Roger Repoz: Major League Baseball Outfielder

Repoz, who grew up in Bellingham and who has lived in Fullerton, Calif., for nearly 30 years, prowled the outfield for the New York Yankees for a season in the mid-1960s.

Among his teammates were several players often mentioned as part of a long list of Yankee legends: Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Elston Howard, Joe Pepitone, Whitey Ford, Clete Boyer and Tony Kubek.

Repoz's journey to the top of the professional baseball world began when he played prep ball for Bellingham High School and collegiately at Western Washington University. For the Vikings, he was the Most Valuable Player at the 1959 NAIA national tournament as Western advanced to the national quarterfinals. He was primarily a pitcher in his college days, but was an outfielder during his pro career.

The left-hander was twice named to the all-Evergreen Conference team, and in 1960 he was drafted by the Yankees. He reached the big club for a week in 1964, then began a seven-year stretch in the majors in 1965.

The Scottish Wickerman Festival: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modern Celebration

Scotland, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and mysticism, is home to some of the world’s most captivating festivals. Among them, the Wickerman Festival stands out as a unique celebration that blends ancient traditions with contemporary artistry. Held annually in the scenic town of Stewarton in

East Ayrshire, this festival is not just a local event but a beacon of cultural expression that attracts visitors from across the globe.

Origins and Evolution
The Wickerman Festival draws its name and inspiration from the ancient Celtic tradition of the Wicker Man, a large wickerwork effigy historically used in pagan rituals. While the exact origins of the Wicker Man are shrouded in mystery, it is often associated with the idea of ritualistic offerings to ensure bountiful harvests and community prosperity. The modern Wickerman Festival, however, is a far cry from ancient sacrificial rites.

Blairmore House

Blairmore House is at Glass, Huntly in Aberdeenshire and was used as the Aberdeenshire Headquarters between 17th January 1943 and 8th November 1943. The house was designed by Alexander Marshall Mackenzie and was built in 1884 as a residence for Alexander Geddes, businessman and great-great grandfather of former Prime Minister David Cameron. His father, Ian Donald Cameron, was born in the house in 1932, though the family sold it shortly after.

Cakemuir Castle

Situated in Midlothian, Cakemuir Castle is a 16th century four storey tower house. The projecting stair tower is round and capped with a square watch chamber. This feature is common to Tolquhon and Crossraguel and may symbolise Protestant sympathy.

The castle was built on the site of an earlier castle by Adam Wauchope, who defended the Earl of Bothwell against the charge of murdering Lord Darnley. It was at Cakemuir that Mary, Queen of Scots, met up with Bothwell after fleeing from Borthwick in June 1567 and sought escape to Dunbar.

It is reassuring to see a fine property like Cakemuir being both conserved and developed further with an impressive pond and a large Orangerie (correct us if it is not!).

The family connection is through the current owners, the Robert Douglas-Miller family. Robert is my 5th & 6th cousin through my maternal grandmothers line (Milroy).

Bavelaw Castle

   

At first sight Bavelaw Castle appears to be a typical 17th century Lairds House but a 16th century origin is attested by the thickness of its walls, its vaulted basement and an array of gun loops. Located two miles south of Balerno, it has links with Mary Queen of Scots and James VI.

The family connection is through Robert Alexander Gavin Douglas-Miller former managing director of Jenners department store.
Robert, the current owner is a 4th cousin once removed to me from my maternal grandmother's family (Milroy).

Burgie House

It is thought that circa 1800 the middle part of the current house was built as a “cubical block” using the

stone from the then ruined castle. In 1912 Alexander Thomson entirely recast the building, extending the wings and covering the whole structure with a new roof. The old porch was removed and re-erected near the castle where it still remains today as a folly. In 1934 the house was modernised and enlarged once more with its appearance remaining the same to this day.

Fontaine Francaise Castle

Fontaine-Française Castle in Côte-d'Or is an elegant 18th-century residence in the classical style. Built on

the site of an ancient medieval fortress, it features a grand double staircase at the front, between the terrace and the pond. The 7-hectare pond stretches out in front of the castle's façade and makes for a peaceful and charming setting.

The guided tour of the Louis XV-style main building will take you to the guard room, drawing rooms and ceremonial rooms, where you can admire magnificent antique tapestries and period furniture.

Searching for the Binney girls

Probably back in my early 20’s I recall asking my dad what he knew about our family history.

Unfortunately, he knew very little about the family prior to their arrival in Canada from England in 1912. He did know of a few family stories though. One such story was that we were related to a New York music publisher named Gray and that he had two daughters that were movie stars. My dad had gone down to New York in the 1950’s and was met by one of the family.

