#kirk's of the north

[thechurchofsplatterdaysaints]

[flying-potato2]

THERES ANOTHER FUCKING HURRICANE???? ALREADY?????

[bumblebeeappletree]

This was aired back in 2020. In time of posting this it’s 2024. This is a very fascinating documentary about the climate of the planet in the past, and what it might look like in the future. I highly suggest everyone watch this.

Paleontologist Kirk Johnson explores the dynamic history—and future—of ice at the poles. (Aired February 5, 2020)

Official Website: https://to.pbs.org/3EUn0KC | #novapbs

In this two-hour special, renowned paleontologist Kirk Johnson takes us on an epic adventure through time at the polar extremes of our planet. Following a trail of strange fossils found in all the wrong places—beech trees in Antarctica, hippo-like mammals in the Arctic—Johnson uncovers the bizarre history of the poles, from miles-high ice sheets to warm polar forests teeming with life. What caused such dramatic changes at the ends of the Earth? And what can the past reveal about our planet’s climate today—and in the future?

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:05:49 Hunting for Fossils on Islands near the North and South Poles

00:22:52 Fossil of New Dinosaur Species Found in Patagonia

00:29:04 Was Death Valley Always the Hottest Place on the Planet?

00:37:32 How Have Carbon Dioxide Levels Changed on Earth Over Time?

00:49:18 How Do Ice Sheets Form in Antarctica

00:56:47 How Did Life Persist Through the Ice Age?

01:11:29 Impacts of Rising Temperatures on Ice Cycles of the Planet

01:31:30 What Was the Warm World Like Before the Ice Age

01:43:04 This Cave Has Been Frozen for 100,000 Years

01:50:30 Conclusion

© 2020 WGBH Educational Foundation

All rights reserved

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#paleontology #paleontologist #antarctica #antarctic #northpole #southpole #iceage #arctic #dinosaur #dinosaurs #deathvalley #deathvalleynationalpark

Where is the north pole, north pole temperature, ellesmere island, is antarctica the south pole, new dinosaur discovered, new dinosaur documentary, patagonia chile, what is the carbon cycle, death valley weather, death valley temperatures, snowball earth, ice sheet, drake passage

[mullomohiam]

imagine for a moment. A world where sunny came out like 15 years earlier. exactly the same show but macdennis was born in the world of fanzines and newletters so all the fanart of them boning each other is done in the weird photorealistic pencil drawn style you get in old fashioned zines and such. where the faces are always nearly there. but not quite right bc they didnt have google images

think about it man!!!!!!!!!! we used to be a real country

[spockedandloaded]

My brain said “lion king au” and I had to comply, part 2 with the rest of the crew coming soon

[maxriderg]

Well, Today is the Big Day to get motivated to celebrate Kirk Thornton's 67th Birthday and welp, have a Very Happy 67th Birthday to the Legend himself (1956-present), I suppose.

[nosasblog]

The Saltwater Mill, Petty:  A Wonder of the Parish

by Marion Ruscoe When I first started looking at the site of the Saltwater Mill at Petty Bay, I was writing a general survey of industry in Petty Parish (2019).  I discovered that there was very little primary evidence for the mill and access to the site was not easy.  In fact, at the time, I couldn’t see how to get down to the site, since the Castle Stuart Golf Course had taken over the area to…

[eaux-fortes]

NORTH BERWICK, SCOTLAND, SEPTEMBER 2023.

[supernovasilence]

Ok we all talk about the Pevensies' trauma at returning to Earth at the end of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and their trouble readjusting to life there again but think of all the funny/good parts too

They return from the country, and their mom is surprised when all her children hug her at the station. Even Peter, who thinks he's all grown up. Even Edmund, who went away surly and withdrawn. She doesn't know her children haven't seen her in over a decade.

They miss their dear Cair Paravel, but they absolutely do not miss its chamber pots. Indoor plumbing is amazing.

It takes a while to remember how modern technology works, though. How many heart attacks did the siblings give their parents or the professor because they walked into a dark room only to turn on the light and find the children sitting there in the dark. (They were by the window! There was still plenty of light from the sunset! They would have gotten a candle in a minute!) The kids sheepishly remember oh yeah electricity is a thing.

