Book Review: Five Flags - The Warship That Reshaped The World by Stuart Buxton

 My Thoughts!

Stuart Buxton's "Five Flags: The Warship that Reshaped the Modern World" is a gripping and emotionally resonant account of one ironclad's remarkable journey through the tumultuous 19th century. The history, a mix of naval, global, and nation-building, is done to perfection in the ship that carried five flags during its fairly short life.

Buxton's description is vivid and evocative. He vividly colors the construction of the ship, its bold avoidance of Union blockade, its tempestuous trips across the Atlantic and Pacific, and its crucial involvement in Japan's Meiji Restoration. The narrative is populated with lively characters: opportunist shipbuilders, shrewd diplomats, desperate Confederate operatives, and the cosmopolitan sailors who crewed the Stonewall. The author most effectively captures the political mood of the time and the technology that developed modern naval warfare.

While the book is about the adventures of the Stonewall, it sensibly uses the ship as a lens to view broader trends in the past. We learn of shifting European power balance, the waning power of Spain, and the breathtakingly rapid modernization and militarization of Japan. The narrative brings all the disparate events together seamlessly, explaining how it is possible that one ship could, in effect, symbolize the transfer of global power. The author does not overuse technical jargon, and thus the narrative remains accessible to readers across backgrounds when it comes to naval history.

However, the book is also somewhat superficial in some of its chapters. While the overall story is compelling, there are some historical contexts that could have been described in more detail. Such as the complexities of politics in the Confederacy and Japan could have been explored more so that the reader would have a clearer idea of how the Stonewall impacted those specific contexts.

Author Stuart Buxton

Beyond this pet peeve, "Five Flags" is an enormously fun and enlightening book. Buxton writes well, having the ability to spin a thrilling yarn that blends adventure, history, and foreign policy nicely. The book is a piece of the often-overlooked role single ships play in the creation of world history and is one whose reading is well worth the time for anyone interested in naval history, 19th-century politics, or the amazing story of Japan's rise to greatness.

The Silent Symphony Beyond the Glass

My Thoughts!

The world outside my bedroom window is an object lesson in silent dynamism. It's a painting with soft brushstrokes of nature's hand, a tableau that slowly reveals itself quietly, serenely, day by day. And the stars of the daily drama are the silk trees, whose feathery canopies wave rhythmically in the soft westerly breeze.

These light, pom-pom-blooming silk trees are a living chandelier hung just beyond the glass. Leaves and slender but tough branches flutter a delicate ballet, curving and swaying in obeisance to the wind's urgent pushing. The westering cool wind, a power proclaiming change and fresh breezes, is the conductor of this foliage orchestra. It whispers among the leaves, creating a rustling symphony both calming and provocative. The sound is constant, a low vibration in the distance to serve as background for my thoughts and daydreams.

Above, above the stretches of dazzling blue sky, clouds move glacially across like celestial sheep. They are fluff and amorphous, morphing from one configuration to another with a languid pace that disregards terrestrial exigency. Sometimes, they are thin cirrus clouds, elegant wisps of white upon the blue field. Sometimes, they are cumulus clouds, fluffy brushstrokes of white upon the blue painting. They crawl across the sky slowly and deliberately, sharing yet another element of depth and peace with the scenery.

The silk trees' dance with the clouds is a continuous conversation between the ground and the sky. The silk trees, rooted, reach up to the heavens, their arms yearning to touch the sky. The clouds, free and light, float aimlessly above, looking aloof but naturally connected to what lies below. They mirror each other's movement, the swaying of the trees replicating the drifting of the clouds.

To observe this scene unfold, day by day, is something of a ritual, a sanctuary of quiet contemplation. It is a reminder that beauty lies in the very simplest of things, that there is strength in the natural world. The dance of the silk trees, the movement of the clouds, the soft transformation of the light – these are the elements of a world that is perpetually in motion, perpetually changing, and yet always deeply beautiful.

Beyond the glass, the silk trees continue to play their quiet symphony, the clouds continue to move their slow, heavenly path. Though I, the quiet observer, am left alone to observe with a sense of peace, a quiet wonder at the beauty of the world, and an renewed appreciation of the world's simple things.". The view from outside my bedroom window is a reminder every day that there is phenomenal beauty to be seen even in the most mundane of times, waiting to be noticed and savored. Just listen to the breeze, look at the swaying trees, and let your eyes wander upwards to the clouds. The world, in its quiet dynamism, will share its secrets freely.

Book Review: William Hope and the Princess - Part One - "For England, Yar!"

