Joyce and I are fans of Louis Penny's Chief Inspector Armand Gamache mystery series. They feature the fictional town of Three Pines in Canada's Eastern Townships in the province of Québec. Joyce treated us to a long weekend at an elegant resort and a Three Pines tour led by Danielle, the owner of the Purple Valise.

Sitting on our condo veranda I heard the unmistakable roar of four Wright R-1820 Cyclone 9 engines as a B17G made a pass over Sanibel Island.The Collins Foundation brought this aircraft to the Binghamton airport, near my home in Endicott, NY, in October, 2001. While taking a walk-through I passed on an opportunity to take a flight and kicked myself forever afterwards. After waiting 14 years I was not about to miss this chance.

As an avid ham radio operator I jumped at the chance to take the radio operators station, just aft of the bomb bay and forward of the ball turret gunner in the aircraft waist, for take off. In the photo above, upper right, I'm at the Morse Code key. Lower right, a bank of two ARC-5 command set series transmitters and three receivers. The series included transmitter and receiver for various frequency bands and were mixed and matched to meet a specific aircraft or application needs. After WWII they flooded the surplus market and became many "ham radio" operators first stations after war time restrictions shutting down the hobby were lifted . Lower left, a Signal Corps BC-348Q "liaison" (or long distance) radio receiver. Upper left, a bank of "TU" antenna tuning units.

Two Flexible (waist) gunners were located aft of the radio man and ball turret. At the rear of the aircraft sat the tail gunner kneeling on a modified bicycle-type seat.

Ice carved for the 2013 festival didn't last through the first day as temperatures reached into the 40's. Better luck this year, cold on Saturday while the 40's held off 'til Sunday. These photos, taken on Sunday, had been additionally sculpted by rising temperatures. Some sculptures became unrecognizable lumps surrounded by ice shards calved off the main lump.

During winter in the great frozen North Wellington, Florida, is the east coast Mecca for the horsey set, dressage, polo, hunters and jumpers, those with $$$ or generous sponsors anyway, converge for top level competitions. February 19 and 20 found me in Wellington for the The Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center for dressage and jumper competitions.

The photo, above, was taken during the Stillpoint Farm Nations Cup. Nine teams, two each from the US and Canada as well as teams from Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Colombia, and Spain competed at the top international levels, Prix St. George to Grand Prix. This sport is difficult. Most people don't understand that though the rider, a great rider, appear to be doing nothing, subtle shifts of weight, light touches of the leg, all cue a well trained horse to respond appropriately. The horse has a mind of its' own though with good days and those when it don't want to work, test the riders ability to adapt.

Thursday afternoon found us at the Center for the round VII of the 2014 Ruby et Violette WEF Challenge Cup. 150 riders, including champions of the 2012 London Summer Olympics, competed in two sets of placings for purses of $125,000 each placing.

After years of lessons my performance had plateaued below the minimum I was willing to accept to continue competing at dressage. Much more time than I was willing to commit, dressage's a very demanding sport, was required to improve. I decided to find Indy a good home where he would continue to be worked rather than stay with me as a pasture ornament. Efforts to sell him failed. I offered him gratis to Patrizia at Farmingdale Stables LLC, in Blacksburg, VA. in the Fall of 2012. Since then I've visited to ride him twice. He's fortunate to have a surrogate owner, Pat, who cares for him as if he were her own. Spending time with him has become more urgent as he's been diagnosed with terminal melanoma. I'm very fond of him, a sweet, gentle, soul. In the photo above we're riding in the indoor ring at Farmington Stables in November of 2013.

I've been an amateur radio operator since 1960 using commercially built equipment. Since retirement I picked up the hobby again and, as a learning experience, took on a project to design and build a complete short wave receiver. As an electronic circuit designer for Lockheed Martin designing radios was out of my field but ignorance prior to beginning a project hasn't been an impediment before! The circuit cards shown above put me 3/5 of the way to a successful end. It's been a learning experience with many errors along the way, but fun. In time I can tell folks I contact over the radio "the receiver here is home brewed".

Nearly new on moving in the Fall of 1973 the kitchen design and fixtures were now dated. Though a free standing wall between the kitchen and living room was a fine location for a desk it contributed to the claustrophobic feeling in the kitchen. A friend shamed me into upgrading. Clem at Kitchen Concepts Inc. in Endicott, NY, did the design work and selected the contractor to execute it. Randy and his crew bent over backward to complete the work.

Dark and crowded with much wasted space kitchen gadgets were stuffed in every available location. Counter space was at a premium not helped by the microwave oven on the far right in the photo above.

