William Brand

Mister Gage. You are the commodore of kitchen's everywhere. The fare is so good of late I may have to repaint the Kate.

I met my wife long before the Pirate in me fully germinated, but she is always been very supportive of my hobbies. She made my first pirate costume. She helped me complete the flag for the Pirates of Treasure Cove. She made hard tack for our first Speak Like a Pirate Day. She is currently transcribing several period writings for me and she plans to make her own costume very soon once we order one of Kass's patterns. She's a pirate. She's an award winning belly dancer. She's an artist. I could go on and on.

Can you cook sea urchin?

Thank you, Patrick and thank you, Captain Bo. Harry was very sruprised to learn that we are donating supplies to the fort. His initial reaction was, "This early...?" He thought I was sending stuff just for him to store for the campers. I had to explain that we are donating the goods for the fort to use year round and that we would use them only while we are there. He asked me to extend his thanks in advance.

Additional gear for the Bloody Jack Madd kit. 7.) Spyglass - You will need three paper towel tubes and some tin foil. Each tube should be slightly smaller in size and should be wrapped with a thick layer of tinfoil. Then each tube should be inserted into the other for the perfect spyglass. 8.) Eyepatch - For this you will need a small swatch of black cloth or Naugahyde and some black elastic, shoelace or yarn. Trace an oval in the material just large enough to cover one eye and then punch a whole at either end of the oval to tie or string the yarn, shoelace or elastic through. 9.) Hook hand - You will need tinfoil, a coat hanger... ...I can't keep this up. hehehe. It's almost too silly.

Mister Gage. Words fail. I shall now unclean a few plates with this wonderful fare. I am sooooo hungry.

That would be "kernoodleing", or just "noodleing". One of my grandfathers lost the end of a thumb doing that. he reached into a catfish hole that was occupied by a muskrat. Egads. Spoken with emphasis on the "E". Captain Jim once said to me, "The hobby of being a pirate is never endangered by the loss of limbs." He also noted that his time in the everglades might prove to be beneficial to his hobby if he ever gets attacked by a crocodile. He could get a hook or a pegleg.

Is that an issue then? Been skinny dipping at night in Grand Cayman and St Martin and was never told it was an issue. And it's fairly common here in New England. Hawkyns I'm actually uncertain. It's cooler at that time of year, but I hadn't considered the marine life. If anyone would know, Jim would. Ask him about the everglades. You may be more likely to be arrested than attacked, but it is Key West, so the police there might join you in a swim.

We'll add "skinny-dipping for sharks" to the events list. I'm reminded of the people who stick their arms down the throats of catfish. What is that called?

July 18, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Just after Second bell of First Watch William reached the quarterdeck and the downpour as the men aloft were making there way down to the weatherdecks. He noted the presence of Mister Lasseter and Spied Mister Morgan at the wheelhouse with the Coxswain. Mister Pew's armed watch continued in their places forward, aft and aloft and the Master Gunner had two men making a continuous inspection on the coverings for the main guns. Mister Johnson was even now at the number seven gun affectionately called Beelzebub. Light from the galley windows was spilling forward onto the gundeck and much mirth could be heard from within. There was no mistaking the Cook's laugh amidst a mixture of other voices. A similar din was rising up from below and William was fairly certain that the Master Carpenter was playing her flute. The sounds mixed well with the rain. William liked night rain at anchor. He altogether despised it on the move, but at rest it had never bothered him much. He went starboard to look out into the gloom and noted the distant Los Hermanos each time the lightning illuminated or backlit the islands there. "Soon." he thought and pondered on treasures unknown.

