Sakura party

Every year, the Japanese celebrate the cherry blossoms by sitting under them in parks, enjoying drinks food and each others company. This park was across the street from a Buddhist temple. In the temple grounds, were kiosks selling snack foods, toys and beverages.

  

Sakura or cherry blossoms

Spring in Japan is when the Sakura or Cherry blossoms come out. Last year, all the Sakura viewing parties were cancelled due to Japan's expression of mourning for those who were killed, missing, injured or otherwise badly affected by the Great East Japan earthquake.

   

Cullodeen

During my spring vacation, I decided to play out the 1745-46 Jacobite rebellion. This shot shows the initial Jacobite Highland Charge. However, as in the real battle, the British line didn't crumble in panic, and were able to advance and flank the charge and pour in musketry. The battle still rages, but most of the front rank have fallen. It's up to the Irish Picquites and Royale Eccosais to stem the British Advance.

 Clan officer Robert L. Redden wearing a small belted plaid in Cullodeen tartan.

Royal Eccossais, Regiment Rooth, Regiment Dillion, Fitzjames Horse

Ian As a light infantry

I took this shot while walking home from school yesterday, just before we had our strong storm. He looked either like a Colonial ranger in Nova Scotia 1750's or a VC cadre circa 1968. He's enjoying his after school program before he begins school next week.

  

Result of bombardment on Blair Castle

Now usually when a castle walls were breached, the attacker would charge in. However, while playing this game, one battlement fell down due to a strong gust of wind which hit my house. The collapse fell right on my main Jacobite attacking force. There was one stand of highlanders left, with two French guns in support. They then made a hasty retreat.

Interesting way to end a game I suppose.

  

Siege of blair castle

Blair castle in Scotland was besieged by the Jacobites in March, 1746. It was held by the 21st Regiment, The Royal Scots Fusiliers. The Jacobites were unsuccessful and had to fall back on Inverness.

My Kids with daikon

This month, as I'm on spring vacation, I take my kids to daycare and school. We always pass a small garden plot with an elderly gentleman who grows vegetables. I stopped by last week and asked him about his crops. I then thanked him for growing vegetables. This week, as we walked by, he called us over, then pointed out his row of Daikon's known in the English world as Japanese radish. He gave us this one. He didn't want any payment. I guess farmers don't get thanked enough. Ian and I want to take him a cup of tea, but we haven't seen him since.

Raid on Keith 1746

The final stages of the Jacobite assault on Keith village on the night of March 20, 1746. This was against a small garrison of Argyle militia and 10th Dragoons. The Argyles are off in the upper right corner trying to chase off the Scots Hussars. On the Jacobite left, the Fraser's are closing in for the kill on the remaining 10th Hussars.

  

Assault vest kit or Emergency stuff

Last Friday, March 29, 2012 I cycled about 30 km round trip. I cycled down to one of my favourite shops Wild One, which is a Japanese outdoor and camping shop. It's choc a bloc full of everything you need for camping, fishing, hiking, canoeing etc. I also stopped at another outdoor shop named L-Breath. Their slogan is "feel the earth, open-air sports" I was able to pick up the following items.

An Espit hexa-block stove. My Dad used these when he was attached to 4th Battalion (TA) Royal Green Jackets back in the summer of 1974. I also picked up some Sporks made by a Swedish company. I also found a water proof match case which I have back in Canada, but didn't have here. As a back up, I also have included a lighter.

Slowly but surely I'm getting my emergency gear together.

My vest was a Christmas present back about 1986. It was made in Korea, which is where I ended up ten years later. The name tag I got from a Canadian military supply company which name I seem to have forgotten at the moment.

  

Leena sets up Samurai

My little girl sets up the samurai army for today's game. Sylitherin's Field of Glory Renaissance is on display