Milroy home Houston, Texas

The Milroy House is not only a fine example of late-Victorian frame architecture, but is also significant

historically as one of the earliest houses in the town of Houston Heights and as the home of one of the men most influential in the development of that area. Built in 1898, the house was home to John Milroy until his death in 1918. Descendants of the Milroy family resided in the house until 1979. It remains the most impressive nineteenth century house on the street, with its original carriage house.

Bayons Manor

Bayons Manor located at Tealby, Lincolnshire, England was built in 1836 by the uncle of Alfred Lord

Tennyson, the Poet Laureate. Named after the Bishop of Bayeaux (William I's brother who originally owned the estate). It incorporated the original 17th century house. Bayons Manor includes a moat, over 60 rooms and a reduced size replica of Westminster Hall. It was opened to the public in 1934 and slipped into decline after the second world war when it was sold in 1944 and eventually dynamited in 1964.

Moulton Manor

The Monor House was rebuilt Abt 1570 with some alterations and there's an addition from 1938 for

Leonard Smithson. The Manor was owned by John Cuthbert Vaux my 6th cousin once removed. The home is currently still in the family and is available as a Bed & Breakfast with two retreats available for booking.

There is a tradition that James I spent a night in the house, either on his way south to assume the English throne, or on his way to the races at Gatherley in the same parish.

Family connection

This family connection is from my paternal Gordon side of the family through the Geddes, Mitchel and Ord family lines.

Rogers Family Retreat

This property located in Sebastopol, California was purchased 47 years ago in 1976 by Donald and Helen

Rogers. The property formerly belonged to the famed Peanuts artist, Charles Schulz, it was his studio and consisted of large red wood trees, 8 acres of land and a four-hole golf course.

Tony Stark's Cabin

This place may look familiar, especially if you've seen the Avengers: Endgame (2019) movie. This cabin

is located in Campbellton, Georgia and was used for the Marvel movie as Tony Starks cabin. It was also used By Mark Russell In Godzilla: King Of The Monsters (2019). This is mostly listed here for fun, but it turns out there is a family connection. A relative, a 7th cousin is the property manager for this cabin which can be booked on Airbnb for $1000 a night.

Family connection
The connection is through my paternal Gordon family, the Geddes, Mitchel and Ord family lines.

Greg Swindell: Major League Baseball Pitcher

In the annals of Major League Baseball history, certain names resonate with the kind of reverence reserved for true masters of the game. Greg Swindell is undeniably one of those names. His career,

spanning over two decades, is a testament to his skill, resilience, and passion for the sport. From his early days as a standout college pitcher to his illustrious tenure in the majors, Swindell's journey is one marked by excellence and determination.

Early Years and Collegiate Success
Greg Swindell was born on January 2, 1965, in Fort Worth, Texas. His love for baseball was evident from a young age, and he quickly established himself as a standout player. After an impressive high school career, Swindell continued to hone his skills at the University of Texas at Austin, where he emerged as one of the most dominant pitchers in college baseball history.

Jeris Ross Ford: American country singer

Jeris Ross Ford, also known as Jeris Hughes, was born in Wood River, Illinois in November 1951. She is an American country singer, known for her captivating performances and heartfelt songs. Throughout her career, she has been a part of several bands, including Maximus, Woof, and "The Bop Cats," where she performed under the name Jeris Ford.

Barbara Willard: Illuminating the Past Through Timeless Tales

In the rich tapestry of English literature, certain authors possess the unique ability to transport readers to bygone eras, offering glimpses into the lives and landscapes of times long past. Barbara Willard, a

prolific writer of historical fiction, was one such author, whose evocative storytelling and meticulous attention to detail captivated readers of all ages. Through her timeless tales, Willard breathed life into the pages of history, illuminating the past with a clarity and resonance that continues to enchant readers to this day.

David William Kinloch Anderson, Baron Anderson of Ipswich: A Legal Luminary

David William Kinloch Anderson, better known as Baron Anderson of Ipswich, is a prominent figure in the legal and political spheres of the United Kingdom. With a distinguished career marked by expertise in law, national security, and human rights, Baron Anderson has left an indelible mark on the fabric of British society, earning widespread acclaim for his intellect, integrity, and commitment to justice.