(Edmund has a new electric torch in Prince Caspian. He was so excited to get that torch. Almost more excited than you'd think a kid his age would be, and his parents expect Peter at least to tease him, but the siblings all agree light in your hand at the touch of a switch is terrific.)

Suddenly getting really high grades in some subjects and terrible in others. Their grammar, reading comprehension, spelling, vocab, even penmanship? Amazing. History and geography? They don't remember anything. One time in class Susan forgets Earth is round and wants to die.

Also they can never remember what the date is supposed to be because Narnia uses different months and years. They can estimate time really well by looking at the sun though, and Edmund at least can always tell which way is north etc without thinking about it (again, using the sun)

Okay but how many times did they go to pick something up or reach something and realize they are so much shorter and less muscled than they expect? It's a common sight to see Peter climbing on counters to reach a top cabinet, grumbling about how he's High King this is demeaning. (No he never takes the extra five seconds to grab a stool. He will climb that shelf.)

Peter and Susan being delighted because they are no longer almost thirty. (In a few years Edmund and Lucy will tease them about being old and their parents will not understand.)

Lucy doesn't have to deal with periods anymore for a few years yet. Susan might not either. Heck yeah

Lucy loves to climb into her siblings' laps and be cuddled. In Narnia she eventually she grew too big, but now she is small and snuggleable again. Peter is her favorite, and if she's upset, he'll tickle her and tell bad jokes until she's smiling again, but really she loves cuddling with all her family. She grew up without her parents; how many times did she just want to crawl into her mom's lap and her mom was a world away? Imagine the first time she realizes she can now. Or, imagine one day, a cold and grey sort of day, when the rain is pattering against the windows, and it sounds like the rain on the windows of the Professor's house, that first day they went exploring. It sounds like the day they played hide and seek. It sounds so like the rain on the windows of Cair Paravel, that if Lucy closes her eyes she can imagine she's back there, having tea and chatting with Mr. Tumnus before the fireplace of her room, and soon the rain will stop, and they will go out on the balcony and wave to the naiads and the dryads and the mermaids, who have come out to enjoy the rain and visit one other on the banks of the Great River winding past Cair Paravel down to the sea.

But if Lucy looks out the window, all she'll see is the rain over London, so it's not only a cold and grey sort of day, it's a lonely sort of day too.

Susan and Edmund are playing chess in the living room (and they must have studied with Professor Kirke, thinks their mother, because they certainly weren't that good when they left). Lucy goes over to Edmund, and oh dear, thinks their mother, now he's going to call her a baby and be horrible to her, but instead he picks her up and puts her on his lap without even taking his eyes off the chessboard; it's simply a matter of course.

"Doesn't the rain sound familiar?" says Lucy in a solemn, wistful way.

Their mother doesn't know what that means, but her siblings must, because Susan says, "Yes, Lu, it does,” and Edmund gives her a little hug with his free arm as she tucks herself under his chin to watch the chess match.

(Five minutes later there is a crash from the next room as Peter falls off a counter. Their mother does not understand the words he must have picked up from the Professor, but he's grounded for them anyway. His siblings have no respect for their High King, because they refuse to stop laughing.)

[romancebooksformen]

Raconteur by Kirk Mason. Audiobook narrated by Tom North and Cassandra Quinn.

—

Talk my way into royalty? Easier said than done.

Henry was just an ordinary tavern keeper, helping to run the doomed family business.

When the Royal Tradesmen's Ball rolled around, he—like usual—wanted nothing to do with it.

But the fourth-in-line Lady Garnet offered him a proposal. She wished to shock her family with an outrageous stunt: appearing to court a commoner.

He agreed on one condition: no more strangling the tavern.

Little did the lady know, Henry had a grander plan. Using his charms, he'd raise his lowly family name to unfathomable heights.

He would talk his way into royalty.

Though he didn't count on forming a friendship with the castle's dorky dark-elf librarian, nor did he think he'd catch feelings for both her and the Lady Garnet.

