A Visit to L.L. Bean in 1936

Check out this short home movie from Archie Stewart of Newburgh, New York. It was released by Northeast Historic Film. Although it is a very short film, there is a great shot of L.L. Bean's store front. It amazing to see the size, compared to the massiveness of the store today, which is pretty much a city block. I love how the car is bogged down on one side, and Archie questioning how they will even be able to stuff more "goods" into it. Regular olde gear-heads eh! 

Gone Buildin'.

This week I will be laying low, I might get to a "Enjoying The Outdoors" post for Friday. This week is packed to the tip. I am currently building a new work bench, and trying to get it done so I can move stuff around and get things settled before I leave for out East. Also I am traveling later this week to visit a craftsman/farmer to put together a fantastic story about him and what he does. So stay tuned folks and again any comments, questions, etc. shoot me an email or leave a comment.

-Chris

Damn Yak On Field Notes.

I was suggested by Tinder.ca to send in a pic from when I rebuild the Estwing hammer to Field Notes,  as my memo book was in the background and low a behold they did a fantastic little write up On Damn Yak. Just want to say Thanks to Bryan at Field Notes for the spot, and the heads up last night that it was up on their page. Click the screenshot or the link to go directly to FN homepage.

First Aid 1967.

Last weekend while walking out of a the local reuse center, I scooped this old American Red Cross First Aid Manual from the "free" bin. Originally printed in 1953, this is the 1967 revised edition. It has some two hundred and fifty illustrations in it, and about two photographs. It is a great book with some great info, this edition has a amendment at the back with the even better way to preform Mouth to Mouth resuscitation! Anyhow I thought some of the drawing were quite humorous, and the lack of emotion in the victim and rescuer faces is classic.

How to Baby Bowl: Step 1) Find a baby that fits your finger for easy release.

How to Baby Bowl: Step 2) Proper form is very important for accurate bowling.

The Red Cross' Standard Halloween Costume.

Body Massage Machine.

Nothing beats a good snuggle when feeling blue.

Victoria Gin.

Handcrafted in Victoria, B.C. by family owned and operated Victoria Spirits. Vic Gin is a Canada’s only premium Gin. It is made in small batches on a highly polished handmade copper wood-fired still that resembles Tic-Tok from “Return to Oz”. This Gin has the obvious taste of Juniper, but also nine other Botanical's including coriander, star anise, citrus peel & rose petals, as well as a mystery ingredient only known by Master distiller Peter Hunt. The label of this apothecary styled heavy bottom bottle is beautiful done with a picture of a young Queen Victoria. Fitting for such a high quality gin, only the best! My everyday Gin is the cucumber mash made Hendricks. Expensive in it own right, and well worth it. I have over the past couple years acquired quite a collection of Gin, from Cold River, Old Toms, Gilbey’s, Beefeater, and Bombay. All have there pluses, but premium gin is just that, premium. Compared in price, Vic's is about double then your average "staple" gin.  Since trying Victoria gin, it is one of the only gins that is really quite palatable neat, as well as on the rocks. It really is a great tasting gin,  If you have it with a high quality Indian Tonic and a slice of lemon, you mouth is treated with such a plethora of natures bold flavors. I guess the notion that local is better stands true with gin as well. Although I haven’t given up on the great cucumber taste of Hendrick’s, It’s a welcome treat to try a fresh new and especially Canadian spin on such a historic spirit.

Happy New Years.

A dictionary definition of a "Hot Mess"

May your stomach be settled and your morning be headache free. May you awake ready to take on new adventures and hobbies.

Mo'vember - Team: Hercule-Poirot.

 

Mo'vember is among us, and I am sure we all know someone who is participating in the fundraiser for prostate cancer awareness.  This is my second year being a part of this crumb catcher growing party.  It was great fun last year sprouting a full blown handlebar stache, waxing it up every day for the cause! I actually kept it till the New Year!  This year I am part of team "Hercule-Poirot" with my good Friend Jeremy Baron, and we are taking it a step further.  We are going to be getting mustache tattoos on our forearm to commemorate this event by his lovely wife Jonina.  The arm can them be held up at anytime to sport the handlebar and be a constant reminder to look after our health.  That being a true "Manly Man" involves prostate health and that you cannot simply "walk it off".  So please Support Team Hercule-Poirot, and stay tuned for pictures of the finished tattoo in the weeks to come!

Click here to show your support for Prostate cancer awareness and Team Hercule-Poirot.

Image by : Kromdor.

Rules of a Gentleman.

 Well put.

Ropp Cherry-wood Pipes.

 

Let me start off by saying smoking is not healthy, and this post is not a promotion for smoking, but merely a showing of a beautiful pipe manufacturer.

Ropp Pipes was started by Eugène-Léon Ropp in 1869 and continued production until 1991.  The mainstay of Ropp was manufacturing pipes from solid cherry wood.

The main purpose of the cherry wood pipe is to preserve the rugged, woodsy apperance of the pipe.  Ropps are made with the limbs of a cherry tree that are cut straight across one end and diagonally on the other, typically the bark is left on. The flat end is hollowed out to form the bowl, while the diagonal end is polished, stamped with the Ropp logo and forms a flat bottom to rest the pipe on.  The shank is also made from a smaller cherry limb, and the stem and bit are vulcanite.

Some people complain that the bowl is to small, but for people who smoke a pipe every now and then, they are the perfect size for a cool night around the campfire.

The Adventures of Tintin - Weta Workshop Statues

Some people might know I am big Tintin fan, and being so I am super excited about this years film release. If you are big Tintin fan, check these out.  Weta Workshop based in New Zealand are making these Tintin and Captain Haddock Statues based on the movie .  Each one is hand painted and finished. I am loving the detailing of the clothing and shoes! Amazing! The Tintin statue comes with a snowy statue as well.  Each are numbered and being made in limited number with a price tag of around $200.  If anyone want to pre-order one of theTintin's for me shoot me a email and I will give you my delivery address!