Tear down took one day. The refrigerator and dining room table furniture found temporary homes in the living room. For a week after the work was done I still turned left into the living room to get to the 'fridge! The slop sink in the laundry room served as a temporary dish washing site when paper table wear and cutlery wouldn't do.

The proof is in the cooking as demonstrated in the photo above, upper left the oven christened by my signature pot roast. Having removed the wall the kitchen, dining and living rooms spaces joined creating a bright space in what had been a cramped, dark, collection of individual spaces. From the couch I can see through the sliding windows overlooking the backyard. Full height cabinets and storage in the island left me with more space that stuff.

While you may read this as the statement of a deranged owner I'm happy to say Indy and I have become buddies. His playful and caring personality has removed the last vestiges of a childhood fear of large animals. I'm unsure who enjoys grooming more, me doing or him receiving. The photos above were taken at Fortress Farms, Castle Creek, NY where Indy's boarded.

I've been an amateur ("ham") radio operator since 1960 and a life member of the ARRL, American Radio Relay League, the U.S. member association for amateur radio, since 1972. On a recent trip to Connecticut I took the opportunity to visit the headquarters and headquarters station, call sign W1AW. In the photo above, upper left, I'm seen at one of three guest operating positions. Upper right, the W1AW antenna tree rises over the Hiram Percy Maxwell memorial station. Lower left, the entrance to the memorial station. Lower right, one of many historical examples of early amateur equipment. Though not old enough to have operated this particular receiver I did build one of only a slightly later vintage. I used that one to listen to Cleveland Indian baseball games while under the covers when I was supposed to be sleeping.

Even before my brother, Tom, served on a submarine I've been fascinated by the technology, and the bravery of the crews who serve under the sea. The Submarine Force Library & Museum in Groton, CT, provides an overview of United States navy submarine history from Bushnell's Turtle,to the USS Holland, to the latest fast attack boats.

The first nuclear submarine USS Nautilus, SSN 571, is on permanent display at the museum. A turning point was reached when, on January 17, 1955, the commanding officer of the Nautilus cast off sending the message "Underway on nuclear power." In the photo above, upper left, the gangplank to the Nautilus. Upper right, the Nautilus sail, far right, center, on the deck of the Nautilus, lower right, a view of a portion of the foreword torpedo room. Note the exposed pipes and electrical cables. Bottom center, planesman control the vertical and horizontal movement of the submarines. Bottom left, periscope on the ship's bridge.

The last stop on our Connecticut vacation was Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT, just in time for Chowder Days. In the photo above, lower right, the hull of the 163 year old whaler Charles W. Morgan is visible while the ship's on land for repair. Lower left, the Fishing Schooner L.A. Dunton. Far left, center, below decks on the Charles W. Morgan. Stages in processing a whale for oil are described in detail. Top left, no trip's complete without the traditional horse photo. To the right the Joseph Conrad a square rigged ship. Next, a historically accurate 19^th captain barking orders to the crew while at his ship's helm. Upper right corner, Joyce and I take a break on a VERY large anchor.

Rain, rain and more rain, hurricanes Irene and Lee dumped plenty of it on the Southern Tier counties of NY. High school football fields, railroad underpasses, drug and home stores, entire neighbourhoods flooded. From late afternoon on Wednesday until Sunday afternoon my neighbourhood was isolated by flooded roads. With time on our hands Joyce and I joined neighbors exploring the shrunken boundaries of the neighbourhood.

The photo above, upper left, looks south down the main road out of the development. Water from Nanticoke Creek, normally a few inches deep and a few yards wide, spread out on the valley floor to a width of several hundred yards. Homes on both sides of the road are flooded out. Upper right, a car just a few yards from the entrance to the development is partially submerged. The owners were away when the creek rose. Lower right, Nanticoke Gardens nursery's green houses are surrounded by "Nanticoke Lake." Bottom left, once the main road opened trash removal began. Long lines of dump trucks waited as front end loaders picked up family properties now reduced to junk.

After spending time on our own in Quebec City we drove to The Outdoor Lodge in Glen Sutton, Quebec, located in the Eastern Township of the province near the Vermont border. There we joined a Roads Scholar program of hiking and walking. As expected our companions though coming from different backgrounds shared one thing in common, enjoying being outdoors. As a bonus we were treated to fine food at the lodge. In the photo above are pictures Joyce took on a hike along the Missisquoi River.

In the photo above, upper left, The entrance to The Outdoor Lodge. We ate our meals here, were briefed each morning on the plan of the day and enjoyed evening programs. Upper right, the birthday boy. Complete with a blueberry birthday pie and presents I was treated to a surprise birthday party, thanks to all. Lower right, each evening supper was taken at the lodge. The staff provided great food and service. We felt like honoured guests. Lower left, a platter of fresh cheeses served with one evenings supper.