I just got off the phone with Harry Smid at Fort Zachary Taylor and I have good news and bad news. The bad news is that we must wait until December to see one another. The good news is very good news.... First, I told Harry that 30+ pirates want to camp in the fort and not only was he happy, he was ecstatic. He is very exited. He couldn't believe the interest was this strong already and he says, "The more the merrier." He want Pirates in Paradise to evolve into a true living history event. He is very anxious to have re-enactors, living historians and pirate enthusiasts attend the festival. I will continue to coordinate the campsites and supplies with Harry as the time draw closer. Second, those of you wishing to make donations of lanterns, casks, barrels, poles, tents, ropes, and all other supplies for period camping to the fort may send them to: Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park c/o Harry Smid End of Southard Street Through the Truman Annex Key West, Florida 33040 The fort has agreed to store items donated by our group in a separate location for our use at PIP. Harry will mail back a donation slip for tax purposes to anyone who permanently donates period items to the fort. Third - Harry is going to check into live steel and powder (no shot). He says that he is all but certain that this will not be an issue. I will let you know more details in a few weeks when Harry's additional grants are approved for the event. For now, you may begin sending donations in the form of items to the Fort. Please let me know what items are being sent so that we may keep track of what is needed and what we will have available when we arrive. I hope recent disagreements will not keep any of you from coming to this event. It promises to be a very big one. -W.R.W.

I will gladly be the "Camp Pyrate" for PIP, but two things must be understood first. First - The camp will be a period camp. This is not a mandate from me or anyone else here, but a request from the Friends of Fort Taylor. They want a period presence in the fort during the festival. So as a favor to them and us...bucket boots notwithstanding...we will try and make the camp as period as possible. I understand this will require some adjustments, costs and assignments, but I don't believe it will be difficult to accomplish. It should be understood that some liberties in costumes and kit due to personal preferences and differing opinions of history will be allowed. Please do not argue about the specifics of accuracy. "Explanation instead of condemnation" should be the rule of the day We can certainly come to an understanding on a period look without archeological hairsplitting or anger. Second - Acting LIKE children when discussing the subject OF children should stop now. I've been privately answering way too many angry PMs about this subject of children. There will be children at the event. If you want to give them small items and tokens, you may do so, as long as the do not hamper the vendors. If you don't want to, that is also fine. Trust me, our period camp will be entertainment enough. Some children will look at it as entertainment. Some will appreciate it for the history. Some won't care. The camp is for US. If we enjoy it, all other guests will enjoy it as well, no matter their age.

We should have a fire pit or two again, so plan on bringing cooking stuff. I love a good dutch oven and fire roasted food is divine. I know a place that sells 50 gallon copper kettles. We could have a stew fit for an army.

He is correct about the soil. I forgot to mention this before. The ground is pretty solid only a few inches down. Natures own concrete with a little padding on the top.

I thought of a great way to support the festival, especially the good musicians there. The pub was filled with some beautiful voices and talented musicians. We should tip them with dollar coins... Sure its money, but if you were there you would understand. The bagpipes. The singers. Some very good stuff. Also, the Friends of the Fort are always taking donations in the form of money and equipment. The fort could use some more period materials. Barrels, casks, lanterns, rope, tarps, tents, etc. The donated items would go a long way to improving the overall look of the fort. We might consider raising money to buy a few choice items for the fort.

Perhaps I was too subtle. Here. You may have the last key to the place. Cooks have their choice of one of the aftercabins not yet taken.

You can help in the following ways... 1 - In attendance. This alone increases the overall atmosphere of the camp. 2 - You have already volunteered to bring other pirates which is a great service. See item one. 3 - Willingness to offer your additional help. The fort may ask us to help the food vendors, campers and entertainers move and set up equipment. We were asked to lend a hand in moveing the outside kitchen last year. We also moved benches, hauled wood and participated in the battles. Many hands make light work. 4 - You can stand a watch for the fort and the camp. The watches will help provide a period feeling day and night and will serve to protect the fort property and the personal campsites. We can also serve as guides to point people to events at the fort. 5 - Your good company, Mate. This above all else. Can you make chains? I would love a set of handforged shackle for the watches. We could arrest people for made up crimes and put them in the fort stocks.

I will gladly be Camp Pyrate. This way I can help all of the camping pyrates find the water, electricty, and other facilities and coordinate our needs with the Friends of Fort Zachary Taylor. Attacking the fort and doing cannon detail last year was entertaining and educational.

