sitting in a 21st century wheelchair.  I will need to re-cane the seat bottom and back, so I have a winter project.  The really great thing about it, though, is that the chair was listed as a local pick-up only on eBay by a lady from Morgantown, WV, and I don't even have to drive there to pick it up.  A fellow Clann of the Wolf member lives less than an hour from Morgantown and is picking it up and bringing it to NY for me.  Now that's what a clan is all about!
Two other acquistions I have made on eBay will add significantly to my outfit.  One is a period-correct walnut lap writing desk, which is being equipped with a period-correct feather quill pen, pen knife, ink bottle, quill holder, paper, and sealing wax and seal. With all of this I will now be able to send handwritten invitations to worship services to HRH Prince Charles Edward Stuart, nobles, Clan Chiefs, and high-ranking officers at re-enactment events, as well as any other necessary correspondence.  
The other is a copy of the 1599 Geneva Bible that I will make a leather binding for so it will have a more period-correct appearance.  This translation was not only created by Presbyterians like John Knox in exile in Geneva, Switzerland, but it was also the only Bible that a Presbyterian clergyman would use.  The Presbyterians of Scotland resisted the King James version (your forgiveness, Your Highness), knowing it was brought into being because of the animosity of James I and VI for the marginal notes of the Geneva Bible that expressed an anti-divine right monarchy viewpoint.
A few changes to my wardrobe to bring it in line with a document I found (http://www.covenanter.org/Attire/generalassemblyondress.htm) on the proper attiring of Presbyterian clerics and their wives and I am ready for the 2006 re-enactment season.
Alba aye,
Bill Jeffery

Now that's an interesting persona and kit, Bill!

Cheers,
Henrik

Thanks, Henrik.  It is interesting portraying a Presbyterian vicar in a mostly Catholic army, but being a Baptist, that is as much of a leap as I could make.
See you at Fort Loudoun in May?

Hi Bill,

I agree with Henrik. You're doing an awesome job on
finding a personna and then making it yours. I like!


Alejandro

I agree. Most people in your situation would have given up on a great deal. You've pushed on and persevered. For that, I have a great deal of respect for you, sir. Keep up the great work.

Daniel

Alejandro and Daniel, thanks much for the encouragement.  You guys are great.  I know that I can count on you to be in attendance at the Sunday morning worship service at Fort Loudoun next May, right?
Got my re-enactment wheelchair this weekend and can't wait to put it into use.  It needs a little work, but will really add to the authenticity (are you listening, Brian?) of my portrayal.
I also now have a well-equipped lap writing desk, ready for personal correspondence at events.  You may expect one yourself, Your Grace the Duke of Perth.  
A most happy Hogmanay, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.

Bill,
I've been busy the last week trying to put together a list of the events I want to attend in the coming year. If I'm able to be there, count on me attending your service. I believe I'd enjoy it very much, sir. Thank you for the invite.

Daniel

I can't wait to see the new kit!!

Its great to see people not only embracing a variety of personas but also then putting in the effort to portray them with some flair. There are many who would have given up considering the circumstances and trials Bill has faced  but he has shown a 'can do' attitude. I find myself humbled by it and challenged in my own portrayal.

I too look forward to May and seeing the 'vicar' in action!

cheers,
Chris  

Aye, Vicar Bill....you are an inspiration to us all and twill be good to see ye again, and I'll be at kirk!! (we'll have to see what Clan Chattan figures out for entertainment at Culloden in May....after Bedford twa years ago when your son and my daughter almost didn't get married cause of that red haired lass which your son seems to have.....mmmhmm, enough of that, huh??!!)  We have a busy winter. As some know, our main portrayals are 77th/42nd regiments, Grenadier companies, we belong to British Brigade and along with commander of Chattan, I am also Co. Sjt. Major and 1st Brigade Sjt. Major of Crown Rev. War Crown Forces....SOOO, that gives me responsibilities within that redcoat army!!  We will have our British Brigade meeting in January, along with our regiment's Burns Supper, and a regimental Board meeting.  Early February is our regiment's annual meeting when we select our events for the year.  There are some good events coming up like Guilford Courthouse, Albany NY, White Plains, the usual Bushy Run and Ligonier and YORKTOWN 225th Rev. War!!  AND, the one we are all looking forward to....CULLODEN in May.  As for projects, I dragged out my extra tartan a few weeks ago and certainly have enough to make a new Jacobite coat......depends how much time I want to spend on making a new one.  I'm looking forward to Culloden at Ft. Loudoun.  
By the way...how many of you celebrate Burns with a dinner?  My men and I cook for that....this year it is Jan. 21 at Carlisle, PA.  If you are within driving distance, consider coming to it!!
Slainte' and Pax Aye to you all, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year,

Malcolm MacWm., Clan Chattan

Hello all! I have been meaning to come in here and write and so ashamed I  have not after all the help you have given  me. Please forgive me if you can.

