Memorial Day 2011

In Falls County, Texas the Memorial Day celebration takes place on the Court House Square. In past years I have sometimes been the Keynote Speaker. It is a great honor to be asked (not to mention the ego boost), but I have always preferred to have veterans on Memorial Day. This year we hit the jackpot.

Colonel Ralph Hodge of the United States Air Force, retired, did a wonderful job of reminding us why we were there. Hopefully he will be back.

My part this year was "The Ringing of the Bell". After the speakers finish, and before the laying of the wreath, folks line up near the bell on the Court House Square. One by one they take the lanyard, and remember a service man who is no longer with us.

Some keep the names in their hearts. Others whisper, or shout the names to the heavens. One man rang the bell five times for uncles who fell in three wars. I've had elderly ladies ask me to ring for them, saying the clapper is too heavy for them. I always assure them that with their help I can make it ring.

When everyone else is finished I rang the bell. First for my father, Dub Burnett, then uncles. Jack Burnett and Thurman Fisher. Next for my step father, William Crawford. The list gets longer every year. This year I added Richard Winters. I ended with Roy Penny, the grandson of a friend who fell in Afghanistan last year.

To quote an Admiral in an old movie, "Where do we find such men?"

Stephanie Plum Comes To A Theater Near You...

I have just learned that the long awaited Stephanie Plum movie, One For The Money, is scheduled to be released this summer.

Expect to see ONE FOR THE MONEY in a theater near you starting July 08, 2011. Helene and I will be there.

Fans of Janet Evanovich have been waiting since the 1990's for her improbable bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, to come to the big screen. Over the years a parade of talented actresses have been suggested for the part, but Katherine Heigl has landed the role. There has been a lot of heated controversy over this choice, but I would advise folks to have some faith.

I screamed bloody murder years back when I learned my childhood hero, Batman, was to be played by "Mr. Mom". I was wrong to doubt Michale Keaton's ability. Based on Katherine's past performances I am expecting a great movie.

No less controversal choice to many fans was the casting of Grandma Mazur. A lot of folks have wanted to see Betty White in the role. At first I was shocked to learn Debbie Reynolds got the nod.

In my case it was the mind's eye not keeping up with current day. I still think of Debbie Reynolds as the stunning actress I had a serious crush on growing up. She doesn't look bad today, but is no longer a 'spring chicken' as Grandma Mazur would say. To those with reservations I have one question?

Have you ever seen Debbie Reynolds turn in a bad performance in anything?

This is going to be a great movie.

Note

Back in 2009 I addressed one of the frequently debated question about ONE FOR THE MONEY. For more click on the "Stephanie Plum" lable in the sidebar and scroll down to COULD THEY...

Remembering

Today I was asked to tell the story of James Coryell as part of the Marlin, Texas Memoral Day ceromony. If the name sounds fimular, it should.

At the age of 18 James Coryell left his home in Ohio and made his way to Texas. The year was 1821. Coryell's name appears all through the story of Texas for the next 16 years.

He traveled with Jim Bowie to look for the San Saba silver mines. During this expedition it is believed he was wounded by Indains in what is known as The 13 Hour Fight.

After the fall of the Alamo Coryell helped evacuate settlers from the path of the Mexican Army during the heartbreaking episode known as the Runaway Scrape. You won't read many accounts written by American settlers that Santa Anna's troops caught up with.

Coryell was a member of Capt. Sterling C. Robertson's ranging company in the spring and summer of 1836. In the fall of the same year he transfered to Capt. Thomas H. Barron's company. These early Texas Rangers traveled where they were needed and spent most of their time in the field rather than barracks.

While camped at Sarahville, near present day Marlin, Texas, Coryell and three companions located and raided a bee tree. They had cut it down and were in the process removing the honey when they were attacked by a band of Indians. Coryell was killed by the first shot.

James Coryell's body was recovered by his companions and buried near where he fell. In time the area was taken over by the James Plantation. The location of the grave was lost in time, but the slave cemetery was in the same general area and they knew he was there.