My Thoughts!

This story promises a thrilling ride full of swashbuckling action, supernatural powers, and fraternal bonds tested by time and destiny. The initial situation, the twins' separation and William's mysterious disappearance, is an immediate hook for the reader. The ten-year time jump is effective in presenting a grizzled, almost mythical William, first mate on a notorious pirate ship, which generates a degree of curiosity.

The Scarlett Buccaneer and Rosa Brizuela's all-female pirate crew present the promise of a diverse and interesting cast of characters and a strong female presence in a classically male  genre. The mention of "extraordinary gifts" suggests supernatural abilities or even magic, a fantasy component that moves the tale beyond a simple pirate story.

The inclusion of an "enigmatic stranger" and a "powerful book" that contains the secrets of love adds a sense of mystery and even romance, which serves to further heighten the story. The evil and old curse provides a good primary conflict, with high stakes and plenty of opportunities for thrilling confrontations and hair's-breadth escapes.

Yet, there are some points that need more explanation. The summary leaves a lot to the imagination in terms of what William's "extraordinary gifts" are. Likewise, the nature of the curse and the formidable enemies are not detailed, making the reader wish for more information by which to accurately assess the extent and profundity of the danger.

Overall, the blurb paints a clear picture of an exciting adventure book. The melding of historical fiction, swashbuckling piracy, and supernatural fantasy is a unique and compelling idea. The focus on sibling relationships and the inclusion of proactive female characters only serves to enhance the appeal. Whether or not the book lives up to it will depend on the execution of these elements, but the blurb certainly generates a lot of enthusiasm and anticipation.

*Link to my review - https://reedsy.com/discovery/book/william-hope-and-the-princess-part-one-for-england-yar-chris-vance#review

Considering Doggy Daycare? What We Learned (and Adored!)

My Thoughts!

We love our dogs, don't we? They're members of the family. They greet us at the door, cuddle with us on the couch, and make every mundane walk an adventure. But life intrudes, right? Work, chores, social calendar – sometimes our furry companions are alone more than we'd like. That's when we first started thinking about doggy daycare.

We remember feeling a bit guilty leaving our dog, Ziggy, at home with no interactive play with other dogs. She had come from an abusive background, and we had adopted her in November 2024, and she wasn't even 2 years old. She had no real social skills and didn't like most male humans. No matter how many toys I set out for her or how long our morning walk was, I sensed she craved more interaction, more stimulation, more plain old fun by day. I worried she was lonely, maybe even bored.

Enter doggy daycare. At first, I pictured a pack of dogs just roaming about in a room. The thought was a little intimidating. Was it safe? Would my dog like it? Would she even be accepted? But the more that I learned about it, the more I realized that it wasn't as much about free-for-alls and more about play, socialization, and having fun under supervision.

So, What is Doggy Daycare, Exactly?

Think of it like school or a dog daycare facility. You take your dog in, or to be picked up in the morning, they spend the day meeting and greeting other dogs and professionally trained staff, getting tons of exercise and mental stimulation, and you pick them up in the afternoon – usually happy, knackered, and contented.

Why We Thought We Would Give It a Go (and Why You Maybe Should Too!)

For us, it was really about a few key benefits that we noticed, both to our dog and to ourselves:

Socialization Superpower: This was huge. Dogs are social creatures. Daycare is an excellent opportunity for them to learn and practice good doggy manners. They're taught how to coexist with other personalities, sizes, and shapes of dogs while being under close observation. We saw a drastic increase in the confidence level of our pup among other canines after a few visits.

Exercise, Exercise, Exercise: A tired dog is generally a happy, well-behaved dog! Daycare gives them a safe space to run, wrestle (gently!), chase balls, and exhaust all that pent-up energy they might otherwise use chewing up your couch or barking at squirrels. I'd come home with my dog and he'd nearly collapse onto the floor as soon as we got there – in the best way possible!

Beating Boredom (and Bad Behavior): A bored dog can become a destructive dog in short order. Shoe chewing, incessant barking, digging – too many of these things are the result of inadequate stimulation. Daycare provides an environment rich in stimulation, keeping minds and bodies stimulated, dramatically reducing the chances of coming home to a bad surprise.

Peace of Mind: This is a biggie for us humans. Instead of worrying about our dog being bored or getting into trouble while we aren't there, we knew she was safe, under surveillance, and having the time of her life. Having that peace of mind was priceless.

