Fort Niagara

-
Sometimes my job takes me to interesting places. I have to be honest, I didn't know much about Old Fort Niagara.

I always loved history too...but didn't retain it.

The battle back in the 1700's was told on the plaques and in the actions of the men and women who dress up in the old uniforms.

And then I entered the castle.

That's when I was blown away by the architecture and the vintage furniture. I could almost imagine the scenes as they prepared for battle.

The mason who is working on some of the brick was my tour guide. We marveled at how the place was built back all those years ago.

"You have to see the jail," he said.

I thought about the battle waged in the field. I heard about the underground tunnels and we went looking for the cannons.
"That's where they loaded them."

"Whoa," I said. "This is so freaking cool!"

As we were heading back to the work area we saw a woman, dressed in the garb of the day, sitting outside, working on mending clothes, I believe.

"They worked so hard. They fought so bravely," I said.

We went over the drawbridge, and took in the solid brick walls that protected the place.

"Exactly," the mason of today said, "And most of the people we know these days are all worked up when the wi-fi goes out."

We laughed.

So cool.

The job is going to run a little while longer.

Next time I'm gonna' see what the underground tunnels were all about.

I mentioned it when I got home.

"I saw that place," Sam said. "Went there on a field trip. I remember the cannons."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more