Weekend Update - Summer's End

Well, today is the last day of August, which means, in my mind anyway, the end of Summer. I know, I know, the whole "Autumnal Equinox" thing hasn't hit yet... but to my mind, the last day of August is the end of Summer. 

The pastoral view of the garden shall soon be replaced by all those green things turning colour and falling down waiting for me to pick them up.....selfish bastards.....

Yesterday, Herself and I went to Peddler's Village in Lahaska, PA to window shop and otherwise, get out of the house and into the open air. Last week, between graduate school and the Army course I am attending virtually, I think I spent about 60 hours on the computer. 

Needless to say, the only thing hobby related I did was to order some figures for my 25mm Irish War of Independance project and rant about the end of the "De Minimus" customs exception. 

Today I managed to watch my Red Sox take one from the Pie Rats of Pittsburgh and got more classwork done for WOILE. I still have some discussion forum posts to finish, but that can wait for a bit. 

Relaxing outside, I had one of the most interesting beverages, a real cane sugar orange soda made by a small batch maker in Georgia, I think. 

And just perfect for celebrating Labor Day weekend! 

I hear they are Russian to get in line for this!!!

Kindly provided by my friend Tracy at OttoCon. He brings a case or two every year and last year I asked him to bring an extra case for me. I don't drink it very often, as it is a regular sugary soda, but it's very refreshing when cold. 

And so it was today. 

Back to the discussion forum. Maybe I can get a game in tomorrow, since for the Army it's a DONSA, so we don't have class. 

More From DDay Ohio 2025

My friend Francois falls in with us as a medic, but does not do the landings. The good part of that is he does a wonderful job taking pictures and he was also a great partner in volunteering to cook with me for the section. These pictures are all from Francois's camera. He also took some very nice short videos that I need to download and post as well. 

Ready to go and liberate France! 

After the landing, reorganizing for a safety check and the march back to camp

Mick and Francois sharing a beverage

Bayonet practice. Yes, sometimes, we really do practice stuff and things...

Saturday night, le souper was tinned corned beef and cabbage. Pretty good if I do say so myself. 

I'll try to get more pictures sorted and put up soon. I'd like to get some of Francois' videos up as well, since he's got a couple of dandy shots of Mick piping us to and from the landing. 

More anon. 

I Have Been To....DDay Ohio 2025

The lack of activity on the blog is not due to a lack of hobby related bits and bobs, but rather about the time and space to capture them. This morning I returned from a few days in Conneaut, Ohio, where the largest reenactment of DDay (Operation Overlord) is held annually. I've been a frequent participant since, I think, 2014 or so. It's an amazing collection of people, completely run and organized and funded by volunteers and donations. 

In a word, it's just amazing. 

As a member of the Commonwealth Company, I represent both Royal Canadian Army Service Corps and Regiment de la Chaudiere for this event. My RCASC impression is pretty static, but the Chauds get to go on the landing craft and hit the beach. 

Just a few photos until I get the rest sorted out and posted. 

Well, it IS the NE corner of Ohio, after all...

Saturday's landing was from a DUKW instead of the LCVP. One of the crew was kind enough to take my picture on my phone. My section of the Chauds landed with some of No. 4 Commando. 

A Soldier's eye view. Waiting behind a berm for the Commandos to give us smoke and covering fire to cross a gap between the dunes so we may link up with the other Canadians landing on the beach.

Mes amis, (L to R) Constant, Xavier, Eve, Daniel, et Joffre

(Francois and I are taking the pictures...)

As always, it was a great event. I couldn't see everything or talk to everyone, per the usual. We had great weather for the event, a little too warm during the day, but quite nice at night. 

I'll post more pictures, but I need to Rest & Recover. My kit needs sorting out, my body is quite sore, especially my right knee and my feet, but otherwise, what a great time. Already planning for next year. 

More anon.