The musings of an Evil Nice Guy

Sea Dragons Medallions for Sale

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 23:13:39 GMT

The new and somewhat better photo of the Sea Dragon medallion is on the site ( www.acunningplot.com ) and the Crown has been gifted 25 of them, which should keep them busy for a bit. The feedback I got on them was pretty good.

Here's a pic:

Size:
Height: 1 3/8"
Weight: 1 1/8"

Material: Pewter

Cost: $5

If you would be interested in purchasing one, let me know. I will also be carrying some when I am at events. If you would like to look at one, belfebe, halowenslut, and liveinlovemunky currently have one.

Opinions?

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:16:06 GMT

This hasn't gone through the final polish on the mold and I didn't trim some of the flash off, but I wanted to get opinions of the design for the Order of the Sea Dragon I have been working on. The only real request I got for it was for it to not be heavy, and this will be light on the level of the spike tokens I did.

Feedback?

Updated: Here is the drawing (From "A guide to Heraldry) thatI based the design off of. I really need to get smaller tools so I can add all the details better. I also need to learn to draw better. :)

I could do more with a clay master, but for the number I want to put out, I went with stone.

Man weekend

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:59:14 GMT

Man weekend went off pretty well actually. Friday was nice in that I just sat and watched Sci-Fi.

Saturday I got up and headed over to the range to do some shooting with Pickles and Cueball. Pistol I did really well, with a lot in center ring and nice groupings with my 9mm. I also took out my .38 Enfield and Munky's .38/.357, but not as well. They tended to shoot low and left.   Plus, the .38/.357 kicks like a mother when it has .357 loads.

I even got to try out "The Judge", which was pretty nice actually.    To be accurate though, you have to be fairly up close and personal.

Spent an hour getting the rifle sighted in but it is done. Had to put 35 rounds through it due to an error in distance messing up calculations on the scope.  We thought we were at 25 yds at the start, but were really at 50. That many shots with a 7mm turned my shoulder to burger, but we got it done.

When we got done I treated Pickles and Cueball to Der Wafflehouse food and we went our seperate ways. I got home and put out the decorations and such for the trick or treaters. BTW, taking tiki torches and putting them up front adds ambience to your halloween. Everybody thought it was neat, though I only got a few kids. Offered the kids the choice of a candy bar or Yap Yap. They took the candy. Dammit.

Afterwards I went out to the bars for a bit. Saw some great costumes, including one lady who had a dynamite Poison Ivy costume.    She was red headed and did a great make-up job around the eyes and some airbrushing to add Ivy leaves along her legs and abdomen, which she had blended in with some Ivy tattoos she had.  Very cool stuff.

After a while I headed for home and crashed.    Sunday was dedicated to cleaning the house up for the Munky's return.   She ended up getting home at around 7, and after getting her some dinner she promptly fell asleep.

This week, detail carving on the sea dragon, pouring those and some butterflies for the pinkleader, and going to Crown Tournament.

Regards,

C

Mousehole and Bachelor Week

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:43:07 GMT

Ended up going to Mousehole and having a great time.

The drive up was not very exciting until we hit the farm roads and I had fun taking the turns. Having Tom Tom tell you they are coming was a cheat, but a fun one.    We ended up getting there at about 10 or so and spent some time showing off various items we had brought along for the gentlemen to see. I also learned some more new stuff about the attack_laurel and Robert, but all good.    attack_laurel and Robert have made tons of progress on the house since I was last there and it looks incredible. Half the ride home was Munky and I discussing one day getting some land and building our dream home.   We all chatted a while until it was finally time for bed.

After a slow start we got Mousehole started. We did some pike sparring and some warm up fights. I got to spar a bit with Master Alan, and held my own in a very fun set of fights. Afterwards we moved into the woods for a fort battle, which totally rocked. Giacomo, Alan, Jeff, and all the others had a set of single shot paint ball guns that were loaded with rubber balls. They worked beautifully!   We did some scenarios on holding the fort and much fun was had by all.

We broke for a lunch and then did some sparring off and on throughout the rest of the day. Munky got some great instruction and I got to fence with Giacomo, Geoffrey, and all of the folks. That really for me is one of the rocking parts about this. At SCA events I rarely get to fight these people because we are all being pulled off in various directions.   However here you get a chance to play and learn with them.

