Day 3 of 43'rd

We awake on Saturday 22 November to frigid weather with a blustery wind. The temperature is in the low 20's. Everybody I ever speak with says weather is relevant. Well, with the wind, 20 deg. temp and the dampness of the Bay, Potomac and Patuxent rivers, the cold goes right through you. Cold is relevant on this side of the bay. We chat of the upcoming morning and the Quilt Auction over breakfast in the hotel. We both comment on the chill that will be present in the giant steel barn where the auction is held.

We drive the twenty minutes to the auction being buffeted by head winds from the north west. As we turn off the main route onto rural route #223 the farm where the auction is held is just a couple of miles up the road. We pass several hose and buggies with their Amish owners bundled up under blankets and quilts. It is cold!

We pull into the farm, more like a commune with several homes, outbuildings and barns. There are many cars parked where ever space allows. I see license plates from, VA, PA, DE, NJ, NC, NY and of course MD. There could have been other states represented but these were the ones I passed in route to the barn. The parked cars ran the entire spectrum, from Mercedes and Beemers to 20 year old pickups. Everywhere you looked horse drawn carts were tied to trees or buildings. Some horses were blanketed against the chill in the air.

Upon entering the giant steel barn you looked to the front of the barn which had a raised stage presence, very rustic. Hanging up was the quilt presently being auctioned. It could be turned so the bidders could see it from every angle. The Auctioneer in his mantra, was trying to get the most for each and every quilt. Prior to each bid starting the auctioneer would tell the audience who made the quilt. Some of the names identified were Blauch, Coblentz,Hertzler, Hostetler, Knepp, Miller, Stoltzfus, Yoder,and Zook to name a few.

In addition to quilts, hand made toys, furniture of every description, pot holders, and center pieces were auctioned.

Our 43'rd weekend continued

The first Photo is Mary Agnes at the Tea Room in Leonardtown, Md. A great place for lunch if your ever there.

Photo # 2 is the Civil War Memorial at Point Lookout


In two more days, a month shall have passed since my last post. I have got to get on the stick, as they say.

Back to the previous post when we were on the Western Shore. It’s Friday AM, 11-21-08 and after a meal in the hotel we are off for a day of adventure. We first headed to Point Lookout, MD. During the Civil War there was a large Prison Camp there operated by the Union and holding thousands of Confederate soldiers. (See info below)

Point Lookout Prisoner of War Camp

The following is from the Web Site: http://www.mycivilwar.com/pow/md-point_lookout.htm

Point Lookout, Maryland

As the number of prisoners steadily increased after the battle at Gettysburg , it became evident that the number of current Union prisons was not enough to hold them all. Since no major prisons had been built or facilities converted since the Confederate defeats at Fort Henry and Fort Donelson in 1862, Quartermaster General Meigs ordered Brig. Gen. Daniel H. Rucker, chief quartermaster, to establish a prison camp at Point Lookout, Maryland, which would hold 10,000 prisoners.

Point Lookout was the largest and one of the worst Union prisoner-of-war camps, established on August 1, 1863. It was located at the extreme tip of St. Mary's County, on the long, low, and barren peninsula where the Potomac River joins Chesapeake Bay. It had been a resort area with hotels, boarding houses, cottages, and commercial establishments before the war. The site was leased to the Federal Government in June 1862, and quickly became a major government installation. The site was comparatively isolated and easily protected. At the extreme end of the peninsula, near the lighthouse, a 1,400-bed hospital complex was built with 20 buildings arranged in a circle, a large wharf to receive supplies and the wounded soldiers that came in from battlefields; a number of storehouses and stables; laundry and dining facilities; and additional quarters for officers, doctors, surgeons, and Union troops. The hospital became one of the largest and busiest medical facilities in the Union's service.

A 40-acre site about 1/2 mile northeast of the hospital was selected, and work began on enclosing the area with a 15-foot-high fence, with a gallery along the top of the fence for the guards. The fence also divided the prison into 2 sections, one about 30 acres and the other about 10 acres. The inside of the prison was a flat stretch of sand without any shrubs or trees. The dividing of the prison was to seperate the enlisted prisoners from the officer prisoners. All of the prisoners would have tents instead of barracks for their shelter. The camp was only about 5 feet above sea level.

The prison's official name was Camp Hoffman but it was hardly ever used. Before long, the prison became the most populated and largest Union prison, at one time holding 20,000 prisoners, because it was so close to the battlefields on the Eastern Theater.

The first guard detail assigned to the camp was the 2nd and 12th New Hampshire Regiments. Other guard details included the 4th Rhode Island Volunteer Regiment, 10th Regiment U.S. Veteran Reserve Corps, 166th Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st U.S. Volunteers, and the 139th Ohio Infantry Regiment. On February 25, 1864, for the first time, the 36th U.S. Colored Infantry Regiment. Other black guard details included the 5th Massachusetts Colored Cavalry, the 3rd and 4th Maryland Colored Regiments, and the 24th and 28th Colored Infantry Regiments. All the guard details were extremely strict and easily provoked. Assisting the guards in their duties was the ironclad U.S.S. Roanoke, sitting in the bay.
The first commandant was Brig. Gen. Gilman Marston. He was replaced in December 1863 by Brig. Gen. Edward W. Hinks, in April 1864 by Col. Alonzo G. Draper, and in July by Brig. Gen. James Barnes.
The fisrt prisoners arrived in late July and by the end of the year, the population was more than 9,000 prisoners. By mid-summer 1864, it was over 15,500 prisoners.

The prisoner's tents were set up in 9 parallel "streets" running east to west. The main path through the center of the camp was known as "Pennsylvania Avenue." Each row of tents were labeled as a division and would hold 1,000 or more prisoners.

LIFE & CONDITIONS:
All prisoners lived in the overcrowded tents and shacks, with no barracks to protect them from heat and coastal storms. There were several different kinds of tents that the prisoners used. Each row of tents were labeled as a division and would hold 1,000 or more prisoners. The majority of the different types were: A-tents (5 men), Sibley tents (13-14 men), Hospital tents (15-18 men), Wall tents (3-8 men), Hospital flys (10-13 men), Wall-tent flys (3-8 men), and Shelter tents (3 men).

The back of the prison was next to the bay. Here, the prisoners were allowed a certain area to bathe, wash clothes, and find additional food, such as clams, lobsters, and fish. Fresh water for drinking was scarce and polluted. Wells supplied the water for the camp, but they proved too shallow and had iron and alkaline salts in it. Later on, a boat was arranged to bring in fresh water for the prison.