It was almost 173 years exactly from the day Coryell was killed that a grave matching the description (and in the right area) was discovered while brush was being cleared for a new fence around the old slave cemetery. Is it the long lost grave of James Coryell? It's too soon to tell. But whoever rest there, they are now found and can be remembered.

At the Marlin Courthouse we have a tradition of ringing the bell to honor fallen heroes. This year I started off by ringing the bell for James Coryell. Then I rang the bell for Richard Penny, a United States Marine who fell in Afghanistan early in May of this year. It is a sad truth that the bill for the freedoms we enjoy is paid by men like Coryell and Penny.

Cop's and Robber's - Animoto

I thought we were done with Cop's and Robber's but my lovely wife has been experimenting with a program called Animoto. Too technical for this country boy but her results look pretty good. Let us know what you think.

http://animoto.com/play/YlQY8bEQcwME0eLaLuAqHg

The Ambush

The finale of Cops and Robbers left those in attendance astounded and delighted. All agreed we provide the best mayhem at our events.

Rather than re-envent the wheel the following link will take you to my wifes description of 'The Jet's last Act'.

The Burnett HomePlace: Farewell Festiva!

The People Make The Difference

For years Helene and I have been doing firearm programs for writers at hotels and conference centers. I put on a pretty good show, but when we move to the range and start handing folks loaded firearms the situation changes. It you have more than two or three students you better have good people helping you make it happen.






Our son Matt and his son 'Spud' moved heaven and earth to get the range ready. He was also one of the range masters that worked with new shooters. He has a gift for this as anyone will discover watching him teaching his own children.





Hangman has been my best friend for over 20 years. He is a storehouse of knowledge and has always given me free run of his firearms collection. These programs wouldn't be near as good without him.




The real glue that holds it all together is my loving bride Helene. Once the event started she handled registration and handed out ammunition. It was the easiest day she had in months.


Not pictured is our ace photographer Amy Sharp. This is because she is usually behind the camers. We use photographs from other people but for quality and volume Amy can't be beat. I would love to make her our offical photographer.




The folks who attended are also part of what makes this fun. Our friend Jean Marie was there along with her Dad. George spent many years as a competative shooter and is quite knowledgeable about firearms and shooting. Having him there felt a bit like defending a thesis, but being a gentelman, if he disaggreeded with anything I said he gave me a pass.






One of the new faces was a man I nicknamed 'The Rifleman' seen here with my 30-30. I believe he had met one of these before!


To paraprase the late great Gorden R. Dixon "Firearms come to Mark's hands like friendly dogs." For someone who hasn't shot much he doesn't miss much either. Here he is making friends with my Mk. VI Webley. If I ever run short on instructors he and I may need to talk.





After hearing how much fun Mark had at THE GREAT PUMPKIN SHOOT his wife Mary Fran wasn't about to be left home again! Here she is learning about the .45 Colt trapper from Matt.

For months we had been hinting at a suprise finally. Once everyone had checked out on the various firearms they were ready.

Tomorrow

The Ambush!

A Good Time Had By All

Last Saturday (May 8, 2010) we had our second live fire writers programs at HomePlace. COPS AND ROBBERS was not as well attended as the first but I think that had more to do with putting in the day before Mother's Day than lack of interest. Note to self, next time really LOOK at the calandar!

Our focus this time around was the firearms used by the Cops and the Robbers of the 1920's and 1930's.

As the folks on both sides tended to use the same weapons this simplified matters. In addition to the popular movie guns we also talked about older firearms still in use by average citizens at the time.

I always like to point out Military surplus firearms available in the time period at bargain prices. These are often over looked.

It was prudent for gangs to get out of town fast. Between vet bring-backs and surplus firearms at the hardware store a slow gang could expect to find themselves under fire from just about any rifle or handgun used in The Great War -on either side!

We also attempted to do some 'Movie and TV damage control' by showing what a blank will do to the coke can shown here with the Copperhead that showed up the night before. Several folks remarked on seeing the snake they wish they had worn better shoes!

