BZ Days

I got off work at 6 am Tuesday, and it feels like I haven't had a moment to myself. Wednesday and Thursday were spent out on the firing range, going through my employer mandated annual firearms training and qualifications. I qualified on all of our weapons platforms quite nicely and our training scenarios were useful, well planned and well executed.

After training on Thursday I headed out to Chena Hot Springs for a good long soak. Much of our firing is from low profile positions (usually kneeling), and after two days of it I realized I'm no longer 18 years old, and my knees and back don't hold up quite so well as they used to. That soak in hot mineral water worked wonders for a tired and aching body.

Yesterday was spent, and today will be spent, at the first American Civil War reenactment in this region. I've never been particularly enamored with the American Civil War, but living history opportunities are relatively rare in Alaska. I received plenty of advanced notice, with the special notation that a sutler was needed and many participants were in need of black powder and other goods. Sales of powder were pretty brisk yesterday, so it's been a profitable endeavor, and an opportunity to catch up with old friends, some of whom I've not seen in several years.

During the "War of Northern Aggression", sutlers were basically mobile post exchanges. Sutlers were contracted to provide the "little things" that soldiers needed to bring some degree of comfort to their daily lives. Tobacco and alcohol were big sellers, along with other sundry small items.

So, I'd best water the dogs and get on the road. I just wanted to let my frequent readers know that I haven't dropped off the face of the earth.

Swanny