Royal Ascot

A word on the significance of 'Ascot'...

(Freddy? What's he got to do with it?)

In 1711, Queen Anne held the first race meeting at Ascot, at the time known as 'East Cote', establishing the tradition of the Royal Ascot meeting for the next 300 years. Today, the Ascot Racecourse persists as the world's most renowned horse racing venue.

History: http://www.ascot.co.uk/aboasc/aboasc_his.html
Virtual Tour of facilities: http://www.ascot.co.uk/virtour/ascottour.php
Main page: http://www.ascot.co.uk/index.html

Perhaps the only image any American would have of the Royal Ascot is the scene from My Fair Lady wherein Eliza lets fly a dandy of an expletive... I won't repeat it, but you get the picture.

The setting is the Ascot Racecourse, and the outrageously ornate costumes worn by one and all are actually the standard for anyone who wishes to attend. Granted, styles have changed somewhat, but the men still wear formal suits, some with ascots (don't worry, I'll explain), and the women still wear lavish gowns with, shall we say, overly expressive hats. Basically, the Royal Ascot is the place to be seen if you're anybody who's anybody in England; Queen Elizabeth II herself attends every year. And so the name 'Ascot' has become synonymous with high society, posh lifestyle, and the general 'lap o' luxury'.

Royal Ascot Magazine 2008: http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/Launch.aspx?referral=other&refresh=Ha91z30TLw20&PBID=7b98fe2c-6a05-4cb0-a223-b632edc2ded8&skip

Now, in terms of clothing, an 'ascot' is a type of formal cravat, or tie, usually fastened with a stickpin and worn with a morning coat. Not surprisingly, the ascot was so named for its original appearance at the Royal Ascot.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ascot_tie

Drawing upon the aforementioned definitions (as well as the one listed at the end), I applied the name to a home I designed during my high school years, 'Ascot Manor'. The house was my attempt to incorporate most all the luxuries I saw available in residential construction into one plan.

And last but not least, in my estimation anyway, 'Ascot' is a play on my name, 'A. Scot'. And I think it fitting, given my English and Scottish heritage.

So... now you know the story of at least one 'Ascot'.

A Tribute to the (S)aged

Next week, I will again enjoy the opportunity to participate in a talent show for the elderly. On previous occasions, I resigned myself to reading an assortment of English poetry... but this time will be different! ... Okay, okay, I will still read some selections to be sure, but I've decided to read a poem of my own composition, a sort of tribute to those who find themselves in the ebb of their lives.

I composed this poem a few days ago, in anticipation of the upcoming event. As I searched for some inspiration, I couldn't help but to think of my own grandfather, 'Grampy' as we called him. I express gratitude for him, my other grandparents, and the elderly everywhere that, more often than not, are the keepers of great wisdom and experience, love and faith. We are as they once were.

A Word to the Wise

In troubled times, of doubt and fear,
When I’d rather shrink than fight,
The vision of a Face, so dear,
Turns the darkness into light.

‘Twas the image of a man I saw,
His countenance, so sure,
Of youth and dreams and hopes still raw,
A Journey for to endure;

And as I stared into his eyes,
Amidst the shades of Gray,
A feeling gripped me by surprise,
As though to hear him say:

“Scotty me boy, remember this,
When life whirls round us grim:
The only true and simple Bliss,
Lies in giving, not giving in.

For though in life you saw me rest,
A body, aged and spent,
Withal does this portrait attest,
Of my Youth, once exuberant.

Through times of trial, want, and woe,
Whilst war posed to deprive,
My feet I fixed, firm in the row,
The Dream to keep alive;

And for my grit did God concede,
A blest Posterity,
To teach, to cherish, and to lead,
Throughout eternity.

So I suggest, Scotty me lad,
When the day looms dark and dim,
Be steadfast, like your ol’ granddad,
And give, but never give in.”

On Simplicity

I measured my bedroom the other day... ten feet wide by twelve and a half feet long. Not very big, but I live comfortably enough.

I was busy modifying a set of plans for a new home designed by my boss. In answer to a request to return as close as possible to the original budget, he simply decided to move large elements of the house inward and thus reduce the total square footage price...

The idea seemed simple enough in theory, yet the actual execution was another story, especially with a whole set of plans that were already finished. The relocation of the east wall four feet to the west actually didn't cost too many brain cells, but when I got to the basement floor plan, I realized I would have to totally revamp nearly half of the original layout...

A few forehead wrinkles later, I had come up with the simplest, most sensible solution that didn't deviate too much from the original intent. One of the bedrooms was quite reduced in width, but I figured that if a tall body like me could survive in a 125 square foot room, then just about any future resident could survive well enough in a 166 square foot room... even if it was a wierd L-shape!

I'd like to think that a better solution was possible... but in this instance, moving a foundation wall or two was really out of the question...

Such experiences cause me to ponder on my current lifestyle and the little niches, here and there, that form the world in which I live. I figure that the whole of my territory isn't more than ten square miles; though I don't have a car, I rarely venture very far with friends anyway... My bedroom, as you now know, isn't huge, but it houses my books, my drawings, my shoes, my ties, and my clothes...

Everything has its place, and thank goodness... this simple-minded fellow can only focus on one thing at a time! I enjoy keeping my world simple... the other things, people, and places in the larger world that surround my small one thus have a more tangible value and presence.

... Anything else just might be chaos...

This her's it

Well folks, this is my new blog where I will post the random and partially-planned happenings of my daily life...

Yup, sounds just great huh? Let me tell you... I feel pretty dang tickled at the prospect! (okay, you can all just quietly smile, nod your head, and go on your merry way)...

I know I can only expect that a few select family members and friends will read anything here posted, let alone make any sense of it.

Regardless, here's one morsel for your trouble:

A simple rhyme,
To pass the time,
Oh, so pleasantly;

That 'fore it's done,
Thou wilst have won,
A spot, o' greenery!