stargazer8

Full Moon in Leo - Feb 7, 2012 'love song'

2012-02-03T13:55:00.005-05:00

Tuesday, Feb. 7th there will be a full moon at mid leo.The moon and mercury will oppose each other. This means the emotions (moon) and the mind (mercury) may be at odds.Try to find a comprimise. The group oriented aquarian will be feeling the pull of the ego which could result in some interesting creativity. The common man (aquarius) vs. the king (leo). This is the month of love so if you click on the link above 'love song' you can hear one!

Full Moon in Cancer January 9, 2012

2012-01-07T10:19:00.009-05:00

Photo is by Dan Bush, the 'moon artist'(see link).The holidays are over and we arrive at the January 'wolf moon'. (click on the title link to see more about this). The sun is in capricorn and moon in cancer. Family and work are highlighted as well as government. Our newly elected officials will be taking office and our home is getting back to normal after all the holiday events. The full moon brings to a head that which was begun with the new moon. Search your memory for those things you put into effect on the new moon (dec. 24th). How are they doing? What can you do to further their eventual manifestation? Energies are high at the full moon so remember to rest. Happy new year!

Dec.10th Full moon and eclipse of the moon (click)

2011-12-09T23:01:00.007-05:00

Full moon on saturday, Dec. 10th will be highlighted with a lunar eclipse. Sounds exciting to me. Good day for a party! Saturday evening also has a trine with neptune. Romance may be in the air,spiritual pusuits, music and magic. Let's see if we can dream up a beautiful world for our children where peace and love fills the air.

Zhe-Zhou Jiang> My Chinese Painting teacher (click here)

2011-11-28T10:18:00.008-05:00

Master artist Zhe-Zhou Jiang is my Chinese watercolor teacher. Click on the link above to see some of his work. My favorite is the flying cranes. It is very beautiful. He is a great painter. I am very grateful to have lessons with him.

New moon eclipse at 2 sagittarius (click here)

2011-11-25T13:39:00.004-05:00

"Black friday" is also the day of the new moon solar eclipse at 2 degrees of sagittarius with mercury appearing to be travelling retrograde for the next 3 weeks. Those born within the early degrees of the 'mutable'signs (ie. gemini, virgo, sagittarius and pisces) or those with their moon in that area will be most affected. There will be more energy coming your way. Mercury retro always gives us flashbacks of past friends, events, etc. A time for re-visiting the past and revising our goals and routines. Make a plan (it is a new moon- new beginnings), write it down and go forward with a positive attitude. Good time to clean out the closets to make room for our new 'plan'. This can also be the closets of our mind where we stuff all our 'junk' to view later. Maybe it's time to ditch that baggage and start lighter and fresher. We have til december 13th for the revising and the eclipse will be felt for three months. Joyous holiday time to all.

New Moon in Scorpio...last week. venus and mercury join up this week.

2011-11-02T14:46:00.003-04:00

New moon in scorpio will have us investigating everything...even ourselves! Don't delve too deeply into everything. Take time to smell the fresh fall air! Today, venus and mercury join together in the sign of sagittarius. Songs of love and friendship fill the air***time to party or write a romantic tale.

Publishing your book....(click here)

2011-11-02T13:38:00.005-04:00

Lots of folks gathered at the Cherry Hill Public Library last evening for a free talk on 'How to Get Your Book Published'. I learned that my kinko published poetry book will never be published. Apparently, publishers are not interested in poetry since it is not a big money-maker. Jonathan Maberry, a 'New York Times Bestseller' author, gave me the most important advice that I ever received...'do not revise until you are finished your fist draft. The storyteller in you needs to tell the story first.' Later, the critic in you can perfect your masterpiece. I have re-started my mystery novel about four times. The next start I will proceed til done the first draft. Kristin Battestella (VAMPFAM.BLOGSPOT.COM) writes 'The Vampire Family'. She is definitely popular at this time. Diame McPhail (www.sidhenadaire.com)is an editor, writer and designer. Mike McPhail writes sci-fi. His website is www.defending the future.com. Jonathan quoted Ray Bradbury: 'a writer writes'.

