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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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July 17 2005
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 Posted - July 07 2008 : 10:54:04 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Wilderness Woman
I was a bit disappointed, however, that Monsieur Le Marquis de Montcalm (yes, I know he is really only a Baron) did not come to our ceremony to wish us well and to thank us for attending. That would have been very cool. Still... it was an honor.
You mean this guy? On the left. Georges Saverin Baron de Marestan, if I spelled it correctly.
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"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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Posted - July 08 2008 : 06:42:25 AM
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Yep! That's the guy. Here is a photo I took of him just before your ceremony began. I was actually on the road waiting for the ice truck to arrive and decided to take advantage of my nearness to the French ceremony to take some photos. I'm glad I did, since he didn't put in an appearance at the British ceremony.
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The man in the modern business suit and his wife, the woman in modern clothes, were seated near us at the "Old Mill" Restaurant on Friday evening. We all had a bird's eye view of the battle in the village park, or as someone else dubbed it, "The Battle For The Gazebo." At the time, I had no idea who they were, but I knew they spoke very little English. The woman struggled as she communicated with the waitress, and the man seemed to know none. I still don't know who they are, but he must be some sort of dignitary who was perhaps traveling with the Baron. Maybe his personal secretary or something? Any clue, Fitz? |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - July 08 2008 : 09:25:16 AM
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No, not a clue. I do know that de Marestan has a brother, so maybe? Just a wild guess.
The "Old Mill" restaurant, it is in town? Maybe called that because it is on the location of the old saw mill?
And the "Battle for the Gazebo". I didn't see any of it. I was on the other side of the covered bridge fighting with Harmon's Snowshoe men. I was a little put off by the whole scenario. It was supposed to be the battle at Bernetz Brook, where the French got lost and ran into the Brits, who were also not quite sure of where they were. As it turned out it was just a generic battle for the spectators with a lot of smoke and noise. Someone asked if Howe got killed, but if he did nobody saw it.
Hey, did you see my jump through the falls? Very spectacular!!!
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
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Posted - July 08 2008 : 12:52:59 PM
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Oh, Darn!!! Sorry I missed that! 
But I did get this. I spotted you as your group went down to the ceremony.
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For those of you who don't know him, Fitz is the 2nd from right in the dark coat.
Also, you can see the wonderful French breastworks, called an abatis, that were constructed especially for this event. Truly a remarkable job on the part of the event organizers, fort staff and a crew of volunteers. The white tents beyond were the French camp. What a spectacular sight... seeing all of the white tents in both camps.
And here are some photos of the Battle for the Gazebo.
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The scenario looked good from "above." There was, indeed, lots of noise, smoke and action. I think the setting is what sort of ruined it for the re-enactors. But, the public came out to see it, and they had a very good viewing perspective of the battle.
Btw, the Old Mill restaurant is situated right on the main street, on a corner that overlooks part of the park. Part of our view was blocked by a big brick building of some sort, so we walked across the street to get a better view while our food was being prepared. The food was delicious but the service was very slow.
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"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - July 08 2008 : 1:47:20 PM
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The whole time the battle was going on my unit was on the other side of the covered bridge engaged in our own battle with Harmons. I tried to get Dave (the commander) to let some of us wade up the river and flank the Brits, but I think he was more worried about an attack from the other direction. It was more of a tactical that a staged battle, so I think we got the better deal.
Thursday PM we ate at the Ti Pi Restaurant in our campaign clothes (TIconderoga PIzza). It was packed but we found a table with two empty chairs. The rest of the table was occupied by a family with four young sons who came to Ticonderoga just for the event. They were nice people. Saturday when we were forming up on the street for the battle, the same family came by and picked me out of the crowd and spoke to me. I guess they recognized my by the red tuque and white shirt.
