It's hard to believe that it's about 6 weeks since my last game and post on the Blog, but real life has been somewhat hectic on many levels! As a result, pretty much all wargaming related activity has taken a back seat, whilst I sorted through all my other 'commitments'. Nothing serious fortunately, but the sort of stuff that just demands an awful lot of time and mental energy. So I thought I'd do a bit of a 'catch up' post to keep you all abreast of things and possibly to help me motivate myself too!
Parent Carer 'Stuff'
It just seemed that recently I had to do an awful lot of this, for reasons that I won't bore you with, but it did leave me somewhat 'pooped' at times and honestly the inclination to do any hobby related activity was zero. Famous last words, but this has now massively eased off, so the old grey cells are beginning to re-charge themselves and the desire to get back the the painting desk and gaming table is increasing. But one of the things I did was to take part in a podcast on what it's like to a parent carer from a Dad's perspective. So if you want to see and hear what I look like (highly unlikely and you have been warned!) then you can watch this on the link below:
My new found 'fame' has actually had quite a positive effect in that this was shared across our local County Council and as a result, I've been invited to be on a steering committee as part of their Children's Services team. Famous last words but it shouldn't be too much work, as they meet quarterly, but as this is a new committee, I'll have to wait and see...
Woodworking
One of my other loves and hobby is woodworking and has been ever since I went to Nigeria over 35 years ago as a VSO. Having studied Furniture & Related Product Design at Uni, I've always enjoyed designing and making stuff, which is probably why I love scratch building stuff. Luckily there I had a fully equipped and large workshop to allow me to indulge my whims as it were. Sadly somewhat harder to do here, other than with a Lottery win! However for some reason I decided to tidy up the garage and have a play on my lathe, which is much easier on my back and shoulders these days. The reults can be seen below:
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| Some simple bud vases, made from recycled 'pine' from my old workplace. |
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| Being very full of resin, these were tricky to turn, but the finish that can be achieved was great, plus the smell of the wood was fantastic. |
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| Me suddenly getting all 'arty' with some rejected American Black Walnut floorboard offcuts. |
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| One of my favourite timbers and the colours within it are just a joy to behold. |
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| A live edge bowl of Leyland Cypress. |
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| I was given these by some tree surgeons who were trimming our neighbours hedge. I wasn't expecting much from the wood, but was pleasantly surprised at how hard the wood is and the figuring contained within in it is just wonderful. As a bonus, it smells wonderful when turned. |
The Garden
Normally this is my 'go to' place to relax, especially after the long wet Winter we had, but the joy of woodturning meant that my time was split between the two. So here is a quick shot of the garden in all its Spring glory. This will take up quite a bit of my time over the next month or so, especially the veg patch, but the joys of the harvest make all the effort worthwhile.
Books
As always and like many of us, at least a good book can be relied upon to keep one in touch with wargaming on many levels. Reading hasn't been quite as prolific as normal, but the following books have been or are being read.
The Malta book is pretty good, showing in the first part how many opportunities were missed by the Axis forces to take it early on in the War, alongside the parlous state of the island's defences. In the second half, the author does a sort of 'what if?' daily narrative if the island had been invaded, drawing on experiences encountered by both attackers and defenders on Crete and Leros. Well written and with plenty of info for the wargamer, this will be referred back to I'm sure over the years, as for a long time I've wanted to game as Leros type invasion, but have never gotten around to it.
Building on my attempts to become more au fait with the Pacific theatre, this really is a gem of a book. Having already read the Osprey book on the battle, this fleshes things out nicely and also gives snippets of information that are certainly useful to me as a wargamer, when thinking of possible future games.
Podcasts, Blogs & Youtube
I've found these to be a great way to switch off for a bit, especially if it's been a full on day, as many have these past few weeks or so. A mix of history and gaming related stuff, they have helped keep my in touch, when I haven't been able or motivated to do anything myself. thanks God they exist and let's hope they continue to do so!!!
Partizan Wargames Show
This is only a few weeks away and to be honest I'm in two minds as to whether to go or not. Looking at the games currently down to be played or demoed, there isn't much that really grabs me if I'm perfectly frank. Purchases wise I have nothing I need or planned too. Then there is the cost issue with the sharp rise in petrol prices this side of the pond. But I know I'm bound to meet a few familiar faces and I always come away inspired having attended the show. The jury is still out on this one and I'll wait and see how I feel closer to the time.
What Next?
Well no surprise if I say I'm not sure! I'm having a good rest today to allow the mind and body to recover, as this week has been rather full on. At least my mind is now turning back towards wargaming, which is good. But afterall it is just a hobby, with no deadlines, other some silly self-imposed ones at times!
Well thanks for wading through this and getting to the end. As always, any comments greatly appreciated!
TTFN.
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