Aries Full Moon 10/11/11

2011-10-05T09:26:00.004-04:00

The full moon on Oct. 11 will be in the sign aries. This is the completion of the cycle begun sept. 27 at the new moon. Aries is red, action, being bold,and taking risks...try to think first. Aries people may recieve a gift at this time. Librans need to balance their energy and don't overdo things. Those with venus and mars in aries (like me!)will be having lots of activities. Enjoy the beautiful fall days and let the leaves fall where they may.

planet mercury goes direct on friday 8-26-11

2011-08-24T09:22:00.002-04:00

Friday will be the day that mercury appears to go 'direct'. Clarity will take over and communications (mercury is the 'winged messenger of the gods') will straighten out. Paperwork will be corrected. Our plans will go through and not be cancelled as much! Have a fun weekend.

Fruit cocktail tree is indeed a Peach tree

2011-08-21T14:48:00.004-04:00

This is my fruit cocktail tree. I planted it about 10 or more years ago and awaited the plums, nectarines and peaches that were to appear. Alas, I only have peaches which is ok except that they have 'black spot' which is a peach eating disease that the netting will not keep out. Next I will try pears!

Little Fig Tree

2011-08-21T14:44:00.004-04:00

Baby fig bush had two figs...now one. Who ate the other one?? One of the critters in my wild yard, I guess. I hope to eat this one when it grows.

Hummingbird Moth

2011-08-15T11:05:00.005-04:00

This beautiful moth was photographed by my artist friend, Karen Becker, who lives in Vermont. I've never seen anything like this!

mon phases for august 2011

2011-08-09T10:57:00.000-04:00

Mercury Retrograde august 3-26...and full moon sat. 8/13

2011-08-08T11:19:00.004-04:00

Planet mercury is close to the earth and appears to be going reverse or retrograde. Those of you who are born with this position for mercury will find things happening and you will be getting things done. Others, will need to take time to reorganize, weed out unwanted things, reaccess and adapt to changes in plans. Lots of us will meet up with old friends unexpectedly.
The full moon is in Aquarius. What are your hopes and wishes? Are you closer to them? Moving in the right direction? Or is it time to change direction. Time to re-evaluate. Be open to changes this month. No expectations- no disappointments! ***Expect a miracle***

Try some of Nina's handcrafted soaps

2011-07-28T12:33:00.005-04:00

Green Cow Studio
PO Box 441
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Contact: Nina Gerhold
Phone: 856-359-6147
E-Mail: greencowsoap@gmail.com
Handmade soaps and handknitted bath accessories
I love Nina's soaps and she also is a fantastic knitter, quilter, etc. One soap called 'Bleat Nothing Soap' has olive oil, coconut oil, soybean oil, cocoa butter, beeswax and rosemary extract with goat's milk. Having very sensitive skin, I am a proud customer of Nina's soaps. She also has oatmeal soap, patcholi soap and many more.

..check this song out! (click) played on apple phone!

2011-07-28T12:29:00.005-04:00

This is the sound of the ocarina played on the phone. How about that?

'Dark sky' song in preparation for new moon (click)

2011-07-28T12:23:00.003-04:00

New moon in Leo on saturday, july 30th (click here)

2011-07-28T10:40:00.013-04:00

Well, if you've clicked on the title above you've noticed folks are making money off lunar properties. i guess these people would be called: 'lunatics'!
The new moon should be fun. Leo is dramatic and romantic...so get ready for hearts and flowers! Let's put on our creative hats and paint, write and play some music!

Full Moon in Capricorn 7/15/11

2011-07-14T09:20:00.002-04:00

Time to do a little work. Clean up the yard. Finish up the half done construction jobs- painting,cleaning, etc.Time for down to earth projects. Fulfillment of new moon wishes. Enjoy the extra energy.

Two flowers in my garden..Bela and Emily

2011-06-17T09:47:00.003-04:00

Working on my 'Bucket List'

2011-06-17T09:43:00.002-04:00

Making socks...It takes a while...almost 9 months for me! Every stitch is fun. I can't wait til they are done. Should be about a year. Thanks to my wonderful teacher, Nina. I don't really knit them while they are on my feet!#

Full Moon - Lunar Eclipse 6/15/11 (click on this)

2011-06-11T14:19:00.005-04:00

Full moon in Sagittarius with an eclipse at 24 sagittarius. Have fun with the outgoing energies. Save a little for reflection. Take time to sing and dance. Knock on your neighbor's door and say 'hi'. Air signs (gemini, libra and aquarius) will feel blown about a bit but should be in a good way. It shouldn't be a boring time!

