Thursday, June 13, 2019

I'm Back

I've been hanging out over on FaceBook for way too long. It's been sketchy lately, so I think I'll get back into the groove over here and share some of the things that I up to these days and perhaps do some catching up posts in the near future.

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Charleston

Just back from a great week in Charleston SC.

I spent my first morning in Charleston wandering through the Battery. The architecture, wrought iron work, and monuments were quite facinating.

Stormy weather kept me inside for much of the afternoon.

Charleston Day 1

The Opening Ceremonies of the 119th Annual Reunion of the Sons of Confederate Veterans was inspiring.

119th Annual Reunion SCV - Opening Day

On to Charleston for a very relaxing and informative carriage ride  along the Battery. Visited Charleston City Market; UDC Confederate Museum; St. Phillips Church (an attempt to see Calhoun's gravesite).

Charleston Day 2


Off to Fort Sumter aboard the Spirit of the Low Country. Passing by the Battery - the homes are lovely when viewed from the water.

Charleston Day 3

Closing events at the SCV Reunion; Magnolia Cemetery to pay respects to the crew of the HL Hunley.

Charleston Day 4

Back to Magnolia Cemetery for more photos - the monuments there deserved a second trip. On to Sullivan Island see the Sullivan Island Lighthouse, as an added bonus I was able to see the Morris Island Lighthouse from the beach; then to Fort Moultrie. It was amazing to how close Ft. Sumter was from the gun battery there.
Charleston Day 5

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Israel 2012


I had a great conversation today that brought up my trip to Israel in 2012, it was such a great trip that I wanted to share the blog post from the trip again.

Enjoy!!


February 25, 2012

"It was a whirlwind trip. We hit the ground running! Visiting, Tel Aviv, Caesarea, Haifa, Zefat, Qumran, En Gedi, Masada, City of David and the Old City of Jerusalem in just four days. My last day in Jerusalem was spent at the DVI Clinic during the morning; followed by additional sightseeing in the afternoon at the Bird Observatory, the Israel Museum and topping off the evening before heading to the airport a trip to the Farmer's Market.

In preparation for the trip, I had read Jerusalem: The Biography, by Simon Sebag Montefiore which was a wonderful history of the city. Which I was grateful for once there and visiting the city. We even watched a number of archeological lectures on Jerusalem and the area as well prior to the trip. Again it was the putting together of the pieces and parts of what had been learned during Sunday School with the history of the place and throwing in current events that caused me to appreciate so much the reality of the place and marvel at it's complexity. There are so many layers, historic, religious, political, and archeological one upon the other. It gives a whole new understanding to Biblical history and the country as a whole.

Standing in so many of the places where the events of Biblical history have taken place; and touring the country put into perspective both the events of the Bible and today's current events. That so much has taken place in such a small area it is hard to fathom. The experience truly does change you.

Visiting the DVI Clinic and meeting the staff, volunteer dentists, and the patients was a special time. There is dedication of the staff and dentists to the clinic can be felt from the time you enter the door. The patients come from all backgrounds and there is a feeling of unity. If the world could operate in the same way the way or world would be a much better place.

My "job" was to photograph the country, people, food, and clinic for the American Friends of DVI. Please be sure to check out their website. Pass along this opportunity to volunteer to your dentist or contribute to the work that they are doing. Changing lives one child at a time and in their own way forging peace in the Middle East."

Trip photos, subject to change and removal. Enjoy!

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Battle of Trevilian Station


This Saturday, I escorted our out of town guest from France to the re-enactment in Louisa of the Battle of Trevilian Station. This was my very first re-enactment (our guests as well).

We had a delightful time capturing the sights and sounds of both the cavalry and infantry battles. In addition to the battles the encampments of the troops were quite interesting.


Saturday, May 31, 2014

2nd I-95 Memorial Battle Flag

The Virginia Flaggers are pleased to announce the raising of the 2nd I-95 Memorial Battle Flag in the Commonwealth. A 20’ x 30’ Army of Tennessee version of theConfederate Battle Flag was raised this morning on an 82’ pole in Stafford County, just north of Fredericksburg, in a small, private ceremony that included a Confederate Color Guard, Rifle Salute, Invocations, and historical presentations.
The flag will fly in honor of all Confederate soldiers, and specifically to remember the nearly 246,000 Confederate soldiers who fought in separate battles in the vicinity of Fredericksburg (1862), Chancellorsville (1863), Spotsylvania (1864) and the Wilderness (1864).
The preservation of liberty and freedom guaranteed by our forefathers and embodied in the US Constitution of 1788, motivated these men to leave their loved ones and take up arms, and driven by duty and honor, they answered the call to defend their State from invasion. Their noble attributes are the underpinning of our republican society and represent the foundation on which this nation was built. These citizen-soldiers of all races, creeds, and faiths, who fought for the Confederacy, personified the best qualities of America.
As the sons and daughters of these gallant men, The Virginia Flaggers, along with the numerous benefactors and supporters of this flag, believe that it is our "...duty to see that the true history of the South is presented to future generations." (Lieutenant General Stephen D. Lee, CSA)
Since the first flag was erected in Chester in September, 2013, we have been contacted by landowners all across Virginia and in neighboring states, eager to offer their property for lease, and currently have several other projects in various stages of development. Anyone with information about land that may be available for lease for a memorial flag site, or who would like to contribute to the ongoing funding of these projects, please contact us at info@vaflaggers.com, or by mail: Va Flaggers, P.O. Box 547, Sandston VA 23150. Donations accepted through PayPal:http://www.vaflaggers.com/i95flagdonate.html

Friday, March 28, 2014

Who?

I saw a picture just the other day of a couple of youngster in a martial arts class. I'm told that one of them is my grandson. Which one I haven't a clue.

It is a sad shame when children, grow up, do stupid things and then proceed to become even dumber adults. From what I hear (which is little of nothing) the grandchildren are growing up rapidly. Yet I doubt that I would recognize either one if I passed them in the store. I'm actually beginning to wonder if I would recognize my own daughter as well, since she has not had the courtesy to call, write, or speak to me in years.

It is not so much her loss that I worry about, but she is denying her children the opportunity to have a relationships with their family.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Friday, February 7, 2014

Happy 25th Birthday


Wishing my lovely daughter a
very happy and blessed 25th birthday.
Love, Mom

Sunday, February 2, 2014

Be Strong and of A Good Courage

Be Strong and of A Good Courage


Step back in time with the Fletcher boys as they leave their home and family to join in the battle to remove the Yankee invaders from Virginia. Learn about their family and values. Travel with them as they move from the infantry to a calvary unit. 

The fearsomely independent freedom loving people of the south and their desire to just be left alone to pursue their lives. 

Will Osborne weaves their story and allows you to be there with them and share their joys and sorrows. It is a compelling tale of those that fought, died and suffered during the War of Northern Aggression. 

This book would be a fine addition to any library. You can purchase your copy directly from the author, for $15.00 + $5.00 shipping & handling through PayPal at celticwill1@Hotmail.com.