Frontier Forts Day

[bethzylla]

Last Saturday the DFWCG met up at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad station and rode the train to the Fort Worth Stockyards.  We had an excellent turnout in spite of the hot (90ish) day.  Everyone seemed to have a good time in spite of the less-than-ideal weather, and I loved seeing all my friends dressed to the nines!  Very special thanks go out to jenthompson for taking pictures and sharing them.  I brought my phone, but as it gets older it takes crappier pics and loads verrrrry sloooooowly.  As a result, all these are taken by Jen!

Boarding the train in Grapevine:

Our entire group together, picture taken by an employee of the GVRR:

My rag-curled hair.  I was pretty happy with how it turned out (there was no trial run, or rather this is the trial run.)  Our train was delayed several times due to higher-priority trains having the right of way.  Our 1 hour 20 minute trip turned into something more like 2 1/2-3 hours.  Luckily there was great company and we passed the time enjoyably!

Did I mention it was hot at the Stockyards?

Lunchtime!  I found the glass carafe at Wal-Mart of all places.  There's a quarter of a lemon (sliced to fit) and a sprig of thyme in it.  It was very refreshing!  I also brought wax-paper-wrapped packages of co-jack cheese and summer sausage.  I froze those overnight and packed them before leaving my house.  By lunchtime they were thawed but still chilled.  I also brought an apple and some angel food cake, but it was just too hot to eat everything.

We browsed some sutler's tents and perused the living history demonstrations.  Sadly, by the time we started walking around everything was wrapping up for the day.

We had front-row 'seats' for a cannon demonstration.  That was very cool to watch, and a little shocking  in a way.  It's easy to watch cannons go off in the movies and not realize just how loud they are, or how much of a shock wave they create.  Here you can also see one of the 'bows' I added to the overskirt.  The other side has one too.  One corner needs to be fluffed, but you get the idea.

After the demonstration, we got up close and personal with some display cannons.

After that we took some other saucy shots...


My hair after enduring the heat for a few hours.

By then we'd seen everything we needed to see and it was time to take the train back to Grapevine.  I think we were all relieved to get back into the air conditioning!

I think I was appreciating the breeze here, but I honestly don't remember.  You can see the pleated ribbon I added to the brooch though.  I think the bodice really needed that.  It helps tie outfit's elements together a little better.  Next time I'll pin it on a little better so it doesn't get off kilter...it's always something, isn't it?


*Edited to include our group photo.  How did I forget that the first time?  Sheesh.

Comments

[jaelie.livejournal.com]

You looked so lovely!! I really do like that dress, too!

[darthcynthia.livejournal.com]

I love all your little added details! I never get tired of seeing this beautiful outfit! You look so perfect in it! And, you should consider offering to write up a blog entry about the event for the DFWCG page. This was nicely written for someone like me who didn't get to attend. :D

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I like it too, but I've gotta admit I'm ready to make another so I have some options. ;)

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I didn't even think about doing a write up for the guild page/blog. That's a great idea!

[jenthompson.livejournal.com]

Ohhh.... if you would be interested that would be awesome! We could actually just take this and drop it in there if you didn't want to do any more work. It's so nice to get event recaps from people who were there!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

This one's kinda me-centric. I'd be happy to do a more general write up for the blog, but if you think this one's OK that's fine too. I might not have time to do a new write-up until later this weekend or early next week.

[virginiadear.livejournal.com]

How utterly delightful!
I'm glad you had a lovely outing and am also so thankful that you've shared with us.

And I love your charming carafe--so much that now I want one, too, even though I have no need of such! (Too silly, me!)

[the-aristocat.livejournal.com]

You look divine as always! I love all the details in that dress.
And the drink looks just delicious! Just the thing you'd want on a hot day.

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

You all look so great! And in those gowns, I can see why you'd want air conditioning!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you! The carafe really did come in handy. I may go back for additional colors!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

Thanks! We've been sort of spoiled the last couple years with cooler temperatures. All of us were grateful for modern technology this year!

[virginiadear.livejournal.com]

Is the stopper reliably watertight? Are you able to set that carafe on its side without having to fret yourself over possible leaks or spills, or is it necessary to keep it upright within your basket?

[kaesha-nikovana.livejournal.com]

I found it to be completely reliable, no matter how the bottle was oriented. For most of the day, it was on its side in my basket and I had no problems with it whatsoever. I was a little concerned about it since it was only $4, but it even came with a tag explaining its hermetic seal.

[virginiadear.livejournal.com]

Wonderful!
Now I've got to get one. ;->
*h'hem* And then find a way to justify it. (I implemented a crash diet for my shapeless budget a week or so ago. Wishful purchases such as this delightful carafe aren't permitted. H'eh: just like a diet-diet for the hips or waistline: as soon as you begin it, some can't-miss-wouldn't-dream-of-refusing invitation to some delectable, scrumptious celebratory dinner presents itself.)