When differing opinions begin to rise in pitch and volume it is sometimes necessary for everyone to take a slow breath and remember that the internet is not a prefect medium for expressing one's opinions. Tone and emotion are lost in here. That said, I would like to say a few things... Sir Henry Morgan has every right to ere on the side of caution. It is important to keep the vendors and hired entertainment in mind at all times. The vendors represent revenue for the planners and the fort. That revenue compensates them for their time, fees and additional costs associated with the festival. Running a festival is hard work and it should be understood that if we are asked to limit our events there, it is only to avoid the competition of effort that goes on between the vendors, planners and entertainers. And with that said, we would like to let those who are planning or attending the festival to understand that we are not intending to compete with planned events. Our small plans are only meant to enhance the festival by providing some limited additional activites for our small group and others. We do not mean to seem overbearing or usurping. We are only enthusiastic. We want the festival to grow and become greater year to year. Please understand that you have us at your disposal. I enjoyed last year's PIP very much. I was glad to help where and when I could and I am very grateful to the fort for their assistance in our behalf. They were most generous to us. Let us not divide too soon what we would improve together. Sincerely, -William

Tracy was able to take these two recipes, and with only minor changes, make a very fine pie. I believe that she also used cream cheese, but it has been too many years since she made it to be sure. Cookielike Pie Crust 2 cups flour ¼ cup sugar 1 tsp. salt ¾ cup chilled lard 2 tbsp. cold butter 1 egg ¼ cup milk Whisk together flour, sugar and salt in medium bowl. Add lard and butter in chunks. With a pastry blender, cut fats into flour until bits are about the size of peas. Beat egg and milk together. Drizzle over flour mixture, tossing with fork. Gather into a ball and knead briefly with hands. Wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. Divide dough in half. On a well-floured board, roll one portion of the dough into a 12-inch circle. Ease into a 9-inch pie pan. For an unbaked shell, crimp edges and prick dough all over at 1-inch intervals. Repeat with remaining dough. Bake at 450 degrees for about 20 minutes, until the centers begin to brown. Cool completely before filling. Makes 2 pie shells or 1 double-crust pie. Bacon Quiche 1 lb cooked bacon 1/4 cup minced onion 2 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup water 1/4 cup heavy cream 6 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated salt and pepper Cook Bacon and set aside to cool. Saute onions same frying pan while bacon is cooling (or if you microwaved the bacon, fry onions in the bacon grease). Crumble cooled bacon and set aside. Mix eggs, cheese, mayonnaise, cream, water, salt and pepper. Add in the onions and the bacon and pour into pie crust. Bake at 350F 40 to 45 minutes. Let stand for 10 minutes. Can be frozen and reheated in individual portions if desired.

July 18, 1704 - Aboard the Watch Dog Second bell of First Watch "No, no. I need not trouble the good Doctor in her work. Please convey my respects. I will be on the quarterdeck." William made his way forward, but stopping at the outer door he turned back again. "Monsieur Chanault." "Capitaine." "Please except my gratitude for your role in the Gaultier matter." "Mon plaisir, Capitaine." "Yeees." William said in a long and drawn out affirmative as he scrutinized the quiet man. William was reminded of a snake charmer he had once seen in Jappa. He had watched, fascinated as the man hypnotized the snake into a slow swaying dance. He remembered wondering why the man would make a living with such a dangerous reptile. As time had passed, William had come to an even deeper wondering. Had the man in fact hypnotized the snake or was the reptile the master? Was the relationship mutual? Standing here in the near darkness of the passageway, William studied his own kept serpent and understood better than he had before, the relationship of venomous allies and the careful dance they make. William smiled. "Carry on, Monsieur."

Sure

I think the Tsunami needs another cook and I know who it should be.

You're the devil. Give me a hug.

My wife made a bacon pie a few years back for Baconfest. It was loaded with lard, butter, cream and bacon. I can't believe any of us are still walking.