Uncle Thor's Lessons, Anecdotes and Humor

A quick note: Got out of the hospital at 10:00 this morning. I am a bit surprised at how much got done. I go back in early January for the second and final round. They can get at two problem areas that they were never able to get before. That ought to be a real [...]

There will probably be no Runecast or lesson for December 17th. It is likely I may have to spend at least one night in the hospital. Hopefully that will not happen, but if I do, then there should be a new Runecast on the 18th. At the very latest I will post one by the [...]

My wife does not understand boxing. She cannot see why two men would get into the ring and take a beating. Indeed, why? Win or lose, both men take a pounding. To prepare for it, they train so hard than everything else is pushed aside. Why? Imagine that you wanted something so bad that you [...]

Today’s runecast is Urus – Action of the Gods – Raido Going from a stable, settled position to one of quick motion means overcoming inertia. While a few can motivate themselves to move, it usually takes an incident to propel a person from sedentary to activity. There are times when the Gods are merciful in [...]

Today’s runecast is Dag – Elk – Mannar We go from the man we see to the man himself here. Dag is the light of day that reveals by removing all shadows. In this case, Elk is a regal Rune that speaks dignity, titles and respect. Mannar is the man himself, the paradox of who [...]

I am writing a set of rules for a game that is played with toy soldiers. It is meant to accompany my Toy Soldier Art. The problem is that the game is aimed at people with no military knowledge. Explaining the game is hard because I know the subject well, and often forget little things [...]

Today’s runecast is Gyfu – Dag – Eh A gift might need more attention before its full potential is realized. Clarity is necessary to appreciate its benefits and its best uses. Only then can one proceed forward, using the benefits of the gift. There are good things that require time and insight so we can [...]

The train show ended today. The weather reports promised a bad storm, but the rain was rather mild. Few people came out today. The show ended at 3:30. Though this year’s turnout was smaller, we still brought joy. Now we can rest. It takes a lot of energy to do the annual train show. We [...]

Today’s runecast is Gyfu – Yew – Bjork Gyfu is the Gift. It is also the Crossorads. Yew is the tree that is dark, mysterious, resilient. It is life that transcends death. Bjork is bright, and it grows naturally and waxes strong. Bjork is the Rune of the young, or mothers and of healing. Bjork [...]

This is our tenth year of participating in the little train show in Ocean Grove. We are tired and need to rest because we will be at it again tomorrow. I hope we will be doing it for many years to come. It is raining and is supposed to do so all day tomorrow. I [...]