After messing around and having fun with Geoffrey and Grace's Leonberger's it was time for dinner. Excellent food, including duck! They settled some business with Mousehole Court (legal, not royal) and then everybody did games and such. I was a bit beat (and smelled) so I changed out and went inside. Crashed early.

The next morning we helped clean up a bit, and experimented with the guns some more on a target with a Morion on top. Amy set the record by ringing the Morion twice with shots.

After a bit of dicussion amongst the groups we had to head for home. A fun time, and we hope we can come back again.

We got home, got the house cleaned up, gear put up, Munky packed up, and the dog picked up. Munky flew out yesterday morning and is already having fun up in Boston.

Me? I have been doing some bachelor stuff. Discovered a holes in the soles of my shoes during the rain yesterday and spent part of yesterday getting new ones. Also needed new pants, but finding my size was a pain. Luckily the JC Penny's (our high end shopping area) had dockers for $15. Just couldn't find pleated pants. The flat front pants look too much like Grandpa pants for me to buy. Tonight I will get some new shirts. Bleh. I hate shopping.

This week I am going to finish carving the sea dragon and may work a little on the nautillus.  Not sure though, Munky has started that one and I may let her continue to do it as a project. She needs structured activites or she starts playing with matches.

To my friends of the EK

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:22:55 GMT

Good morning to you all,

I am writing you today to let you know that my wife will coming up to your area for a visit and to watch your Crown Tournament.

By the way, that is a rocking list, and I am going to have to send her up with a video camera.

I am asking you all to take care of her and watch after her as she travels through your lands. I know you are all a good and hospitable people, and you will see she has a good time. A few things to note though:

Munky does not speak northern, so there may be some communication issues. If in doubt, refer to the videos by Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy. They may help you understand her.
Yes, she does have a southern accent. Try not to giggle.
No, she will not be completely unescorted. Kai and Susanna will be with her. Hopefully this will limit the influences of the more colorful individuals (yes, that means you Natalia and Pasqual ).
Do feel free to give her names of good places to eat and visit in the Lynn, Mass area. I know she wants to go see the Salem Witch Museum.
No Thorson, do not fill her full of mead. However, do feel free to send back a bottle. Please?
Yes Natalia, do see she has a good time.
No Natalia, not THAT good of a time.
I have secretly convinced Munky that Konrad is actually Jason Mewes of Jay and Silent Bob fame. She may attempt to get Konrad to say "Snoochie Boochies" during Court. You may want to prevent it. Or not.
Do feel free to teach her the EK national past time a.k.a. pole arm.
Do not hit her with one. You all will launch her like a T-ball.
Do let her play with Kai, Susanna, Elise, and Young Richard.
Do NOT let her get any ideas about making little Chris' or Munky's.
Please return her at the end of the weekend undamaged, minus of course normal wear and tear.

Mostly, you guys have fun and help her enjoy her visit (Stop grinning Natalia). I know she is really looking forward to being up there. Perhaps when I have vacation time again and can come up for a visit, we can stay longer.

Take care and my best to all.

Regards,

C

War of the Wings

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:19:05 GMT

Pros:

My sister living 15 min from site so I could see my family
Sword fights with my niece and nephew
Sword fights with my friends
MUNKY GOT A SEA DRAGON AWARD!
Seeing and spending time with friends
Zombieland.
3 day weekend to try and recover a bit more

Cons:

Not spending ENOUGH time with my friends. I need an event called Hang out wars where all we do is hang out and catch up
Boss didn't like the nautillus design. Back to the drawing board.
Getting shot while working as a marshal
getting shot in the back of the head as a fighter
getting poked in the eye by a guy walking around with his sword points up. Eye still hurts

A sad was getting something back at the war. Many years ago when I was a free scholar I ran a charity tournament in the name of Golden Rose to raise money for the American Breast Cancer Foundation. We did really well, and they sent the Free Scholars a plaque to say thank you. Since we don't have a clubhouse I gave it to Golden Rose. It was found amongst her things and was given back to me this weekend. I am glad I got it back because doing that tournament for her meant a lot for me and was one of those "it" moments. However, it was bittersweet, as it reminds me so much of her. I did find a bit of humor though looking at it. On the outside of the box, someone had written "2004 Thugs for Jugs tourney". That gave me a laugh. I am wondering if Golden Rose wrote it. I keep seeing her and Mary-Grace as mischievious twins with a pen.

This week:

Redoing the nautillus
Finishing the sea dragon
Probably visiting the In-Laws

A Plot begins

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:46:29 GMT

A Cunning Plot has begun.

