Photo #231

I like having a fireplace! It's a great way to quickly heat up my home and it keeps my power bill down. Plus, it casts off a nice warm glow...

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Photo # 230

A great view from somewhere along Dallas Road...

Can you see the gull in flight near the top left corner?

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Photo #229

Icebreaker Polar Prince at Ogden Point. I'd say the ship needs a paint job...

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Photo #228

You'll find me here tonight...

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Photo #227

I've reached the time of year when I find myself working less and less which has freed up a lot of time for me to try to get back into an old hobby of mine...

I haven't built any models since I was probably about 15 years old, but sometime back before I moved into my new home, I got into a conversation with a good friend of mine about how cool it would look to have a couple of really nice ships on the shelves in my den. Nothing too crazy, but just a couple of tasteful models of real ships to fill some spaces among my books and guitar stuff. Turns out, my friend is an avid builder so he thoughtfully bought me a highly detailed model of the RMS Titanic as a housewarming gift.

The box has been sitting unopened on my shelf for a couple of months now, but this week I went and bought some supplies like paint and brushes and such and I've decided to give it a go. I'm hoping that the patience I've gained in my old age, and the skills I've acquired as a professional painter for the past few years, will produce a beautiful model worthy of display. Wish me luck!

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Photo #226

A parade of antique military vehicles unexpectedly drove past my home yesterday morning, after I had already posted the photo of the day and put away my camera, but I did manage to get my camera fast enough to get at least one good picture. Check this out...

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Photo #225

To our glorious dead...

Photo taken by me in 2009.

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Photo #224

This is the Royal Air Force's Distinguished Flying Cross medal. It belongs to Megan's grandfather who earned it for "an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty whilst flying in active operations against the enemy"* during the Second World War. It's one of the R.A.F's highest decorations for bravery.

It's a little hard to tell, but the diagonal stripes are purple.

During his time in the R.A.F, Megan's grandfather piloted Spitfire fighter planes in the Battle Of Britain in 1940. He also flew Lancaster bombers (such as the model shown below) in other battles over Europe. In many of those cases his aircraft would be shot down and he is very lucky to have survived, and keep flying. All of his stories are fascinating because they are told from a first person view of notable historic events that no textbook could ever fully capture.

I've always been interested in history, and I like hearing stories from people who were actually there when history was being made. This can also be said for the veterans of today's wars who will be telling future generations stories of their time in the service.

Tomorrow, take a moment to honour our Veterans.

Both photos in this post were taken by me in September, 2006.

*Quoted from Wikipedia who quoted it from the British National Archives.

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Photo #223

I have my poppy pinned to my lapel. Do you have one?

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Photo #222

In honour of Remembrance Day this Thursday (or Veteran's Day for my American friends), all of my photos this week will have a military theme. Despite one's views on war itself, I think it's important to remember those who fought and or gave their lives for the freedoms we have today.

I'm currently reading about the Naval battles that took place during the Second World War. While the text is detailed and well written, it's the photos of burning ships and terrified, wounded young sailors that really drive home the point that war is no game.

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