Mary Diamond

I am better with friends and people I have been around before, my dear! Just ask poor Oderlesseye ~ such a patient man!

What a funny coincidence!! Mark (hubby) was also reading it while at PiP...

I won't be able to make it, and I expect this will continue to be the case until I change professions ~ Spring is simply too busy in the green industry. Have fun!

Nicely done, Wayland, an interesting technique! Thank you also to Quartermaster James and Coastie04 for the tip on walnut oil and beeswax ~ as I delve further into woodworking and food-related items, I was wondering what other food-safe finishes are available aside from cutting board oil.

Ah, no I hadn't ~ I thought I had left it on one of the camp tables. I will be sure to send her a note ~ thanks for the help!

Ummm, Safety On, Off, and Maybe? What, Russian Roulette Safety? Lovely toys, though ~ got to play with a beauty on the way down when we stopped off for gun supplies south of Savannah. Should have gotten pics ~

A Very Happy Birthday to you, Sir!

mary, did you "cook" the charcloth correctly ?? it is period as far as i know... i bought a set, and am able to get the charcloth to get an ember on one or two swipes of the flint... a little practice and i had it down... but capt. jim seems to be the authority on this one :) Hi Silas! No, we haven't had/made/tried char yet ~ was trying it straight on dry grasses and fluff. Great sparks, but none caught. Granted, we only tried for about 20 minutes ~ not enough time pre-PiP! Thank you, Bo ~ I found the articles Very interesting ~ just haven't had time to put them into practice. Not as much aromatic cedar here, though at work we do sell bark mulch... maybe I will try some of that. Thanks for the great ideas!

Well, in that case... Mwah! A Happy Birthday cyber-kiss to make you blush in private. I hope you had a wonderful birthday! and sorry I am late in wishing you the very best.

Ahoy All! Hoping everyone has returned home safe and sound... I am missing a few items from PiP, which may have gotten packed up with camp... A new cast pewter spoon (tablespoon) from Greg/WH One dark brown linen napkin Also missing ~ My fine antique linen handkerchief, no lace trim, but beautiful embroidered white flowers on it (from Bawdy Be, our first PiP). I would be most grateful if these items turn up!

Yet another belated Birthday Wish ~ it was a pleasure getting to meet such a personable and talented gentleman, and I look forward to seeing you in the future!

Hope you are recovering well, sticking with the therapy and doing all you can to mend yourself in a safe and speedy way!

... ... STYNKY! You know my brain is mush! How could you go on like that and not let me know it was your birthday (hmmm, you know, that goes for Mission too!). Ahhh, well, I am only upset because I like you ~ would have been my pleasure to wish you a Very Happy Birthday in person. Now you will just have to wait until I see you next...

A Very Happy (belated) Birthday to you! Another Birthday boy, of whom I was not aware ~ Gentleman Scotty, it was a genuine pleasure spending time with you and your lovely wife.

A Very Happy (belated) Birthday to you! Captain Jim has the idea ~ you should, as Birthday Boy, get to choose the location for the celebrations ~ and Key West is a mightily fine choice.

A Very Happy (belated) Birthday to you!

Ah, you see, this is why my husband loves me... I am terrible with dates. Which means I neglected to give birthday hugs to all at PiP ~ let alone the drink each one of you so richly deserves. A Very Happy Birthday to you All ~ and doubles on me next year.

A very happy birthday to you, sir, though I would have preferred to be able to say it in person...

As requested ~ though I am sure there are shots which better show the fun we were having! Pick Pocket Pete (of Cross's Kiss), Capt. Jack (Steven Sepulvida) and Squeak

Always happy to help where we can, dear Rats! :) though I think you understand why I had to say No to the carrying the canvas? I would have had to ride on the hood! Not sure if we are going to keep the Mini that long ~ a Great car for tooting around in the city, 1-2 hour trips and such, but the seats are too hard for such long distances. Mark couldn't feel his left leg from the hip down by the time we got home.

I bought Mark a Swedish steel for his backpacking Christmas present before we left ~ and at PiP bought flint and steel for myself from Greg... Now to practice ~ Is char cloth period? Having luck with the spark, but getting it to catch is another matter entirely.

May I repost some too please Mary? Yes, you may ~ credits when possible are greatly appreciated! Did I mention the temperature for the morning after we got back? It was... 2 degrees.. Without windchill. With windchill, it was -25 degrees. FUN!

Oh! I forgot to mention ~ I met Hawkyns at PiP! A fyne fellow, and one I never expected to meet ~

Finally! The better of the photos ~ Note that I left some sequences in their entirety, that those interested could choose their favorites... (must get going now, hubby just called me a Pubsicle)... My link

It would be our 5th year in a row ~ God (and finances) willing, we will be there.