Eleanor's Closet Opened

Jim and I spent most of the day setting up our tent.  This is a new tent for us, and more complicated than the old wall tent we had.  I'm so glad we did this.  We started off trying to put this up using my idea of hoops to reduce the number of poles, but we were having real problems.  So we decided to start over and just use the poles as designed and see what the deal was. 

What we discovered is that the tape measure is your friend.  We measured the width and length, which really helped to ensure we had the correct dimensions.   We had everything staked out and up and still had a saggy roof.  Thanks to Carla noticing, we discovered that Jim hadn't lined up the Xs on one of the uprights.  We fixed that, which lowered it by an inch and suddenly the roof wasn't as saggy.  But still a little saggy.  We decided to lower the ridge uprights by an inch by digging a slight hole in the ground.  If it didn't work, we didn't want to shorten the poles and then need it back.  It worked.  It flattened the roof a little bit and allowed the excess fabric to be spread out properly. 

Then we discovered that while I thought we were getting two raised doors, we actually only got one.  Which is fine, but it makes a differences on how the roof line runs.  It also allows me to build in more stability with the hoop system.  I haven't given up on that, and Jim would really like it to work as well.  Less poles transported to Pennsic.  Ideas!  We have ideas!





It's so much more space than we've had before.  I'm really excited about getting this all situated. 

I was ribbed the other day when I said I needed to find a bookstore, since I finished the book I brought.  They thought it was funny that I still bought hardcopy books.  Quite a number of my audit team members said they actually read more because it's more convenient. 

So what e-reader does the rest of the world use?  And why?


Poll #1833000 E-readers
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 6

What type of e-reader do you use ?

Yes we bought a Mega Millions ticket.  We spent a whopping $5.  With $5 I get to dream what I would do with half a billion dollars (before taxes). 

Set up a trust fund for our nephew.  But first he has to finish college before he gets a dime.  Then he can do what he wants to do without worrying about meeting basic needs.

Set up our mothers so they don’t have worry about outliving their money, or any other needs.

Set something up for our nieces.  I’m not sure what that would be because I think they should have to live in the real world for awhile before they get any special benefits from me.   Maybe they would have to finish college, too.

Go on vacation. 

Buy half of Virginia.  Okay, maybe not half, but quite a few acres.  Employ people to help keep it up.

Retire from my job.  Yes, retire.  There are many benefits to retiring from the government.  Why would I give that up?

Jim wants to build a castle.  I guess that would go on our half of Virginia.  It could be fun!

Fund the tavern!  Get it built!

I could have chickens!

Oh, the possibilities ….

I think you learn a lot about a person when you see their dreams. 

Did I need to spend $5 to dream this dream?  No.  But it does make it more fun.

I started a project list this week.  I'm hoping to get most of this done before Pennsic, but we'll see (ha!) 

Sewing
Me:
Petticoat bodies (blue)
New Corset (old one probably pushing 15 years old.  Need a new one)
Brown wool bodice and skirt (with blue trim)
Blue/green linen new skirt and bodice
3 new shifts

Jim:
2 new braes
2 new St Louis shirts
2 New roman
2 more fighting pants
Attempt a 15^th century doublet and hose

Leather work:
Spice box (idea from Williamsburg)
Luggage!
Spice bags

Camp stuff:
Table
Cupboard
Curtains
Floor

*Edited to add:
Make a Vexillum Atlantiae banner
Make a new Ensign. 
Day shade maintenance.

I think I have my work cut out for me for the next several months.

So I was digging out some garb for Jamestown this coming weekend when I realized that I have pretty crappy Elizabethan garb.  I have sunk to having mostly "Pennsic garb" that sufficies, just barely, for Jamestown.  I have one nice wool outfit, but I thought wool might be a bit much this year.  All of my linen pieces just scream "Made At The Last Minute".  Wool just looks nicer, anyway. 

I bought some nice linen a couple of weeks ago thinking I would make some stuff for Jim, but I think I need to steal some of that for me.  I have a blue wool skirt in progress, and if I ever get off my duff, it will be nice.  I need to make a list of what exactly I want and then start work on that. 

Just add that to the list of stuff that needs doing before Pennsic. :)

This is sort of rambling and I'm sure there is more I haven't considered.  But ....

( Tossing my 2 cents into the Birth Control debate ...... )

Last persona pentathlon entry.  I love this smock/chemise.  It has less fabric around the body and arms and really works well under fitted clothes like Elizabethan. 

( Smock, shirts, chemises ... whatever you want to call them. )

Next the line up are the knife sheaths.  These were driven by necessity, really!  You can see them in the previous post with the shoulder bag.  They are just above the straps for the bag.

( Knives! )

Segment 3 in the persona pentathlon series.  The leather shoulder bag has been something on my list of things to try for quite some time.  I'm really interested in learning more leather work skills and working on some luggage type things.  I think that would be cool!


( Leather Shoulder Bag )

Next on the hit parade of persona pentathlon entries. 


( Violets! )