Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Abdication and Vacation

Congratulations to the new Duke of Greystoke, Duke Chance Takashi; may he find success and enjoyment in Greystoke!

Gnarli has left the lands seeking a quiet bachelor retirement and a return to his plebian roots, he thanks all those who visited and helped make the last year so fun.

Monday, May 19, 2008

Hafla Party Tonite!


-What is a Hafla?

A hafla is a middle-eastern gathering, a party. There is usually dancing (think belly dancing, sometimes freestyle dancing, sometimes group performance) drumming, and general merriment!

-Why are we having one?

To celebrate the opening of a Nile River-themed venue to benefit Relay For life situated high above Caledon Greystoke, complete with explorable Temple of Karnak, pyramid tomb, and RFL merchant's Bazaar.

-When is it?

Monday, May 17th, 7pm-11pm SL time

-What shall I wear?

Middle-eastern garb suggested, or victorian touring garb, silks, etc. But wear what's comfy for you.

-Do I need a dance ball?

Nope, belly-dance bracelets and drumming animations, hookah, cushions, will be provided.
Everyone is invited, hope to see you there:)

Friday, March 14, 2008

The Barrows

"The Nineteenth Century-
During this century the study of prehistory took shape, due to discoveries in several fields of knowledge. However, there were also set-backs. For instance, the period 1840-1870 was the golden age of barrow looting. Local societies arranged "excavations" for the Sunday afternoon enjoyment of their members who frequently included ladies. Indeed, archeological studies have always offered equal opportunities to those females who have the stanima to compete. In 1870 J. H. Parker informed the Oxford Architectural and Historical Society that 'to find out whether a young lady knows anything of Archaeology or not, is a test whether she has been highly educated or not. The daughters of our higher nobility...are almost always well acquainted with Archaeology. Some of my favorite pupils have been young ladies of this class, our future Duchesses and Countesses.'
However, barrow digging could be as tedious for the diggers as reading most of the accounts of it can be for the modern scholar. Thomas Wright records an unrewarding afternoon in 1854 in which, after procuring a plentiful supply of provisions for picnicking, 'we all felt somewhat of a dissapointment as our men labored hour after hour, and no sepulchral chamber presented itself, and not even a burial-urn could be found to reward our patience'. But all enjoyment was not lost on this occasion, as they contrived to pass the time between eating and digging 'in games of various descriptions- not exactly such as those with which the builders of the mound celebrated when they laid the deceased on his funeral pile- and in other amusements.'"
------From The Origins of Britain- Lloyd and Jennifer Lang 1980


In this spirit, The Duke of Greystoke has opened the longbarrow on his estate to public exploration! Come discover the secrets of the tomb. It is advised to set view to midnight, grab a torch, read the notes as you go thru, and scroll your view perspective somwhat in, as these passages can be cramped. Find the Barrow entrance under the dolmen stones found near the barn, pack a picnic, and enjoy!

Thursday, February 28, 2008

Enter the Octagon

I had the pleasure of touring a nearby state Historical Landmark this last summer, the Hill Octagon House, and was taken with it's beauty and design. Erected in 1854 and renovated to original appearance in recent years, it offers a tour of rambling Victorian-furnished rooms on beautifully situated grounds. Having hit the gift shop, I returned home with a book of its history and copies of the original floor plans.



These plans would come in handy when I decided recently to do my first large-scale build, and, after a few weeks time the structure was finished to my satisfaction, and finally furnished. Here then, is a virtual tour of the new seat of Abeldown, Greystoke, Caledon.





"Welcome, guests! Do come in."



The Parlour


The Dining Room



The Music Room


The Kitchen (with adjoining pantry)


The Washing room (also adjoining the kitchen)


The stairway leading to second, third levels and Cupola.

2nd Level- the Library



Another view of the Library



The Jungle Room (a reading room adjoining the Library)


The Study



Another view of the Study


The Main Bedroom


Another view of the Main Bedroom



The Washroom

Another view of the Washroom


The Dressing Room (adjoining the Washroom)


3rd Level - A Moroccan theme Gaming room


A Ladies Salon


The 1st of two Servant's Rooms



The Servant's Privy


The 2nd Servant's Room



Up the stairs to the Cupola



From the Air

The Structure was far from flawless, yet I learned a lot in it's building. Unfortunately, the conservation of prims is not my strong suit; and it ended up, when furnished, with very little room for any other growth in Greystoke, so it has been reluctantly put away. But I am content now that you have all had a chance to tour it, in a sense. Something else will arise in Greystoke, soon enough. Also, I have a new home in Harborside, and very special developments, attendant upon that, to report in my next journal...!