Part two tomorrow

Thanks to Amy Sharp for all but the last photo

Last photo by Jean-Marie Linhart

The First Copperhead of the Year

13 hours from COPS AND ROBBERS I was driving out to the shooting range with three extra tables when I saw it. A Copperhead, a big one, headed across the road. It didn't make it. Since I was returning from off property I wasn't armed, but HomePlace has no shortage of long sticks.

Had the snake been back in the woods I would have left it alone, but location and timing was bad.

Location - It was traveling from the area where we have our out buildings to the area where the our old sawmill is located. In addition to myself, my wife, the grandkids, Boat and Peppie the outside cats and Bear the dog run that part of the property on a regular basis. Boat is a new mother! This beastie was 19 inches long. Too dangerous to leave in a well travled area.

Timing - We have a bunch of city folk coming here tomorrow, kids as well. Too many to keep an eye on all the time.

As for the jar, I don't usually do that, but I am often asked about snakes in the area. This time around I can show them what's out there. Perhaps they will take me seriously when I say "Watch where you step."

Cops and Robbers

Many thanks to Steve at The Firearms Blog for reminding me of the modified Colts like the one above

Some of you may remember me talking about The Great Pumpkin Shoot we held last October. The purpose was to introduce folks from the local writers groups to old west firearms.

My programs have always been a bit more involved than most Writers Conference Offerings. Rather than a slide show Helene and I take the firearms to the conference so the folks can see, and (gasp) even touch the weapons we are talking about.

The Great Pumpkin Shoot went beyond merely examing old west firearms. The folks in attendence actually had the opportunity to fire the weapons under supervision. The climax was a pitched battle with about sixth rampaging pumpkins.

The vicious orbs didn't stand a chance and a good time was had by all. The question since has been "How do you follow an act like that?"

Next weekend HomePlace will be hosting Cops and Robbers. This time around we will be covering the firearms employed by both Law Enforcement and Criminals in the 1920's and 1930's. One sad note is that the gentleman who had the class III Thompson and BAR can not make it. I have, however, located someone local with these wonderful beasties to come next time around.

So once again we are making last minute adjustments to the range and prepairing for guest. Ammunation has been rounded up and the firearms menu has filled out nicely. A special surprise finale has been planned.

Watch for photos and a detailed description of the fun after next weekend --- when we haved finished cleaning guns and putting props away until next time.



To read about The Great Pumpkin Shoot follow this link. http://homeplace-artsstuff.blogspot.com/2009/10/day-started-for-us-at-homeplace-at-0600.html#comments

The Stephanie Plum Movie is a GO!

Wake up the kids and call the neighbors! There's finally going to be a Stephanie Plum movie, we hope, we hope, we hope

As exciting as this news is, it's been a long time coming. For as long as I have been reading Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series there has been talk of a movie. Janet sold the movie rights years ago but nothing happened. At one point she even tried to buy the movie rights back but the studio wouldn't let them go.

A few days ago Columbia Pictures and Lakeshore Entertainment announced they had cast Katherine Heigl in the movie version of ONE FOR THE MONEY based on the first book of the series. If the film is successful there is lots of material for follow ups.

Readers have love/hate relationships with their favorite books being make into films and I was one of the worst. There is no actor or actress in the world that will fill everyones expectations of what Stephanie, or Ranger, or Lula will look like. Then there is all the neat stuff not filmed. I personally think we have a winner in Katherine Heigl. As for the neat stuff not filmed...

Ten plus years ago I started working background in historic films and learned the ugly truth. Movies are in a constant battle for time. The time it takes to film a movie can make or break a project. And then, if the film is too long it suffers. The question should be dose the film respect the book it's based on? I have high hopes for this project

One of my earlier post, titled Could They... delt with the problem of Stephanie shooting a would be killer while her gun still in her purse. I will be curious to see how this part of the story is handled

For the Stephanie fans the next book, SIZZELING SIXTEEN will be released on June 22, 2010. Helene and I will be at the Barnes and Noble in College Station, Texas that day to get ours.

I will post more information about the ONE FOR THE MONEY movie as it comes available.