There was never enough food or firewood; both were strictly rationed. Rats were a major source of protein for some inmates, and catching them became a favorite sport in the camp. Rations were supposed to consist of pork 2 out of 3 days, with beef on the 3rd day. The rations were served twice a day, 8:00-9:00 A.M. for breakfast and 3:00-4:00 P.M. for dinner.

There were weekly inspections of the prisoners, in which the prisoners would have their tents inspected for contraband. Flooding of the prison compound was frequent, soaking the prisoners their clothing, and their tents. There were cases of the prison commandant and his subordinates either reducing the quality or quantity of the rations for their personal profit.

There was much animosity between the prisoners and the guards, who were mostly black troops. One Confederate who had managed to purchase his freedom from the prison reported that "murder was not only not scrupled at, but opportunities sought for its commission by the guards, who are known to have been offered by the officer of the day as much as $10 and $15 apiece for every prisoner they could shoot in the discharge of their duty."

Because of the topography, drainage was poor, and the area was subject to extreme heat in the summer and cold in the winter. This exacerbated the problems created by inadequate food, clothing, fuel, housing, and medical care. As a result, approximately 3,000 prisoners died there over 22 months.
Besides chronic diarrhea, dysentery and typhoid fever had become epidemic at the camp while smallpox, scurvy, and the itch had become quite common.

The latrines at the camp were built out over the bay on the east side of the camp for use in the daytime. Large boxes and or tubs were used at nighttime.

Daily activities in the camp consisted of reveille between dawn and sunrise and followed by roll call. After breakfast, the prisoners passed time by busying themselves with a wide variety of occupations and pastimes.

There were still 22,000 prisoners being held by the end of the war in April 1865.They were eventually released in a combination of alphabetical order and reverse order of states that seceded from the Union. By June 30, all of the prisoners had been transferred out of the camp. It is known that at least 3,584 prisoners died at the prison.

It is estimated that a total of 52,264 prisoners, both military and civilian, were held prisoner there. Although it was designed for 10,000 prisoners, during most of its existence it held 12,600 to 20,000 inmates. Only 50 escapes were successful at the camp.

From Point Lookout we headed around the Peninsula and visited several historical Plantations

The descriptions below are from The St. Mary’s County Web Site

http://tour.co.saint-marys.md.us

Sotterley Plantation
P. O. Box 67/ 44300 Sotterley Lane
Hollywood MD 20636
301-373-2280
www.sotterley.org

Located on the banks of the Patuxent River, this 1703 Tidewater Plantation features an architecturally significant Mansion of unique post-in-ground construction with beautiful woodwork including a Chinese Chippendale staircase. A National Historic Landmark, Sotterley has been home to generations of prominent families including that of the sixth Governor of Maryland, and later, the daughter of financier J.P. Morgan. It was also home to hundreds of anonymous slaves. The 90-acre site includes Colonial Revival gardens with panoramic views of the river, a rare original Slave Cabin, a smokehouse, a necessary, a Customs Warehouse, and nature trails. Sotterley has a Museum Shop and a newly restored Barn for special events. Water access is available by calling in advance during the week.

Grounds open year round for self-guided tours: Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm and Sunday 12 pm - 4 pm. Guided Mansion tours are available May 1 - October 31, Tuesday - Sunday with the last tours at 3:00pm. (No Mansion tours on Monday.) Museum Shop is open when the Mansion is open for tours. Visit website for more information and for Admission fees.

St. Clements Island Museum
38370 Point Breeze Road
Colton's Point MD 20626
301-769-2222
http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/recreate/museums/stclementsisland.asp

Located on the mainland, the museum’s exhibits trace the history of English colonization in Maryland with emphasis on the landing of the first 140 colonists on St. Clement’s Island in 1634. The museum also holds artifacts that tell the story of life on the Potomac River in earlier times. On the grounds is the Little Red Schoolhouse, a 19th-century one- room school used until the 1960s and relocated from nearby Charlotte Hall. There is also a museum shop. The museum has pier docking facilities, and offers seasonal water taxi service to the island.

The museum and the Crab Claw Museum Store are open March 25 though September, weekdays: 9 AM to 5 PM, weekends: noon to 5 PM. October 1 through March 24, Wednesday through Sunday: 12 noon to 4 PM. Water taxi rides Saturday and Sunday Memorial Weekend through the end of September, weather permitting.

Tudor Hall
41680 Tudor Place
Leonardtown MD 20650
301-475-2467
www.smchistory.org

Tudor Hall was originally built around 1744 as a small house with additions as early as the 1760s. This Georgian-style house became the home of Phillip Key, uncle of Francis Scott Key, author of the Star Spangled Banner. Unusual features of the house are the inset portico, the main hall’s hanging staircase, and a “triple fireplace” in the kitchen. Tudor Hall serves as the research library for the St. Mary’s County Historical Society and also houses the Historical Society’s bookstore with books on genealogy, and local and regional history.

Open Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 2 PM. The Research Library is open Thursday and Friday, Noon – 4 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM. The book store is open Monday – Friday, 10 AM – 2 PM.

The second day of our adventure saw us once again at the Thai restaurant for dinner. Once again it was a great meal. Back in our room we settled down with a glass of wine and watched a little football.

Tomorrow 11-22-08 we're off to the Amish Quilt Auction in Mechanicsville, MD.

Celebrating our 43'rd

It's 0845 and we're off. The cat's in the cage on the rear seat in preparation for a drop off at The Pet Palace. We've planned a trip to the Western Shore, 45 miles across the bay as the crow flys. Only one problem, you can't get there from here. We have to go north, over the Bay Bridge through Annapolis and then south again. All in all it's a three hour trip.

Prior to leaving Grannie went next door to Ms. Gracie's to see if they could take care of the chickens. Yes we have chickens. After 6 years the flock of 24 is down to three hens and a rooster, all New Hampshire Reds. Gracie and John have been taking care of them when ever we go away. They're Free Range chickens, have the back yard to themselves and are only locked up at night for their own safety. Lately we've had an Eagle flying overhead and the chickens, on seeing it's shadow head underneath our shed barn for safety.

So, we drop the cat off, she gets a three story condo and is signed up for the Holiday macrame class on Friday and is going Kayaking in the Crisfield area at Janes Island, weather permitting. To keep our girl, Bailey is her name, happy, we always sign her up for the programs available.

So, we are off on a cold partly sunny and breezy day for our get-away weekend. Traffic was light the entire trip. Only negative was oncoming traffic on the Bay Bridge. That traffic pattern is something I've never been a proponent of.

We got to Solomns right around noon, and with our stomachs growling found a water front pier restaurant. Grannie ordered a Grouper sandwich and I got a Clam basket. The Grouper was great, the Clams were too deep fried. They did have Guinness on tap which we both had a pint of.

