Saturday, May 9, 2009

Camp Pratt May 2009






Once again it is that time of year for the 15th Alabama, Camp of Instruction. Time for us to dig out the gear, air out the tent and head over to Farmington, ME...er Alabama...yeah yeah that's it, The Fifteenth Alabama infantry Fort Mitchell in 1861!

We had some of the usual faces, and a few new ones too. Oddly one had a USA belt buckle...Captain Pratt assured me it was a trophy of war. (I think I will keep an eye on him just the same). Benjamin was the new Aide-de-Camp for our Captain since he was too young to carry a fire arm. Corpl Laiche wore a Zuave uniform with pants big enough for the entire unit to use as a tent.


Sunday, May 3, 2009

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2009 when...

YOU KNOW YOU ARE LIVING IN 2009 when...

1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.

2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.

3. You have a list of 15 phone #'s to reach your family of 3.

4. You email the person who works at the desk next to you.

5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that you don't have email addresses for them....

6. You pull up to your own driveway and use your cell phone to see is anyone is home to help you carry in the groceries.

7. Every commercial on Television had a website at the bottom of the screen.

8. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have for the first 20, 30 or 60 years of your life is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.

10. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.

11. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :-)

12. You're reading this nodding and smiling.

13. Even worse you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message.

14. You are too busy to notice that there was no #9 on this list.

15. You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list...

And now you're laughing at yourself

Monday, April 6, 2009

Preparing for an event

People have asked me how I prepare for an event, what do I pack. Well, I always seem to pack too much! Ultimately it depends on the weather, the length/type of event and what persona I am portraying.

Packing for a Parade: This is easy...well...unless it is a winter parade. My last winter parade was in December 2007. The temperature was 17 to 19 degrees. That was indeed my last winter parade unless Abe Lincoln comes and invites me! Packing for a warmer weather parade includes a basket with needed personal items. (water, money, etc). I take my parasol to protect me from the sun or rain.

Packing for a Gala: Besides the ball gown and underpinnings, I have to bring a selection of hair decor and jewelry.

Packing for the Train Robbery: A basket with needed personal items. Food & Water. I bring medical looking items such as "blood stained" bandages, "morphine " tablets (actually breath mints) and the ever present knitting needle for removing bullets.

Packing for a Day Encampment: This is where the over packing starts and it really depends on what is going on. If I can avoid it, I don't bring my tent and all the fixings for it. I usually pack a chair, a crate with period childrens items, food and water for the day. My table and portable desk with books and letters. I take items from my "brother" and depending on the persona, supporting information for that as well. I like to bring knitting to keep my hands busy. It's also fun to take a period newspaper to read to others at the events.

Packing for Weekend: Firstly, I'm a wimp, as a result I stay in hotels at night so there is packing for that. I pack everything for a Day encampment plus the tent, bed, quilt, mini barrel, dishes, lantern. etc. Even though I don't usually sleep in the field, I want my tent to look as I do. (See my blog on Antietam for the one night I slept in the field!). Whether it is in Maine or at a national event the list is the same. I actually bought a chamber pot for the next over night I do so I don't have to trek to the bathroom at night.

So, packing takes at least an hour or so, depending on the event.

Last summer, I attended an event with a re-enactor who had chosen to downsize everything. From what I was told, he used to take all the perifinalia. At the event, he only had what he could carry. A blanket, cup, plate and a few toiletries. Just what fit in his back pack. He slept on the ground with just the blanket. For me the idea is tempting but the reality? I'll stick with motels!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Visiting the Afflicted


I found this letter online in my travels and wanted to share.

Letter written to the Philadelphia Hospital Volunteer, Mary Brady, from Joseph Winters in Virginia

CAMP NEAR BELLE PLAIN, VA., January 19, 1863.


Mrs Mary Brady

Dear Friend :

There is one of my comrades in the West Philadelphia Hospital (Ward H) by the name of Harry Griffin. I wish you would be so kind as to call and see him as you make your daily rounds.

You are engaged in a good work in visiting the afflicted, and by contributing to their wants ; and surely you will reap your reward in good season, and God will bless you. Every true soldier you have helped shall remember you with respect and gratitude. I shall always remember you myself with deep feelings of gratitude, and I shall never forget the kindness bestowed on me by the ladies.

" A friend in need is a friend indeed."

My arm is still sore.

Believe me to be, madam, yours truly,

JOSEPH A. WINTERS,
CO. B, 7th Regiment Pa. Vol.

Friday, February 20, 2009

Missy the Dog

In Memory of Missy, our dog of over 11 years.

We got her August 17th, 1997. She was about 5 months old and had been locked on a porch but well fed. She had 3 different kinds of worms, fleas and doggy acne when we got her. 5 days after getting her, I was sent to Dartmouth for pregnancy complications. Andre had to teach her to play, travel in a car and house break her! Rest in Peace dear Missy!

Missy April 1997 - February 16, 2009


WELCOME AT RAINBOW BRIDGE
by Alexander Theodore, Bouvier, Fourth Year Resident

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards?
And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment... An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, thousands of loving people had left Earth long before they were ready.

All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming?

I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the FireFighters and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home.

Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss. Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.


Missy 1998 .......................................... Missy 1997

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author Unknown..

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Battlefield Preservation


Stickley House and the ruins of the mill next to Cedar Creek

I try to keep an open mind about a lot of things, but often wonder what big companies are actually thinking when they destroy battlefields. For example, Walmart is planning on building a 141,000 sq. ft. Superstore next to the Wilderness and Chancellorsville Battlefields. (See Map).
Now, with all the land in Virgina, do they have to select that site!. It saddens me to think that when they dig, they will likely be digging up the graves/remains of fallen soldiers.

And while I am ranting, what about the mining operation at Cedar Creek, Have you seen the pictures?

Saturday, January 17, 2009

I wish you enough



I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude! bright no matter how gray the day may appear.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.

I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.