Happy Birthday, Texas!

Aggie Ring Day! WHOOOOP!

   If you didn't already know, I'm a very proud former student and graduate of Texas A&M University, class of 1994. For Aggies, getting their senior ring is a very big deal, surrounded by traditions that have grown up for over a hundred years (the first rings were made in 1889, but the design wasn't the same). 

   Unlike any other school of which I am aware, you can not just buy an Aggie ring. Theoretically, I could go online and purchase a ring from Baylor, or Notre Dame, or even t.u. (that cow school in Austin). Not the Aggie Ring. You have to earn it. Usually in the fall or spring of your junior year, you turn in an application to the Association of Former Students (our alumni organization, who owns the rights to the ring design). The Association will check your transcripts and grades and determine if you meet the criteria to purchase your ring.

   Each part of the design has a symbolic meaning.

   The only visible difference in the ring is size (ladies' rings are smaller scaled), class number (the last two digits of your graduating class year), and your signature, engraved inside the ring. Some students opt to have a diamond added or have it 'antiqued,' but that's not part of the official design.

   Here's mine. I essentially never take it off, and won't until I am buried. Notice, it's a bit worn.

J Womack '94, History

   And today, right about the time this posts (I scheduled it yesterday), my oldest son will receive his Aggie Ring. I'm very proud of him.

Greyson Womack '18, Biomedical Science

   One of the traditions of getting your ring that goes back at least thirty or so years is the 'ring dunk' ceremony. Essentially, you don't put it on until you have taken it to a bar, dropped it into the bottom of a pitcher of beer (soda is okay if you're teetotal, but most college students drink the beer), and drink the entire pitcher to get it back. Some people try to chug it down quickly. I prefer to enjoy my beer, but to each their own. Just don't puke it back up or choke on your ring! 

   Anyway, we are heading to the Dixie Chicken to dunk his ring (and re-dunk mine!). The sun is over the yardarm somewhere!

181 Years

Texas Independence Day

   On this day, in 1836, the representatives of the people of Texas declared independence from Mexico. At the time, the defenders of the Alamo were besieged by the Mexican Army.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TEXAS

Happy Birthday, Texas!

   Today is Texas Independence Day. On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico. Seven weeks later, on April 21, 1836, a treaty was signed by President Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna (the self-styled "Napoleon of the West"), recognizing Texan independence.

   Happy Birthday to my fellow proud Texans!

Remembering the Alamo

Fallen Soldiers Remembered

Today, at every Texican Army outpost, and aboard every Texican vessel, a toast will be held, followed by a 13-gun salute - one gun for every day that the defenders of the Alamo mission held out against overwhelming numbers of Mexican soldiers led by that bloodthirsty tyrant, Santa Anna.

We provide the good citizens of Victoria Landing with this information so as to prevent them being startled when the local Texican forces fire their salutes this evening, just as the sun sets.

Mad Scientist Found?

The notorious mad Belgian inventor, Herr Doktor Professor Otto Maton has, as we all know, been the most diligently sought after fugitive from justice the Earth has ever known. His fiendish devices almost toppled the Belgian monarchy back in '79, and his associate Professor Fassenbender's sinister scientific experiments have warped humanity itself!

Recent investigations by a Mister Sherman Homes, of Kensington, London, indicate that the mad doctor and his nefarious associate may have smuggled themselves and some of their diabolical creations to Mars. There is even some hint of agents of the Kaiser being behind his escape to the Red Planet. All citizens of the Empire are encouraged to keep a steady watch for these dangerous foreigners. If you see any giant mechanical men, or small metallic spiders in your neighborhood, please alert the authorities immediately!

Happy Birthday Texas! You too, Sam!

Texas Independence Day

Celebrations for the anniversary of the declaration of independence for the Republic of Texas have begun here in Victoria Landing at the Texican Delegation. Forty-five years ago today, the Republic declared it's independence from the tyranny of the Mexican dictator, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna. Fireworks, a rodeo, music and dancing are all planned for the festivities.

In addition, the Texican Consul, Mister Andrew Jackson Houston, son of the late first president of the Republic, has provided a traditional Texas barbecue for the prominent citizens of Victoria Landing. Texicans of all stations are invited as well. Two entire sides of beef were brought from Texas for the event. This barbecue is in celebration both of the birth of Mr. Houston's father, who would have been eighty-eight years old today, and Mr. Houston's newborn son, Samuel Andrew Houston, who was delivered of Mrs. Houston here in Victoria Landing two weeks ago.

[Editor's Notes: Today actually is both Sam Houston's birthday and Texas Independence Day. Me, I plan on celebrating with a cold beer or two and a big juicy steak. Have a great day!]