There was a time in my life when I would not have walked into a nice downtown restaurant in a breech cloth, wool leggings, and a shirt, but I guess those days are in the past. |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Seamus
Guardian of Heaven's Gate
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Posted - July 08 2008 : 8:35:57 PM
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| Yaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!!!!!!! Not while people were EATING, Fitz.....!!!????????????? |
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'
~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle
Seamus
~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~ |
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blackfootblood
Devoted Tribal Member
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Posted - July 09 2008 : 5:57:50 PM
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| Great pics everyone!! Thanks for sharing!! |
"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain!"
"Live well, love much, laugh often!" |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
USA
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November 27 2002
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Posted - July 11 2008 : 6:50:08 PM
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Here is a link to a great online photo album. This photographer got a lot of great shots. You can truly get a feel for what they call The Fog of War, and you can understand how friendly fire incidents could happen. Pretty difficult to see who you are shooting at.
Fort Carillon 250th
Be sure to browse through all of the pages. There are a total of 339 photos. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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richfed
Sachem
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Posted - July 12 2008 : 11:17:19 AM
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Awesome! Just AWESOME!!! I am so sorry I missed this event.
Maybe, next year. I seem to recall that you & I, dear Joyce, were to have a "date" at a newly redone Valley Forge visitor center. I must have missed that, too!!!!  Was it ever completed? |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
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Posted - July 12 2008 : 1:38:10 PM
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Yes, we did, Rich. I think we were going to meet when the new National Center for the American Revolution, which was to be at Valley Forge, was opened. As far as I can determine, that has not come to fruition yet.
It actually is very confusing to me. The Visitor's Center at Valley Forge was refurbished. However, that was not going to be the "main attraction." This new National Center was going to be the ultimate museum of the Revolution, and that is what we were waiting for.
Apparently, the original plans were stopped and put on hold, for a number of reasons. I remember reading that the Oneida Nation wanted to donate several million dollars to the project, and their gift was rejected due to some sort of bureaucratic troubles. I still don't know what actually happened with this.
So... things... life... all got in the way, Rich. Sorry.
It sounds to me like there are now two places in the works, but I am just really not clear on this. Here are a couple of links. Good luck trying to figure it all out.
The American Revolution Center
The National Center for the American Revolution
And here is a really neat panoramic view of the newly refurbished Visitors' Center at Valley Forge Park.
Virtual Visitors' Center
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"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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winglo
Deerslayer
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Posted - July 31 2008 : 5:47:38 PM
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I live within 5 miles of Valley Forge and here's a link to what's going on--and it is confusing. One organization wants to build a site that includes a conference center on the park grounds. Others are fighting it. It would be separate from the museum that already exists. . .although I think it was originally supposed to be close to it. Although now they're trying to put it up on the opposite side of the park, where it would be closer to highways and traffic and therefore more of an opportunity to make money!
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/25890494.html |
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Bookworm
Colonial Militia
USA
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Posted - August 12 2008 : 07:21:10 AM
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So, the Cherry Bounce turned out OK, then?
I just read a brief but disturbing article (which I can't find a link to) about the financial difficulties facing Ticonderoga. Apparently it's serious enough that the powers that be are contemplating selling off artifacts. The difficulties are said to have arisen because of conflict between site administrators and a major donor. Does anyone know what this is all about? |
Bookworm
"I've gotten so fascinated with the eighteenth century, I'm going to stay there." -- David McCullough
"Nothing to it, brother." -- Barack Obama |
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Wilderness Woman
Watcher of the Wood
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Posted - August 12 2008 : 08:57:37 AM
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Yes Bookworn, the Cherry Bounce was pronounced to be very good. I know it sure disappeared fast! I have another batch steeping right now, which should be ready in time for Washingtonburg. I will add it to my packing list to bring so that you might have a few sips, should you so desire.
I only know a little bit about the Ticonderoga situation, but Seamus could probably tell you more. The "major donor" is Deborah Clark Mars and her billionaire husband Forrest Mars, Jr. If the name Mars sounds familiar to you, it should. Forrest Jr.'s grandfather founded the Mars Candy Company. Deborah Mars is originally from the little village of Ticonderoga, which is about 2 miles away from the Fort property, so she has a direct connection to the place.
