Pirates and The Coleman 5101

Yesterday was the school play, "Treasure Island", and the actors were from the Grade 4-8 classes. What an amazing production! Although the school gymnasium was thick with the sultry summer air and multiple mouth breathers, our family truly enjoyed ourselves. The amount of work that went into the theatrical production was mind boggling, be it the sets, or the costumes. The actors themselves were so talented. The palm trees were expertly constructed, and as I sat in my seat, all I could think of was "how on earth did this one teacher get these kids to work together so seamlessly and professionally?". Tibbles decided to watch from afar with her friends, and her grandmother gave her some money so *"my little Chrissy"* was in heaven with her orange pop and chips and sitting with her little buddies. *(If you haven't seen the movie "Pecker", I thoroughly recommend it, and then you will know why I am calling Tibbles, "Little Chrissy"). When leaving, a lady who was "bun presenting" for me, while I flipped wieners, at a previous school fundraiser, said "I have something for you. . . " Out of her trunk she lifted the COLEMAN LANTERN 5101! Good condition (a bit of rust) with it's bubble globe. I can't actually use it until I find canisters of the LP fuel, but it is a great addition to my working collection. We had, in conversation, meandered onto the subject of Coleman Lanterns, I told her that I was in a race with my dad to see who could collect the most. At a yard sale in Brussels, my father had beat me to one, and managed to steal it right out from under my nose. She had found it very funny that I collect vintage Coleman things without being an avid camper, or even just a camper for that matter. I must have about eight stoves down in the basement, and I have at last count five working lanterns, and four good condition vintage coolers and three or four Quick Lite space heaters. The utility of Coleman lanterns, coolers and stoves transcends camping application. It's not unusual to be without power for a while in any season and I have used my Coleman collection to cook, illuminate and keep things cool in a retro fashion.