Birth Announcement

Texican Consul Has a Son!

Mister Andrew Jackson Houston, son of the late President Samuel Houston of the Republic of Texas and presently Consul for the Republic of Texas here in Victoria Landing, announces the birth of his first child, Samuel Jackson Houston.

Mrs. Aleta Houston was delivered of a healthy baby boy in the consular apartments at the Texican Consulate last evening. Doctor George Williams attended the first-time mother during the delivery. Both child and mother are doing well.

[Editor's Note: Sam Houston did have a son named Andrew Jackson Houston, born 1854, and obviously named after Sam's old friend and political mentor, President Andrew Jackson. At 27 years old, he would be young for an important consulate, but with his impeccable familial political connections, the idea is not totally ludicrous. Besides, its fun.]

Photostats of the 1st Gonzales Foot

A small patrol of the 1st Gonzales Foot on Patrol. Note the native tent in the background. Careful search of the premises yielded no contraband, and the nomadic Martian family was left in peace.

Twenty minutes later, one member of the patrol, Private Ferdinand Schlinke was killed by sniper fire from the rocks.

Regimental Sergeant Major Cox accompanied this patrol at the request of Colonel Ernest Anderson. Anderson was concerned for the safety of the patrol and the relative inexperience of Lieutenant Harald Godwinson, nominally in command of the patrol.






Lieutenant Godwinson, pictured above, distinguished himself in the brief action against the sniper, receiving a serious wound to his left arm. He continued to direct his troops and himself moved across open territory, firing his revolver in order to draw the sniper's fire, and allowing Sharpshooter Rogelio Resendez to flank the sniper. One gunshot later, the sniper had been eliminated.



Upon returning to camp, Lieutenant Godwinson refused treatment until his men were cared for. RSM Cox's report to the colonel recommended no further 'babysitting' was needed for young Godwinson.



Additional photostats are now available of the Venusian primitives.




In the background can be seen 3 Platoon, C Co., the 42nd Highlanders (Black Watch). Apologies for the terrible photostat composition - it was rushed and straight off the workbench.

Finally, before I go, I want to wish a Very Happy Birthday to Susan, the lovely wife of my good friend Jim whom I mention on here frequently. She is exactly one day older than myself.

Two projects done! (well, almost)

Greetings friends.

This journal is becoming something of a bore for many of you, I fear. But, in the hopes that some of you enjoy the "What I am Working On" nature of the journal, I shall continue. Perhaps in the near-ish future I will also add some more to the Publications area. I know that a few things have been modified since last I posted documents to that section. Maybe this weekend.

The Texicans are finished but for their protective clear coat. Twelve stout Republic of Texas lads, ready to march onto the table. I'll post photostats soon.

The first of the Venusians is ready as well. These fellows fight in both scales that I game in. They make HUGE Venusian lizardmen for the 15/18mm VSF and sort of small ones (if a bit heavily built) for the 25/28mm VSF. For these troops I used Games Workshop Skinks that I purchased already painted some months ago from a telephonic auction site that is quite the rage these days. A few touchups, some base work (very little) and there you have it: ten Venusian Lizardmen of the more primitive sort.

One tent for the Martian nomads has been prepared quite satisfactorily, and a second is in the works. Still waiting to get started on that second Johnny gun. Where does all the time go?

I have looked as well on a new telephonic auction site, http://www.wargamesmarket.com/. Please take a moment to check them out, as they are quite specific in supporting this daft hobby of ours. I've bid on a few things, though, so please don't take them from me! It would be terribly rude, don't you know? Not - perhaps - sabers at dawn, but certainly Something That Simply Isn't Done.

Also, I have been re-reading the novels of Mister H. G. Wells recently. My eldest son has a long-term assignment through the school to read several of an author's books and do a variety of reports and projects of sorts over the various novels. Greyson (the eldest lad, that is) chose Mr. Wells as his author. Other than that poppycock about tentacled Martians (Good Lord! Everyone knows Martians are red skinned humanoids! What nonsense and stuff!), I have quite thoroughly enjoyed the tales of Prendick, Moreau, Griffen and the rest.

Good rest to you all.

P.S. Jim, please wish Susan a 'Happy Birthday' for all of us if you read this tomorrow. I know Chan plans to call her tomorrow, but Dane is off to the dentist for a few extractions and fillings. She might get too wrapped up in that and forget to call.

The Texicans are Coming!

Friends,

I am sure you will be utterly shocked to learn that I have begun another project, with one or two still unfinished projects on my workbench.

But I have. I am working on the first unit of ten Texican infantry, from the late 1800s. They are in the new 'butternut' uniforms that you and I would name 'kharkee.' You know, the same color our good Sikhs wear on the Northwest Frontier. Ah, Peshawar... What? Oh, never mind that. What happens in Peshawar, remains in Peshawar.