And it wasn't all fun and games at the castle. A dark presence loomed in the shadows, darting silently across the rooftops at night, hunting the members of aristocracy it deemed unworthy of the title.

Had Henry bitten off more than he could chew?

[xanticore]

could you do a fluff/smutty fic with james hetfield where he takes the readers v card pls <33 preferably an established relationship and set in the early 90s but you take the reigns !!

I hope you like this anon! I thought this au was so cute! <3

𝐋𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍

Genre: Fluff and Smut

Setting: early 90s ; black album era

Warnings: piv, slight choking, mentions of alcohol and drinking. drugs involved (just cigarettes), unprotected. (wrap up)

Summary: Metallica was just about done with their world tour. Their last stops being in the states, selling out arenas and some stadiums they had booked. They were currently on break until it was time to tour North and South America. You guys were at a celebration party, celebrating a successful abroad tour. Though, James wanna celebrate in a different way, of course you couldn't say no to that.

"CHEERS TO A SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE...BLACK ALBUM TOUR. I WANNA THANK EVERYONE ON OUR TEAM FOR MAKING ANOTHER TOUR HAPPEN!" Lars said as he shot his red cup in the air that was filled with some type of alcohol.

Everyone said their cheers and cheered before taking a sip of their drink. "Another tour..another successful album to be quite frank." James raised his brow. You chuckled at his comment. You both were sitting on the couch playing a game of cards with Kirk and his girlfriend. The two couple across from you and nodded. "Dare I say we deserve something for it." Kirk said.

The band wasn't too focused on getting trophies but they highly appreciated the recognition they rightly deserved. You supported James and been with him since Kill em All. You really watched the band grow and become experienced with their sound and instruments. The fact you were able to witness everything in real time just gave you goosebumps.

Not only that, you couldn't stop thinking about how you two were about to celebrate 10 years of being together. 'A decade already?' You thought. Time was sure going fast and as the saying goes, 'Time goes by fast when you're having fun.' Rightfully so. You sure as hell was having the best time while dating James. There was never a dull moment in the 10 years you've been with him. You guys aren't perfect but you both matched each other perfectly.

It was getting late so you guys decided to head on home. You entered your shared apartment and you two were quick to just flop on your soft bed after being out all day. You two were exhausted and just needed some rest for a moment. A moment to relax for a bit.

"Home! god i miss this bed!" James said as his face was muffled in the pillow. He let out a guttural sigh that couldn't help but make you laugh. He turned his head to look at you with a smile.

"What?" You said curiously.

"Nothing...I just, you know..wanna celebrate my tour in a different way~ a quick blow? pleasee?" He asked politely. He knew that you were still a virgin but of course, you two managed to please each other when it came down to any of you being horny, so you wasn't entirely inexperienced.

"Don't you want more?"

"More?"

"Yeah?"

James looked at you confused as he sat up. "More what? I don't want nothing else.."

"Oh so you don't wanna take my virginity then?"

You can see when his heart skipped a beat and had butterflies in his stomach. "Wait- I-"

You just nodded as James obviously didn't have no words to say.

"Are you sure?" He asked. He slowly moved closer towards you. "Mmhm..I'm sure. 100%. I love you so so much and I'm ready." After your words, he kissed your cheek then moved towards your lips pecking them. "I will go easy on you baby. Just let me know when it hurts or you want me to slow down- or even stop ok?" He whispered in between each peck. Eventually, you guys were in a much needed kiss.

His tongue going against yours; exploring your familiar mouth. James had you stripped down in mere seconds. He was taking his time on you and didn't wanna rush a moment like this. He kissed down your stomach and kissed the waistband of your panties. He slowly slid them off exposing your wet cunt.

He loves going down on you ever since the first time you guys did it back in 83. You could definitely tell the difference between 20 year old James with no experience and a 30 year old James, with experience and knows all your rights spots from memory.

He was now at your entrance. He first rummaged through the bed side drawers to take out an unopened box of condoms. James also had a box; just in case for moments like these when you were feeling up for it.