Cool jazz for a hot day...(click here)

2011-05-30T11:04:00.002-04:00

Cool jazz for a hot day

NEW MOON IN GEMINI Wednesday, June 1, 2011

2011-05-30T10:38:00.005-04:00

New moon in gemini ushers in a time of short trips with friends, new places, new visits to areas of interest. Plan now for your short summer trips. Thinking of getting together with relatives? Now is the time for friends also. Those writers out there should begin a project today.

Welcome to the Chef's Table!

2011-05-11T18:23:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Chef's Table!

Fruit Cocktail Tree in Bloom

2011-04-21T12:11:00.002-04:00

Things are looking up for the fruit cocktail tree. Now, let's see how I can keep the squirrels away from the fruit! I'll keep you posted.

Tibetan Buddhism Mahamudra teaching day 1 part 1 of 7

2011-04-01T14:27:00.001-04:00

next week i go to Shamong to study the Mahamudra...found this on utube. it just about says it All!

SPRING is near and so is the new moon on Fri. 3/4/11

2011-02-27T09:49:00.006-05:00

The new moon in pisces is a very fruitful sign. Once again good for planting seeds...especially of the positive variety. Let's try to dream up a grand new world of love, peace and brotherhood. I remember years ago when i began the study of astrology (as a night out and kind of a joke), it was told to me that the aquarian age will see 'man and beast walk hand in hand'. I hope i live long enough to see that! Maybe oil prices will be affected in a positive way. let's wait and see. 'You all live aboard a beautiful spaceship called earth'- Quote from Bucky Fuller

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! (click here)

2011-02-01T10:24:00.003-05:00

pupster's new haircut

2011-01-24T10:47:00.002-05:00

2011-01-19T10:44:00.002-05:00

The full moon is in the sign cancer and it has positive aspects from uranus and jupiter. Innovations and original thought are likely for this period due to the influence of uranus. The jupiter aspect will give a much needed optimism to the winter season. Some flowering may occur at this time.

No Moon ...I mean New Moon and solar eclipse...having trouble finding a photo of the New Moon! (Click here)

2011-01-06T09:12:00.005-05:00

Tuesday Jan. 4th @ 4:03 AM was the New Moon solar eclipse in the innovative (just kidding) sign of Capricorn. Capricorn likes the status quo and does not favor new thinking. The eclipse is 13 degrees of Cap for those who know their numbers. There is a square (90 degree angle) from saturn which will slow down advances for a while. Great for critical thinking, organizing, throwing out (which I'm doing today)and beginning a new exercise program (tighten that belt and save on food money). Look for deals at the work-out club near you. Not much fun but good for those beach days to come!

Pupster in the snow

2010-12-28T10:43:00.002-05:00

Pupster loves the snow and barks to go out every half hour!

the blizzard is upon us

2010-12-26T15:30:00.003-05:00

Full Moon 12/21/10 Total Lunar Eclipse Gemini (click here)

2010-12-21T09:59:00.008-05:00

Astrologically an eclipse serves as an electrical connector. Various aspects link up depending on the birth chart and things happen. Lunar eclipses affect women more than men. Hence the expression 'she went looney'. Get your rest and buy some cookies this year or look for Sara (of 'sara lee' fame) in the frozen isle. You don't need to do everything! Sit back and watch the bake-offs while he watches the ball game. Enjoy and remember nothing is ever perfect. We are a work in progress. With love and hope in our hearts who could go wrong.

New moon in sagittarius - Sunday Dec. 5th @ 12:36 pm (click here)

2010-12-03T19:01:00.008-05:00

New beginnings are welcome. Mercury is retro again from dec. 10th thru the 30th. Many happy returns (of presents!). Gift cards might be the best gift this year unless you already purchased your gift. Good time for budgeting and deep thoughts. What are we celebrating? We each can fill in our own answer to that one. Let's try to keep our heart seeking the truth in this holiday season. Love and gratitude are gifts of the spirit that I wish you all. Whatever your holiday I wish you peace.

pupster after getting 'fixed'.

2010-11-30T18:39:00.001-05:00

maria and bela visit

2010-11-30T18:30:00.003-05:00

A visit to Mom and Nanas.

What is a 'Blue Moon" check it out tonite

2010-11-21T13:17:00.004-05:00

Just what is a 'blue moon'? Apparently there has been a mix-up. Click on the title and see what it is.

Full 'blue' moon in taurus 11/21/10

2010-11-21T13:03:00.009-05:00

http://www.infoplease.com/spot/bluemoon1.html?mail-11-21
It is also a 'Blue Moon'(check out the link above) and do you remember the song? (click on the post title)...

Delaware River in Frenchtown, NJ

2010-11-08T12:20:00.002-05:00

Pam and I visit Frenchtown for a wonderful day.

Jennifer and Emily at Mickey D's

2010-11-08T11:51:00.002-05:00

How cute are they? Lucky mom with 2 beautiful girls!

Shopping with Sophie

2010-11-08T11:43:00.003-05:00

What a nice visit we had...toy store and mickey d's! How big Sophie is and very sweet(just like her parents).

New moon Saturday Nov. 6th

2010-11-08T11:36:00.006-05:00

New moon in scorpio...new insights into our psyche, old treasures surface and beginings are highlighted. The full moon is in geminii on Nov. 21st.

full moon in aries

2010-10-22T16:31:00.003-04:00

There's a full moon tonite in aries. Tomorrow 10/23 the sun enters scorpio. See what the last couple of weeks have brought. Are you achieving that which you set in motion at the new moon? I hope so, and may you have a great 'hunter's moon'.

Mullica Hill Fall Festival

2010-10-10T17:10:00.003-04:00

Musicians playing Janis Joplin and Kansas songs on this beautiful fall day in Mullica Hill.

Mullica Hill's Civil War Re-enactment

2010-10-10T17:02:00.002-04:00

The town of Mullica Hill is known today for its antique shops. It was first established in the late 17th century by both Irish and English Quakers who established plantations around the area known as Mullica Hill. It was called Spicerville and was on the south bank of Raccoon Creek. The North bank of the creek was known as Mullica Hill after the Finnish settlers the Mullica's who first purchased land there in 1704. It was a town of 2 taverns and a grist mill til the 1780's.

Murphy's Bookstore- Mullica Hill

2010-10-10T16:50:00.004-04:00

I went to Murphy's Bookstore hoping to sell some of my old books. My questions were answered and I found out that they were textbooks and were not worth anything. There were books on every subject in the store and some free books outside. It was worth the trip and it happened to be the 41st annual fall festival in mullica hill.

new moon in libra thursday oct. 7th

2010-10-07T10:28:00.005-04:00

relationships, both social and business, are highlighted this month with the new moon occurring in libra. time to reaccess how you're doing. are both partners contributing equally? time to reevaluate and address those issues that need attention. new moon time is a good time to start. make a list of 1) things you love about the relationship/ partnership, and 2)things that need addressing and present them to your partner.

cat yodeling made my puppy jump on the printer and try to climb the computer (click here)

2010-09-10T19:38:00.003-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RatP9rq8t6Q&NR=1 check out the video and if you have a pupster hold onto him. it made my 'pupster' go nuts!

Dancin' In The Moonlight - King Harvest

2010-09-10T11:43:00.000-04:00

....for all moonlovers click on this!

lead east car show (click here)

2010-09-10T09:58:00.013-04:00

click on the link for more photos..http://www.leadeast.net/welcome.html

lead east weekend

2010-09-09T18:24:00.004-04:00

what a great weekend at 'lead east' in parsippany, nj. anyone who likes old cars and 'doo wop' will have a ball!

here's....pupster!

2010-09-09T18:11:00.001-04:00

happiness is a new puppy...what more can i say!

mercury retrograde til the 12 of september/ new moon on sept. 8th

2010-08-31T16:02:00.003-04:00

Mercury went retro on the 20th of august just before the full moon on the 24th. time to redo, renovate, reorganize, re... get it ready for the 12th of september when mercury goes direct. the new moon is in the sign virgo which loves to organize and plant those 'neat' seeds. finally we'll be finding that missing paperwork! good time to socialize and meet up with old friends on the 9-12 of september. the moon will be in the sign of partnership, libra. good time to talk about 'things' and go out and have some fun.

NEW MOON IN LEO - AUGUST 9TH 2010 AT 11:08 P.M.

2010-08-09T18:36:00.000-04:00

"no moon at all...what a night" New Moon in Leo

2010-08-09T17:51:00.004-04:00

New moon in leo...this romance sign gives us a romantic beginning for the moon's cycle. i alway remember Julie London singing "no moon at all, what a night, even lightning bugs have dimmed their light..." (click on above link)

full moon - sunday july 25th

2010-07-24T09:00:00.005-04:00

there's a full moon in aquarius sunday nite. the air signs (gemini,libra, and aquarius) will be feeling well. the fire signs (aries, leo, sagittarius) will feel inspired. the sign aquarius has the keyword, 'i know'. think about things tonite and maybe you will 'know'.

New Moon and Eclipse

2010-07-08T21:45:00.005-04:00

on sunday, july 11th at 3:40 pm there will be a new moon and solar eclipse at 19 degrees of cancer. planet mars is sextile the moon energizing and heating things up. personally, i think we've had quite enough heat for a while! don't the icicles look good!

lunar full moon eclipse

2010-06-28T08:37:00.004-04:00

saturday june26th there was a lunar full moon eclipse in capricorn at 4 degrees. capricorn is an earth sign which will help us to focus on taking better care of our precious earth. what can you do to solve the problems on our planet?

new moon-saturday 6/12/10

2010-06-11T20:54:00.005-04:00

no moon at all...at least not visible at this time. the new moon is in gemini. new beginnings are signified. if you are not feeling content, fulfilled, and positive about your life. 'think'(gemini's keyword). yes, think about what you need to bring into your life... love, health, money, security. whatever it is, set your course to obtain it.

sophie going for a ride

2010-06-10T10:47:00.003-04:00

sophie enjoys her riding toy

emily and grandmom donna

2010-06-10T10:40:00.003-04:00

emily is so sweet...another precious little princess!

petunia

2010-06-08T09:01:00.003-04:00

purple petunia

fruit on the fruit cocktail tree

2010-06-05T18:39:00.002-04:00

well, the story of the fruit cocktail tree continues. i removed the cheesecloth covering it. i think it needed more sun/air. there are a few small peach-like fruits on the branches. some animal or birds?? ate some of them. there are no plums or nectarines. they all look like peaches so far. what do you think?

3D art ...can you believe it??

2010-06-05T15:49:00.004-04:00

here are pam and kim viewing the 3-D art? who knew. it is weird and fascinating. would i want it in my living room? i guess i'd need 3-D bifocals. too much...kim's website: http://microwavesurfer.com

trip to philadelphia

2010-06-05T15:44:00.002-04:00

independence hall (in the background) and new construction of an old historical site behind pam and i.

first friday

2010-06-05T14:45:00.003-04:00

'first friday' in philadelphia was quite exciting. lots to see ...

grounds for sculpture in hamilton, nj

2010-05-18T14:32:00.001-04:00

what a great place!

first day of retirement

2010-05-18T12:53:00.005-04:00

video for today!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKcFPnS9r8Y&feature=player_embedded

new moon in taurus

2010-05-14T08:06:00.001-04:00

thursday may 13 the new moon is in taurus. plant your seeds now which will sprout at the full moon. inner and outer seeds....

day trip to new hope, pa.

2010-05-07T22:54:00.001-04:00

fruit cocktail tree is bearing baby fruit

2010-05-07T22:49:00.002-04:00

full moon in scorpio

2010-04-28T08:12:00.001-04:00

this morning's full moon in scorpio will bring many things to a head. things hidden ...like secrets may surface.

sophie taking a rest..how cute!

2010-04-23T19:41:00.000-04:00

mcdonald's with sophie and jennifer and emily (on the inside!)

2010-04-23T19:36:00.004-04:00

new moon and mercury retrograde

2010-04-16T08:20:00.003-04:00

wednesday april 14th the new moon is in aries. this is the sign of new beginnings. make a plan. mercury, the communicator, goes retrograde (appears to reverse- actually just slows down). time to reorganize and meet old friends. be flexible with plans. they may change. this only lasts for 3 weeks.things go back to normal on the 11th of may.

my new (old ) concertina

2010-04-12T08:57:00.003-04:00

i bought this at a yard sale. i was told it was 100 years old but i think it is only about 50 years old. it sounds great. does anyone know if it is an anglo or english...the only identification is 'made in italy'.

pinelands folk music - a place to go with my new concertina!