The next two hours found us taking a leisurely ride around the countryside. We drove up to Mechanicsville which is Amish country. On Saturday we're going to a Quilt Auction at an Amish farm. We stopped at McKays, a neat high end grocery store and got some cheese and crackers. We love checking out new grocery stores. We don't have many good choices in Salisbury.

Around 1500 hrs. we got to our hotel in Lexington Park, a Fairfield Inn that we have stayed in numerous times. Yes we seem to like the visits to this side of the bay. Grannie took a nap and I surfed for awhile on the high speed internet available. What a treat from my slow connection at home.

After our naps we watched a little TV and then headed out for dinner. We went to a Thai restaurant for dinner. It was a first for us after all these years. When we lived in Connecticut we did frequent a Vietnamese restaurant, The Lotus, quite a few times. The food was great, lots of Veggies and great rice. Grannie got a spicy Rock fish and I a Curry Pork, HOT! It was all great and no after effects.

Upon our return to the hotel Grannie was quickly in bed with the TV control. I was here with my Dell and had no say in the TV, until the old girl fell asleep. By 2115 hrs. the TV was mine and GA Tech was kicking Miami's butt.

We had a great nights sleep. I was down stairs getting the Mrs. her Coffee to have in bed at 0700. We got a good morning call from Kathy. Usually get one from her or Sarah when ever away, it's great. So far a great trip, we shall see where today takes us. Until later, we're off.

A Busy Week

We go through life week to week all too often and things are just mundane. This past week we had a little variety in our lives. Nothing to write home about understand, but at least we were moving.

On Wednesday we went off to Lewes, DE and spent the night with Bobby, Barbara and Old Aunt Sarah. Bobby did some grilling of Scallops and Steak on the Barbie as they say down under. We had a great salad and baked potato and Pumpkin pie for dessert. We also indulged in a few Guinness while we looked at pics from our trip to Ireland last year. A great visit as usual, spent the night, then home in the am for a 9:45 Eye Dr. appt.

After the eye doctor Grannie and I headed off for our monthly trip to Sam's Club, Tractor Supply, Chicken and bird feed stop and lunch at Panera's. We never got home until after 3:00 pm, where did this day go.

Thursday night Friday and Saturday saw much needed rain, 3.6" over all. I got to put the final coat of paint on a new cabinet out in the annex as well as watch a little football. I got to see Navy lose to Notre Dame and Air Force lose to BYU. Sam was on the Push Up detail, but we never saw her. Pretty soon it's Navy vs. Army in Philly.

I started this draft on Saturday and here it is Tuesday. Just 7 days and a wake up and Sam will be heading home for the first time in 5 months. Everyone is looking forward to her Thanksgiving visit. Although the visit will be short, and I'm sure fly by to all, it shall be great to see her. Just a little more than two weeks after she returns to the USAFA she will turn around and come home for her Christmas break on December 16 and be home through January 3.

We spoke to Matt over the weekend, all were well with the Connecticut crew. They were going to Foxwoods and the Pequot Indian Museum. Matt got a new car, Honda Civic. His other Civic met it's demise with Matt in it when a young girl hit him from behind. No injuries, bags deployed as the are supposed to, but the car was totaled. Kids and dogs all doing well.

On the football front the Eagles were horrible on Sunday finishing in a tie with the Bengals. That, as they say, is like kissing your sister, UGH! Uconn did kick butt on Syracuse Saturday night. Looks like the Huskies will go to a bowl game some place. Also, how about those Terps, they just squeaked by UNC. And last but not least, Delaware embarrassed its self once again loosing to James Madison.

We're looking ahead to Thursday, we will be off to St. Mary's county for an Amish Quilt Auction. We went two years ago and really enjoyed it. As the crow flies it's a 45 mile trip, only problem is, you cant get there from here. We have to go North, over the Bay Bridge then go South an equal distance to Lexington park where we shall stay. It takes three hours to make the 45 mile distance. Shall tell you all about the trip next week.

Thought you might like a taste of what Kathy's writing.

From Kathy's Blog, Spirit of the Game (from Kathy's Blog A Simple Life)

Its a rainy day... we take out the Scrabble game and start playing. It's me, my mom, my sister, my daughter.... As we pull out the scoring notebook we see JUDY MARY LEE. I read their scores, and remember their visit from years ago - The score cards speak volumes about life, friendships, and other rainy Saturdays along the way - I can see where I have been - and where I am going. Remember that day, seven years ago, when Susan stopped by for tea. Her kids came too. You hadn't visited since her mom died. As you talked you all sat down to play Scrabble. She spoke of the funeral, the cards, the silence, the pain, the loneliness.

Then you remember the day all the boys wanted to play - They laughed, they joked and THEY CHEATED (not a surprise!). Regardless, they still didn't win! It was just before Andy graduated, the last time you got to see him before he left for college... what a great day!

The beauty of living simply is realizing that these little moments, these short events and diaries we keep are the building blocks of lives. These are the historical events of people and places who are important to us. It is only by taking a few moments to see them, to notice them and to place value upon them that we can appreciate what is truly essential.



As Antoine St de Exupery said... "What is essential is invisible to the eye...." These moments in time are invisible... but so essential to who we are and where we are going...

Everyone have a great day, we love you!!!!!!!!!!!!

Veterans Day

Veteran’s Day Tribute

When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand.

They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife.

They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars.

Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought.

We salute each and every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave.

So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best.

By Joanna Fuchs

Birthday # 233

I was born on November 10'th 1775 in a tavern in Philadelphia, PA. My colors are scarlet and gold. My main clothing is hard to see, for camouflage is my working suit.
I am a United States Marine. Happy Birthday to me.

November 10, 1775
Birth of the U.S. Marine Corps

During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress passes a resolution stating that "two Battalions of Marines be raised" for service as landing forces for the recently formed Continental Navy. The resolution, drafted by future U.S. president John Adams and adopted in Philadelphia, created the Continental Marines and is now observed as the birth date of the United States Marine Corps.

Serving on land and at sea, the original U.S. Marines distinguished themselves in a number of important operations during the Revolutionary War. The first Marine landing on a hostile shore occurred when a force of Marines under Captain Samuel Nicholas captured New Province Island in the Bahamas from the British in March 1776. Nicholas was the first commissioned officer in the Continental Marines and is celebrated as the first Marine commandant. After American independence was achieved in 1783, the Continental Navy was demobilized and its Marines disbanded.