"No-" You said grabbing his wrist. "Don't put it on..." James was taken aback and looked at you for a moment indeed of reassurance. You nodded and he just put the box back. "Damn so i technically bought those for nothing?" He shook his head as you giggled. He was a pretty good size in length and girth. Your heart was pounding and it was way too late to back down now. He slowly pushed himself into, feeling your tight walls around him. "Fuck-" He cursed under his breath. You groaned at the slight pain and even winced a bit. The pain was sharp and uncomfortable and it had you breathing heavily.

"Calm down, breath. I don't want you to pass out." James said as he caressed his cheek. He was now fully inside of you. He kept this position for a minute until you were comfortable and ready. He began moving slowly, his thrust was manageable but it was still highly uncomfortable for you. You soon relaxed your body more and kept breathing. Eventually you got the hand of his movements and his size. The moment you felt comfortable is the moment your body wanted more. James being a gentleman that he is, he still kept going slow.

His low groans and grunts filled the room and it turned you on. "Go a little faster..." You told him in a whisper. "You sure baby doll?"

You nodded.

You didn't have to tell James twice. He increased his thrust speed to a medium. That unfamiliar uncomfortable feeling was finally long gone and out of your hair. You officially lost your virginity to the man you love and,, you didn't mind him using you like some toy.

Once you had a feel to him, James had you in all different positions. Different positions you never thought you could even do. He wasn't going soft and sweet but more rough and sloppy like he hadn't fucked in ages...technically he hasn't but he's willing to wait. You guys were both back to missionary and he moved his hand down to your throat, softly squeezing it; filling your choking kink you always had.

His eyes were dark and his voice was deep and raspy. "Gonna come now baby...fuck-" He moaned out. Your moans were the only sounds being heard throughout the room besides the harsh smacking of skin to skin contact. He was thrusting hard and deep in your cunt. "Yeah..i think- i feel it-" You whined. He subconsciously went even more faster and rougher. You thought he was gonna break the bed but you didn't care. In the heat of the moment you, just wanted to come; and you came.

He quickly pulled out, jerking himself off as he released himself onto your stomach, causing a sticky mess. "Fuck- fucck-" He huffed and took a deep breath. He looked down at you, your face was red and tired from the activity. He grabbed a few tissues and cleaned up your stomach. "Thats my girl...thats.my.girl." He said before landing two kisses on your cheeks. You smiled and watched him lay on his side of the bed catching his breath.

"You know were locked in now...like this." He said putting his crossed fingers. "Im happy to be your first, and I'm willing to be your first in anything else."

"My first husband??"

"Now don't spoil our future...but yeah...your first husband." He turned to wink at you causing your heart to skip a beat.

a/n: I hope you like this fic anon and and anyone else that read it.

dividers: cr to owners

[whencyclopedia]

A Gallery of Churches from Around the World

Churches around the world are not only houses of worship but offer a wide array of architectural styles and forms, from modest structures, such as St. John's Church in Waimate North, New Zealand, to the striking artistic innovations and ornamentation of buildings such as the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey.

The word church comes from the Old English cirice, meaning a place of assembly for Christian worship, and evolved into the Middle English word kirke, then kirk, before the modern English church, having the same meaning. Churches were first established in the homes of believers in the 1st century, and the oldest church building extant is the Dura-Europos Church located in Dura-Europos, Syria, dated to between 233-256.

The Dura-Europos Church is a fine example of the earliest buildings used in Christian services as it was formerly a residence and was converted into a house of worship. From these modest buildings, churches evolved into grand architectural masterpieces, designed to draw one's thoughts from the mundane to the sacred and ineffable, whether experienced from within or from outside.

During and after the Protestant Reformation (1517-1648) churches were simplified by Protestant congregations with a focus on the pulpit from which the minister would deliver the sermon, while Catholic churches continued to impress upon their congregations the majesty of God and the overall experience of communing with the divine.

This gallery presents various churches from around the world, from the simple to the ornate, but all intended to elevate people's hearts and minds in contemplation of a higher power.

Continue reading...