Photo above, upper left: Indy and I at the trot in the indoor arena at Upper Creek Farm. Mirrors provide a view of your ideal form or, more the norm, what your current errors are. Heels should be on a line passing through the hips to the shoulders to maintain proper balance. My legs are far from properly placed causing my body to tip forward. Upper right: On our way home with 1200 pounds of horse in Donna's trailer. Indy did not want to load. I stood back letting the experts, eventually, load him. Had loading been my responsibility we still might be in NJ. Lower right: Indy spent his first few days alone in his stall acclimating to his new surroundings then was first turned out with the barn's babysitter, John, a 30+ year old Morgan horse. Finally turned out with his permanent pasture buddies the pecking order needed to be established. Indy, along a fence separating the geldings and mares, objected when Lando came over horning in on his, Indy's, mares. Objecting, Indy received bites on his neck and shoulders for his trouble. Lower left: Everyone at the barn loves Indy, calling him by name even if not remembering mine. He is a handsome devil don't you think?

Joyce and I enjoyed many a good meal while in Montreal. Here on the Place Jacques Cartier we're at lunch at Jardin Nelson's terrace.

Photo, bottom right: I'd heard the stories, English speaking visitors ill-treated by French speaking residents of Quebec. No, à l'effet contraire, people were friendly and patient with English only speakers. Joyce, speaking French, responded "Parlez francais" "Speak French" whenever possible when addressed in English. Myself, whose French vocabulary is limited to "merci" and a four-letter word I won't repeat here, felt welcome in the city. For example, these two women pleaded to have their photo taken with me. What could I do but oblige? No ugly-American I.

Photo bottom center: Horse and trap pairs line up along Place Jacques-Cartier, photo left center. A pedestrian oasis in the middle of town traffic it's surrounded by galleries, restaurants and shops. Place Jacques-Cartier reminded me of the pedestrian square along Castle Street in Edinburgh.

Photo upper left: Attending the Cirque du Soleil - Totem, was a highpoint of our visit. The show theme reflects the evolution of life from the sea onto the back of the Great Turtle forward ending at today's briefcase carrying executive.

Photo bottom left: We stayed in a small auberge (inn) in the center of Old Town, Les Passants du Sans Soucy.Like many structures in Montreal exterior and many interior walls are stone and cement. Stone was complemented by attractive wood flores, staris and railings. I enjoyed "pain d'ore", Bread of Gold. aka French toast, yogurt, REAL maple syrup, "pain au chocolat" croissants with chocolate filling and "chocolat chaud" hot chocolate, for breakfast both days.

This year Joyce and I spent Christmas at her brother's home in Hyattsville, Maryland. We'd hauled goodies with us from New York waiting with bated breath for Christmas morning. Attempting to start a new holiday tradition I persuaded Joyce and Ed to open at least one gift Christmas Eve. In the photo above top left: Enjoying all things horses moi was delighted to receive HORSE-OPOLY. Upper right: Horses, Again! Joyce found this ornament at Don Drumm's during our Thanksgiving visit to Akron, Ohio. Lower right: Joyce resplendent in her new comfy socks showing a gift book. Bottom left: Again from Don Drumm's, a pitcher, necklace and earrings. Blue pottery and red jewelry, can't miss gifts.

The day after Christmas was perfect for a Capitol visit, a light drizzle keeping away the faint hearted. We were rewarded with short line waits and a leisurely pace. In the photo upper left: Looking upward to the interior of the Capitol rotunda its' true size isn't apparent. Bar fact: If the Statue of Liberty, base to torch, were placed inside the rotunda a 30' tall party hat could be placed atop her head with room to spare! Top right and center: Barack and Michelle stopped to pose with two supporters. Center right: Gold artifacts made by native peoples fill a wall in the National Museum Of American Indian. Lower right: Having paid our fair share of the US Capitol Visitor Center original, overrun and additional overrun costs we had to take a look. The $$$ seem well spent. Each state contributed statues honoring https://www.aoc.gov/explore-capitol-campus/art/about-national-statuary-hall-collectionfavorite sons & daughters … both native and foreign born in the center. Bottom center: Until the mid 1800's the Supreme Court met in the Old Supreme Court Chamber in the Capitol building. Lower left: Did name Polly Cooper's name surface in your American History classes? I doubt it, certainly not in any I attended. Oneida legend says she led a band of who brought food to Washington's starving troops at Valley Forge. Lower left: The story's commemorated in this bronze of Cooper, Oneida Chief Oskanondohna and George Washington "Allies in War, Partners in Peace" by Edward Hlavka in the National Museum of the American Indian.

