From the Earth to the Moon

Forty years ago, as I at the age of three, eagerly looked forward to the arrival of Santa Claus, man left the moon for what has so far been the last time.  Gene Cernan left with these words:


"I'm on the surface; and, as I take man's last step from the surface, back home for some time to come — but we believe not too long into the future — I'd like to just [say] what I believe history will record. That America's challenge of today has forged man's destiny of tomorrow. And, as we leave the Moon at Taurus-Littrow, we leave as we came and, God willing, as we shall return: with peace and hope for all mankind. Godspeed the crew of Apollo 17."


I was born into a spacefaring nation.  Children born today cannot say that.

Inspirational Imagery

This picture is what D&D was all about, back in the day.

Miniatures Monday

In honor of the release, later this week, of Peter Jackson's version of The Hobbit, I decided to paint one of my very old hobbit miniatures.  This very Bilbo-like thief came from Grenadier Miniatures "Halflings" boxed set.  Purchased in 1981, that set was the second set of miniatures I ever owned, the first being Grenadier's "Dwarves".   Back then, it was tough to find gaming miniatures near where I lived, and I bought any ones that I could find/afford.  Grenadier was a big player in those days, as they had the official line of Advanced Dungeons & Dragons miniatures.  My, but what a long time ago that was!