As we said after cutting the first CD ("Home From the Hill")earlier this year;

"That was fun, but I thinks me keeps me day job, such as it is.".

That involves mauling brass and copper in a little shop here in Maine where we make reproduction 18th & 19th Century Lanterns, lamps, & lighting fixtures 3 days a week. It's one of the most gratifying jobs I've ever had, and I've had a lot of them over the years. The people I work with are mostly the "salt of the Earth"; witty, creative, artistic, and somewhat, well.. "eccentric". I guess that sort of goes with "creative", eh? A few of 'em are even pretty good Musicians.

Fortunately, a good woman who works hard and earns a decent living (with health insurance)has tolerated me for the past 30 years. Some of the bag-Boys down at the local Grocery earn more than I do.

This sort of "gig" is intruiging to be sure; although a landlubber (despite wanting much to go to sea as a youth) I think (on the basis of the kind feedback from family and friends) that I can belt out a presentable Chantey with a little practice, and am always interested in learning new material. I can fake a few chords on the guitar and enjoy playing a tin whistle, which goes well with trad sea-music methinks. As a Reenactor, the ad lib theatrics come naturally, especially where history is involved. Granted, I have much to learn when it comes to nautical affairs, but have come to meet many capable mentors - a good deal of them right here in the ol' Mudcat!

Long have I dreamed of being an "Interpreter" at one of these "Living History" places like Sturbidge Village or Williamsburg. Alas, none of these are within commuting distance of Yarmouth. A while ago someone was launching a replica 1812 Schooner and looking for a "period" Crew ( I was put wise to steer clear of that rig by one who knows). Just for the Hallibut, I applied.. never heard from the guy, and last I knew they were sailing around the Carrabiean somewhere. But that gig, like this one, calls for an extended absence from home which, in the mobility of youth, would be a realistic option (provided one could land the contract). At this point, however, I think many of us "wannabes" can relate; such a lark would probably not go over all that well with Spouse, "Intimate Other", or "Boss". In our case, it seems prudent to honor our committments and relationships with RAFG (Responsible Adult Female Guardian) and the Lamp Works, such as they are. Should the Grace of Providence allow this soul to tarry beyond another 6 months, we will likely be needing them again.

What's with the beards? Shucks, they prob'ly won't want us smellin' authentic, neither! Will I have to put all me teeth in? Hells bells; them bigcity slickers'll likely 'spect us to take a damn BATH at least every week or so. 'Magine THAT!!!???

I dunno, Mates; this all sounds a little too "Yuppie" for this old Uncle. Rumor has it that Disney has a reputation for "Political Correctness"; be that so you wouldn't see Ol'Uncle Jaque around much more than a week I reckon. If we wuz all that "PC" don't ye suppose we'd still be in the Social Work or Teaching business in stead of hammering out lanterns?

(Ssshh; don't tell 'em this, but we frequently make custom lighting for Disneyworks. Worked on 'em m'self.)

But yes, indeed; this is the stuff an old man's dreams are made of, is it not? };^{)~