In the next decade, however, increasing conflict at sea with Revolutionary France led the U.S. Congress to establish formally the U.S. Navy in May 1798. Two months later, on July 11, President John Adams signed the bill establishing the U.S. Marine Corps as a permanent military force under the jurisdiction of the Department of Navy. U.S. Marines saw action in the so-called Quasi-War with France and then fought against the Barbary pirates of North Africa during the first years of the 19th century. Since then, Marines have participated in all the wars of the United States and in most cases were the first soldiers to fight. In all, Marines have executed more than 300 landings on foreign shores.

Today, there are more than 200,000 active-duty and reserve Marines, divided into three divisions stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Camp Pendleton, California; and Okinawa, Japan. Each division has one or more expeditionary units, ready to launch major operations anywhere in the world on two weeks' notice. Marines expeditionary units are self-sufficient, with their own tanks, artillery, and air forces. The motto of the service is Semper Fidelis, meaning "Always Faithful" in Latin. (From History.com - this day in history)

As I was out on my appointed rounds today I did a lot of reflecting to years gone by and my time in the Corps. I was married while a Marine and my wife and I had our first child while in the Corps. Upon returning home from a weekly dump run to the local transfer station I found a beautiful Scarlet and gold bouquet of flowers from my favorite daughter. That's how the card was signed. But you see, I have two daughters. I'm constantly guessing not fair at this old age, not fair at all.

Back on 26 October, daughter #1 ran her first marathon, The Marine Corps Marathon. She completed her venture through our nations capitol in 4'43".

An old friend.

Well, this morning ended my Cat and House sitting. Not that I do, but I haven't had the opportunity to sleep in since Sept.22. I was laying there in bed this morning thinking,(encouraging thought), God, would I love to sleep in. But, no rain, it wasn't cool , so up I got.

I've been in a pickum for a 6 pack Football Pool with Jeff this year. A 5 week, 5 week, 6 week contest. Best throughout the season wins a case. Jeff had 5 more wins than I during the first session and selected a 6 pack of Sam Adams October Fest. I'm one game up for session two. The attached picture is Jeff, kneeling with his Western Maryland riding buddies on Sea Gull Century weekend.

Now let me tell you about the guy with the glasses. His name is Dan McGarigle. Click on the pics and they will enlarge. Dan and I go back to 1958, now that is a long time. Dan & I graduated from Levittown HS in NJ back in 1962. Levittown is now Willinboro, just across the river from Philadelphia, PA.

Just this week, Monday in fact, I spoke with Dan, he now resides in El-Segundo, CA. Dan is retired, runs a little specialty woodworking shop out of his garage and puts in time with his computer. Having been a mean drummer in the past, Dan still frequents a Jazz club now and then for entertainment.

Forty Three years ago, Dan, his girlfriend at the time and Granny and I eloped to Fall River, MA and tied the knot. Dan and his wife had two kids, Kim and Dan. Kim now resides in TN and Dan in OR. Unfortunately as all too often happens, Dan's marriage did not last and he is now single. Our friendship has remained through the thick and thin.

Dan did attend my two daughters weddings and for many a year visited us here in Maryland. Dan was also at my son's graduation from Boot Camp in Parris Island, SC in 1988. He had front row placement with his video camera because of an official CNN Logo sticker on the camera. Fortunately for Dan, no one asked for a press pass.

When first in the Military, 1962, me at Marine Barracks 8'th & I and Dan at Field Music School in Annocostia for the Navy we saw a lot of each other. Eventually Dan went off to Newport, RI, WestPac on the OK City and eventually got out of the Navy in 66.

Dan was one of the original computer Gurus. He worked in finance for a while, reservation for Airlines and Amtrac and even did some online buying site stuff, for Sears.

Once he retired Dan went to PA for a while and then off to California once again, after having lived in the San Francisco area previously.

At any rate, we're still good friends, keep in touch via computer and land line and hopefully will see one another some time in the future. Just wanted to share a long time friendship with you all.

After the Vacation

Photo # 1 is Sarah Kathryn
( Kate & Ron's) first fish. #2 is Sam and her roommate at first football game wearing shoulder boards of others. Sam's boards are from a junior at the USNA doing an exchange program @ USAFA
#3 is Sam and another cadet at 2012 retreat.

#'s 4&5 are Bobby, Barbara, Mary Agnes & I at Furman tailgate.

#6 Mary Agnes' 65'th BD Party with Old Aunt Sarah and friend Ellie.

#7 Under the Gazebo at Biltmore.

#8 Belmont Abbey entrance.

I guess I've been a bit of a failure in my Blogging efficiency. I'm turning over a new leaf after many family and friends say they feel out of touch during the lull in my writing. So, here I go again.

As I previously mentioned we made our trip to Greenville, SC and Furman University on 9/20 with Bobby and Barbara for the Delaware game. Even though Delaware lost, 23 - 20 it was a great trip. I have learned one thing though when traveling with Barbara and Mary Agnes. DO Not Stop at CRACKER BARRELL!!!!!!!! It's not an eating experience, it's a shopping experience.

Just outside Charlotte we made a pit stop in the tiny town of Belmont, NC and spent some time riding around the tiny campus of Belmont Abbey College. If your ever down that way take ten minutes, just off the interstate, to see the campus.























I must say the southern hospitality people speak about is fact. We chatted with many Paladins, mascot of the Furman University. We were welcomed with open arms and thanked for making the trip. They are very proud of their school, and rightfully so. It is a beautiful campus. Back in the tail gate area after the loss, we were actually consoled and their was no bravado for their victory. We tailgated with John and Maureen, two great football friends of Bobby and Barbara who made the trip down from Wilmington.

We found a neat little restaurant our last night in Greenville, it served anything you could think of. It was kind of a throwback to the old diners of the 50's and 60's that we grew up with. Our waiter, a young transplant from Mississippi was an entertainment guru. Uncle Bob wanted a beer, now that's hard to believe, isn't it? After asking for a Coors Lite, he was told they were out of Coors. This was after the waiter went to look for one. Next up was a request for a Yingling, Ah, we have Yingling. Only problem was it was warm and still in the trunk of the car after being purchased. Later we were to learn that a cute young lady helping to serve our food was the girl friend of the waiter. It was an experience of culinary excellence.

One thing of note was that gas was in short supply in the general area. When we could find gas it was almost always over $4.00 and the prices varied by as much as 40 cents from one station to another.

The day prior to the game we made the trip to Ashville, NC and spent the day at the Biltmore Estate. Yes and once again shopping was the culmination of the day. We did a wine tasting, bought wine, go figure that one. We attended a Southern Living Magazine Mixology class and had a day of the finest weather anyone could ask for. If your ever down that way, it's a must stop!

