We’ve had some frosty mornings lately. So frosty that I’m still not sure if it was snow or not.
Frosty
All posts by Jeff
School History Fieldtrip
I went on an Oregon history themed field trip with Jasmine’s class. We spent the day at the Oregon Historical Museum and the Wells Fargo “museum”. (It’s their lobby with displays from the old west.) The Oregon historical museum was my fav. There were lots of wagon artifacts and interesting historical factoids. The presenter passed around various oddities and had us guess their purpose – candle mold, coffee grinder, hair straightener (!).
Wells Fargo did an economy exercise and the benefits of banking – boring. Only at the end did he talk about the stagecoach – which is what we really were interested in. I believe he said 9-12 people actually rode in the thing – 2-3 in the front seat; 6 inside the carriage; 3 on top somehow holding on; it sounded like they didn’t have many bathroom breaks – and it was very dusty.
They handed out a copy of an actual ticket which included on the back some suggestions while traveling. “It is better to stay inside the coach should it get loose rather than making a jump for it.” “Spit with the wind, not against it”. “Don’t snore loudly while sleeping or use your fellow passenger’s shoulder for a pillow; he or she may not understand and friction may result.” And my favorite “Avoid such topics as politics and religion.” Just like traveling coach today.
Oh – the first picture below – is Jasmine trying to do her morning math exercise in the classroom before the field trip.
Tolkein Festival – Adult Costumes
Of course there was an adult costume contest. Halloween only comes once a year. Most pulled out their Ren Fen clothes so there were lots of hobbits – some of whom said funny things – like “I’m the 3rd cousin twice removed of Bilbo’s mom”. Then there was the Nazgul – who talked in growls and gasps – pretty imaginative. The audience digged that one and two fighting Urikai – who hammed up the crowd. Then, of course, you can’t have a Tolkien costume contest without the obligatory Gandalf.
Tolkein Festival – Kids Costumes
One of the key reasons for us attending was to enjoy contests for best costumes. We put together an impromptu elf costume for Jasmine but she declined to enter the contest.
One kid stole the show, he approached the commentator meekly in a rather average dinosaur costume – the MC asked him what character he was – the kid roared SMAUGGGGGG! – it was so loud and unexpected the audience cheered. Here are a few more kids being cute in their costumes.
Tolkein Festival – The Hobbit Performance
After finishing the 3+ hr Fellowship of the Ring and lunch we decided to skip the other two movies (especially since they are scarier). But the Tolkien festival had lots going on.
We went to the ballroom to catch some of the Hobbit performances. They had a great sound effects section. Listen to some of the videos. Really amazing.
