Father's Day: Epilogue

I experienced my very first Father's Day yesterday. I must say I rather liked it. It was a bit like having an extra birthday. Truly, how many holidays are there where, at least within the confines of your own family, the day is all about you and you alone? I am going to like getting used to this.

That being said, Janet and I took our father's out. We went to see a movie and then went to a steakhouse. While we all had a good time together, I think they both failed to realize that the day was really, in essence, about me.

Rainy Day

It's a fabulous, windy, rainy day today. I love days like this. The only thing better would be to be in a tent somewhere in this weather. Since I was just a little kid, I've had an urge to be in a tent in the rain. My mom used to help me construct elaborate tent-tunnels in the yard using tarps, chairs, picnic tables, and anything else I could get my hands on. The final effect would be a long string of junk stretching out down the driveway that I could crawl around under while the rain came down.

Years later, as a teenager, my family would camp at Horseneck Beach. In the two weeks we spent in tents fifty yards from the surf, you could be guaranteed at least one good storm. There is nothing like the sound of a downpour and the crashing of heavy surf while you're taking a nap. It's a white noise extravaganza.

Oh, man, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. Mmmmm.... sleeeep.

More Work on the Manor

It's not particularly large or dramatic, but I did manage to get a small semblance of a garden planted over the weekend. With the addition of some flower boxes and other touch-ups, I think Upham Manor is beginning to look rather nice. One thing I have noticed is that, in spite of the rather prodigious planting that has been done this year (and in previous years), the Manor really does not boast very much color. Verdant, yes. Tropical colors, no.

The terrace has been spruced up a bit, cleaned, and the brick all newly grouted with stone dust. It looks good. I have installed a rather nice screen house upon it to one side to give some relief from sun, potential mosquitos, and anything that might fall from that darned oak tree. I love oak trees. I just cannot stand how dirty they make everything under them. Here in New England, we get an unfortunate number of caterpillars of various types who like to swoop down on you on silken ropes. Nasty little buggers.

I've taken the next three days off. I'm hoping to get the porch painted, though with the rains coming, I think that might be something less than a reality. I shall have to find other tasks to put my hands. I need to make a plan, a checklist of to-do items so that I can keep myself honest and not fall prey to the call of Warcraft and Stumble.

The Mead Hall is Done

Thirty-five years of collecting the medieval and macabre and seven years of construction, two incarnations, and at long last the Mead Hall is done. Last night I finished decorating the room and took a series of photos. I'm very proud of what I was able to accomplish. This room should be a lot of fun to hang out and entertain in. There is still a bit more to do. I have some wiring to address and I want to redo the windows, and put a facade over one door, but the room is completely functional. So here is a photo shoot of what I was able to accomplish.