Gettysburg Battlefield living history

The Gettysvburg Battlefield is known worldwide. On the third weekend in August our reenacting grup, The Liberty-Greys takes on the task of presnting a living history. For a reenactor it is a dream come true.

The national park service allows the group to stay overnight on the field, to actually sleep in the most haunted place in the world.

We set up tents on Friday and sent into town for dinner. My husband and I ate at The Farnsworth House, a period mansion used by Confederate sharpshooters then for a field hospital. It is a lovely place and the food excellent, especially the game pie and bread pudding.

Saturday we spent the day talking to tourists. Its interesting when a person from Germany or France asks for a reason why we fought the War. Not something for a five minute speech.

In camp

The soldiers acted as soldiers did in camp, cleaning rifles, drilling, playing cards or just taking a nap.

There was music provided by Miss Liz. She played period songs and sang softly so she didn’t disturb any of the speakers. It was a lovely background for both days.

Miss Liz playing the guitar and singing period songs

I talked about women’s roles during the Conflict, especially women in the South. It was a wonderful weekend despite the few rainshowers and needing to dry our tent anfter we arrived home.

Barbara Edwards dressed in half-mourning garb.

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Birthdays

At the petting zoo

A calender reminder popped up to say “My daughter-in-law’s birthday.” too late to send a card, and they were away on vacation, so it was a phone call and happy wishes.
I forget birthdays. I have no excuse. I never did. I write them down, note them on the wall calender and recently have been adding them to the on-line calender. When the little bell ring, I jump out of my skin.
oh no, another one.
I even bought a box of cards to have on hand. Only they don’t fit the person- I can’t send one of those cute, impersonal messages to someone so special, can I?
My youngest son claims I have never remembered his birthday. Of course one of the reasons is he tells me I’m calling on the wrong day: even if its right.
One year I decided to make it easy on myself. On January 1st I sent out every card, with a note on the back of the envelope: Do not open until birthday. I thought it was a great idea. No missed birthdays this year! What a howl of outrage! You’d think grown-ups could follow simple instructions. And the youngest asked if it was a late card for his previous December birthday.