Mr. & Mrs. Mars have apparently been involved with the Fort for some time, and Mrs. Mars served on the Board of Trustees. They have, apparently, pretty much single-handedly financed the recently completed rebuilding of the original French powder magazine inside the Fort walls, to the tune of about $23 million. From the outside, it looks like it did 250 years ago (and it is gorgeous!), but on the inside is a state-of-the-art education and conference center. In fact, the facility is named the Deborah Clark Mars Education Center.
I don't know the details of what happened, but apparently some disagreement has occured between the Mars and the Fort's director, which has caused Mr. Mars to snap his purse closed before the Education Center is entirely paid for. All I will say is... when you are dealing with people who have big money, sometimes things have to go their way... or none.
So, the Fort is left with having to come up with about $2.5 million to finish paying for the project. I hope it won't have to come to selling off some of their art collection. However, I would rather that happen than see the Fort have to close. That Fort is a New York State and National treasure. |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - August 12 2008 : 11:40:11 AM
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| I have heard that this is an attempt by the Fort to exert pressure on "others" and they actually do not have plans to sell anything. Who knows? |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Wilderness Woman
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Posted - August 12 2008 : 11:49:36 AM
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| I hope that theory is correct. And I hope it works! |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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SgtMunro
Soldier of the King
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Posted - August 12 2008 : 1:36:29 PM
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Well Fitz, if what you say is true, then the fort folks may have made the mistake of underestimating people once again. This is not a game of Texas Hold'em, where you are trying to out-bluff some yahoo in mirrored sunglasses and a cowboy hat; no, these are people who play Monopoly with real money, and bluffing is something that neither impresses, or intimidates them. Besides, I am sure that both the Mars Clan, and their other contacts on the board have been chatting amongst themselves, and they might be trying to make a regime change, or other type of point to the fort staff. Remember the golden rule, "He who has the gold, makes the rules."
YMH&OS,
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Serjeant-Major Duncan Munro
Capt. Thos. Graham's Coy.
42nd Royal Highland Regiment of Foote
(The Black Sheep of the Black Watch)
"Nemo Me Impune Lacessit"
-Or-
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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July 17 2005
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Posted - August 12 2008 : 1:43:54 PM
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This was my first year at Ti, and I really don't know any of the people there (although I understand that when I was at Louisbourg I had dinner with a person of importance at Ti, along with his wife and sister), but those who have gone there for many years don't seem very impressed with the current management. Perhaps a change might be for the better.
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"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Seamus
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Posted - August 12 2008 : 5:06:44 PM
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Just back from Ti....we were up for the Officers' Dinner and a few days in the Adirondacks, sequestered in a fine cabin on a fine lake with fine brother- and sister-in law and nephew and niece. The weather wasn't so fine, however, unless you like lots of rain!
I do have the latest, and I will post it later, hopefully tomorrow....don't have time now. I will say now, however, do NOT believe what you have heard or have been reading. There is much more to this story which has not been told, and likely will not be told to the public....and you will see why. Stay tuned. A teaser: It ain't as bad as some have led us to believe. |
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'
~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle
Seamus
~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~ |
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Wilderness Woman
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Posted - August 12 2008 : 8:45:19 PM
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Seamus, me Lad! I thought you had skipped town for good! Didn't know you were up in my neck of the woods again.
Can't wait to hear the news. |
"It is more deeply stirring to my blood than any imaginings could possibly have been." |
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Bookworm
Colonial Militia
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Posted - August 17 2008 : 1:36:32 PM
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Seamus's explanation of the problem will be worth the wait. It will be good news indeed if the situation is not as dire as described.