A great trip with great people and enjoyed by all.

On 09/23 I started a house sitting job for for 22 days 3 miles from our home. The folks I'm sitting for have a vacation home in Sedona, AZ. I've been to Sedona, it is truly a beautiful place. Any way, my job of house sitting also includes the feeding and giving of medication to seven (7) cats. Tar Baby, age 19, medication for Thyroid abnormality, Mr. Gray, has a sinus problem and snorts snot everywhere, Nooley and Prowler and Buffy and Bitsy. Last and saving the best is Jane. Jane is Miss personality, greets me on arrival, goes in and eats and then back out.

The job of house sitting and taking care of the cats could be a simple one if not for the work force. You see, the owners are undergoing a major renovation. Several days this past week there were three painters, two carpenters, two electricians and the builder there working at 0700 hrs. upon my arrival. Also the builder has his brown Lab roaming around outside. Sometimes all doors are open, cats in, out, hiding or just gone. To compliment things even further their are two young fox in the area. Once while leaving dry food outside for the no shows they appeared. They sat a scant 10 feet from the back of the house just waiting for me to leave. It was a real showdown and not till several pine cones went their way, did they leave. To say the least, it has been a real adventure.

Last weekend was the Sea Gull Century Bike Ride, Salisbury to Assateague on the Ocean. We had seven friends of Kathy's in for the weekend. Kathy and Jeff entertained four. Granny and I spent our time in our hideaway Annex. All in all, great people great times and a fine spaghetti meal with twenty and a glass or two of wine.

Jumping to Colorado Springs, Sam seems to be fitting in nicely to her Air Force adventure. She is on Face Book for any of you who use that venue. It sounds like her greatest challenge is Calculus, so she is availing herself of extra help. This weekend Sam is in Denver at a retreat with 45 other cadets. It is a weekend she has been looking forward to so I'm sure she is enjoying it. Weather wise she's going to see highs in the mid 40's and lows below freezing for the next 3-4 days.

Yesterday was another good day for AF football with a good win over San Diego State. Last week Navy went to Altitude and came back to Annapolis with a victory, only Army stands in the way of another Commander in Chief's trophy.

We're enjoying great weather, good health for all and think of all of you often.

Go Navy, Beat Army!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On a sad note, Maine beat Delaware yesterday 27 - 10. Loss #4 for the Blue hens.

I shall Blog more often!

UConn Routs Virginia, 45-10


UConn's Donald Brown is off to the races, scoring a long touchdown run in the third quarter as Virginia's Brandon Woods chases and UConn quarterback Tyler Lorenzen starts to celebrate. Uconn is now 3 - 0 Next up for the Hukies is Baylor on Friday night.




Delaware 45 West Chester 20

Delaware put West Chester to bed by halftime in their game at Newark on Saturday. The second half saw oach Kasey Keeler clear the bench as many players saw game action for the first time. Next up for Delaware is Furman in Greenville, SC. Uncle Bob, Aunt Barb, Grannie and I will be going to the game. "ROAD TRIP'




Air Force 31 Houston 28

Air Force built a seemingly comfortable lead and then had to hang on to defeat Houston, 31-28, on Saturday at Southern Methodist University's Gerald J. Ford Stadium.

Kathy did a thirteen mile jaunt from Quantico, MD into Salisbury and down part of Camden Ave. in preparation for the Marine Corps Marathon. You better watch out C4C, your Mom's in better shape that you.

Jeff's Detroit Lioness' performed their usual again today. You are so loyal Jeff. Bill Bailey came by today and was wearing a Lion's T shirt. Two loyal wanta be winners, forever loosing.

Tomorrow night we Have Dallas vs. Philly. This game should tell us a lot about who's in charge of the NFC East.

This and That

As you all know, Abbey had a Birthday recently, A Long, Lean, Dog Lovin Machine now 12. In her arms is Lady Liberty, I guess Libby for short. Libby is still with her mother until the end of the month. I think the transfer of the pure bred Lab to Abbey's house is scheduled for September 27. Quite a few of Abbey's gifts surrounded a pet theme. Aunt Sarah Palmer threw her a Hawaii themed surprise party. Everyone wore Lei's and grass skirts, appropriate south sea and Carribian music played in the background.

Now the next two pictures are from Connecticut. That's Rebecca with Annie, a two year old Poodle that Beth rescued from the Pound in Waterbury. For the moment Beth, Matt and company are Foster Parents. Beth called me earlier in the week and told me about Annie, knowing Grannie and I are interested in getting a Poodle in the near future. With a pending trip to SC and a few other things going on as well, we just couldn't commit to taking Annie at this time.

I had not heard from Beth or Matt and just knew that Annie was in the house with Belle and Cody. The other picture is Beth with Belle and Annie. Annie apparently has a few minor health issues that Beth is already working on. According to Beth she is a great lady. She's getting along well with everyone, dogs included. She even enjoys a car ride. So, we shall see where this young ladies future puts her. Beth, your too much!

On another front, Rachael and her Salisbury School soccer teamwon their second game of the season, beating Gunston School on Friday 6 - 1. Today Ray was with Abbey helping her organize her room, it's a special knack Ray has.

Granny spent another day at the farm, cleaning and organizing. My great task for the day was scrubbing Hummingbird feeders, filling them and all our other feeders and tending to the chicken's food and water as well. It's almost time for the Hummers to head south, but should they linger awhile they will have fresh food.

For now it's Uconn vs. Virginia on ESPNU, go Huskies. Have a great night everyone!

Saturday in Colorado Springs

On Saturday morning Kathy and Jeff hosted breakfast in their suite. After breakfast we were off to the USAFA to drop the cadets off for their accountability check for 0930 at the football stadium. This was to be Air Force's first game of the season against Southern Utah.

At 0900 people were already arriving and in the Cadet Wing area each Squadron was busy setting up their Tailgate party. Any and all things one could imagine for a tailgate was taking place. Sam's Squadron, Viking IX had various beverages, snacks of all kinds, hamburgers, hot dogs and Brats. A large can soliciting donations was conveniently placed near the Grill Maestro.

Upon filling ourselves with a second breakfast we were off to the stadium for the pre game festivities. The march on by the cadets was awesome. When dismissed , it was a mad rush to their seats in on the visitors side of the field from the 10 - 20 yard line. We were seated on the 30 yard line, eighteen rows up. The Cadet Falconry Club performed with the Falcon mascot, the Parachute team came down from above to drop in on the 50 yard line.