Structure and Routine: Most daycares have a routine that can be beneficial – play times, rest times, snack times. This routine can lead to better habits and make your dog feel secure.

My Experience: Dropping Off and Picking Up
The first time my partner and I dropped Ziggy off for pickup, we were nervous! Would she be scared? Would she even remember us? We waited for the Doggy Day care van as a staff member picked her up. She was helped into the travel cage, and off she went. That night we waited with anticipation for Ziggy to be dropped off. She was let out upon arrival and climbed out. Within minutes, her tail was wagging, and she was jumping around us. It was a huge relief!

Picking her up is always such a treat. She's always happy to see us and bounds around. Admittedly she cries when she has to leave the other dogs. But she's also very tired, but there is a relaxed peace about her. The staff always kind of fill us in on her day – how she was, what she was doing, and they post photos and a video, on social media. It makes us feel like a part of her day, even if we weren't there.

Choosing the Right Daycare

Not all daycares are created equal, and one has to choose very carefully. As we were searching, we took the time to read over each daycare online. We looked at the following:

Cleanliness and Safety: Was the facility clean? Were areas where the dogs play safe? Were hazards minimized as much as possible?

Staff-to-Dog Ratio: Were there adequate staff to manage the number of dogs effectively? Were the staff well-educated and actually seem to care about the dogs?
Temperament Testing: Do they temperament test dogs before bringing them into the group? This is critical to ensure all the dogs are sound in their behavior and can be with each other as a pack.

Separate Play Areas: Are dogs separated by energy level, size, and temperament? Small dogs don't necessarily need to be in the same chaotic free-for-all as giant breeds.

Policies: What is their vaccination policy? What is their policy on handling dog fights? Do they have downtime?
Don't be afraid to ask questions and listen to your gut feeling. A quality daycare will be friendly and willing to provide you with a tour and explain their policies.

Is Daycare Suitable for All Dogs? 

We are realistic. Daycare does not do it for every dog, though daycare is great for many of them. Extremely anxious dogs, phobic dogs around other dogs, or those with aggression issues might be overwhelmed by the environment. Their temperament test should be able to determine if they are or are not suitable. Some dogs might have alternatives available for them, such as a dog walker or a dedicated pet sitter.

In Conclusion

For both us and our furry friend, doggy daycare has been life-altering. It's not about getting someone to babysit our dog; it's about giving her a stimulating, entertaining, and social atmosphere that really adds to her overall well-being. Returning home to a content, exhausted pup with a day that's included buddies and playtime? Priceless. If you have a hectic schedule and own a social dog that needs extra stimulation, I highly recommend exploring the wonderful world of doggy daycare.

Frequently Asked Questions about Doggy Daycare

Q. What does a typical day look like? 

A. Although it varies by facility, a typical day is usually comprised of group playtime with staff supervision, one-on-one staff interaction, scheduled rest or nap time, and often, scheduled activities or games. Feeding could be offered if requested by the owner.

Q. Will my dog be safe? 

A. Better daycares prioritize safety. They have trained staff who supervise play, sort dogs by size and temperament, and have protocols in place to manage any fights that do break out. There will always be accidents, as there are in any group setting, but good centers take every precaution to minimize risks.

Q. How do they keep the dogs in groups?

A.  Most good daycares group the dogs by size, play style, and temperament. The high-energy dogs can be grouped together, and older or more relaxed dogs are kept separate. This way, there are comfortable and safe interactions.

Q. Should my dog be spayed/neutered? 

A. Most daycares require dogs over a certain age (usually 6-7 months) to be spayed or neutered. This helps with hormonal issues and keeps unwanted breeding/dominance issues at bay.

Q. What shots are required? 

A. Standard required shots typically include Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, and Bordetella (Kennel Cough). Most also recommend Canine Influenza. Always best to contact the specific daycare and your vet to find out their requirements.

Q. How can I tell if my dog is having fun? 

A. Some signs a dog is happy are entering the facility eagerly, having positive energy at pickup time (though they will be tired), displaying healthy social behaviors (play bows, relaxed posture), and being stoked when you say "daycare." They should be able to tell you about their behavior throughout the day, too.

Q. My dog is shy – is daycare a good fit for them? 

A. It varies with the dog and the daycare. Some shy dogs are able to gain confidence in a well-run, quiet group. Others may become so overwhelmed they find it stressful. Talk over your dog's individual personality with the staff during their temperament test; a reputable facility will be candid about whether their setting is a good fit.

*Thank you so much to the staff and doggies at Ziggy's Doggy Daycare for making her time so enjoyable!