This is Bear

Almost a month ago I announced that my early Christmas present from Helene was a Shepherd Puppy named Bear from a local shelter. Then the camera went on the blink! Finally I asked Matt to take a picture of him and send it to me. He finally sent it. This friends and neighbors, is Bear Burnett.

He is fitting in here. The cats still don't know what to make of him. They are curious but have their standards. He and Peppi get along to an extent but Bear wants to play like a puppy and Peppi insist she WILL be treated like a lady!

With any luck we will be picking up a new camera tomorrow. I have missed posting with my own pictures.

I have a couple of trips planed this year. For one I want to go visit my friend, Tom Townsend at his place outside Rusk, Texas. Those of you who enjoy the Dodge M-37, just wait until you see what Tom has on his place.

I have one other trip planned but will hold off on details for now. I haven't been able to talk to the folks yet and would hate for them to read about it here first.

Some of you have read the post about THE GREAT PUMPKIN SHOOT. The next event Helene and I have planed is COPS AND ROBBERS. As the name suggest this will be to give writers and history buffs hands on experience with firearms made famous by the gangsters and lawmen of the 1920's and 30's.

I toyed with having it on the 81st. anniversity of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, but February is our Monsoon season. At the moment it is planned for the last weekend in April. Rather than making due with my Semi Thompson, I have tentative arrangements for an actual Thompson to come out. If the gentleman I'm talking to can make it he will also bring a BAR. The Thompson is old home week but I have never fire the BAR before and can't wait! More details will be posted in the near future.

One of the other chors is to rework my range. Generally I practice with handguns and shotguns at 25, 50, 75 and 100 feet. Rifles targets will be set at 100 feet, 50 and 100 yards. It's not that I consider myself old but since bi-focals 100 yards is the most I can expect to hit without a scope.

Once this is done (by the end of the month) I will start my annual rotation of the firearms in my collection plus those of some friends I can pester into letting me borrow their stuff. Last year ended before I started this blog due to the problems of getting ammo and reloading supplies. This year I will begin with black powder weapons starting with Hangman's Matchlock. All the details, good - bad - and ugly will be recorded here.

Bear will be along, I think. He isn't real sure about this shooting stuff yet. The Grandkids, Spud and Ali, will want to take part when they can make it out. They take a lot of looking after (what one hasn't thought of the other is already into) but they also make good pack mules and I really do enjoy having them around. Helene has to quote me on that from time to time, but it's true.

So, hang in there and keep me honest. I'm expecting a great year, hope you come along.

Life at HomePlace goes on

Greetings from Falls County, Texas
To begin with I want to apologise for the lack of photographs here. The camera is having issues. I hope to have that sorted out soon. If you are reading this and there are photos that means I did.

Helene surprised me a few days ago with an early Christmas present named Bear. Moody, our last dog passed away a couple of years ago and we weren't in a hurry to get another. You couldn't replace Moody.
While at the bank the last week we went to an adoption shelter near by and discovered a Shepard / Rottweiler mix with very sad eyes and enormous feet. He is fitting in nicely but not without issues. Ock, the senior cat, thinks he should be on a cracker. Peppy, the gray tabby that walks with Helene and I can't decide if he is a toy or food. Being the new hire at HomePlace Bear thinks he has to salute grasshoppers.

The girls coming home from the Vet Sunday did nothing to settle his fears. They needed love and reassurance so bad they were even getting in my lap. It looks like a couple of the girls will make friends with him Bear but it's an on-going process.

I have sent photos of Inoue's flag to the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago. I have told them I am wanting to return the flag but I wish to corospond with the family. I would like to know the story of the man who carried this flag.

Breaking news on the chicken front. After months of nothing we actually got an egg the other day...one. With all the feed I don't want to think what it cost. I do know what chicken at the grocery store cost, they better get with the program.

Helene and I are working on a new shooting event we will call COPS AND ROBBERS - ST. VALENTINE'S DAY. The plan at the moment is to hold it on the 81st. anniversary of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre but weather and schedules may force us to put it off a month or so.

Well, I have errands to run and choirs to finish up. I havn't seen or heard Bear in about 10 minutes and with puppys his age that is cause for concern.
Stay tuned.

