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

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.

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.

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

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?

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

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

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