The playing of the National Anthem was just awesome, with most all of the fans singing it's lyrics. The final culmination to the pre-game events was a fly over by T-38 jet trainers. Just a patriotic moving moment for all in the stadium to share. Got Bless America and thank you to our men and women in uniform.

The game was great with Air Force winning 41-7. Just a little follow up, this past weekend Air Force beat Wyoming in Laramee 23-3. Air Force (2-0, 1-0 MWC) travels to Houston, Texas, to take on Houston (1-1) on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2:30 p.m. Central time at John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium. The game will be televised live on CBS C (Formerly CSTV). Now Hurricane Ike might have something to say about that game happening. Also, on Sunday Sept. 14, the Baltimore Ravens are supposed to be in Houston for a game against the Texans.

After the game we went to the home of Sam's sponsor for a cookout. Each Cadet has a sponsor and Sam's sponsor has four Cadets who can use their home as a respite during time off. We got to meet the other Cadets and their families and a great time was had by all. After the cookout it was back to the hotel for a good nights sleep.

Sam and family had another picnic to go to on Sunday so Granny & I rented our own car and did our own thing. Our first stop was the Garden of the Gods, Granny wanted to get out and hike, but no parking any place. Our second stop was Manitou Springs. This was our second time at the springs. We were there several years ago with Tommy and Elva and Bobby and Barbara. Being somewhat parched we stopped by the local American Legion for a beer on their deck. The deck, so to speak sits adjacent to the sidewalk and we enjoyed the beer while watching the passer bys. Their were two festivals going on in the town this day and the crowds were enormous.

We made our way to the central park where a Native American festival was going on. Being hungry we searched out some food and found a booth selling barbecue. Granny wandered to a table ( a fatal attraction) with two obvious street people sitting on one side engaged in conversation. Granny sat down and of course I had to follow. Moments after starting to eat, one of the two, and we shall call him Summer, lit up a Roach and took several smiling drags on it and snuffed it out. Now why Summer you might ask. Well, when he opened his mouth that's what his teeth were. Some are here, some are there and not much in between. He also had a long necked Bongo Drum.

The other individual had pure white hair, cut in a Little Lord Fauntleroy style. He was carrying a book, "A Time To Kill" by John Grisham. And you thought I was kidding when I said Fatal Attraction. Their conversation was being dominated by Summer and was centered on hanging out in the Library and using the computers and searching places on Google Earth. Fauntleroy had no clue what Summer was talking about. After a short while Fauntleroy departed and Summer turned his attention to us. Oh my Lucky Day.

"So, you guys from around here", he asked? Summer told us he had been in radio, on air, production, engineering and such. He asked us how we liked the band up on the stage. He also said he performs up there also. After rummaging through his backpack for several moments and coming out with nothing, he lit and took a few more tokes on his roach. Ah, that glorious glow from a true believer, he smiled. Now it was twenty questions. Are you in the Military? What do you think of George Bush? Did you know this about G. H. W. Bush? Did you know this about the CIA? Yep Grannie, you picked a great seat!

Almost instantly the conversation ended when a friend of his from the band appeared and all attention turned to his Bongo and how to tighten it. Too much vibration on the face we had been told. We bid Summer good by and escaped to walk the streets among the throngs of people. We even passed Fauntleroy, still clutching his novel in his hand, tucked under his armpit. Fauntleroy had that far off gaze, like wow man, where am I?

I saw a man with a Phillies hat, and asked him how they did last night. He didn't know but we did chat a bit, he was born and raised in Haddon Heights, NJ and lived about six blocks from where I lived in Audubon. Small world!

After we saw all there was to see, it was back to the hotel to meet up with the kids. Turned out they had a great day at their picnic and all were ready to veg. Jeff and I were sent on a run to find Chinese Food, especially Sushi. After a good hour we returned and had a feast.

On Monday Kathy decided we needed to head south forty five miles to Pueblo. Why Pueblo you ask, because it's there. Driving into the city.
, some concern towards Malcom was exhibited. You see, Malcom gets motion sickness sitting in the rear of an eight passenger van. We quickly found a drugstore and got the boy some medicin and moved him to the front seat. A future pilot?

We saw signs for the Colorado State Fair and followed them to the fair. We used the old Military Discount routine and the seven of us got in for $20.00. A pretty nice perk, if I do say so myself.

Every kind of fair booth you could think of was there. Food, jewelry, T shirts, recruiters for the military were all vying for you time. We went into the Colorado Dept. of Natural Resources building. A great many displays gave the history and current state of the resources that abound in Colorado. One booth in particular grabbed the attention of the Cadets, a shooting gallery. Both Sam and Malcom showed us how well they could do. They both were Laser Hot Shots.

We found a booth selling Funnel Cakes and purchased a big basket of them to share. If your a Cadet in uniform, you must check out the wind direction prior to eating. Powdered sugar and Air Force blue just don't go well together.

Our next stop was to watch Cowboys and Cowgirls perform with their Cutting Horse. This was a judged event and Abby, ever the horse lover, loved it. The horses trotted in great circles, galloped fast and came to sudden stops, as well as turning continuous circles within it's own footprint. It was an event new to all of us.

The trip back to Colorado Springs was very quiet, all, except yours truly, the driver were asleep. We had our main meal for the day at a Macaroni Grill. After the meal Abby was presented with a desert with a candle and she officially turned Twelve a little early.

We went back to the Hotel, the Cadets packed their things, and we were off to the Academy one last time. We were able to drive right up to Vandenberg Hall to drop the kids off with all their stuff. We made one last trip up to the dorm area, said good by with hugs all around and walked back down the stairs one last time. We left knowing that Sam and our country's future are in good hands. It had been a great and memorable weekend.

On Tuesday morning we were up and at it at 0400, our flight was to depart at six. All went well until Lee was going through security. I was admonished by a TSA employee after I said, yes I have tooth paste. It seems this young lady wanted it with my shaving cream (3 oz) outside my carry on, for her to see. This was not the case in BWI on the way out. At any rate, she got her, I'm in charge here thrill for the day. Our flight was on time and the trip to Chicago uneventful.

We had a long walk in Chicago to our next gate, getting there minutes prior to boarding. We had not eaten except for a Bagel at at four AM. Grannie and I boarded with the first wave onto the plane. When Kathy, Jeff and Abby boarded some minutes later, we got the greatest gift. It seems there was a Starbucks next to the gate. Kathy had gone in and made a purchase and as she passed us going down the aisle, she passed us two of the finest sandwiches we ever had.

The flight to BWI was again uneventful. Our car was where we left it. We parked in the new express parking area, a great treat if your ever traveling out of BWI. The ride home was great, now stoppages on the Bay bridge. Our cat greeted us in the driveway as we drove up. It was a great trip, and it was good to be home. Next up, Greenville,SC for Delaware vs. Furman on September 20'th.

