The Christmas Muster is this evening and the Mariners are beginning to prime the pump, so to speak.

 
I spent the morning at Dan Hornstein’s firehouse, which often serves as a place of respite for wayfaring Mariners. When I showed up this morning there was one planted firmly on the futon.

 
One of the things I love about Dan’s home is the great collection of Mariner paraphernalia. The photo below actually measures in around 20″ by 30″. Classic picture of Cliff Haslem, Norm Ott, Howard Hornstein, Kevin Brown, Toby Lazor, Eddie Testori and a variety of other Mariner legends in the background.

 
Some of the Mariner things lying around his pad were handmade by other Mariners such as this Dead Fish by Larry Donahue

 
And this Fasnacht placquette was created by Mariner Pascal Kottman.

 
Other things are built right into his firehouse such as this compass rose that lights up. It is a table top that is built into the bottom end of a banister.

 
Here is another great picture. This one is of Roy Watrous, our floundering founder.

 
I just liked these.

 
Here is another nice carving.

 
Flask. mmmm.

 
Mugs. mmmm.

 
Here is an especially nice bit of scrimshaw done by Steve Chomka that I found lying on a desk. Steve’s son Eric, incidentally, is also a Mariner and has been vacationing with the Old Guard as of late.

 
So, mission accomplished. Primed. See you at the Christmas Muster.