Veterans Day in Fall County, Texas

For the better part of 10 years I have taken part in the Falls County Historic Commission's observation of Veterans Day at the County Court House in Marlin.

Since Helene retired from teaching a year and a half ago she has been able to take part as well.

Last year it rained cats and dogs and all outdoor services were canceled. This year we made up for it.

We do this for the Veterans but it is not a one was street. We have the opportunity to meet a few of these wonder people and thank them in person. For history buffs like myself I can talk to individuals who participated in events I have read about and hear as much of their story as they are comfortable sharing.

We thank our Veterans and active duty men and women for thier service and sacrifice.

The day started for us at HomePlace at 06:00 AM. It was time for 'final assembly'. The sign was placed by the road to make finding us easier. Considering I still pass the entrance at night on occasion that's important.

Hangman set up his kitchen and got the fire started so he would have coals for his dutch ovens. Matt rolled in a bit before 07:00 and started with last minute arrangements, including getting the track back on the bulldozer AGAIN and moving it out of the right of way.

The first arrivals rolled in a few minutes before 09:00. They were met at the parking area by our gas powered stage coach, aka 1953 Dodge M-37. From there they were taken to registration where by Helene.

From registration folks headed either to the Ace In The Hole (non-alcoholic) Saloon or to Hangman's cook fire for breakfast.

Not surprisingly when I started setting up the firearms display folks started drifting over.

Over the next hour I covered the firearms development from 1400 give or take to 1899. Then it was time to move to the range.

We started with checking everyone out on a double barrel 12 gauge shotgun, a Winchester 1894 lever action lever action carbine in .45 Colt and a single action revolver in .45 ACP. Fur Cat is helping with scale.

My intention was to break for lunch as soon as everyone had qualified, but at least half of them came back with more ammo for a second round.

Before the main event folks had a chance to try out other firearms from the line up. A replica English Matchlock was one of the most popular.

Our good friend Susan brought a Savage .22/.410 combo gun that had belonged to her Step Dad. I have always wanted one of these. Several of us, myself included, had a ball shooting this one.

Folks could have spent quite a while trying out old west rifles, shotguns and handguns but it was pumpkin time!

The hulking orange orbs formed a skirmish line. We stood our ground.

I'm pretty sure we made the first move.

The carnage was impressive

In a moment the air was filled with smoke, lead and pumpkin guts.

Then all was silent.

But we know the pumpkins will be next year, and we will be ready.

My thanks to Amy Sharp for the use of the 3rd, 4th, 7th, 11th and 12th photograph used in this Blog.

17 Hours To Go

We got the track back on the Bulldozer

It got 50 feet before it threw it again. What is life without challenges.

No time for a detailed Blog now. Look for a lengthy discription of The Great Pumpkin shoot Sunday, or Monday maybe.

There is never a good time to throw a track

Things are marching along here at HomePlace, like time! Some progress has been made. We picked up Ammunition from Ft. Milam Armory Tuesday.




Some set backs. We threw a track on the bulldozer Wednesday afternoon. There is never a good time to throw a track, but it doesn't get much worse than sixty hours before The Great Pumpkin Shoot. Matt reviewed his profanity and it was impressive!

The area is cleared for ACE IN THE HOLE, our non-alcoholic tent saloon, and it is ready to be assembled and stocked.
The Great Pumpkin Shoot sign is ready to go by the road.
Hangman's kitchen area has been prepared and a supply of wood laid in.
Guest quarters...are a work in progress.

The modern day out house arrived this morning. When the man called and asked about how to find the place I told him to look for the Big Green Army Truck.

"Which side of the road," the man ask?

"It will be the only Big Green Army Truck parked on the road."
"That'll work!"
Targets are being set up.
Last but not least Peppi the porch cat, another one (Groan), went with us for Helene's walk this morning. This was a regular occurence until Wally, the big tom, got tired of being run off the food dish by the "Pocket Panther" and she spent several days recovering.

This morning Peppi tried to walk with us but it was just too hard, so she went for a carry.

More to come tomorrow.