Photo above upper left: An entire room of Orchids and I have to pick a single representative! The Orchid room's the reason digital camera's were invented. 100+ photo's later we left for the succulent garden. Top second from left: Since my last visit Longwood Gardens has added three Nature's Castles tree houses. Top third from left: Place settings in the Music Room reflect the holiday opulence of the Dupont family. Top far right: Entering the Conservatory a carpet of poinsettias, amaryllis, cyclamen and more lead your eyes to a magnificent Christmas tree. Bottom right: Joyce nestles amongst the many poinsettias in the conservatory. Bottom left: Figure skaters entertained us at the outdoor ring near the Chimes tower. Middle left: I thawed in the visitor center while Joyce photographed the evening light show.

December 2009 and it's time again for art on the Ithaca Commons. Merchants on the Commons commission sculptures reflecting their wares. In the photo above, upper left: Have a busted window? Ithaca Glass will fix it for you. Top, second from the left: New this year a really slick slide gave kids a swift ride. Top, third on the right: Fresh from its' pupa a butterfly graces the Commons. Top far right: A beer, naturally, pitches Simeon's On the Commons. Bottom right: A reindeer … just because. Bottom, second from the right: No cushion on the throne this year, brrrrrr! Bottom, third from right: Passerby's pressed breath-warmed pennies into this wishing well. Bottom left: "Under the Sea" won first place in the competition.

I've found working in my home electronic lab much more satisfying than when I designed for a living at Lockheed Martin. There are no schedules, budgets or status meetings to contend with. I do miss the support staff though. In lieu of pretty circuit boards at home it's just me and my Dremel. Fortunately electrons don't care.

This year, 2009, we made our second foray into a United States Dressage Federation sanctioned competition. During our first attempt, June 2008, I spent almost all of my time recovering from the previous disastrous movement. No time was left for breathing or thinking, yet it was fun. I was at the bottom rung of understanding, unconsciously incompetent. This year I had the sequence of movements memorized. We rode the line, that is followed the prescribed path of the movements, and I didn't grimace once! There's still much work to do after all I've only been at this for 6 years. My knees were bent back placing my calves somewhat northwest of their proper position at Tyler's sides. His head position was, well how to put it ... terrible, with his nose sticking way out, my fault. I've climbed to the second rung of understanding though, conscious incompetence... messing up but conscious of the fact.

Once more Tyler's favorite gate is The Halt. At the end of the Training Level II test, upper left, we stopped squarely on our mark. The judge gave us a (well-deserved) score of 8 out of 10. In a sport where 6 out of 10 is considered a good score an 8 is a real treat! Rain held off Sunday but Saturday's heavy storm left the competition rings with 4 inches of mud to play in. Before our first ride, notice the absence of mud on his majesty, my instructor Donna loosens up Tyler while calming me down. Bottom right we practice in the warm-up ring where, momentarily, I get Tyler's head into position. Bottom center we're leaving the ring after performing the Training Level I test. You might not believe it but that's a smile on my face. Bottom left we turn the corner for our run down the centerline of the ring prior to the last movement, halting and saluting the judge.

Ithaca's been described as ‘ 10 square miles surrounded by reality.’ The people's parade which kicks off the annual IthacaFest celebration supports that proposition in spades. The parade begins at Stuart Park on Cayuga Lake ending at Dewitt Park near the center of town.

Ithaca's known throughout upstate New York as the home of the extraordinarily tall. This claim to fame is evident in the photo, above, as the Tall Person's Anonymous Club leads the parade.

Each year critters, real and fanciful, are among the most popular participants in the parade. Would I pass up an opportunity start with a picture of horses? If your answer is yes then you don't know me very well! Eric Carle's ‘ The Very Hungry Caterpillar ’ is acknowledged to be the most popular of his 70+ children's books. Ithaca's the home of (way too) many seagulls. This one was delightful to watch as it fluttered along the line of march. The last time we saw a Chinese Yellow Lion Dancer was during our trip to Scotland in the summer of 2008. It was nice to see an old friend again.

The people of Ithaca are the real stars of the parade. The town's population is ethnically diverse. This is due, in part, to the presence of two world class schools, Cornell and Ithaca College, drawing visiting scholars from all over the world. In addition the town's churches and civic associations actively support relocation of refugees from many of the world's trouble spots.

Upper left dancers bring a beautiful piece of Central America to upstate NY. Upper right the He-Man Chainsaw Band, expanded to include women, lawn mowers and trimmers in the ranks, are a crowd favorite in their traditional position at the end of the parade ... perhaps so other marchers are spared inhaling the fumes? Pictured lower right are members of the Volvo Ballet Company, complete with tutu's and accompanied by the music of Swan Lake. The Mini Cooper car club has the right idea. Why walk when you can ride?

Only in Ithaca ...

