A (model) Cannon for Christmas
by John
Christmas 2020 seemed to hold particular significance. Our children, their families, grandchildren all congregated and had a superb vegetarian meal with food preparation shared. Vegetarian, because a majority of our extended family are now vegetarian. One is a vegan, and some of us are inching our way towards that aim. Even the omnivores are mostly reducing their meat intake.
We enjoyed some lovely Australian wines, with Pavarotti in the background.
This was the first time that the whole family has been together for 9 months.
The grandchildren had been forbidden to get up for presents before 6am. And my son in law set their clock back an hour! So it was a leisurely start to the day. 7am.
We usually do a Kris Kringle for adult presents, but this year, we just decided to have no restrictions.
I had wondered (and to be honest, been slightly anxious) how the model Armstrong RML cannon would be received by my son in law (front) and youngest daughter (right front). Neither of them have any interest in weaponry or military history. My son in law grew up in Port Fairy where the original full size cannons are slowly rusting away. And my daughter took part in 2 casting sessions to see what casting was about. But neither had any idea that the model cannon was for them, and apart from the aluminium casting, neither had seen the cannon gradually being made.
Their reaction exceeded my most hopeful expectations. Both became teary, as did I.
The following video was made by my daughter. The daggy paper hats are part of our celebration. Totally unscripted. And I have had a few by this stage of the day.
johnsmachines 
I’ve read every one of your blogs, looked at every photo or video of each step in your year-long process while marveling at your achievements. Watching you create this cannon, with all its many tiny parts that must fit together precisely (how many are there?) has been a high point of 2020 in my virtual electronic social life. Really. It has been interesting to watch another scientist/artist work his way through the trials and errors of mastering the crafts. Your attention to detail is remarkable.
And what a fabulous gift it is for your family. I thoroughly enjoyed the video. You explained the technological history of the cannon and how it was used very well. Eleanor is an excellent interviewer and photographer. Thank you both!
You’ve made the best of what has been a horrible year for many of us in the US. Your good news from down under is much appreciated, especially so since I was hacked out of Facebook. Let’s connect for a real time chat via Facetime or Zoom. There is so much I’d like to talk with you about. All we need to do is agree on a time, which we can do on email.
Again, thank you for the years-long summation of the project.
Aloha,
Richard
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Yes Richard, I would be very interested to talk to you. I can Zoom. No experience with Facetime, but willing to try. You were the first person to alert me to the true character of DT, for which I am grateful. Do you have my email? it is jviggers@iinet.net.au. I am away for the next week, and the internet connection at Port Fairy is poor. Best to leave it until I return after 6 Jan. John. (and thank you for the very nice comments!)
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