Several folks requested information from me in the past, and I am just getting around to doing this. The content is pretty much all up, I just have to find/design the right template to use that best expresses myself.

Lemme know if you have any suggestions.

-C

I got bored

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:13:06 GMT

I see a lot of Charlie Brown in me, both spiritually and physically. So, since I had no work, I started drawing. The similarity seems appropriate.

Forgive me Mr. Schultz.

I now have this strange vision of Esa holding a football.....

Cool Skull stuff

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:39:32 GMT

Target is doing a lot of Skull themed items(cookie jars, salt and pepper shakers, candles and holders) for Halloween this year in celebration of Dia de los Muertos, including this little beauty..

It's a cookie jar. There has GOT to be something we can do with this. Perhaps a holder for awards not given during a reign?

Of course, we could use it as a sacred reliquary for a previous king, but we would have to decide WHOSE skull it would be. Suggestions?

These guys are also pretty cool:

Laughing,

C

Go! Go! Go!

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:06:10 GMT

The Weather has passed and the back yard is drying out!

I can finally cut some of my stones and get carving! I am hoping to make two award molds and a button set if I can squeeze it in. The hard part is I am going to have to stop at various points so I have examples for my class.

Had a good weekend with the In-Laws and their small, fuzzy cockroach. Did food, walking about, and exchanges of furniture.

This week: Casting work and note prep for University this weekend!

The weekend cometh

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:35:36 GMT

And so do my In-Laws. Don't get me wrong, I like them. They are good people and we will have a good time. I just tend to fret about how to entertain and act as a good host.

Those of you who have stayed at my home will note that I tend to go all out. Not that I am trying to impress folks, but so that my guests have a good time and want to actually come visit again. You see, I really like having folks over for visits. It's nice to spend time hanging out and laughing without having to do it between bouts on fencing field, errands I have to run, or that exhausted time between tournament and Court. Same goes for my friends outside the SCA.

So, I try to whip up good food in the kitchen, have some fun playing around town, or just relax over drinks in the yard.

So now I am plotting on what to do for this weekend. I am making chicken curry for dinner tonight with jasmine rice and Na'an (Garlic), and breakfast will be bacon and eggs, with perhaps buttermilk pancakes.   Next night will be seafood or gumbo with shrimp and andouille (sp?), and then I will come up with something for breakfast on sunday.

I was thinking for fun we could take them out to the Civil War fort and Munky thought we could also go to Tryon Palace. Have to see.   We put up the Wii so no booty shaking games this time around.

All should go well though.

So, come for a visit. You should at least be fed well. :)

Next weekend we have University about an hour north of here. Teaching a few classes, and then probably War of the Wings after that. Munky will be going back up to PAX in a week as well. Not sure after that. Maybe we'll move. Who knows? The world is very up in the air.

We spent a bit of time yesterday feeling out a couple of motorcycles at the local honda/yamaha shop.  Nice.  Not sure if I will buy one before the possibility of the move becomes more solid. Shame though. It is REALLY nice weather out lately.

Also checked out a couple of hunting rifles at the store next door. I have been sharing with Munky and her Dad when the season comes through, and while they are great rifles, they aren't sighted for me. Something for me to consider. In any case the next time I go down I need to do some target practice.

Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

V/R,

C

Post Weekend update

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:54:44 GMT

And so we survived the weekend.

Munky and I met in Raleigh at Drea and Boom Boom's to go to midnight at the oasis. She was a bit sniffly but a shot of rumplemintz seemed to loosen things up a bit. Course after that she kept calling it rumplestitlskin.....

Late that night Munky's sniffles bloomed into full borne flu, and all the fun things that go with it. She stayed on the couch with all the numerous dogs and we went to the event.

Things went fairly well. I was hoping to do a single tourney but it turned out to be melee scenarios. After our team ate the first couple of rounds, our tactic changed to pretty much "go out and stomp on the other team" and worked pretty darn well. This is probably because of the fact that I don't stop when I meet the opposing line, but continue to wade through them, as you should when you are hitting a line. A little aggression goes a long way.

We did singles before (bear pit) and after (pick ups) and I did well with both. I am so looking forward to getting back to regular practices. I do well now, but once I get a chance to sharpen my skills regularly with some talent, I am in full belief that I shall return to my hard, fun, fighting form with people killing and being killed with both a sword and a smile. :)

I skipped feast ( oh darn, no roast camel for me), and went back to make dinner for the wife and watch after her, and then sunday Munky and I headed for home. Stopped by Trader Joe's and with the help of the Question girl, picked up a lot of good stuff.