Joyce is on the mailing list of the Ashokan Center in the Catskill region of N.Y. On Abraham Lincoln's 200^th birthday was a featured May event.

We stayed at nearby a B&B that was, well, serviceable. We shared sinks and toilets with an adjoining room. One of the pair in each room did not work. Watching the first floor through a hole in the second floor offered an outlet for voyeurism if one was so inclined. More than making up for these foibles were the first night fire pit complete with roaring fire and two morning breakfasts offering delicious French quasants and coffee. I plead guilty to poaching left-over crouissant from vacated tables before the host cleared them.

I've attended many Civil War reenactments but had never seen participants interpreting sailors, photo upper left, of that era. These reenactors portrayed a naval landing party because, as one explained to me, it's hard hauling a boat along. Upper right, Union skirmishers reload their muzzle loading rifle muskets before the final charge on the Rebel works. The Johnny Reb position on the brow of the hill was overrun and the survivors fled. Lower right the Southern reenactors demonstrate fire by volley. Lower left, two well accoutermented reenactors survey the scene in the Union camp.

We both enjoyed the music. Upper left, the Ampersand Heritage musical group joined The 77^th New York Regimental Balladeers singing and playing music of the time. Upper right Kim and Reggie Harris perform in the evening concert. Earlier they presented "Music and the Underground Railroad" to an appreciative crowd. Molly Mason, of the husband and wife team Molly Mason & Jay Ungar , entertained us with her sweet voice. Lower left the "The Iron Jacks of the USNLP", Dave Dziewulski, right, and Bob deLisle, left, entertained us with Sea Shanties including a haunting "Leave her Johnny, Leave her."

Upper left, Joyce crosses a wobbling bridge on the Ashokan Center site. Each step resonated with the structure building the bounce higher and higher! We tried in vain to catch up with a sponsored nature walk but, along with a half-dozen other lost souls, had to settle for one self guided. Upper right, a dragon fly posed long enough for me to take its' picture. Lower right, rocks and flowing water caught our attention. Lower left, well, some folks never follow directions. "Can't you read the sign? NO Pedestrians."

The Ithaca Commons is the heart of downtown Ithaca. On any given day entertainers, students from Cornell and Ithaca Colleges, political advocates and the occasional civilian gravitate to the shops and restaurants located there. This year businesses there sponsored ice sculptures on The Commons and other venues around town. In return each shop received a sculpture representative of there business.

The Maine coast is a beautiful place, particularly so this last September weekend of 2007. The extended summer continued tempering cold breezes off the Atlantic. Joyce and I lodged at the Beachmear Inn in Ogunquit, Me , hard by the shore. With the Beachmere centrally located "downtown" a 10 minute to 15 minute walk in any direction took us to all of the town's attractions. This assumes one pays attention to where one is going. Both of us being geographically challenged we saw much more of the area than we'd expected.

Our primary occupations were eating, walking, shopping and eating. Downtown Ogunquit offered coffee and chocolate shops several to the block and restaurants from fast food to fine dining. We came back with shortened Christmas lists.

Pictured left the Atlantic surf meets the shoreline below the cliff at the Beachmere. Mainer's are proud of it's rocky coastline ... which is fortunate as they have so much of it.

Running about a mile from Perkin's Cove to Ogunquit Beach the Marginal Way skirts the seacoast offering ocean views to one side and those of some very expensive homes to the other. The 5-foot wide path occupies a thin strip of public property along the top of a cliff ceded by the homeowners to the town in the tradition of beaches being public to all in Maine. Studded with memorial benches and lookouts you can watch the ocean or the people walking by. We spent some time watching folks who lingered too long too far out as the tide rolled in. Taking too much time searching for a "feet dry" way back most got very wet. Entering conveniently from the Beachmere we enjoyed this walk every morning and evening of our stay.

John Lane's Ogunquit Playhouse offered a professional road show performance of "The Full Monty". Based on the original British film the Americanized play takes place in Buffalo, NY, around the closing of a steel mill. At the end of the play the cast does perform a Full Monty ... simultaneous with a bank of lights behind them comes on blinding the audience. Sally Struthers, Gloria on "All in the Family" played Jeanette, a brassy accompanist.

Our favorite spot on the Marginal Way was a nearby perennial garden, a portion of which is show below. The garden wrapped around a private home and was meticulously maintained.

We took an afternoon drive to Sanford, Maine where my parents lived when they were first married. During WWII Dad served in the Navy and was stationed for a time at the Naval Air Station - Sanford. Sanford was one of several auxiliary fields supporting the nearby primary Naval Air Station - Brunswick. All that remains from the 40's are the (then named) Sanford textile mill and the airfield.

