Salute to the Troops and a Pre-Thanksgiving Ball

Steelhead's Salute to the Troops started out well. Sadly the morning activities were outside of my timezone but the afternoon activities went well.


The infantry parade consisting of Elizabethan, American Civil War, and Highland regiments. With myself and Maklin Deckard representing the Caledon Highland Regiment.


The troops lined up for inspection.

The Caledon Highland Regiment was awarded second place.

Later in the day the cavalry regiments paraded through the street.

The Caledon Lancers. (Picture courtesy of Loch Avie)


(Picture courtesy of Loch Avie) I had initially ridden through with the Lancers but in a cheeky move I rode back round and changed uniforms to the Carntaigh Cuirassiers, with Mr. Deckard again joining me. I seem to have had a few enquiries about the Cuirassiers this week. I may have to organise a group and start scheduling some events.

Back in Steelhead that evening was the Salute to the Troops Ball. Sadly on arrival my composure was rather taken aback. Rather than the advertised "Veterans Appreciation Event *Honoring Gettysburg, WWI Armistice Day, and All Soldiers From All Eras!" I was greeted me was a plethora of red, white and blue bunting with flags from all branches of the United States Military (including one for an MIA group that I'd never heard of) but NOT ONE SINGLE FLAG FROM ANY COUNTRY FROM ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD! Now I know that there are Americans who only know of the existence of other countries because the illegal immigrants obviously come from somewhere else. However if you're going to promote your event as something from "all troops from all eras", then a casual dismissal of "I thought it was for US Veterans' Day" does not suffice. Nor does telling me I'm welcome to put out flags if I want. I realise that the owners of Old Glory were major organisers for the event (and I'm not going to get into the spectre of "American Civil War" vs. "Civil War" again just at the moment) but really people, you need to remember that SL is an international area.

Deciding not to say anything further and thereby keeping my temper I headed to Loch Avie to join the Caledonians for the Social Season's Pre-Thanksgiving Ball.


Here I danced and calmed down somewhat. Her Grace of Loch Avie has collected a far better sampling of pictures than I had the heart for on the night.

I am missing my dear Christine all the more at times like this. Thankfully her travels will bring her back to me this week.

A ride in the country

On occasion I like to take time away from the workshop and go out and explore some sims (as opposed to having a look around because I've come to the sim to buy something). On Monday my dearest and I decided a nice relaxing ride would be in order. After saddling Hades and Rosie we headed over to AKK Ranch and wandered through 2 sims of countryside, encountering all manner of creatures: from small fuzzy bunnies to huge scaled dragons.


The dragons seemed friendly enough, but you can never be too careful around dragons.


Hades and I preparing to test the limits of water polo.


Success!


There were also moments where we stopped merely to appreciate the scenery.

An interesting week

It has been an interesting week for me around the place.

Most recently I had been given a commission to design a new badge for the incoming Sheriff of Steelhead City. I am told that the previous incumbent needs to take his with him as it has been enchanted to prevent him from turning into a demon. I think it's enchantment is wearing off.

So I had finally finished and I attended the weekly town meeting not only to present the new Sheriff with his badge but to also discuss the new "vision" for Steelhead after the old management have passed things on. I'm interested in opening a store here.


The town meeting.


Miss Emilly looking very purple.


The Presentation box


Inside


The badge itself


Some of the colourful citizens of Steelhead pose for a photo after the meeting

Then later in the week saw another of Prim & Proper's Rose Hunts. All rosebushes cost L$100 but you don't know what you've got until after you pay for it. I think I made up for having missed the last two by indulging in some retail therapy.


The rose frenzy. Not the place for hay fever sufferers.


Miss Midnight Bohemia picks up a few bargains

In addition to several pairs of shoes, some hats a cloak and a few things as upcoming gifts for some lady friends, I managed to scoop the pool as it were.


My new destrier


And my new hackney carriage. I was having a little trouble working out why I couldn't get the breaks off the carriage to get it rolling. I have since worked out it is a left-hand-drive vehicle. These strange American idiosyncrasies.

Mr Somme, another connoisseur of things military pointed my in the direction of a weapons smith who produced and extremely fine looking sabre



As I was about to leave the rose hunt Mr Abel and Miss McAllister mentioned they were on there way to the opening meeting of the new Tombstone group and would I care to join them? I had by this time changed into my British uniform but they suggested I could claim a position of official observer :-)


The Tombstone hall

I also had a quick visit to Avilion, one of the most beautiful creations I have seen.