[grantmentis]

Women’s Hockey News Round Up 6/16-7/1

Everything here is official only, and try to list the most relevant transactions globally but may miss something, so always feel free to add! Since a lot of people who follow this blog are North American/most familiar with the PWHL, i put less context there than I may for other leagues

Extended indicates they did not change teams. buckle in this one is long as hell

PWHL (North America)

RETIRMENTS: Becca Gilmore (OTT) and Erica Howe (TOR) announce their retirements

PWHL Ottawa signings: - Alexa Vasko (PWHL Toronto) for one year -Logan Agners (Quinnipiac, undrafted) for one year -Rebecca Leslie (PWHL Toronto) for one year -Anna Meixner (Brynäs) for one year -Shiann Darkangelo (extended) for one year,

PWHL Toronto signings: -Daryll Watts (PWHL Ottawa) for two years -Emma Woods (PWHL New York) for two years -Raygan Kirk ( Ohio state) for two years -Izzy Daniel (Cornell) for two years -Megan Carter (Northeastern) for two years -Julia Gosling (st Lawrence) for two years -Hannah Miller (extension) for one year -Allie Munroe (extension) for two years

PWHL Boston signings: -Lexie Adzija (extended) for one year -Hannah Brandt (extended) for two years -Emily brown (extended) for two years -Sidney Morin (extended) for one year -Sophie Shirley (extended) for two years

PWHL Montreal: -Mikyla Grant Mentis (extended) for one year -Cayla Barnes (Ohio State) for three years -Elaine Chuli (extended) for one year -Mariah Keopple (extended) for one year -Amanda Boulier (extended) for one year

PWHL New York Signings: -Abbey levy (extended) two years

PWHL Minnesota signings: -Liz schepers (extended) for one year -Denisa Křižová (extended) for two years -Michela Cava (extended) for one year -Klára Hymlárová (st cloud) for two years -britta Curl (Wisconsin) for one year,

Josh Sciba joins PWHL New York as assistant coach. He has experience as Union College's head coach of their women's program as well as with the USWNT as an assistant coach

SDHL (Sweden)

The league has announced they will have goal cameras in place next season!

Finnish national team defender Sini Karjalainen joins Skellefteå AIK after playing with Brynäs last season

18 year old Swedish defender Thea Liodden signs with Linköping HC from AIK

Clarkson University forward Darcie Lappan signs with MoDo hockey

Providence College captain Rachel Weiss signs with HV71

16 year old Ebba Westerlind, who has shown very strong success in Sweden's youth programs, signs with Frölunda HC

Ann-Frédérique Guay, who played 4 years at Norwich University on the D3 level before transferring to UMaine and having a successful final year, has joined Linköping HC

American forward Naomi Rogge, who was successful last season with SDE, has joined Linköping HC

SDHL veteran Emmy Alasalmi joins Linköping HC

Lily George of University of New Brunswick joins Leksands

Dominique Kremer, most recently with PWHL Minnesota, has signed with SDE

Jakob Löf joins Brynäs as an assistnt coach. He previously coached the programs u16 team

Swedish National Team forward Michelle Löwenhielm extends with SDE for another year

Naisten Liiga (Finland)

Rising Finnish national team star Emma Ekoluoma changes teams from Kärpät to Ilves

Norweigan national team defender Iben Tillman will join the league and HPK specifically after a strong performance at the D1A World Championship

24 year old finnish forward Anni Montonen returns to Kiekko-Espoo after spending a season in the SDHL. She previously played for Kiekko-Espoo from 2019-2023 and was one of their top producers

Susanna Viitala, who played for TPS last year and was just under a point per game, joins Kiekko-Espoo

Julia Kuusisto get a one year extension in Ilves after a season where she took a big step forward and played with the u18 national team

defender Nelly Andersson will be back with HIFK after playing 23 games with them last year for the first time and getting experience with both the u18 and senior team

Defender Ilona Palin who spent time with the team last year as well a the u18 Finnish team, will return to HIFK for another year as well

SWHL / Postfinance Women League (Switzerland)

