Five Days Of Amazing

Two weekends ago was the 149th Anniversary Gettysburg re-enactment. Stephen and I, a whole group of friends, and his regiment, the 2nd Texas, of course had to participate. It was the very first Gettysburg re-enactment that I had ever been to, and the first time I had been to Gettysburg since I was four. It was amazingly EPIC.

I tried so many new things, and conquered some fears, and learned a whole bunch. I think the best thing I realized is that if you're willing to go all-out authentic, things get a lot easier!!! They really knew what they were doing back then! I'll also have to admit that it was absolutely perfect to spend five straight days with my Man. I mean, honestly, who wouldn't love that? And, it was so nice to have very little schedule, and very little stress. A great vacation, although we definitely did not come back "rested".

In fact, we actually came back slightly ill.....just a little cold, and no voices. But, it was totally worth it. I got to sleep in a tent on an old military cot, and Stephen went campaigner style, sleeping outside under the stars with just a ground cloth and a few blankets. We ate many a meal prepared over the fire, walked everywhere, and drank gallons of water to counteract the heat!! Gosh, you never realize how precious ice is until you're drinking sun-heated water half the time!

However, so much went down that I could never hope to detail  it all. So, as usual, here's a quick look through some pictures.

Getting ready to drive down on Thursday....do I look a little out of place, maybe?

Beginning the long trek down sutler row on Friday morning:

Listening to the 2nd South Caroline String Band:

Enjoying some ice cream and the shade of a tree downtown:

The 2nd Texas Dismounted Cavalry during the afternoon battle on Friday:

Up at Little Round Top on Friday night:

Looking down on Devil's Den:

Getting the fire started Saturday morning, with a new little buddy who copied Stephen's every move:

Trying a new hairstyle:

Writing in my journal....I even used an old fashioned pen and ink set:

Loading the pistol for battle...Crisco yumminess!

All suited up and ready to fight:

Hanging out in the "kitchen":

Weapons inspection:

Being given a "pep-talk"........"Today is THE DAY!!"

Excited to be fighting:

And they're off!

Cavalry  battling:

Playing "nurse" to my worn-out Soldier:

Cleaning guns and hanging out with friends:

My horribly messy tent/closet:

Ready for the dance Saturday night:

These five guys together are an absolute riot:

 The 2nd South Carolina String Band at the dance:

Resting before the battle on Sunday:

 Getting ready to move in:

Cavalry:

Enjoying each other's company after the battle....and no, this was not posed:

Devil's Den Sunday night:

Only my Love can get such good pictures of me:

Looking back at Little Round Top:

Enjoying the rocks:

Packed up and ready to leave on Monday:

It was sad to leave....half way home, I was ready to just turn around and head back to Gettysburg. It was weird coming back to modern life; thankfully, we had another re-enactment the very next weekend to keep us going. But that, folks, is another post for another day!

Three Years Ago

A few weekends ago was the War of 1812 event and GCV&M. Not only was it the bicentennial of the war, but it was also the three year mark since I met my wonderful man.

Of course, such an event put us in a reflective mood. Has it already been three years??? It feels like it just happened yesterday. And at the same time, it feels like we known each other for ever.

However, this post was not meant to bore you all with our mushy memories. =) Instead I thought I'd just share some pictures with you.

We just got a new camera, and this was one of our first big chances to play with it. So much fun!!!

In the afternoon, the dance troupe we are part of, the English Country Dancers, put on a dance demonstration; I'm there in the red (of course), my mom is in the green, and there's my dad in the black coat.

Here I am with some lovely friends:

In the evening, we of course had to keep the tradition going with pictures in Livingston Gardens. The first picture was the one taken three years ago, the second was this years.

So blessed that I no longer have to walk alone.....

Good times, good memories....it's good to be the Lady In Red.