Of course Kib tried to held me to my promise tonight, and I realized that I would be up late every night if I didn't find a way to slow him down a bit. So I proposed a compromise.
"Tell you what kiddo." I began, "I'll tell you a bit about the Brass Wastes tonight, but I think we better set up a regular night each week for story telling."
"Okay." he said a little embarassed.
Diana quickly jumped in to give me an out, but I caught her eye with a wink and went on.
"How about this..." I started as my mind raced. "What if we have story time on Saturday evenings after dinner?"
I had wanted to start a regular storytime in the village, but I quickly changed plans.
"That way," I continued, "we can invite some of the other people from town. That way I won't have to tell all the stories twice."
Suddenly both of the other hands jumped in at once, "Excellent, maybe we could invite our families?" they both injected at once.
We all looked at Diana afraid to invite a lot of people when she was doing the cooking. She caught the shy looks from all of us and started laughing.
"Oh sure, you guy sit around and tell stories while I make dinner for the whole town."
We all began to back peddle mumbling various apologies, but she just cut in. "Of course we can invite your families. I have been hoping to get over to see them more anyway."
One of the hands quickly volunteered his mother to bring some bread, "It's the best. You'll see." He said with real sincerity.
The other hand said shyly said, "My mums pretty good with pie, maybe I could get her to throw something together."
"It set then." jumped in Diana. "Now about the Brass Wastes..." she said with an eager blink in my direction.
"Yes The Brass Wastes" chimed in Kib with childlike excited squeak.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Monday, July 5, 2010
History and Geography
Tonight after supper the hands, Diana, Kib, and I were all sitting out on the porch. Kib started asking me what I knew of the castle and the capitol, the area between here and there, and lots of other details. After a couple short answers I offered to explain the history and geography of the Darkan Kingdom as far as I knew it. Because Diana was the only other person there that had ever been outside the general area of Greenhollow, they easily overrode my objections of getting to bed late, so I launched into what I do best, tell stories.
The Darkan family led a group of settlers across the Halemin Mountains to settle the valley now known as the Darkan Fields or just The Fields. Bordered on the east by the massive western wall of the mountains and on west by the Iron River, this region was great for farmland. It was in the hills on the north end of this area that the castle was built, and the capitol city grew up around the castle."
"West of the Iron River is a hilly land that rises and then falls toward the Frost River. For the most part this area is dominated by herds of sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs. This area rises to the Frost Mountains in the north and gradually slopes down to the point where the Iron and Frost rivers meet."
"Further to the west the land rises onto the plateau known as the Cedar Flats. The flats are this area where we are. It is heavily forested, and much more difficult to farm because the land must be cleared."
"As you know the plateau extend to the west and south to the Goblin Ridge where falls into the Brass Wastes to the west and the Black Swamp to the south."
"At some point the king built a road that runs due west from the castle to the edge of the Brass Waste. His reason was to provide a good road onto the Cedar Flats to open the area to settlements."
"The rest I think you know; your mother and father were a couple of the first brave souls to brave the highland flats, and this farm is the wonderful result. The Greenhollow Road was created as a shorter corridor through the south pass to Dusara."
"As far as me. I met your mom and dad back in the capitol city. When they got married I helped them move out here, and continued on west. I have only this spring returned."
"Where did go?", chimmed in Kib. "...and who lives out in the Brass Wastes? ...and how long were you out there?"
I just had to chuckle and beg off for tonight. "That is another story for another time my young inquisitor. There will be time for more stories before the harvest. Don't worry."
I can't say that he was satisfied, but Diana shoed us all off to bed.
The Darkan family led a group of settlers across the Halemin Mountains to settle the valley now known as the Darkan Fields or just The Fields. Bordered on the east by the massive western wall of the mountains and on west by the Iron River, this region was great for farmland. It was in the hills on the north end of this area that the castle was built, and the capitol city grew up around the castle."