Exploring the Creative Universe of Lisa Milroy RA: A Maestro of Contemporary Art

In the ever-evolving realm of contemporary art, there are artists whose work transcends boundaries and speaks to the human experience in profound and unexpected ways. Among these visionaries stands Lisa Milroy RA, a luminary whose vibrant and evocative creations have captivated audiences around the globe. With her distinctive style and unwavering commitment to experimentation, Milroy has established herself as a maestro of the modern art scene, pushing the boundaries of perception and inviting viewers to see the world through a new lens.

Born in Vancouver, Canada, and raised in England, Milroy's artistic journey began at an early age, fueled by a passion for creativity and a keen sense of curiosity about the world around her. Drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including everyday objects, nature, and the human form, she developed a unique visual language characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and depth.

One of the defining features of Milroy's work is her meticulous attention to detail, evident in her intricate compositions and precise brushwork. Whether depicting a still life arrangement of household objects or a bustling cityscape teeming with life, she approaches each subject with a keen eye for form, color, and texture, imbuing her paintings with a sense of vitality and dynamism that is truly captivating.

Eric Garth Hudson: Maestro of the Keys

Introduction:

Eric Garth Hudson, a virtuoso of the keyboard, is best known as a founding member and the unsung hero behind the innovative sound of The Band. His mastery of multiple instruments, unique musical arrangements, and pioneering contributions to the development of rock and roll have left an indelible mark on the landscape of contemporary music.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings:

Born on August 2, 1937, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, Eric Garth Hudson demonstrated an innate talent for music from a young age. Raised in a musically inclined family, he began playing piano as a child and quickly showcased remarkable proficiency. His passion for music led him to explore various genres, including jazz, blues, and classical.  Hudson's musical journey included his lifelong friend, Gord Field. They played in a band together in High School, in London, Ontario, Canada.  During his Hall of Fame induction speech Garth looks up and thanks my father.

Formation of The Band:

In the early 1960s, Hudson crossed paths with fellow musicians Robbie Robertson, Levon Helm, Rick Danko, and Richard Manuel. Together, they formed The Hawks, later renamed The Band, serving as the backing group for rockabilly singer Ronnie Hawkins. Under Hawkins' guidance, Hudson's skills flourished, expanding beyond the piano to include the organ, saxophone, and accordion.

Don Malarkey of Easy Company

Don Malarkey, a distinguished veteran of World War II, gained prominence as one of the courageous soldiers of Easy Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division. His experiences, documented in Stephen E. Ambrose's book "Band of Brothers" and the subsequent HBO miniseries of the same name, have immortalized him as a symbol of bravery, camaraderie, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Malarkey was born on July 31, 1921, in Astoria, Oregon. Like many young men of his generation, he felt a sense of duty to serve his country following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. In 1942, Malarkey enlisted in the United States Army and volunteered for the paratroopers, a decision that would shape the course of his life.

As a member of Easy Company, Malarkey participated in some of the most harrowing battles of World War II, including the D-Day invasion of Normandy, the Battle of Carentan, Operation Market Garden, and the Battle of the Bulge. Throughout these campaigns, he demonstrated remarkable courage under fire and unwavering loyalty to his comrades.

Patty Gurdy: Crafting Musical Magic with the Hurdy-Gurdy

In the world of music, innovation often comes from unexpected places, and Patty Gurdy is a prime example of this. Hailing from Germany, Patty Gurdy has taken the traditional hurdy-gurdy—an instrument with roots dating back to medieval times—and transformed it into a vehicle for contemporary creativity and expression. With her mesmerizing melodies, infectious energy, and boundless imagination, she has captured the hearts of audiences around the world and established herself as a trailblazer in the realm of folk and fantasy music.

Born in Germany, Patty Gurdy's musical journey began at a young age. Drawn to the enchanting sounds of the hurdy-gurdy—an instrument that combines elements of a violin, guitar, and organ—she quickly fell in love with its unique timbre and expressive capabilities. Determined to master the instrument, she devoted countless hours to practice and experimentation, developing her own distinctive style in the process.

Supermodel Nicole Trunfio

Nicole Trunfio, born on March 16, 1986, in Merredin, Western Australia, is a renowned supermodel and entrepreneur. Her journey from a small town in Australia to the global runways of fashion capitals like New York, Paris, and Milan is a testament to her determination, talent, and unwavering passion for the industry.

Trunfio's interest in modeling sparked at a young age, and by her mid-teens, she was already making waves in the Australian fashion scene. At 15, she won the Australian version of the television series "Search for a Supermodel," which served as a launchpad for her career. Her striking beauty, combined with her poise and professionalism, quickly caught the attention of industry insiders.