Fantasy comes to life

How can one not love a chance to build landscapes, draft an army and save the world? I have no idea. Seriously.

Last night the boys (of the West Wing) and I played yet another rousing game of Heroscape, aptly described as the "Battle of All Time." Although we failed to finish the whole game (since most of us needed a bit more beauty sleep), we made enough progress to see heroes fall, underdogs rise and real world around us disappear into oblivion. For how can anything else matter when you witness a battle of epic proportions between a Vampire lord and a fantastical Giant?

All jest aside, Heroscape has proven to be one of my favorite games of all time. It stealthily blends basic concepts (that anyone could learn) with multitudes of unique characteristics (for the more seasoned, strategic players). Anyone and everyone would do well to give this a go.


In other news, life has begun (or, more accurately, persisted) yet again. On my most recent trip back home (to the lovely, albeit flatish state of Indiana) I brought back quite a few small trees and seeds to perpetuate my most recent infatuation with those grand plants. It proved to be a rather fruitful endeavor, as most all of those that made the trip are still living.

This specific branch, as shown just to the left, was cut from the wonderfully joyous weeping willow from my front yard. That tree, in all likelihood, remains my favorite tree ... possibly in all the world ... but at least in all the upper midwest region.

During my stay at home, I learned that some willows (specifically connected to the weeping variety) can grow from simple branch clippings when kept in water, of course. Thus, in my desire to bring the joy of willow to my apartment here in town, I made some cuts and brought back a few branches.

Only two days ago did I realized that the branches had actually taken root, and they each maintained between 3 and 6 new shoots of leaves. Oh, my, how the excitement and happiness rose within me.