"West of the Iron River is a hilly land that rises and then falls toward the Frost River. For the most part this area is dominated by herds of sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs. This area rises to the Frost Mountains in the north and gradually slopes down to the point where the Iron and Frost rivers meet."
"Further to the west the land rises onto the plateau known as the Cedar Flats. The flats are this area where we are. It is heavily forested, and much more difficult to farm because the land must be cleared."
"As you know the plateau extend to the west and south to the Goblin Ridge where falls into the Brass Wastes to the west and the Black Swamp to the south."
"At some point the king built a road that runs due west from the castle to the edge of the Brass Waste. His reason was to provide a good road onto the Cedar Flats to open the area to settlements."
"The rest I think you know; your mother and father were a couple of the first brave souls to brave the highland flats, and this farm is the wonderful result. The Greenhollow Road was created as a shorter corridor through the south pass to Dusara."
"As far as me. I met your mom and dad back in the capitol city. When they got married I helped them move out here, and continued on west. I have only this spring returned."
"Where did go?", chimmed in Kib. "...and who lives out in the Brass Wastes? ...and how long were you out there?"
I just had to chuckle and beg off for tonight. "That is another story for another time my young inquisitor. There will be time for more stories before the harvest. Don't worry."
I can't say that he was satisfied, but Diana shoed us all off to bed.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Country Town Joys
Today at worship services, Loomis was quiet and rather distant. He seemed almost smug, as he brushed off questions about his absent kids with "None of your ------- business." or "What the ------- is it to you?" His responses would always elicit a jab in the ribs from his wife who would remind him of the day of worship, but she was no more willing to indulge the curiosities than was he.
The blacksmith answered for his missing son with something about "Gone to try to get some blacksmithing supplies", and "May have to go all the way to Dusara..."
After the services the owner of the mercantile invited the blacksmith, his wife, Diana, and myself over for supper at his place. There are rumors around the community about the quality of the vittles at his table; so in addition to the business we were all anxious to discuss no one wanted to turn down an opportunity to sample the fare.
The meal was wonderful, and other than the wider variety of food, it was very comparable to Diana's table. The discussion after was quite relaxed. It seems that Loomis has retreated to his farm, and seems to have completely abandoned any interest outside of his own family and crops. Of course there was a lot of speculation about the missing children, but truly the only thing we knew for sure was that they were seen riding toward the capitol.
So, after a lovely evening with some great people, Diana rode back to the farm in great spirits under the bight moon. As we parted for the night she gave me a hug, and reiterated her gratitude for my help on the farm and in the town. I, of course, humbly blew it off and no big deal, and said good night.
I did walk the field on my way to my bunk. It gave me a chance to think about the value of settling down, and living the simple life of these people. But whether or not I ever settle down, it is good knowing that there are people like Diana and the blacksmith and all the good people around here. It helps me keep perspective.
The blacksmith answered for his missing son with something about "Gone to try to get some blacksmithing supplies", and "May have to go all the way to Dusara..."
After the services the owner of the mercantile invited the blacksmith, his wife, Diana, and myself over for supper at his place. There are rumors around the community about the quality of the vittles at his table; so in addition to the business we were all anxious to discuss no one wanted to turn down an opportunity to sample the fare.
The meal was wonderful, and other than the wider variety of food, it was very comparable to Diana's table. The discussion after was quite relaxed. It seems that Loomis has retreated to his farm, and seems to have completely abandoned any interest outside of his own family and crops. Of course there was a lot of speculation about the missing children, but truly the only thing we knew for sure was that they were seen riding toward the capitol.
So, after a lovely evening with some great people, Diana rode back to the farm in great spirits under the bight moon. As we parted for the night she gave me a hug, and reiterated her gratitude for my help on the farm and in the town. I, of course, humbly blew it off and no big deal, and said good night.
I did walk the field on my way to my bunk. It gave me a chance to think about the value of settling down, and living the simple life of these people. But whether or not I ever settle down, it is good knowing that there are people like Diana and the blacksmith and all the good people around here. It helps me keep perspective.