I have had lots going on and one incident recently my computer crashed! Yikes!

well I will just say that I did my very first event last month as a RevWar middle to low class camp follower. I had a complete blast, but I can see I still have so much to learn in this hobby! I guess it never ends, eh?
You can see my avatar where I have my new outfit, but many things are still missing (working on them) and some things are not right (working on them too!

My next event is the Highland games in February outside of Phoenix.  That will be a bit different outfit and head dress for me. Will submit a pic of that too as I get it.  

Anyway, this is the life for me! I so enjoyed it and I took many photos of everyone I could and gave them copies as I was able. I met and made many new friends and have lots to learn in the history of our country and world. working on that too.

I hope this finds y'all doing well.

Happy Holidays to y'all and many thanks for all your help. Feel free to share what else I may need to know too!  ;)

Rosemary

wrote on 12/15/05 at 06:11:07:

Please forgive me if you can.

Well......Okay, if we have to. I for one think it's great that you're enjoying this. It's what it's all about! I'll just be glad when work settles down and I can start getting out to events or maybe just spend a little time in the shop. I've many things that need doin'. (I'm working on it!)

Daniel

Hey Daniel! Good to talk to you!

I hope you get much accomplished this winter.

Here in AZ  we do our gatherings and events at this time of the year as it is much much cooler then!  We have our events from November till about July...and that is in the mountains!  I did my first event in October. Told y'all about that. My next event will be at the Highland games the end of February around the Phoenix area.  

So Daniel! What are ye doingi in the shop? Care to share?  I would be most interested, I know.

Unfortunately for me, many of our gatherings are in the winter as well. Being as I do maintenance for a company that makes housing insulation, this is our busy time of year. We've been slammed this year with all the restructuring going on in the LA area. Therefore, I've not been able to get out to anything this season.

As far as work in the shop...I do a little bit of everything. I make knives, do some basic blacksmithing, and have learned some basic leatherwork making sheathes, bags and such. My father being a carpentar (no relation to Bryan LOL), I ply my hand at a little woodwork now and again. And lately, though not shop related, I've been doing a little writing.

Never a dull moment, always busy because there's always something to do. You have a good evening now, Ma'am.

Daniel

I've been given some great news!!!  ;D ;D ;D I've been offered the supervisor/maintenance/crew member (I'll be working alone  :o) position at our new warehouse. Talking about "out of the blue," I start tomorrow. Instead of working 6-7 pm until 6-7am 6 days/week, I'll be working Mon-Fri, 9am to 6pm. NO MORE Saturdays!  ;D I was told there will be some flexability to my schedule, especially once the warehouse is full, learning QC, covering supervisors for vacations, etc. Now that I'll have my weekends free, I guess I need to get a few projects finished and get ready to get out to some events. :D

Daniel

Congratulations Daniel, thats TERRIFIC news ;D ;D
Good luck with the new position, you'll do great at it.

best wishes,
Chris

Please allow me to add some heartfelt "huzzahs" to Chris' congratulations, Daniel.  That truly is good news for you.  
Now I know that I can count on you being at the Fort Loudoun event in May, eh?  See you there, and don't forget kirk on Lord's Day morning!
By the bye, I somehow missed Malcolm's posting to this thread of 12/14/05.  Thank you for your discretion in not revealing to forum readers the rather embarassing moment during the wedding ceremony for our son and your daughter (that you cooked up, rascal that you are!).  And I trust that I will be able to rely on you not to have any mischief of that kind in mind for Fort Loudoun.  After all, I am now portraying a clergyman!

Thanks, guys.

Bill, I'll do my best to be there. My wife and I are working on swapping weekends with the kids in May out so that she'll have them for Mother's Day and I'll have them during her vacation. If I have them the weekend of Loudoun, I'll have to make the decision on whether or not to keep them out of school to make the trip. Ain't divorce grand? I'll let you know as soon as I know.

Daniel