SWCAMBORNE

Mugs, Memories and What to Keep

Simon — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 23:17:07 +0000

Each one of these has a memory attached and I’ve saved them all for ten or more years. Now I need advice. Should I save any or all of these?

Freedom Train 1976 Mary Jane circa 1971

Brandon Memorabilia 1995 Moose-obelia circa 2003

The arguments for are about nostalgia the arguments against are about too much stuff.

You can vote.

More Flowers

Simon — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 15:11:07 +0000

For many years Nurit has wanted a grand display of annuals. This year she has it:

but wait there’s more:

Her roses are also thriving. If this is global warming I want more.

A Mildly Libertarian Idea

Simon — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:42:31 +0000

“I believe that there is only one road to true reform, and that is to rediscover and reapply the principles of federalism and, in that way, reduce the scope of federal responsibility to manageable size.”

James Buckley

Gleanings from an Unplanned Life

Wild Flowers

Simon — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 17:21:27 +0000

Last week I went on my first hike up toward Henninger Flats since April. It is already pretty dry but some wildflowers are hanging on and I took some pictures:

Life is Good!

Paso Robles

Simon — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 14:19:11 +0000

Paso Robles is the other wine district in California.

This is our first visit and the countryside is magnificent.

The wineries are friendly and the food has been good. We are looking for an oil painting like this scene but haven’t found it yet. The search is great fun however.

FLICKR Album Here

Il Cortile Ristorante

Simon — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:48:35 +0000

When you go to Paso Robles, CA, and you should, have dinner at Il Cortile Ristorante and if they are serving it try the Black Truffle Risotto. Oh my. Excellent service, an excellent and inexpensive wine list and wonderful food. We also had the Mozzarella Sampler as an appetizer. It was perfect to split.

Web site: http://www.ilcortileristorante.com/ICR/Home.html

608 12th St, Paso Robles CA

805 226 0300

They gave me a hat. Picture to follow.

August 23, 2010 Maxim

Simon — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 17:03:12 +0000

As a very wise friend says,

“If you love someone, hurry up and show it!”

from Ruth Soberanes (the wise friend is anonymous)

Naval History

Simon — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 16:04:44 +0000

The U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides), as a combat vessel, carried 48,600 gallons of fresh water for her crew of 475 officers and men. This was sufficient to last six months of sustained operations at sea. She carried no evaporators (i.e. fresh water distillers).

However, let it be noted that according to her ship’s log, “On July 27, 1798, the U.S.S. Constitution sailed from Boston with a full complement of 475 officers and men, 48,600 gallons of fresh water, 7,400 cannon shot, 11,600 pounds of black powder and 79,400 gallons of rum.”

Her mission: “To destroy and harass English shipping.”

Making Jamaica on 6 October, she took on 826 pounds of flour and 68,300 gallons of rum.

Then she headed for the Azores , arriving there 12 November. She provisioned with 550 pounds of beef and 64,300 gallons of Portuguese wine.

On 18 November, she set sail for England. In the ensuing days she defeated five British men-of-war and captured and scuttled 12 English merchant ships, salvaging only the rum aboard each.

By 26 January, her powder and shot were exhausted. Nevertheless, although unarmed she made a night raid up the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Her landing party captured a whisky distillery and transferred 40,000 gallons of single malt Scotch aboard by dawn. Then she headed home.

The U.S.S. Constitution arrived in Boston on 20 February 1799, with no cannon shot, no food, no powder, no rum, no wine, no whisky, and 38,600 gallons of water.

GO NAVY

Thanks to Gene B for passing on this information and noting that it sounds like a Codger Dive trip

Cactus Flower

Simon — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 22:05:27 +0000

The cactus in the backyard is flowering this year:

Here is what it looks like in situ:

Nice!

Peppers

Simon — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 16:49:12 +0000

I saw this display at my local market. I praised the grocer and took the picture.

More pepper pictures here