Morristown. Most everyone recognizes Valley Forge, a winter encampment of the Colonial Army under Geo Washington and recognized for the harsh conditions and the raid into Trenton on Christmas that changed the dynamics of the war. But Morristown, where the army spent three winters was equally challenging. Cold winters, lack of food and supplies, and enlistments running out were also mirrored what happened in Valley Forge just that it is not well known. It is also, as far as I can tell that my direct ancestor, Peter Hileman, spent at least one winter here following the battle of Monmouth that occurred in New Jersey near the coast. The site looks much the same as before the troops arrived as much of the woodland was cleared then to make huts (12 men to a hut) and for fuel.
Overlooked NPS Sites, East .2 /
Maggie Walker’s home in the Jackson Ward of Richmond is just a short distance from downtown. She was an amazing woman of great accomplishments and it is a treat to tour her home restored by the NPS. Her story needs to be known as she serves as an inspiration to many people. A bit of her story is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maggie_L._Walker. But the experience of visiting her home and hearing the stories told by the rangers, seeing the impact the first African-American woman to charter a bank and the first African-American woman to serve as a bank president had on her community is special. She was a force for education, financial management, independent thinking, race relations and so much more. Come visit her home someday.
Overlooked NPS Sites, East .1 /
Cowpens is located in SC a very short distance from the NC line close to Gaffney, South Carolina. This battlefield - in addition to its importance to the ending of the Revolutionary War is maintained largely as it looked in January of 1781 when it was fought. Here General Morgan defeated the larger British force under Banastre Tarleton. Morgan arrayed his forces in a clever three line approach and lured the British into each line when they thought they had routed the whole of the Colonial army. The real value for the American forces besides a significant moral boost - one of the few times the Americans defeated a larger force, was the fact that Cornwallis lost 800 men out of a force of 1100 and reduced the forces that Washington would face at Yorktown.
This photo is taken in the direction of the British advance with the second line of the American troops just beyond the trees in the middle of the photo.
If you have visited Charleston, SC and noticed a beautiful old building with the sign, Charleston Light Infantry, this is their monument that was placed here in 1856.
Sunday Scripture: Photo from Shenandoah State Park near Front Royal, Virginia /
The Colors of Mardi Gras .4 /
I’ll wrap up this week’s theme with a couple more of the amazing costumes and the ubiquitous beads and boas is all colors.
We are back to some National Park themes next couple of weeks.
The Colors of Mardi Gras .3 /
The costumes worn in the parades are “over the top” creations that are colorful, outlandish and usually beaded, plumed and bejeweled. Some of them are huge and the masks are often equally astonishing.
The Colors of Mardi Gras .2 /
While other colors can be used, purple, for royalty, gold, for a king’s crown and green - one of the colors permitted a coat of arms are the primary colors of Mardi Gras. So the tri-colors like the flags of the US, France and GB for the King of the Parades, Rex, are purple, gold and green.
The Colors of Mardi Gras /
While we are a way from Fat Tuesday, the parades have already begun in New Orleans. They continue for many days often with more than one parade a day.
Sunday Scripture: Photo from the backyard in Knoxville, TN /
Just as the snow smooths out the rough side of the pinecone, so the Lord works on the challenges in us, our rough side, our impatience, our faults except that he does not just cover them superficially but changes them into a permanent fixture in our lives. He makes us more like him in a slow and steady fashion.
WMBG - .3 /
Signs of the times - in Colonial Williamsburg where many people could not read so there were often pictures to represent the seller. I have no idea what the Rhino stood for!
WMBG - .2 /
At this open air workshop area many different tasks are accomplished. They make and fire bricks, a spectacle in the fall, shingles, split logs into rough boards and lots more. This man has driven a chisel into the log but then goes off in search of a heavier mall. In the background of the third photo you can see the outdoor kiln where the summer’s brick work is fired. The bricks are used for repairs, new projects and for sidewalks in CW.
Cindy /
Cindy would have been 75 today. Missed greatly but we know that in Christ we have the certainty of the promises of Scripture. “But those who die in the Lord will live; their bodies will rise again! Those who sleep in the earth will rise up and sing for joy! For your life-giving light will fall like dew on your people in the place of the dead!” Isaiah 26:19 NLT
The photo is from Cape Lookout National Seashore.
WMBG Decor /
In the one day we had in Williamsburg to visit with family, Jill and I managed a one hour walk in Colonial Williamsburg. The Christmas decorations were well past peak but we enjoyed seeing several, these being among our favorites.
Sunday Scripture - Photo from Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia /
This view of the steeple of Bruton Parish Church is from behind the fence of the George Wythe house. Churches were full on Christmas, less full last Sunday but there will be many people making their first trip to a church in a long time maybe the first time ever as a new year brings some to realize that one of the choices they have ignored “might” prove to be a blessing and help them get life in order. Be welcoming!
Panther Creek State Park, Tennessee /
Jill and I had a nice walk along this trail at the state park near Morristown, TN. It was late fall and most of the color was past but a few spots were nice. Great views of the lake from some spots on the trail.
Welcome to 2025, Day One /
This little fisherman was a gift to my younger son. When he was young and we visited Maine he always was taken by the carved fishermen - but they were a bit out of our price range. So I decided to carve one for him, about 30 years too late but nevertheless, I finally was able to give him one. This one is standing on a dock with crates of fresh fish waiting for the buyers to arrive.
New Opportunities (Arches National Park) /
As we end 2024 and begin a new page of the calendar, may your horizons expand and your joys increase. May you find direction and challenge in the Lord and may he bless your faith and faithfulness.
The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day 13 of 13 /
Just one more photo from Christmas 2024. Jill and I had a nice, quiet and completely excellent Christmas afternoon dinner. We set up a table by the fire and enjoyed the ambiance of the tree, lights, and lots more. We both hope you too had a great day with your family, friends and focused on both the celebrations and the reason for the celebrations. Now on to a new year.
Sunday Scripture: Photo from Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Elkmont. /
As we approach a new year many people take stock of their lives at some level and consider what might be an improvement- hence the Resolutions. Here is a great one, let God work in you what pleases Him.
The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day 12 of 13 /
Just a few snippets from the Christmas Eve festive meal we enjoyed. Beef Wellington, homemade rolls, oyster casserole, cranberry relish, twice baked potatoes, salad, butternut squash soup. For dessert both hummingbird cake and pumpkin pie. Everything made from scratch and all of it scrumptious.
Beef Wellington mastermind at work