2010-04-10T11:42:00.000-04:00

check out morris's cookbook reviews

2010-04-10T11:35:00.000-04:00

oxenford family blog

2010-04-10T08:08:00.000-04:00

check out jennifer and jim's lovely family.

will the fruit cocktail tree bear fruit???

2010-04-05T08:22:00.002-04:00

full moon 3/29/10

2010-03-29T09:44:00.001-04:00

full moon in libra. all eyes on relationships...

new moon today

2010-03-15T09:28:00.003-04:00

today...march 15th is the new moon in pisces. sensitive pisces will be full of unexpected surprises with uranus conjoining the moon. let's all join in a visualization for world peace. new beginnings are highlighted.

new moon on saturday 2/13/10

2010-02-11T10:10:00.006-05:00

click on above for a song! no moon at all...time for new beginnings. the most free you will be all month. moon in aquarius will favor the air signs:geminii, libra and aquarius and the fire signs:aries, leo and sag. have a good nite...

sunshine on the snow

2010-02-11T09:39:00.003-05:00

snow 2010

2010-02-11T09:15:00.002-05:00

snow 2/10/10

2010-02-11T09:05:00.002-05:00

another 2010 blizzard

2010-02-11T08:53:00.004-05:00

lots of shovelling but look at the beauty...

karen becker's vermont photo

2009-12-21T08:40:00.002-05:00

no parking problems here.

full moon on new year's eve '09

2009-12-20T10:38:00.003-05:00

watch the full moon on new year's eve. it will be in the sign cancer ...of home and family. closure on many fronts should occur. get ready for the mercury retrograde period which begins on december 26th and ends on january 15th. good for reviewing, reorganizing, rescheduling (in other words...'re..' anything). don't be surprised if plans change at this time. january 15th will also be the new moon eclipse in capricorn (24 degrees). check with your astrologer as to how this will affect you. new beginnings at the new moon. good time for your new year's resolution. according to chinese astrology this year will be the 'widow's' year(of the tiger) beginning on feb. 14th.so your wedding should be before this or next year (rabbit year). it is a problem since the lunar spring (chinese) will begin feb 4th. apparently it is better to begin spring after the new year (feb 14th) who knew??

happy new year everyone!

who wants a shovel?

2009-12-20T10:32:00.001-05:00

beautiful view ...the calm after the storm

snowfall

2009-12-20T10:27:00.001-05:00

soup's on!

2009-11-29T17:36:00.005-05:00

a stop along a back road near berlin brought us to "faithfully good" ...a little tiny restaurant and deli with faith as the cook and hostess. can't wait for the chicken noodle soup.

happy thanksgiving

2009-11-23T22:30:00.006-05:00

on thanksgiving day the pisces moon will not be making any contacts (between 9:17 am- 10:10 pm). good day to relax and just enjoy each other, music and a good movie or a little romance. the increasing moon will be full on december 2nd in geminii. work on bringing your plans to fruition on dec. 2nd. try not to overindulge on thanksgiving. don't forget to feed your soul and work on your gratitude list.

the girls

2009-11-03T08:02:00.001-05:00

'vermont woods' photo by karen becker

2009-11-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

happy fall!

full moon in taurus

2009-11-03T07:54:00.002-05:00

things should be coming to a head at this full moon in taurus. as the moon progresses into geminii today, it's time to think about what has just passed. that's enough! time to move on and not linger over the past...let's try to be here now...just for this moment.

CAPE MAY - LEWES FERRY

2009-09-22T10:09:00.003-04:00

take a trip to delaware aboard the ferry. no reservation required. it's about 1 hour and 20 min and you are in lewes, delaware. beautiful trip on a lovely day.

INDIAN RIVER LIFE-SAVING STATION

2009-09-22T09:54:00.003-04:00

last weekend's trip took us to the indian river life-saving station at the delaware seashore state park in rehoboth beach, del.it was built in 1876 by the us life saving services. the 'surfmen' lived here and served during the stormy months of sept. thru april. they rescued ships in distress. tour the building and see where the men slept, ate and stood watch. there are ropes which are intricately coiled ready to be projected out to the ship with a 'lyle' gun. very interesting to see how these brave men lived.