Those darn eclipse glasses

Went online to find out about eclipse glasses as Karin told me about the camera lenses she was buying. Amazon had several versions, so bought what seemed reasonable along with splurging on special binoculars. They came in a few days, rather flimsy cardbook like you see in the movies when watching 3-D, but the lenses are much darker. It is the density of the film that matters. The label indicated that they were ISO certified so I felt secure.

However, sometime in late July, I got a message from Amazon that these could not be guaranteed as coming from a recommended vendor and SHOULD NOT BE USED!

Yikes, back on line to the NASA website to find out what companies they recommended. There were only 3 and for one of them it was just too late to get individual glasses. Fortunately, I could get 4 at another site, albeit for more money. But heck, this is my eyes I'm talking about.

With 4 pairs of glasses and special binoculars in hand, I had what I needed.

eclipse synopsis 1

Short synopsis

I was so busy during the day and exhausted from the heat that I didn't have time to blog, but did do some writing yesterday.  We didn't trust the weather in Charleston as it did say storms and clouds, so we became eclipse chasers driving west and landing in Columbia, SC where we found the crowd at the Riverfront park with telescopes and tents and great spirit of sharing the experience together. Families of all kinds from  PA, NY, MA, GA, FL and even Hawaii (on her way to Spain). The park service was even giving away free glasses and water bottles.

Short answer: A tough first few minutes obscured behind clouds, then 2 hours of excitement and joy watching the sun disappear and then -totality-  it brought me to tears!

Driving from Wilson North Caroline

A long day, a satisfying day, an amazing day from Wilson NC to be on a road trip with Shanna as we take the long, lazy way to get to Charleston. A 4 hour trip turns into 7 or was it 8 with a stop in ‘historic' Bergaw for a McDonalds lunch. Historic? Every town in North Carolina is historic and some of it is made up [says my new Charleston housemate] Indeed, if it has a railroad depot, then it was sure to be at least a thru way for army supplies, and this town of currently under 4000 also was a way station for Civil War prisoners kept  there for a week in preparation for a prisoner exchange.

Then off to Wilmington NC home of the battleship NC and lots of cute stores. From there down Rt 17, the road that leads to beaches that we never saw. because we had a goal to get to Charleston by 8. But seeing the beautiful palm trees and live oaks that had weeping willow qualities, and sweet grass basket stands one after another, finally crossing the magnificent suspension bridge into Charleston was worth the detour.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

We find the house on James Island/Foley Beach a section to the south west of downtown Charleston. Our host Craig greats me/us with such enthusiasm, glee and a big hug-my new best friend. There are already 2 other men in the house and he introduces J. as an Uber driver who is willing to take us places if he is around. After a whirlwind of listing all the places to eat and how to get to the beach and where are the towels, and here is the beach umbrella, and stories about all the guests, we have a chance to breathe.

Thank God for Kittens-A day in the world

Thank God for kittens


Van driver hits pedestrians in Barcelona, killing at least 12
Trump recycles discredited Islamic pigs blood after terrorist attack
Sen Corker isn't the only Republican who is questioning
Trump revives defense of Confederate monument
Man who was paralyze will run half Marathon
After 45 years, murder conviction scratched for Michigan man
Stonewall Jackson kin: Take down confederate monuments
Yazidi boy reunited with family after being rescued from IS
Judge dismisses Northern Ireland same sex marriage cases
Judge Judy lets dog loose in courtroom to identify his owner.

November in Gettysburg is alive with the rustle of falling leaves, the click clack of 19th Century army boots and banging of swords and canteens and belt buckles against the blues and browns and greys and reds and greens of woolen uniforms. the Third Saturday in November 2016 as is the custom is alive with remembrance of death a and destruction 153 years ago July 1-3 1863. This year, Dedication Day, the ceremony of the anniversary of the Nov 19, 1863 dedication of the National Cemetery and delivery of one of the most famous speeches in US History, coincides with Remembrance Day, a time of wreath laying throughout the park, musical tributes and a parade of both Union and Confederate reenactors and living historians.

This is my third year attending Remembrance Day and the first time at Dedication Day. I am a bit skeptical that this will be as significant as the first when I was in the midst of my Civil War immersion.  It was then that I happened upon the musicians on Little Round Top playing marches and hyms as the sun set., the inspiration for Gettysburg Prayer. It was then that my new born studies came to life as the whole town of Gettysburg filled with 19th C. memories and storytelling.

Why this blog?

Gettysburg Army of the Virginia 

Welcome to my experiences  of  Civil War 150th anniversary commemorations in 2014-15 which will end with a trip through Virginia and on to Appomattox, where two great generals met face to face  for the first surrender in a devastating struggle .  The blog is part travelogue, part book report, part photo-journal, part song book and musings. What can be learned from  this war that created over 625,000 casualties ( some say as many as 820,000. In WW2  403,000 American soldiers were lost).

I am inspired by this quote of W.H. Murray from the Scottish Himalayan Expedition

Until one is committed there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back...[With commitment] All sorts of things occur that help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamt would come his way.

With Generals Meade and Lee at Gettsyburg

Since April 2014 I have  read books, trolled websites, taken courses, attended reenactments, taken a trip to Gettysburg and through Virginia, and planned the dates to other battle sites. Much of this has generated eye opening conversations with re-enacters, Civil War historians and enthusiasts along with trained guides. Old and new friends have surfaced as knowledgeable and engaged resources for my self study.

So welcome. Check in as much as you want and make comments as you feel motivated.

Hannah Reynolds musical version

April 13, 1865 Three  days on this earth

My name is Hannah Reynolds
I live here in Virginia
I cook and do the housework
I am a slave

My master Doctor Coleman
Lives west of Appomattox
He treats me well and kindly
I am his slave

     And the war came to the east
     from Manassas to Petersburg
     They sent their boys to die
     600,000 and more we heard
     While we lived a peaceful life

My name is Hannah Reynolds
My husband he lives with me
I cook he does the hard work
We are both slaves

       And the war came to our town
      cannon fire pierced the evening light
       The bayonets gleaming in the air
       We could hear the rebel battle cry
        Now we lived a life of fear
     
        And the war came to our road
         At dawn on the ridge across the field
         union horses  took their place 
        Through fog and smoke we heard the rebels yield
         April 10 Lee's surrender day

My master Dr. Coleman
Heard the guns firing
Left with his wife and daughter
But not with his slaves
          
      And the war came to our house
      Men running round with shouts and commands
      The shot went through the door
      It hit me and I tumbled down
      Lying on the cleanest floor

My name is Hannah Reynolds
The soldiers could not heal me
Doctors treated me so kindly
Was I still a slave?

My name is Hannah Reynolds
I died near Appomattox
but three days upon this earth
I was no slave