Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Visit to the Dade Battlefield

 


 On Sunday Janine and I visited the Dade Battlefield park.  The battle marked the start of the Second Seminole War.  The Dade Battle or  massacre, was a  defeat for the United States Army in 1835.  On 28 December 1835 two U.S. Infantry companies numbering 103 men under the command of Major Francis L. Dade were ambushed by approximately 180 Seminole and Black Seminole warriors as they marched from Fort Brooke on Tampa Bay to reinforce Fort King in Ocala.  The battle took place in a pine forest and swampy area and was a one-sided Seminole victory. All but three American soldiers were killed at the cost of only six Seminole warriors. The defeat sparked the Second Seminole War which lasted until 1842. The Seminole wars are little known and usually ignored in most history text books.  They comprise the longest Indian war in US history.




 The park has a number of walking trails, and a nice visitor center.  There are markers for the troop locations and a replica of the breast work set up by the soldiers.  In the visitor center were excellent displays outline the reasons for the conflict and the course of the war.  In addition there are two life size figures in replica uniform and native clothing.  







  The day we visited the park hosted a historical reenactment of the battle.  There were small camps set up and various weapons firing and other demonstrations.  It all concluded with a mock battle.






Friday, January 3, 2025

Toy Soldier Monument


   This sculpture by Canadian artist Douglas Coupland is titled "Monument To The War Of 1812" and it is located about a block from Fort York. It was installed in 2008 in front of a condominium complex as part of the city's art requirement for new development. The "two abandoned toy soldiers pay tribute to Toronto's history" and Fort York's part in the Canadian victory in the war of 1812.

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

2024; A Year In Review

 

  "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."  Yes, it's time for the yearly year in review.  I do like reading these types of post as it tends to put what happened into a nice neat box that you can then throw out.   First off a strange mixed year for yours truly.  I was formally retired and am now still adjusting to retirement.  Its strange and unusual to not have to get up at odd hours and go to work.   But I am adjusting.  Slowly.



 


On the miniature gaming front a most interesting year.  The club and friends provided a great number of games, many of them periods I do not usually game in or have an interest in.  High on my list would be Mark D's Pikemen's lament game "Ambush at Black Rock."   Also the outstanding "Hunting Moby Dick game.". And of course Adam's truly outstanding sailing ship games.  All were wonderful and fun and I appreciate the time and effort they put into them.  Thank you!

Great time at the Huzzah convention in Maine. Best thing was meeting up, in person with Vincent from  The Corlears Hook Fencibles who's blog I have followed for a long time.  Here I am with Mr Ed and Vincent as the bloggers three!




Going to Historicon was definitely which point.  A few days away from life to see friends, play games and be with friends.  Again the high point for me was playing in Jim's Picket's Charge game.  Great fun and exciting.  





Lastly our club's game day in October.  Played in AJ's Battle of Rhode Island game which was outstanding.  I usually do not care for computer driven miniature games but his was different and great fun.  Also in Mr Ed's outstanding Jousting game.  Very well done a barrels of fun.




Not too much on my painting front.  I did rebase my American Rev War figures.  And added another division for my American armies.   Also added a few civilians to liven up the table top.


Next year?  Planning on working on a small portable game to tale on my travels.  Also really need to get out and put on more games.  And I have a few research articles I plan on posting here.


Thank you all for following!  I wish you all a most happy and healthy New Years.



Friday, December 27, 2024

Radio Controlled Titanic

 


  So Janine did get me a radio controlled ship for Christmas.  I was very surprised when I open the package and it was a radio controlled version of the RMS Titanic.  A little over three feet long, it lights up and is a pretty cool model.  

  Interestingly in talking with other radio controlled people they all tell me it's pretty slow.  I guess that is compared to speed boats.  To me it goes along at a very pleasant pace.  It does needs a very wide turning radius so looking for lots of room.  Reading reviews from Amazon I made sure the batteries were fully charged before testing.  When sailing it gets a lot of attention and comments.  Most people want to know where the RC iceberg is! I tell them its in my drink.

  Back hone I have been doing a series if history talks at local museums and senior centers.  One of my most successful and requested talk is Massachusetts connections to the Titanic about individuals from Massachusetts who sailed on her.  I already have three scheduled talks for it next year.  So Janine thought it would be a good connection for me and my new interest.

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

A Post Christmas Post.....

"I am changing my wish list to Santa.  Pray I don't change it further."
Lord Vader