HC Davos ladies make four big signings -Swiss national team defender Alessia Baechler who played with ZSC Lions Frauen last year -Renee lendi who also played with ZSC and their B league affiliate -American/Canadian defender Lucie Tenenbaum. This is particularly interesting because Tenenbaum played prep school with Bishop Kearney last year and is committed to Minnesota State for the year following next season, so cool to see her develop in Switzerland for the year in between -Italian national team forward Aurora Abatangelo who was with Ladies Team Lugano last year

EWHL (Central/Eastern Europe + others)

The rebranded KSV Neuberg Highlanders also add five new players -Bishop University graduate and defender Marie-Camille Théorêt -Slovenian national team forward and EWHL Veteran/consistent top forward Sara Confidenti -Slovakian forward and EWHL top scorer Nikola Rumanova -American forward and SUNY-Oswego graduate Kensie Malone -American forward and Franklin Pierce University graduate Claire Casey

[unteriors]

Kirk Street, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina.

[weirdowithaquill]

Traintober 2024: Day 23 - Beyond

What Lies Beyond Peel Godred:

Duke sat at the end of a works train, trying his best not to grumble at the boring task. The Mid Sodor was expanding beyond Peel Godred, planning on extending into the mineral-rich foothills of Culdee Fell and around to Kirk Machan, where the start of the railway’s new tourist attraction was taking shape. It was a mountain railway, one which would run right the way up to the peak of Culdee Fell.

Duke wasn’t sure if he liked either plan. His driver certainly didn’t. “It’s not right,” Duke’s driver muttered crossly as the steel rails stretched out beyond the walled city and curved down through the thick woodland towards the base of Culdee Fell. “We are trespassing on it’s land.” “On who’s land?” asked Duke curiously. “Lord Barrane owns the most land around here. Is this part not his?” Duke’s driver just shook his head. “No, no – they say something far older and wilder is the true owner of the lands around here. Anything beyond Peel Godred and to the North-East of Culdee Fell is its home, and it does not take kindly to outsiders.”

Duke thought his driver was being very odd indeed – but he still listened. His driver, after all, was a local to this part of the island. He often ducked back to the farm where he had been raised for lunch while Duke was at Peel Godred for a water break. If anyone knew the local legends and tales, it was Duke’s driver.

Part way between Peel Godred and the hamlet where the mountain railway was being built, a spur split off. It was being built by a mine, searching for minerals further around Culdee Fell. Duke’s driver called them insane; Duke was just thankful he didn’t have to go down the little line. It looked very rickety, as if the mining company had simply slapped down the track on the ground with no care at all.

Duke wondered how far off he was, considering how greedy some of those companies could be.

The mines owned a large tank engine named Freddie, who ran the works trains out towards the new construction site. Freddie was a pleasant sort, if not a tad too boastful for Duke. “Fastest in the hills!” Freddie would chirp every time he arrived ahead of schedule. “You should worry less about your speed and more about being careful,” Duke would warn him, but Freddie took no notice. Duke, remembering the fate of Albert, kept on trying to get through to the young engine, especially as the mining line grew closer and closer to rounding the base of Culdee Fell.

The workmen said odd things about the land out there. Apparently, no one lived out there, beyond the edge of Peel Godred. Not even a lonely goat herder made their living on the rocky slopes – it was just… nothing. There were animals of course – but even they seemed to cower in fear of the mountain itself, wary of the lands upon which the railway now intruded. Still, the work pressed on. Sometimes, Duke would even deliver supplies part way along the line, to where a camp had been set up.

Every time they did, his driver would recite something under his breath, speaking in the old Sudric tongue. “What is that… little thing you keep saying, every time we go near Culdee Fell?” asked Duke one day, curious about his driver’s odd little habit.

“It’s a prayer of protection,” replied the driver. “This is Fell-y-Deighan, after all.” Duke knew what that meant. “Driver, that can’t be,” Duke spluttered. “This is Culdee Fell.” “It’s both,” replied the driver darkly. “On the far side of Culdee Fell stands the Gob-y-Deighan. Stay far from there, or else it will come after you. The prayer keeps the devils away, and don’t you forget it!”  