Munky stayed home monday and recuperated, as well as today. She says she doesn't have a fever today and if it stays the case she can probably go to work tomorrow. Until then I continue to pour soup and Tea down her throat and sleep in the guest room for fear of contagion.

Spent yesterday moving my office space from one loc to the next. I like the new one as it is a bit brighter, more private, and has more space (I arranged the furniture) and put all my AV-8B stuff (pics, altimiter clock, model, locker) out. Got home and cleaned the back yard a bit and pruned the roses again.

Today, more cleaning and if I am lucky I can prep some stone, though that looks doubtful with the rain. I found out the In-laws are coming and bringing their new Yorkie puppy with them. I am wondering how the Idiot will react to not being the cutest in the room.

--C

Bachelor week checklist

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:55:43 GMT

Ate bachelor food - *burp* Check
Drank Beer - *hic* Cheeecckk.....
Watched Fights - Check
Played WoW - Check
Cleaned up Yard and Roses - Ouch, check (Rotten throns)
Cleaned Car - Check

Still to do:

Hide evidence, err clean the house.
Get gear ready for NATO this weekend.
Pack Munky's SCA clothes. Anybody have any suggestions on what they would like to see Munky fence in? :)

Nature Humor

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 01:32:46 GMT

Currently my boy cat is engaged with a very large preying mantis that is on the screen door. I am pretty sure they are both looking at each other and thinking the same thing:

"I bet I could eat that."

Re-Orging the house

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:52:24 GMT

Munky and I have a lot of crap. My folks have been giving me antiques, china, furniture, etc. for years, and since Munky married me her side of the family has been adding to it. Not to mention all the stuff I have collected (movie posters, movie banners, comic books, books, magazines, etc....). So this week Munky and I have been shifting around al lot of it.

Moved all my books into stronger boxes
Consolidated the antique China from half a dozen small boxes to a medium one.
Packed up nicknacks that were collecting dust
Packed up the holiday stuff and boxed the Halloween town
Packed up a lot of clothes we don't wear that often.

The plan is *should* we move, a lot of stuff will stay in the boxes until we need it. Whatever is left in the boxes after a year is going to be sold.

Munky came to me last night asking if she should get her hair cut differently. I suggested an Audrey Hepburn style cut (go surf the net for images). It's versatile, classy, and I think it would suit her frame. Thoughts?

-C

Token Success

Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:25:03 GMT

The Spike's appeared to be a huge success.

I have people asking about them so I may actually be able to sell some in the future.

My pewter token displays won three of the competitions. If you would like to see pics, check the lj for reabhecc

Best use of Spike - Used them as tokens and as a centerpiece on a Pearl necklace (given to Her Majesty later).
Best display of Spike: I displayed my Spike in a large piece of Coral for a really nice presentation.
Best use of Heraldry - Displayed my heraldic tokens for use as Bezants.

Very nice, though to be honest I didn't know that there was a contest for the second one. Many thanks though to the folks that complimented the work, and I hope I was able to help those that asked questions.

I also found out one of my Coral Branch medallions was there as well. It was used in a wire weaving display by Marion le Red.

My fighting went well, and I held my own. My cardio was garbage though. I am going to have to work on that. It was thrilling to fight with Connor and Melchior though, as well against all of the other folks.

Afterwards I got to spend some time with an old non-SCA friend who I had not seen in six years. She was especially thrilled to meet Munky, whom she had talked to but not yet met.

Now we are home, I am tired, and we are relaxing before the beginning of the next work week.

Regards,

C

Going...Going...Gone....

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:12:22 GMT

And a year after it came into our lives, it is gone. The Motorcycle. My motorcycle. Sigh.

A week ago Munky asked if I wanted to sell the bike. Not that she was bored, but one of her coworkers asked out of the blue.   Apparently she and her hubbie were going to take the MSF course over the weekend and were considering a bike for afterward. Strangely enough, I had been considering it because A) we are looking at moving and without the truck I wasn't sure how I was going to move it and B) I was thinking of something a bit bigger.

So, I told her sure, gave her a rough price, and promptly forgot. Friday she mentioned they wanted to come take a look at the bike tuesday. So, I figured ok, and planned to clean it today. Well, they decided to come today. So, I rode the motorcycle home from work, gave it a quick wash, and waited.