Queen of the Fireworks
Yesterday was the greatest day of my life. I still cannot even believe it was real. Trish and her family were there. My parents just kept the little kids busy, and the whole neighborhood came down to watch as the gang and Trish and I went totally crazy with tanks, ground flowers, lady fingers, and best of all, bottle rockets.
As we started to set off smoke bombs and light the snakes, Trish and her family all came out with lawn chairs to watch. I invited Trish over, introduced myself and the gang, and gave her a box of snakes. As we all battled for the tallest, longest and fastest snake, she jumped right in and just squealed with delight when she would win.
We didn't have enough tank teams for her to have her own, but she just loved throwing lady fingers at them with me as we tried to knock the enemy tank off course. The flowers seemed to make her a little nervous, but when we finally lit off the tanks she was right there cheering. There is not really a win with the tanks, but it is really cool to watch.
This whole time my dad was down the street a little bit keeping the little kids totally enthralled with smoke and sparklers.
Then we broke out the bottle rockets and set up the paper target, and everyone came to watch. It was like a grand finale before the fireworks had even started. I tried to keep order in the competition, but it turned out that Trish had the real voice of authority. I think it was mostly that the gang was enchanted, and would just give her anything she wanted. It was awesome to watch as she nicely explained who's turn it was, and who had won the rounds. Even when she was in the competition round she just stated who she thought had won and nobody ever even questioned her.
For the final round it ended up being me and Jimmy; and Trish was definitely on my side, giving pointers and checking the wind. We actually lit a bunch of sparklers to outline the target for each shot. As each shot hit the target the entire neighborhood would let out a cheer.
It turned out that Jimmy won only because one of his exploded right on the target completely obliterating it. After the cheering for Jimmy's victory died down Trish put her hand on my shoulder and told me that she knew I was actually the better shot. He was just lucky.
After that I don't remember much. I think she went and sat with her parents while I set off the bulk of the fountains, whistlers, and other stuff. After the grand finale, which I had spiced up with some extra rockets and explosions, Trish came over and thanked me and my family. She said she had a lot of fun and everyone had enjoyed it.
That at least is what I think happened, but it is hard to tell where the night ended and the dreams began. If this is what drugs feel like, I can understand why it can be so tempting.
I spent about an hour cleaning up the trash this morning hoping Trish might come out, but no sign of her. I did see her at church a couple times, and she even smiled at me once. I wonder if she would like gaming with a group of dorky guys on Saturday nights.
As we started to set off smoke bombs and light the snakes, Trish and her family all came out with lawn chairs to watch. I invited Trish over, introduced myself and the gang, and gave her a box of snakes. As we all battled for the tallest, longest and fastest snake, she jumped right in and just squealed with delight when she would win.
We didn't have enough tank teams for her to have her own, but she just loved throwing lady fingers at them with me as we tried to knock the enemy tank off course. The flowers seemed to make her a little nervous, but when we finally lit off the tanks she was right there cheering. There is not really a win with the tanks, but it is really cool to watch.
This whole time my dad was down the street a little bit keeping the little kids totally enthralled with smoke and sparklers.
Then we broke out the bottle rockets and set up the paper target, and everyone came to watch. It was like a grand finale before the fireworks had even started. I tried to keep order in the competition, but it turned out that Trish had the real voice of authority. I think it was mostly that the gang was enchanted, and would just give her anything she wanted. It was awesome to watch as she nicely explained who's turn it was, and who had won the rounds. Even when she was in the competition round she just stated who she thought had won and nobody ever even questioned her.
For the final round it ended up being me and Jimmy; and Trish was definitely on my side, giving pointers and checking the wind. We actually lit a bunch of sparklers to outline the target for each shot. As each shot hit the target the entire neighborhood would let out a cheer.
It turned out that Jimmy won only because one of his exploded right on the target completely obliterating it. After the cheering for Jimmy's victory died down Trish put her hand on my shoulder and told me that she knew I was actually the better shot. He was just lucky.