Duke decided to trust in his driver, and asked to learn the little prayer that same evening. His driver was more than pleased to teach his engine the same protective prayer which he entrusted his own safety too.

Then, the new engines for the mountain railway began arriving. Engines two and three – Wilfred and Ernest – arrived together first. They were pleasant chaps, quiet and unassuming but with a good sense of humour. The end of the extension reached right to where their new railway was to be, and so Duke helped to unload them from the carts used to drag them up the valley. “It’s a lovely place!” grinned Wilfred. “Oh yes,” agreed Ernest. “The people are great here,” promised Duke. “Just… be careful up there. There are old legends which tell of how dangerous this mountain can be.”

Ernest and Wilfred heeded Duke’s warning, as did Culdee and Shane Dooiney when they arrived.

But it was the engine who arrived between these four – the line’s Number One – who stuck out to Duke. He was named for the ancient king of the island, Godred, and took to the name and its meaning like a duck to water. He grew very conceited very quickly.

Duke’s driver thought it very worrying, especially as opening day for the new Culdee Fell Railway loomed.

“He’ll anger it,” Duke’s driver hissed in the evenings. “Not even Thorfinn the Mighty attempted to explore that part of Sodor.” He sounded almost… fearful of what potentially lay hidden on that side of the island.

Just then, Freddie returned from his evening run. He looked oddly excited. “We just found the strangest thing!” he exclaimed. “You’ll never believe it!” “Oh?” quizzed Duke. “What did you find?” “There’s a giant boulder up behind Culdee Fell!” Duke’s driver went deathly pale. “It’s angered,” he gasped. “I won’t go up there again!” Freddie seemed confused by the outburst, and even more so when Duke’s driver practically sprinted away, muttering the prayer under his breath.

Duke wondered just what exactly the Boulder represented.

Weeks passed, and everything seemed normal. The Culdee Fell opened on time in a grand ceremony that was attended by thousands of people, all excited to climb the infamous Culdee Fell.

What struck Duke as strange though, as he picked up the passengers that afternoon, was that none of them mentioned a boulder. Considering how excited Freddie had been about the thing, he had half expected that the tourists and locals would have been able to see it from the summit.

“Didja miss the darn Boulder?” a voice snapped. Duke looked up, watching as Godred and Culdee got into yet another argument. The two were like oil and water – where Godred was conceited and difficult, Culdee was kind and cautious. Duke knew which he would have rather had working on his railway. Still, it was Godred talking about the Boulder, and not Culdee.

“No Godred, there was no boulder,” replied Culdee gruffly. “Now if you don’t mind, I want to go to my shed, and not listen to your irrational fantasies.” Godred just huffed indignantly. Duke sidled alongside.

“I’d be careful if I were you youngster,” he murmured. “That boulder is a bad omen.” “Pah!” exclaimed Godred. “Boulders aren’t omens and I’m named after the greatest king this sorry island ever had! Nothing will hurt me.”

Duke rolled his eyes, and puffed away.

It was only a month before Duke would be proven right. Godred was flung from the side of the mountain – no one ever knew how; people thought he must have hit a stone lodged in the rack system. But Duke feared that that was not the case. The little purple engine was barely a bucket of bolts and bits when the traction engine dragged him back to the sheds.

Godred was gone.

The line to Kirk Machan closed the next day – people were terrified, they didn’t want to go to the Culdee Fell Railway at all. They quickly ripped up the rails and took them away; they could be used elsewhere. Now, only Freddie went down that line. Duke continued to fret – the fearless engine was going beyond the end of the line every single day and bringing back tales of odd accidents happening all around the construction site. On some days it would be mild – candles blowing out, tools moving from one place to another – but on others it would be dynamite exploding on its own, destroying mineshafts before they could be reinforced. And every single time, Freddie just barely dodged the threat.

Duke tried to warn Freddie, but the little engine would hear none of it. “I’m too fast for anything to catch me,” grinned Freddie. “They call me fearless! Fearless Freddie, fastest in the hills!” “Fastest is not best,” reminded Duke sternly. Freddie just chortled.