The couple came over and were very nice. We discussed the bike in detail, and the husband finally took it out. He was a bit tentative on it, but I ifgured it would be ok once he got used to it. He went out and his wife, Munky, and I went into the house and relaxed for a bit.

He showed up a bit later and after a discussion between himself and the wife, they made a good offer for the bike. Cash. Nice. Only condition was that I needed to ride it back to their place.

That was the funny part. When we hit the first light. I noticed that the gear select was sticking hard. So I had to push down to downshift, and then pull up so I could go down to the next gear. I pulled up and asked him if he had dropped it. He said no, but did say that he almost laid it down. So, I told him he had bent the gear select, but it should be easy to fix when we get there. We got to his house and I fixed the gear select and then gave it a quick drive to make sure it was fine, and brought it back.

Then I noticed the dent.

Not the one on the right side from my accident. The new matching dent on the LEFT side of the tank . Apparently, there was no "almost" laying it down. He did. He may not have thought he had touched ground, but he did. He hadn't realized that the pegs fold up on their side, so he figured he had just hit the peg a bit. Nope.    Bent in the gear shift, shaved some plastic off the logo on the left side, and pushed in the tank a bit. I mentioned it to him and he stated had thought it was there before he went riding. HUH?!

I was then happy he had bought it, because if he had shown no interest and then left without letting me know, I would have been annoyed. VERY annoyed. Kind of hard to bend in the gear shift and he not notice on the ride, not to mention the scrapes were fresh. However, as Munky and I discussed, this may explain why he gave me what I asked for without haggling, which struck me as odd when he made the offer. He probably dropped it, realized what he had done, told his wife and realized they would need to either pay for the dent and gear shift or just buy the bike. So they bought it, not realizing that I would notice.

Ah well, not my bike anyway now. They said they wanted a bike they could beat up a little. I just don't think they were planning to do it that quickly. And I have cash!   No take backs!

So, Munky and the new owner will go take care of the title tomorrow, and the money will go into the bank.

Now I get to figure out what I am going get next. :)

Bye bye motorcycle. You were a lot of fun and a good ride. I just hope your owners treat you better than they already have. If not, you know what to do.

Hmph. A dilemma

Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:40:36 GMT

I was going to enter my Spikes into the A&S contest for Coronation's "Best use of Spike" contest. Yesterday I read the rest of the note. It's a contest for the Baronies issued by Stierbach. Right now I don't belong to a barony so I don't think I can enter.

Technically I do hold a Court Barony.... I wonder if I can declare a my house my Barony..... That would make Munky my subject!

Otherwise I may have to Merc out and offer them to Windmasters or some other Barony. Perhaps a bidding war?

The other option is the Heraldry competition, which I could do with most of my tokens, as I prefer to do Heraldic items as entries. Definitely possible.

Can't do Tempore Atlantia, as the book I document my technique has tokens as 12th century forward. I am sure stone casting goes back to the time of Babylon, but not pewter tokens.

Hmph. What to do? What to do?

Offensive and Funny!

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 12:42:29 GMT

I love it!

Back into the cave

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:17:31 GMT

Got done with the tokens yesterday and had them all cleaned and ready to go. However, the order was upped by another 100 so back into the casting cave I go. Sigh. I should get them cast and cleaned by the end of the night tonight. The fun part is that I listen to Kevin Smith movies while I work.

Munky and I got bored last night and decided to make a rather nice display for the tokens, so I cleaned a few of them under the magnifying glass whilest she played with some pearls. Hopefully it will be liked.

Today, work, documentation (since there is not a lot to do at work).

We are also starting to look at Coronation plans. We still have to figure out logistics, but it should be fun. I am thinking I will either fight or work on some button molds whilest fighting off the Attack Laurels as they swoop in to destroy my artistic endeavors. Thank goodness that scent of clove always gives away their presence before they strike!

-C

Spike Token

Sun, 16 Aug 2009 13:22:01 GMT

Finishing up the Atlantian Spike (Unicornate Seahorse) Token for Coronation. This one proved interesting, as the budget guideline required me to lower cost. So, I went for a smaller, but still detailed design.

These actually came out very nice, and I have to say I am pleased, especially considering this is a stone carved mold. They have been pouring very easily and cleanup has been very minimal, and they are half the weight of one of my standard token (1/16th of an ounce).