I was in a minor horseless coach accident again last night. For the second time in three weeks, some fool failed to control his own vehicle and plowed into mine, which was sitting at a complete stop. Twice, I say! Damned fools on the roads today. The children and I are fine, as was the driver of the other coach, a cargo vehicle of some kind. Fortunately, he was at least financially responsible enough to insure his inability to properly conduct his vehicle!

Enough for now. The lady of the house is calling and there are Things To Be Done. An update of the Pledge count is imminent - keep posted if you're of a mind to track progress liek I am this year.

A Pledge Update

Martian reinforcements are ready for action, with another nine that should be ready tomorrow! Check the updated Pledge count!

This means that I can purchase more lead, right? Well, not really, as I still have a huge backlog of Martians to paint. Probably another 30 or so until I have all that I currently own painted. Plus Jim's Scots, who are currently being worked into the rotation. All coats are red, all helmets white, stockings white and black and red checked, kilts blue (plaid not completed), sporrans white with three black tufts... on their way to Black Watch plaid!

Also worked on some 15mm Texicans. Not quite finished with the first 4, but I'll be presenting you lads with photostats of a firing line in a few days, I believe. Perhaps even by the next journal entry, as they seem to be running one every two or three days at this point.

I would like to take this chance to thank you for your continued readership, but please make some more comments. I crave feedback, on anything at all that is posted. Tell me if this journal has gotten ho-hum. If my painting lacks refinement, disparage it! have any good ideas of your own? I'll be glad to post them and cite you as a reference.

I need to find a way to allow others to post on here as well. I have a few people whom I trust not to ruin my little project here that I think would be a welcome and fun to read addition.

Many Happenings...

Gentlemen,

Fill your snifters, light your cigars and lean back to peruse this journal and the many other fine records similar to it upon the telephonic difference engine weave. We are rapidly approaching two milestones, though one is a minor thing. The fiftieth post is nigh upon us, as my 1,000th visitor. Exciting times we live in, yes?

Today's schedule includes final touches on almost 20 Pathans and finishing off the first batch of 11 pavises. I'll also be priming the new Steam Landship and Imperial Martians. I'm thinking both will be finished by next weekend. The Martians in particular should take little time.

I'll also be uploading some additional work on the history of the Republic of Texas. For now, we shall remain Terrestrial. In future weeks or months, as schedules allow, I shall be working on an alternate alternate history, one in which the planets are in man's reach in the late 19th Century.

Well gents, enjoy the brandy and cigars, poke about a bit by all means. Granted, there are no risque shots of barely-clad Cyprians in here, but then, those are hardly difficult to find on a difference engine's viewing screen, are they? Rather common, don't you think?

You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din

Greetings after a lengthy absence. It would be ever so much easier to keep up with this had I access to the telephonic journal through my workplace difference engine. Alas, some hooligans have ruined that for all, by abusing a privilege. Oh well, I soldier on in the evenings at my home.

We had a bit of family time at the household tonight. We watched a thrilling moving picture based upon a poem by that Kipling fellow, titled "Gunga Din." Good stuff, that. Shows what three properly motivated sergeants in Her Imperial Majesty's forces can do when outnumbered by a bunch of shifty Thuggee. Even if they only wore red at the party and kharkee in the field. The lads found it exhilarating, I must say. Its proud of them I am, I assure you all.

In painting matters, I have been as lax as in journaling so far this year. I touched brush to paint (or more correctly, brush to ink wash) exactly once this week, for all of about ten minutes. I applied some of the brown Kel's Magic Sauce (now sold by Didi of the WarStore.com - nice folks!). However, I wasn't really happy with the result, so I believe I will go on with the MinWax I used on some of the other Martian askaris. These lads are taking simply forever to finish.

We are looking forward to the weekend. A game of Wings of War is planned for the boys and myself, complete with miniatures for that Hun von Richthofen and the Yank Rickenbacker. Coming soon to the Houston area, we shall have a mini-con at Little Wars. Its next weekend, I think.

Finally, for those of you who have been enjoying the alternate history of the Republic of Texas, an update has been made earlier this week. I hope you caught it, though many of the revisions were minor. Work has continued on the document. I have been adding some sporting news to it, from ideas originated by my co-conspirator, Jim Stewart about rugby in the Republic. There is also a good dose of Olympic sport being added, so it isn't all war and politics. I hope you continue to enjoy it.

That's all for tonight, I am afraid. The youngest needs tucking in after his insulin injection, and the eldest as well (past his bedtime, the little blighter!).