After that I don't remember much. I think she went and sat with her parents while I set off the bulk of the fountains, whistlers, and other stuff. After the grand finale, which I had spiced up with some extra rockets and explosions, Trish came over and thanked me and my family. She said she had a lot of fun and everyone had enjoyed it.
That at least is what I think happened, but it is hard to tell where the night ended and the dreams began. If this is what drugs feel like, I can understand why it can be so tempting.
I spent about an hour cleaning up the trash this morning hoping Trish might come out, but no sign of her. I did see her at church a couple times, and she even smiled at me once. I wonder if she would like gaming with a group of dorky guys on Saturday nights.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Tank Wars and Bottle Rockets
Tomorrow is going to be so awesome! My dad has agreed to give me a hundred and fifty bucks for fireworks as long as I buy some traditional fireworks that my mom will like. Which means lots of fountains, but I know I can get a nice pack of fountains for under a hundred bucks, and then have plenty for some real fun.
I stayed up till after midnight planning the games for tomorrow. I figure some snake races, and smoke signals while we shoot bottle rockets at some targets, and wait for it to get dark; then while the twilight fades we'll have the tank wars. Oh yah! I'll grab some extra long fuses and tie a squadron of tanks together for each team. Then before we light the tanks we'll use lady-fingers and ground flowers to try to thin the ranks. I may even bring out some miniatures for dramatic effect.
I figure I'll grab a few boxes of sparklers to entertain the little kids in the neighborhood, and distract my parents while we get the tanks and fire-crackers ready. If the kids get cranky I can always break out a few boxes of throw pops. The little kids can't resist those, but I like to keep some of those to play around with over the next few weeks.
I'm now off to inform the gang, and spend some money. I can't wait.
I stayed up till after midnight planning the games for tomorrow. I figure some snake races, and smoke signals while we shoot bottle rockets at some targets, and wait for it to get dark; then while the twilight fades we'll have the tank wars. Oh yah! I'll grab some extra long fuses and tie a squadron of tanks together for each team. Then before we light the tanks we'll use lady-fingers and ground flowers to try to thin the ranks. I may even bring out some miniatures for dramatic effect.
I figure I'll grab a few boxes of sparklers to entertain the little kids in the neighborhood, and distract my parents while we get the tanks and fire-crackers ready. If the kids get cranky I can always break out a few boxes of throw pops. The little kids can't resist those, but I like to keep some of those to play around with over the next few weeks.
I'm now off to inform the gang, and spend some money. I can't wait.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Fireworks and Games
The fireworks stands opened today, and of course I bought my traditional party poppers for the game on Saturday. With the fourth falling on Sunday I'll have to combine my game night with fireworks night, but I am thinking that gaming by the light of sparklers might be kind of fun. Of course I recognize that we won't be playing a traditional game night game, but I am working out a couple fireworks games that should be awesome. Now I just need to get my dad to shake loose with a little money.
A Wash with Water
The swamp began to drain its excess water into the drainage wash this morning. Apparently this signals the beginning of the bug swarms. Between changing the water in the ditches and clearing furrows, we began taking turn patrolling the wash for colonies of bugs. I am told that by killing the bugs as soon as the water hatches the larvae we can reduce the bug swarms later in the summer to a more manageable density.
The last time I went down the wash I estimate that by dark it was flowing at about ten gallons per minute. If it continues to rise it could easily sustain another field or two. I would love to leave Diana with another field whether she 'needs' it or not. It would be great to have a rotation field to maintain the land for long term farming. I'll have to find a good time to explain the idea of crop rotation to Diana and Kib.
The last time I went down the wash I estimate that by dark it was flowing at about ten gallons per minute. If it continues to rise it could easily sustain another field or two. I would love to leave Diana with another field whether she 'needs' it or not. It would be great to have a rotation field to maintain the land for long term farming. I'll have to find a good time to explain the idea of crop rotation to Diana and Kib.
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