Sohier Town Park, Maine, fronts Nubble Light, one of Maine's best known, most visited and photographed lighthouses. Sited on a small island access is via boat. The light and outbuildings have fallen into disrepair though the light is still an active U.S. Coast Guard navigation aid. To raise funds for restoration the town Historical Society was running a raffle, the first prize being a weekend at the light ... unfortunately prior to the restoration!

On arrival we'd read our room's guest book remarking that previous guests wrote of their fifth, tenth and even fifteenth stay in this particular room. Now we know why!

During the Dalai Lama's visit to Ithaca dedicating a local monastery for the Monks of the Namgyal Monastery, Tibetan monks constructed both Shri Kalachakra sand and Thread Cross Mandala's, temporary homes for Buddhist deities, at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art on the Cornell University campus. Formerly constructed only in monasteries the Dalai Lama has encouraged placing them in public places to spread Tibetan culture and preserve the tradition.

Both mandala's were deconstructed after the Dali Lama's visit to Ithaca was completed. Shri Kalachakra's sand grains were carried to the shore of Beebe lake where they were poured into the water freeing the blessings of the deities housed within.

The Phelps Mansion Museum, 191 Court Street Binghamton, NY, hosted its' first annual Civil War History Day on May 20, 2007. Reenactors portraying both civilian and military historical figures of the time gave an air of authenticity to the event. Architect Isaac G.Perry built the mansion in 1870 for Sherman D Phelps. Phelps, who served as mayor of Binghamton, was a banker and businessman. The Monday Afternoon Club currently resides at the Mansion. Sarah Phelps Ireland was the wife of the 137^thNY Regiment of Volunteer Infantry's Colonel, David Ireland.

In addition to the martial displays we were treated to period foods. I was partial to the dessert cookies. For the more adventurous hard tack, a cracker with the compressive strength of concrete was available. Given the absence of weevils and the fact that I was able to break off a chunk with my teeth authenticity is in question.

A reenactor portraying a Sergeant Major of 79^thNY Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, also known as the "Cameron Highlanders.", drew our attention on entering the mansions ballroom. No, we didn't ask what he wore, or did not wear, under his kilt.

A reenactor serving as a private at the company level can take on the persona of famous historical persons. Present today included Confederate officers Gens. Lewis Armistead and George Pickett, Col. John Bowie Magruder, and Union officers Gen. George S. Greene and Col. David Ireland.

Period dancing took place in the ballroom with all comers' welcome. Joyce dances a Virginia reel with the gallant Sgt. Major and other reenactors. Being on the awkward side I declined, pretending I had to take pictures.

Reenactors from the 137^thNY Regiment of Volunteer Infantry and the 1st Virginia Cavalry Company A who appeared at the Phelps mansion will also participate at the upcoming Fifth Annual Pierce Creek Civil War Event

"This From George." So ended many of the letters from Sergeant George Englis, a member of the 89^th NY Regiment of Volunteer Infantry, Binghamton's "other" regiment. Eileen Patch, right, a descendant of the soldier's sister, Sarah, presented transcriptions of Sgt. Englis's letters in Sarah's persona. The war was hard on George. The wound received one week prior to Lee's surrender at Appomattox Courthouse led to his early death.

It's said you always remember your first time. My amateur dressage competitive debut occurred at the CDCT 2006 Casual Show at Foxtail Farm in Horseheads, NY. It was memorable.

Guided by my instructor, Donna, Tyler and I gelled over the winter of 2005 and spring of 2006. While not an accomplished rider I began to felt comfortable in the saddle. Compared to a real or "recognized" dressage competition a casual show allowed me to ride in front of a judge and audience in a low-pressure environment. A casual or schooling show is for learning. Dress rules are relaxed, coats, high boots, ties and white riding pants are optional ... just be neat. The judge can speak to you during or after the test with suggestions for improvement. At a recognized show conversation with a judge, more than a good morning or nod of the head, is a major no-no.

Preparation begins several days before a show. For cleaning nooks and crannies of saddle and tack toothbrushes and cue-tips are indispensable. "Bon Ami" works well on grungy stirrup pads but the secret to brightly polished boots will have to remain shrouded. Tyler had a tail shampoo then Donna banged, cut the end parallel with the ground, it.

The morning of the show Tyler got a bath and shine before loading him into the trailer. We shared a ride with Deborah and her horse, Spunks, who was also making his debut.

Behind every rider is a terrific groom. I don't think I was nervous but do remember trying to put my riding pants on over my walking shorts! Donna tacked Tyler, warmed us up and got us to be we were supposed to be on time. It was all I could do to take care of myself.