P.S. Seamus, I had no idea you actually LIKE some of your in-laws! |
Bookworm
"I've gotten so fascinated with the eighteenth century, I'm going to stay there." -- David McCullough
"Nothing to it, brother." -- Barack Obama |
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Fitzhugh Williams
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Posted - October 13 2008 : 10:24:34 AM
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| I got my DVD of the raw footage from Ticonderoga this June and it really is the raw footage. No editing at all. They have a lot of work to do to make anything out if it. There seem to have been two camera locations and they shot the same people all the time. I made it trough the first DVD (Saturday), but there is another (Sunday). Watching it is pretty boring. I dozed off a couple of times. It's a shame they didn't get the event on Friday. At least there would have been a little variety. I tried to pick out people I know, but only managed to ID a few. Like I said, it's the same people all the time. And they never shot the right side of the French line, which is where most of the units I know were located. |
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Wilderness Woman
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Posted - October 13 2008 : 2:26:59 PM
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~ chuckling ~
I got mine a couple of weeks ago, Fitz. I did a lot of fast forwarding... especially when the French were being shown. 
However, hidden amongst all of that rawness is a lot of amazingly realistic footage. They have a lot of editing to do, yes, but they have some great stuff to work with. The sounds of warfare, with the shouting, the bagpipes playing, the drums, and of course the musket volleys... all combine with the sights of war -- the veil of smoke that hangs constantly over the battlefield, the men running to get to position, the wounded limping off the field, the dying falling to their knees, then pitching forward.... some great stuff there! It brought it all back to me, and it was great!
The Sunday footage got some good shots of "my guys" in several places. When you watch it, watch for guys in green coats, although not all of them are us. There is one place where Lynn Otto, who was the Captain of the combined 1st and 3rd Battalions of the Pennsylvania Provincials (since Seamus was promoted for these battles), is clearly heard saying, "Follow me, lads!" as he turns to lead his troops to the front lines. Those are my guys! In another spot, two of our group are clearly shown helping a wounded comrade away from the front.
I tried to spot myself, as I criss-crossed the field several times on Sunday, toting my bucket of water. Unfortunately, the camera didn't catch me as I knelt to check on fallen soldiers and to offer water to my guys. Ah well. There goes my claim to fame! 
I'm glad I bought the DVD. It will be interesting to see the finished product. |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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Posted - October 13 2008 : 4:14:28 PM
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I haven't gotten to disk 2 yet. My younger daughter came in and her boyfriend of three years asked her to marry him. I guess that upgrades him to fiance. So I said that whenever they set the date, it had better not be on a reenactment weekend if they want me there. Well, anyway, I had hoped for some footage of Friday and the La Chute. And since I wasn't there Sunday, I already know I can't spot myself. I have the DVD of Braddock's Defeat and Grand Encampment II and they were well done. They also had more footage than just the battle scenes, so they had more to work with. Still, there is one scene where I might be found. I will have to step through it frame by frame to see.
Notice some things wrong? That blue flag with gold fleur-de-lyse back of the cannon was not flown after 1590. In fact there were no field guns that day either. The guns were in the Fort. A lot of other things, too. The word was out that this was to be the most accurate event yet, but from what I can tell, it was business as usual. |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Seamus
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Posted - October 13 2008 : 4:58:02 PM
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Really, Fitz! Interesting.....I actually learned something from your post concerning the flag....knew about the guns, though.
Nothing wrong on our side, however. Hnyuk! Snork! |
Life's journey is not to
arrive at the grave safely
in a well preserved body,
but rather to skid in sideways,
totally worn out, shouting
'...holy sh*t ...what a ride!'
~~Mavis Leyrer, Seattle
Seamus
~~Aim small, hit the b*****d right between the eyes!~~ |
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Fitzhugh Williams
Mohicanland Statesman
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July 17 2005
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Posted - October 13 2008 : 5:54:43 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Seamus
Really, Fitz! Interesting.....I actually learned something from your post concerning the flag....knew about the guns, though.
Nothing wrong on our side, however. Hnyuk! Snork!
Hard to tell about Brits. They all look alike to me. No, I take that back. They come in two varieties, Rangers and Highlanders. |
"Les deux pieds contre la muraille et la tete sous le robinet" |
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Ticonderoga
