La Belle Alliance

The backyard has been a busy place this past summer. At the encouragement of my wife and with the construction skills of my friend Rick a dedicated wargaming 'shed' has become a reality. This is something that realistically I never would have done on my own as it's just not a priority. It was always a "wouldn't that be nice some day " project . So truly this is a birthday/Christmas/fathers day/ x many years present. Here are a few photos of the project as it progressed.

The site

The frame is up and the guards are on duty.

Getting closer

Voici ! La Belle Alliance.

An interior view.

A few of King Louis' loyal troops march off to meet the Prussians while enjoying their new indoor accommodation.

Trip to Moosejaw

I have run off to Moosejaw for the weekend to visit my mom who lives in a care home. It was high time I visited so here I am. The weather has been good, a lovely 24 degrees and sunny skies. On my way to see mom this morning I stopped by the armory and took a few pictures of the old military vehicles parked there.

Sherman M4A3 with 76 mm canon

155 mm howitzer

I went for a stroll in the park and came across the cenotaph. I thought it rather modern-looking but the bronze sword looks like it had been transferred from something older perhaps.

Well it's getting late now. Tomorrow I must take the long flight home.Goodnight. BHS.

Wildlife Trouble

We've had quite an increase in wildlife encounters locally of late.Just around the corner from us a neighbor had seventeen sheep killed over two nights. The conservation officers figure it was a mother cougar teaching it's young how to kill!

Also many reports of wolves in the neighborhood and very close. A lady I know told me of her run in with a pair of wolves as she was walking her dog a few weeks ago.The wolves ofcourse were more interested in the dog than her.So after a bit of a growling standoff they managed to back away and into the car and escape. Her dog was no lapdog being a German shepherd / huskie/wolf cross. There's been a lot of little dogs and cats go missing lately.

Now I have three large dogs to protect the homestead ( two of which are a Great Pyrenees cross) and the kids but I fear they'd be now match for a pack of wolves.
This all tends to make one a tad nervous so we must develop eyes in the back of our heads when we are running around outside these days. We tend to forget that we live right up against the wild.
Next entry I'll post pictures of the summer construction project. A dedicated wargame shed! BHS.

Back from Holidays

I have just recently returned from vacation in Penticton. We all had a great time in the 30 degree heat spending most of our days on the beach or in the water.

I did make an interesting find in the 2nd hand book store there. It was an old book filled with British army uniform plates, interesting enough but the previous owner was Brig. Peter Young .A little bit of wargaming history there.

In terms of painting and wargaming I have done absolutely nuthin'. Just not enough hours in the day. Goodnight.BHS.