And then Freddie was gone too. He’d left in the morning as usual, but didn’t return come nightfall. Duke watched as another mining engine was sent out to search for Freddie, and he watched as it came back with nothing.

“The miners are gone,” the engine gasped. “And so is Freddie, and all the rails, and the tools and dyna—” There was a massive explosion in the distance, so powerful it could be felt from the sheds at the bottom of the valley.

Duke feared that he knew exactly what had happened to Freddie. He hadn’t been able to outrun this particular threat.

Officially, the Mid Sodor Railway terminated at Peel Godred, in a little station just outside the city walls.

Duke knew better. Beyond Peel Godred, there was more to the Mid Sodor Railway, even if no one used it. Indeed, the section of line was half-buried under weeds and greenery, all but left to the whims of nature despite how young it was. It was nearly impossible to find the entrance to this abandoned section, as it was now bricked off with a goods shed stealing the original siding. But Duke knew it was there, knew that the navvies had been too terrified to go back and rip up the rest of the rails. He knew exactly where the track ended too, near an insignificant little wooden trestle bridge.

All Duke wished was to know what truly happened to Freddie that day.

Back to the Master Post

[scotianostra]

On 26th December 1449 the first service was held at Crichton Collegiate Church, south of Edinburgh.

The church is one of few remaining pre-Reformation collegiate churches which are still in use in Scotland, Rosslyn Chapel, also in Midlothian being another.

Lying a quarter-mile southwest of the Midlothian village of Crichton, and just to the north of Crichton Castle, the Crichton Parish Church was established as a Collegiate Church in 1449 by Sir William Crichton, laird of the nearby Crichton Castle and Chancellor of Scotland.

Crichton is named after its lords, even though the “Lords” of Crichton were members of the ranks of the lesser mobility, until 1424, when William was knighted at the coronation of James I. His family fortunes were raised by his son, William, the Lord Chancellor of Scotland, who became, during the minority of James II, the most powerful person in the kingdom.

William Crichton spent much of his life quarrelling with the powerful Douglases. Crichton was responsible for the famous “Black Dinner” in Edinburgh Castle at which the Sixth Earl of Douglas and his brother were murdered.

As a consequence of the damage to the castle, William, who became Lord Chancellor in 1447, had to effect repairs. While he was at it, he decided to build Crichton Collegiate Church.

Confirmation of the status of a collegiate church was given by James Kennedy, Bishop of St. Andrews, and the church was finished in time to hold its first service on December 26th 1449, making it just a few years older than Midlothian’s other famous old kirk, the Collegiate Chapel of St Matthew, better known now as Rosslyn Chapel.

At its inauguration, provisions had been made for a provost, eight prebendaries, two boys or clerks and a sacrist. The money to sustain this religious community was coming from the revenue of neighbouring churches, and elsewhere.

The Reformation of 1560 swept away the system of collegiate churches in Scotland. By the time the new owners embarked on a major programme to rebuild Crichton Castle in the 1580s, the chapel was already in a state of disrepair. Still, in 1641, the church formerly known as collegiate became Crichton’s Presbyterian parish church.

In the 19th century, the future of Crichton looked equally bleak. In 1822, it was decided that repairs had to be carried out imminently, or, it was suggested, perhaps it was better to abandon the chapel altogether – underlining the desperate state in which the building was found to be in. It was nevertheless decided that repairs should be carried out, which occurred in 1825.

The church, now without its original nave, saw a pulpit placed high on the south wall (a ring in the wall is today the only remnant of it), and with the extensive use of galleries around three walls, as many as 600 people could be seated in what must have been a very cramped space when full.

Despite these renovations, in the late 19th century, further repairs and renovations had to be carried out. In 1898, when all “innovations” were cleared out, only leaving the bare and solid walls. The church reopened on May 11, 1899. The latest series of restoration work was carried out in 1999, to coincide with the church’s 450th anniversary

The bottom image is a gif that Andrew Spratt made showing how the church has changed through the years.