Tyler was relatively calm in spite of the new surroundings. Other than the horse eating white poles and trellises along the side of the warm-up ring and the long green boxes outside the competition arena, hiding god-only-knows what kind of monster just waiting for him to turn his back, he was fine.

We rode three tests, each a unique series of figures selected to show the harmony, or lack thereof. Think schooling figures in ice-skating. We began at the bottom of the difficulty ladder taking a few baby steps upward. Riding time is short for these simple test, the longest perhaps a minute and a half. We scored well and won a few ribbons but the point of the exercise is discovering your weak points and how to improve on your performance.

After the second test the judge told me I could work on getting Tyler more forward (can you ever get too forward?) but since he was a youngster he'd learn. When I mentioned he's 17 she told me "then you're young, you can learn."

Allow me one brag. Each test ends with a halt from a trot. Tyler and I "stuck" two of them, think a gymnast sticking a landing dismounting from a balance beam for example. We transitioned to the halt straight and square with no walk steps. Each score of "8" for the two brought a very big smile.

Riding in front of my friends was great fun. I'd volunteered at many club shows and how have a view from the competitors side. What's next? The club sponsors a recognized show each summer and I plan to be there, both as a volunteer and a competitor.

While visiting in Akron, Ohio, my brother Dale and I visited the MAPS Air Museum located just off the Canton - Akron airport grounds.

Aircraft are both displayed and restored at MAPS. Currently a North American F100 Super Sabre, Martin B26 Marauder and Link ANT-18 flight trainer are in the restoration shop. The Link trainer includes the operators console which I had never seen before, even in pictures.

All of the propeller driven aircraft at MAPS are flight worthy. The operating costs and bureaucratic red tape required to fly a former military jet are, however, prohibitive.

Here are photos of the more notable aircraft at MAPS. Clicking a link will open a new window containing the MAPS web page with additional information on the aircraft type.

North American F100D SuperSaber in restoration	Chance Vought A7E Corsair II
Grumman F11F Tiger	Grumman S2F Tracker
North American T28 Trojan - Army Colors	Dale in a MIG-17 "Fresco"
Stinson V77 Reliant	State of the Art - 1930's

Grumman, North American, Stinson and Chance Vought are no more, victims of the relentless consolidation in the aerospace industry over the last 25 years.

During a recent visit with friends living outside Philadelphia, and with David McCullough's book, 1776, fresh in mind, we visited the Valley Forge National Historic Park.

Natural defenses protected the camp. Quoting from The Forging of an Army By Jane Chai, Spring 2009, supplemented by Lindley Homol, Fall 2009, " Valley Forge had ample natural defenses; a river protected one side, while two creeks provided a natural blockade that would create problems for anyone approaching.It was far enough from Philadelphia, occupied the British army, to prevent a surprise attack yet close enough to monitor British activities." A soldier who'd been here in 1776 wouldn't recognize the lush forests covering the site's rolling hills today. Trees for miles around had been cut for building material and firewood.

The Visitor Center, pictured left, presents a detailed history of the American Army's winter stay through historical artifacts, words and pictures. Details of camp life were particularly interesting. Did you know a $12 dollar prize was awarded to the 12 man squad completing the first winter hut? Dice and decks of cards were used to while away the hours, and probably to separate food and cash from less than expert players.

Exiting the rear of General Washington's headquarters we saw, in the distance, the general himself walking toward us. Portrayed by a remarkable reenactor with a physical appearance, tall and solidly built, with confident demeanor, presented a man who expected and deserved respect. The General took questions from all comers and responded in character. Click here to read all of General Washington's papers.

We also visited the Mercer Museum in Doyelstown, P.A. Founded by Henry Mercer and completed in 1916 the museum displays the tools of daily American life of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. Ahead of his time Mercer's building material of choice was concrete, including even window frames. The stairwells between the museums 6 levels are indistinguishable from those of today's parking garage.

Each of the over 55 display rooms is dedicated to a single trade or skill including, barbering, horn and tortoise shell working and solar salt maker. A gallows, the tool of the executioner, is included. The buildings central core is open from the first through 6^th levels. Large items, a whaling skiff among, them are hung at various levels.

Wireless audio players are included in the admission price. There are 15 stations throughout the museum where detailed descriptions of selected exhibits can be heard.

Mercer's interests were unbounded. While he made many purchases himself he employed full-time buyers who traveled Pennsylvania and nearby states.

There is an overwhelming, mind numbing really, amount of "stuff" in the place. While the museum includes changing temporary displays, the dust covered and cluttered items in the 55 rooms appear to be as Mercer might have left them when he completed the museum.

Over Memorial Day weekend I visited Kathy and Michael, friends who moved from Endicott to Philadelphia last year. In addition to sleeping late and breakfasts on the deck we visited Longwood Gardens and downtown Philly.

