Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Angels Watching Over Me



Montague Pied A Terre has been equipped with a weather vane. The task of installing it was other than easy but it was a worthwhile endeavor. The angel is almost three feet in length, is three dimensional (not two dimensional and flat) and it's made of copper. The copper was most beautiful when it was initially ensconsed over the porch but the weather and elements have quickly turned it from a bright and shiny surface to something more subdued. As time goes on it will most likely turn its surface to a green patina.




The green patina that forms naturally on copper and bronze, sometimes called verdigris, usually consists of a mixture of chlorides, sulphides and carbonates. copper carbonate or copper chloride. Atacamite is another name for the patina compounds. Verdigris is usually more specifically the artificial form and can be produced on copper by the addition of vinegar (acetic acid). Such a verdigris is water-soluble and will not last on the outside of a building like a "true" patina. It is instead usually used as pigment.

One example of a patina is a green surface texture created by slow chemical alteration of copper, producing a basic carbonate. It can form on pure copper objects as well as alloys which contain copper, such as bronze or brass.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

4 July 2010

Well, the 4th of July family rebellion was a smashing success again thanks to all of those who were willing to make the trek to the north. Lots of food was eaten, lots of stories were shared and best of all, the weather and the Lake were very cooperative. Other fun events were Mule rides and outside showering. In addition, there were wonderful snacks that showed up as well as homemade wine and handcrafted beer. What wonderful memories. The venison jerky was'nt too shabby either.




I tried to get everyone in at least one picture but Marlene said that I missed Jane. She was probably still down on the beach walking to the north.












Some had such fun swimming in the Lake that they returned for more swimming after dinner.






It was wonderful to have Arturo and Giovanni but we really missed The Meem (sp). Next year we'll change that.











The prize for the best manicured beard goes to Justin Daining.
The prize for showing up in the most pictures goes to the three (3) young cousins who seemed to be having a most wonderful time.


























It was a good 4th of July at Pied a Terre. All invited guests came and the suprise guests made it even more fun. The pulled pork was a hit and the Lake Michigan swimming was an even bigger hit.