The Spring Gala

Andre and Miss Deb

For the first time, Andre joined me at a civil war event. I think the troop thought he didn't exist.

We had a friend take care of the kids and headed to Brunswick, ME. (We arrived around 2pm and visited the Museum at Bowdoin College. Just having some time to walk around the artwork and not have children to worry about was a real treat!)

Contra Dance

We checked into the hotel and I started getting ready. It takes no less than 30 minutes to get ready. The funniest part was Andre laying on the bed, her feet on my back as he pulled the corset strings!

The Gala Committee

The Gala itself was delightful! Almost 40 people attended. The music awesome and the dancing lots of fun!

The Maine Rebels

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

You say you will never forget where you were when you heard the news On September 11, 2001. Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.' I held his fingers steady as he dialed. I gave him the peace to say, 'Honey, I am not going to make it, but it is OK... I am ready to go.'

I was with his wife when he called as she fed breakfast to their children. I held her up as she tried to understand his words and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a woman cried out to Me for help. 'I have been knocking on the door of your heart for 50 years!' I said. 'Of course I will show you the way home - only believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest ministering to the injured and devastated souls. I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat, with every prayer. I was with the crew as they were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the believers there, comforting and assuring them that their faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan . I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news. Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath. Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me. But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day. You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were there in that explosive moment in time, would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you. But someday your journey will end. And I will be there for you as well. Seek Me now while I may be found. Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

God

Battlefields of Tennesee

Battlefields
While in Tennessee in February, I toured several famous battlegrounds from the Civil war. Shiloh, Stones River (Murfreesboro) and Chattanooga/Chickamauga. What struck me the most at all three sites were the shear number of unknown graves. Row upon row of them. Of the three, Chickamauga seemed to ‘click’ with me the most. I understand the movements on the field and while there stood in the forest where they fought. It is amazing to me that they could even fight in the tangle of the underbrush and know who they were fighting and where they were going.
Bragg's Headquarters

A few days ago I discovered that the 15th Alabama was there with Bragg’s army. I can now use the information I learned in the south as part of my Living History presentations.

Chickamauga

Shiloh seemed such a lonely place to me. Perhaps it was the snow flurries and that it was off season. There was no other cars in the park, just tons of deer everywhere.
http://www.nps.gov/shil/

Shiloh

Stones River seemed chopped up as there are several unconnected parts to it. I found it hard to imagine the battle there...of course the snow didn’t help on that one!
http://www.nps.gov/stri/

Stones River National Cemetary

Look out Mountain and Point Park are well worth the drive up the side of a steep mountain side. The view of the valley is great and you can really see Missionary ridge from the top as well as the river. It gives you a great view of the valley.

http://www.nps.gov/chch/

Tennessee River from Lookout Mountain

Carnton Plantation

Two years ago I read the book "The Widow of the South" based on the life of Carrie McGavok. She and her husband opened their house up after the battle of Franklin. 300 wounded were in the house at one point with the upstairs children's room serving as a surgery. There are still blood stains in the wood floor today.

At 4 o'clock in the afternoon of November 30, 1864, Carnton was witness to one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Civil War. The Confederate Army of Tennessee furiously assaulted Union troops entrenched along the southern edge of Franklin. The Battle of Franklin was the bloodiest five hours of combat during the Civil War, a massive frontal assault larger than Pickett's Charge at Gettysburg. Although it was short in duration, some 9,500 soldiers were killed, wounded, captured or missing. Nearly 7,000 of that number were Confederate. Carnton served as the largest field hospital in the area for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers who were brought to the site for surgeries and medical care.

I was lucky enough to visit this historic plantation in late February. The plantation is not far from Nashville and is now considered the most haunted place in Tennessee.

The McGavocks donated 2 acres of their land to become a Confederate Cemetary, the largest private one in the nation.

www.carnton.org

Are you smarter then a Fifth grader?

Late January Ashley and I were asked to come and talk about life during the Civil War. So we put on our period clothing and headed to school. Imagine the looks I got walking into the building. We spoke in 2 fifth grade classes. Both of the classes seemed interested and there were some amusing questions. When I showed them my hand muff made from real fur, one boy asked "What animals were on the endangered species list then" How could I answer anyway but bluntly.."None, they didn’t care" Sad but true.

Changing of the Guard

The Third Maine has been blessed with a fine officer leading them for the last 10 years.

On January 27th, Captain Gowan became Private Gowan. During a touching ceremony, The sword was passed to the newly elected Captain Glen Lawson.

Thank you to both gentleman for their willingness to serve the Third Maine

Missy

The Dog's Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!!!!

Toddy

The Cat's Diary
Day 983 of my captivity.
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets.

Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe....