New Year ... and Yesteryear

Hey there!  It's good to see you again!

Our New Years?  

... was blissfully quiet.  I did a roast in the slow cooker; and, oddly enough, stayed awake with a book.  Shaking my head at what passes for NYE entertainment at Times Square.  Oh, where have you gone Guy Lombardo?  Barry Manilow?

All signs pointed to the possibility of severe weather, but aside from heavy rains, by daybreak I was happy to put away the storm radio and helmets.

Pretty sure Pastor Janet must have an 'in' with the Big Guy upstairs.  Come 2:00 all was sunny and bright in time for her and Andy's 'Open non-House Party' next door.

Thankfully, their son's a firefighter.

I never realized .....
when bamboo begins to burn it sounds remarkably like a .357 firing!

Janet, demonstrating the fine art of toasting a marshmallow.

I really planned to try my first-ever s'more ..... 

but couldn't wrap my mind around the idea.

Maybe it was the black-eyed peas I warmed for breakfast?

... or what I discovered at Food Outlet?

Happy Camper, party of one!

Anyway!

If you're not much interested in history, it's okay to stop reading.  I won't get my feelings hurt. (*smile*)

Another neighbor -- the rector from nearby St. Michael's -- stopped by the party.  What a fascinating, friendly man!

Mark was full of information about both the Zeigler homestead and surrounding area.  In fact, his own home was built in 1848 -- for a bride who'd been cast out by her family for having the audacity to fall in love with a Confederate soldier.

I had to ask Mark about this Confederate memorial that sits 2 miles from our front door.

He said this was once part of the fencing surrounding the State Capitol

"These lent our cause its Holy Consecration"

I believe it was right around Veterans Day when I stopped to take these photos. (Doesn't time fly?)

That's probably what got my mind to wondering:

Are members of the CSA considered veterans?

What to do but consult my favorite history buff.

Quoting son,

"Yes all CSA veterans were recognized as USA veterans and some received pensions when they were at the appropriate age by order of President Lincoln.
Some even received dental work at military bases after the war.

Also after the surrender of the CSA and the celebration of the end of war President Lincoln had the band play “Dixie”.
War truly was hell but he wanted to bring the states back together."

On that note!

... A sincere thank you for making time in your day to visit.  It means a lot!

Hugs,

Myra