Back to work, Blogging

OK, everyone, Matt, Ron, Sam etc are on me for taking a break from my duties of blogging. Now please remember we were ouy of town for six days in Colorado Springs for Parents Weekend at USAFA. Then upon my return Hubertus was getting ready to leave, he departed 9/5.

I guess first off is the trip out west. We traveled United from BWI to Ohara to Colorado Springs. Kathy, Jeff and Abby departed around 0700. 1 hr. delayed. Granny and I were 1 hr. delayed leaving Ohara. A broken plane in Detroit is what we were told.

Monster Cold Front coming through as I write, don't fret, I'm on Battery power. Loud booming thunder, multiple cloud to ground lightning, torrential rain, now this is what summer is all about. It started out WSW, now has swung around WNW and the temp is dropping. It was 84 deg at the start is 76 deg already.

Ok, so much for WX. The trip was great, weather great and Sam is great. I really feel she is in her element. Of course she is, the Element is the smallest grouping of individuals in the wing. Go back some Blogs ago, it was all explained, kinda like a squad in USMC jargon.

We first saw Sam Thursday evening at the gate to the Cadet Area. She was with one of the Fab Four, or what ever she calls them. His name is Malcom Strong. Malcom was in the uniform of the day with jacket and Sam was in Gym shorts & T shirt. Sam had just finished Lax practice. The Temp was in the low 60's. We brought them Subway food, did the hugs and kiss' thing, chatted about 25 minutes and bid fairwell until 0630 in the AM.

We were up early and at the Academy for a day on campus. Sam met us at the gate and up we went. Up, up, up, up, up. Then we got to her, dorm I guess that is what you call it. Vandenberg Hall is what it is, and once again, up, up. I must add that when you reach the top of where your going and you take a deep breath, there is no air available for recovery.

The cadet rooms are organized, neat clean military specimens and the only bit of personal touch are a few pictures on the poster board over each cadet's desk. A far cry from the front bedroom in Allen, MD.

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to attend three class', German, Engineering and History. The Cadet Wing, 4,000 plus strong had a parade for all attending and we got lunch in Mitchell Hall. Both events were an experience of a life time for many.

Later during the day Sam took us on a tour of the Cadet area to include the Library and grounds. Our tax dollars have been invested in a facility to train our future protectors of freedom fittingly. It's just the up, up and away I had a hard time with.

At 5:30 PM or so Sam and a friend Malcom were able to leave with us for 96 hours of freedom. Malcom's father is on active duty in the AF and his Mother couldn't make the trip from FL, so we adopted him for the weekend. We did a late dinner at Outback and then back to the hotel for a good night's sleep.

I'll continue the trip on the next post, hopefully tonight. Be patient with me, I'm old, retired and very busy. See you all again shortly.

Friday 21 August

The photo is looking over the bay to Ocean city, MD from the Golf Course.

Where has the week gone since the last posting? I've joined Facebook to keep up with Sam and a few other people around the world. Facebook is still part of a foreign language to me. It's hard to believe how your contacts/Friends keep growing. We're already contacting and being contacted by people. family and friends, who we haven't heard from for some time. I suppose it's time to tell the Facebook crowd about my Blog here.

On Wednesday our former neighbors, Bob and Linda from Connecticut came down for a visit. Today their daughter, Dee, comes up from Wilmington, NC. It's a middle meeting ground for them here on the Eastern Shore of MD. Also to mention, they are looking at homes in the area, with the possibility of a move this way at some point. Right now their looking at Sussex county, DE.

Yesterday afternoon we headed to Ocean City, MD to meet Mary Agnes' cousin and her husband, Agnes & Lew who are vacationing in O.C. this week. We spent some time in their condo on the 11'th floor balcony overlooking the beach and ocean. Of course we had a wine and beer, silly you should even ask.

For dinner we went to B.J's. on the water. We were fortunate to see the most spectacular sunset. All cheered as the sun fell below the horizon with it's brilliant orange glow. After dinner and great conversation catching up on all the family we departed with the promise to not wait for another year to pass until we got together again.

So, right now we're awaiting the arrival of Jeff, Kathy, Abby, Sarah and Dee for a fine Italian dinner of pasta with home made sauce. Hope all U all have a great night, talk to you soon.

Oh, in case you haven't looked at whereskarl.com recently, he's been down and out for several days with Trench Foot.

A run to note!

On August 5, 2008, uber ultra-runner Karl Meltzer set off on the biggest race of his life. His challenge: to run the entire length of the 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail in less than 47 days. Definitely daunting. Absolutely grueling. Probably insane. But when he does it, he’ll rule the AT as the guy who conquered it, all of it, the fastest on two feet. This is going to be Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Self, Man vs. Clock – and it’s going to be good.

The above is the header for Karl's web site If your a runner, jogger, walker or just plain appreciate people who do, check out the web site. What a feat this man is attempting. Follow along and feel like a participant in this awesome undertaking.

Our own runner, Kathryn Marie, Captain, USAFR is putting on the miles each week, working herself into shape for the Marine Corps Marathon in October. Kathryn is running as part of a team from the 512'th Airlift Wing at Dover, AFB, DE. I might also add with pride that Kathryn was one of only two members to Ace the wing's most recent PFT.

I'm sure I'm in big trouble now for putting her picture up here on the Blog. Oh well, we are all quite proud of her and sometimes you just have to come out and say it. Additionally, the team is raising funds for Fisher House. I shall find out shortly how any of you wishing to donate to the 512'th's effort can do so.

To all of you out there, both family, friends and stumble upon viewers, have a great weekend. I'll be back to you soon.

Off to Tampa

Dustin is off to Tampa and the University of Tampa. Dustin is an old friend of Sams, well not old in the figurative sense. At any rate, he's going there on a NROTC ride. Thats Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps. His military subjects will be taken at U of South Florida. The car to the left is his transportation.

Last night Kathy & Jeff had Dustin over for dinner and were kind enough to invite Granny & I. Another Mexican meal of delightful proportion was served. Abby made giant dishes of ice cream for those still hungry for desert. There was even a little pang in the heart when Dustin departed for home. Dustin was to leave at 0500 with his dad for the ride south this morning.

So one more of todays youth has taken it upon himself to stand up for you and I. Where these fine young Americans go with their military lives is still several years away, but I say thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the first step. Good Luck Dustin, may the seas be calm for you.