Pierre S. du Pont established Longwood Gardens, located west of Philadelphia near Valley Forge, early in the last century. Spread over 34 acres are indoor and outdoor gardens, gardens on a large scale. Specimens of bonsai, topiary, and plants of all sizes in between cover the grounds. Standing in the center of the orchid display I saw and photographed over two dozen examples simply by turning around.

After touring the grounds we had dinner at the Garden's restaurant, attended a jazz concert on the grounds and capped the evening with the Color & Light & water show after dark.

Sunday we drove into downtown Philadelphia, visiting Constitution Square where the Liberty Bell is on display Constitution Hall where the Declaration was signed and within whose walls the first Senate and House of Representatives met.

We picking up tickets for the Constitution Hall tour, reservations are free but visitors must have one, and joined the site security line. It struck me as ironic and sad that at this shrine to personal liberty we were forced to empty our pockets, open our bags and remove our shoes before entering.

On a slow day you're allowed to touch the Liberty Bell but this was no slow day and visitor crowded around. Michael took the photo of the bell with Constitution Hall in the background.

Clearing another line we entered Constitution Hall. A game of who's the youngest and who's the oldest visitor left me standing with a shrinking cohort for a disturbingly long time until the ranger said "If you're between 55 and 59 you can sit down." I'm an avid U.S. history reader. However reading and actually being there are two different things as we sat and walked where Washington, Jefferson, Adams and Franklin, et. al. invented our country.

With the retirement of my working partner Dick D., power supply design for the project, the four electrical design departments, has come to me. The name 'Mr. Buck' derives from 'Buck Converter', the configuration of choice for the processors (imagine a PC on one small circuit board) that are our product line. Twelve designs are in production and three more in development.

A challenge as I get older is reading the printing on the small parts, although that's been mitigated somewhat as many of them are too small to print anything on anyway. One thing learned early is NEVER open two bags of identical looking teeny parts at the same time :-)

The work is great fun. The challenges include reducing the size, cost and waste heat the supply produces in normal operation. Design reuse is a prime goal. Developing design tools, spreadsheets primarily, to reduce the cost of the second, third, etc. variant has been a significant and satisfying part of the job.

It seems that no matter how hard I work the result is too large, too costly and too hot for someone's new application :-) The next generation power supply design is on the drawing boards now for several new products. Luckily I can use many of the same parts found inside the typical notebook or laptop computer. The commercial industry pressure constantly drives down component size and cost.

After Niko discovered he was the alpha horse in our little herd of two it was all I could do to get him trotting. What I'd thought signs of affection, pushing me with his head for instance, were tests of dominance, which he won!

While searching for a new mount I rode my instructors Lippizaner mare, Melissa, photo below. What a ride! A major change from Niko. A little touch and away she goes, trotting faster than Niko's canter! With a very soft mouth I couldn't get away with hand aids alone, had to use leg aids as well. Walked and trotted, adjust to her tempo, my hands eventually staying in the vicinity of her withers :-) She's a gentle sitting trot. Cantering waited for later when my adrenaline level returned to normal. Melissa is way too much horse for me given my current capabilities but a lot of fun to ride.

Deme(Demetra), a Hanoverian mare, is a joy to ride. She keeps me honest requiring both rein and leg aids for a desired responses but not a particular as Melissa. From lessons learned with Niko I've discouraged any misbehavior quickly with an instant whack upon transgression, not to hurt, she weighs over 1100 pounds, but to get her attention. Discounting the time she bit me we're doing OK :-)

My earliest riding memory is from Camp Santa Maria on Turkeyfoot lake near Akron, Ohio, on a very large, very slow, animal at least 10 feet tall. Fortunately the horses at camp paid no attention to what the rug-rats on top were doing. Also fortunate is that no photographic record remains.

In Fall of 2001 my friend Mary put me on her horse, Amber, and at the end of a lunge line and we bounced around the ring, oblivious to what I should be doing but it was fun. (See left, Amber and I on a Spring, 2003 visit.) I began riding lessons that Fall, on and off, never quite getting the hang of it.

Mary rescued me again finding a certified dressage instructor close to Endicott. Donna has made all the difference. An excellent rider, competing at Grand Prix level, she's even a better teacher with infinite patience and an ability to make clear the mysteries of dressage. She's slowly turning me from a passenger to a rider. I've learned that whatever goes wrong is always the riders fault :-)

Since regaining my health earlier this year, with the strength now to actually finish a lesson, I'm improving. On Niko, a 20 something, 14 1/2 hand Appaloosa gelding, we've progressed from walk to trot to canter. (first, second and third gear for the equine impaired.) For a split second or two everything clicks and we look terrific, see right.