This is probably one of only a few pieces I have done that I would actually consider jewelry quality. When I am done, I will have cast about 400 for the event, with some more for personal use/sale, and I hope to be well within requested budget.

-C

Portcullis Token

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:55:30 GMT

Below is the portcullis comissioned by Allisondrea for Pennsic. I hope she likes them. If anyone sees her (she is at the war now), could you show it to her? The delivery is being made when Munky arrives.

Token is 1" x 1"

Golden Rose Token

Sat, 25 Jul 2009 22:52:38 GMT

Munky is back and I got hold of the camera, so I was finally able to get a photo. Below is the heraldic rose token I did for the Golden Rose Tournament. I was so thrilled when I heard that Arielle liked it.

-C

Token is just over 1" x 1"

Waiting for Munky and pondering a URL

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 13:56:48 GMT

Spent the evening waiting for Munky to call. I thought she was supposed to call at 4:30pm our time, but she must have mentioned that she was going to a dinner party with her hosts so didn't call last night till 3am (her time). Apparently she had a good time. Lots of food, drinks, and dancing.   Working for the government can be so hard.... :)

I was a bit worried since last I heard from her she was going to France for the day. But apparently she did survive, and the boss there thought she was perfect for the local group after working with her and hanging out. It would be really funny if we ended up going to Spain instead of PAX.   I think both of our families would blow a fuse. More than likely it was that traditional European flirting.

She is off to Bilbao today before catching a flight home tomorrow.

To amuse myself I did some cleanup work on the tokens for Allisondrea, as well as cast a couple of the old coins I did for Valhalric and Arielle's coronation. I really wish I had gotten them right (they are very rough, though period looking), and I may actually redo them now that my skills are better. I also got rid of some extras that I had. Since I am not selling things at the moment, I figure I can make them as people request them.

I also starting going through "the bling": Awards, Queen's tokens, and a couple of favorites. I am trying to figure out how to wear this stuff without looking like either an Elizabethan "Mr. T" or a display board for Lothar and myself. I could just skip wearing some of the stuff ( Awards), but several of the tokens are very sentimental.
Going to get some hangers at the war since I am short on time for making them.   We shall see. Any thoughts?

I also finished my web site work. I would have liked to make it snazzy and interface with a db, etc., but the current lack of a host makes that a bit difficult.  I can always save that for revision 2.   The size is bigger than I thought (about 27mb with photos and docs), but it seems to be looking good.  My pro side has my software development CV and overviews, and the SCA side has sections on fencing and metalwork.  There are even pictures of all my projects aside from the Heraldic Rose and Portcullis, as well as docs I have done in the past. I do think I want to get a URL. came up with:

chriscunning dot com
cunningmetal dot com
cunningworks dot net

However, I am not sure about them, as they mostly incorporate the metal work. I think I do so much more though. I have been fascinated by people using household names and nicknames ( I love "thatdamngypsy" and "housedelaflame") and would love to do something like that. Unfortunately, I have no catchy nickname and the household is Kai and Susanna's (that and the Shire of Ravenslake in Ill took the URL).

So, can YOU think of a cool URL that you think would describe me?

Regards,

C

Ow! Ow! Ow!

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:43:03 GMT

Ok, for some reason the casting gods were both for and against me last night.

I managed to get over 100 portcullis tokens poured last night, which was great. I need a few more tonight and I am finished. The design seems fairly clean, about an inch square in size, and seems nice. The only thing I modded was the tips of the portcullis bars. In drawings they are all pointed, but I was concerned they would pick at cloth. Plus, many noted that the thorns on my heraldic rose were sharp, so I went with a variation of a portcullis point. In this case, the points are beveled down and would often slide into a depression at the entry gate, helping to lock it into place. I'm not sure if this is completely period, but it stays true to the concept and will prevent damage to cloth.

Would post a photo, but Munky took the camera to Spain. Will see what I can do later.

However, at one point the metal seemed to be in a bad mood, and during a pour i got some in the face. Now I pour at arm's length, so this is quite impressive. Luckily the beard caught most, but that HURT! I think I may look into a face shield.

Talked with Munky a bit over the Google Video Chat. Surprisingly good connection. She is doing well and will be taking today off to do some shoping with their guide's wife, as well as hit the beach. Nice to know she is working hard.

Tonight more casting, Torchwood, and finally a bit of rest.

Regards,

C