Tonight Jeff is off to Kate & Ron's with Abby so she can spend some time at the beach. I'm sure Abby will enjoy herself with her little cousins, Sarah & Beth. Yesterday and today, Abby and Tommy spent the Day at Camp Granny & Pop Pop. What great kids they are. I'm sure there is a bond there, that will be life ever lasting. Tomorrow Tommy will be back, alone with the two of us.

Wednesday Hodgpodge

This is DR, Da Rooster. Each morning we and our neighbors are awakened by the Cock A Doodle Doooooo of this fine looking bird. DR is by no means our first rooster. We have had several that went very well with dumplings. One rooster, can't remember his name, but it should have been Emerald Lagossi, because if you were walking in the yard and were not watching, "BAM!" the miserable sort would nail you in the back of the leg. We had another that we named Saddam Hussein, miserable, mean & rotten. We're pretty sure the four hens DR joined spoke to him when he arrived and said "If you don't want to be the chicken in Chicken & Dumplings, you best behave". This Rooster is one of the nicest birds we've ever had.

Picture #2 is Abbi at the Rechberg Farm holding 5 year old Lena who was visiting us from Germany. Lena came with her mother Natalie and our good friend Andreas. They live in Weilheim in Bavaria, not far from Munich. It is just about halfway between Augsburg Germany and Innsbruck Austria. Our three guests spent their three week holiday living in our Annex.

Picture #3 is of the big doings in Allen this week. Yup, we're gitten r road Black Toped. People up and down the 3.5 mile parade route were out a watchin the goins on. Some were even taken pictures. Twas truly a sight to behold. Just u a waite, you thunk them cars went by the house fast be4, you aint seen nothin yet!!!! They B like Air Force jets goin by now, SHUUUUSH, or am it WOOOOOOSH!!!!!!!!! Anyway, it's a smooth ride now.

Now below we have C4C Samantha's first week knowledge she has to learn. Haven't said much about the girl lately. Am still waiting for her to send me her Academic Schedule so I can post that for you. Perhaps if you read this Sam, you could send it to me. Granny and I are anxious for our trip to Colorado Springs with Jeff, Kathy and Abbi in two weeks. Besides getting to see Sam for Parents Weekend, we will be attending the AF, So. Utah football game. Go Falcons!

Enough already, time to tidy up the house, talk to you all soon.

Just a little FYI. Sam is in Squadron IX, Viking Nine

If your really interested in the command structure of the entire Academy Wing, check it out on Wikopedia. It's really quite interesting.

First Weeks Knowledge

Squadron 1 nickname :Mighty Mach One
Squadron 40 nickname: War Hawks
Code of Conduct
A-10: A/OA-10A and A/OA-10C Thunderbolt II
Primary function: close air support and airborne forward air control
Speed: 420mph
Dimensions: Wingspan 57 ft. 6in; length 53ft. 4in; height 14ft. 8in
Range: 800 miles
Armament: 30mm seven-barrel Gatling gun; up to 16,000 pounds of mixed ordnance, including 500 pound Mk-82 and 2,000 pound Mk-84 series low/high drag bombs, incendiary cluster bombs, combined effects munitions, AGM-65 Maverick missiles and laser-guided/electro-optically guided bomb; M-129 leaflet bombs, infrared countermeasure flares; electronic countermeasure chaff; jammer pods; 2.75 inch rockets; illumination flares and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles.
Crew: one
KC-10: KC-10A Extender
Primary Function: Aerial tanker/transport
Speed: 619mph
Dimensions: Wingspan 165ft. 4in; length 181ft. 7in; height 57ft. 1in
Range: 4,400 miles with cargo, 11,500 miles without cargo
Crew: four
General Hansford T Johnson (1959): First USAFA graduate promoted to four-star general
First Manned Flight in a hot air balloon built by the Montgolfier Brothers: 15 October 1783 by Pilatre de Rozier
Congress authorized construction of the Air Force Academy: Site chosen by the Secretary of the Air Force Harold Talbott, 1 April 1954
Unity of Command: Ensures concentration of effort for every objective under one responsible commander
Captain Valmore Bourque (1960): first graduate to die in combat
Know the fourth class ROEs
Element leader: C/Tsgt Danielle M Snider
Flight commander: C/Capt Adam M Bunker
Squadron commander: C/Lt Col Scott D Bogner
Group commander: C/Col Dan W Ecklebe
AOC: Major Tracy Orfield
AMT: Tsgt Jeremiah Dinan

Nursing Changes

Now this is lazy blogging. This picture and article is from the front page of yesterdays Daily Times. Kathryn wanted me to stop by the office and do the treadmill thing, but as you all know from yesterdays blog, I was a bit busy. Have a great day and enjoy. This photo is the Grand Dames at the Baptism on Sunday.



Kathryn Fiddler, clinical research coordinator at Delmarva Heart LLC in Salisbury, attaches monitors to fellow registered nurse Erica Daniels as they prepare for an exercise treadmill test. Fiddler earned her bachelor's degree at Salisbury University and enrolled in the new clinical nurse educator master's program. (Laura Emmons photo)
The following is from The Salisbury Times, 08-11-08 SALISBURY -- As baby boomers age and the need for health care grows, the nursing shortage is expected to intensify across the country in the coming years.
Advertisement

But despite the rising demand for nursing care, colleges and universities struggle to expand student enrollment because of faculty shortages, according to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing.

A report by AACN revealed that U.S. nursing schools turned away 40,285 qualified applicants from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2007 due to insufficient number of faculty, clinical sites, classroom space, clinical preceptors and budget constraints.

In an effort to buck the trend on the Lower Shore, Salisbury University and Wor-Wic Community College have made several nursing program expansions.

This year, SU's "RN to Master's" program provides a new clinical nurse educator track and allows individuals with an associate's degree in nursing to earn a master's degree in less time.

"The program offers a 12-credit efficiency that makes it easier for students to participate because it bypasses typical bachelor's degree requirements," said Karin Johnson, director of graduate and second degree programs.

SU developed the program through a three-year, $261,009 grant from the Maryland Higher Education Commission for its Nurse Support Program, which is designed to increase the number of nurses in Maryland hospitals and expand the capacity of the state's nursing programs, Johnson said.

"Our intent is to provide an exciting and challenging master's education that will prepare more nurses for the field and for teaching, both at the college level and through staff and patient education," she said.

The program will also use the latest options in distance learning education to offer some courses in online or hybrid formats to make the it more accessible and efficient for students who are employed, Johnson said.

"Faculty will work one-on-one with individual students to design a program that fits their schedule and allows them to meet other responsibilities," she said.

In order to meet local work force demands, Wor-Wic made two nursing program expansions in the past six years, said Tim Sherman, dean of occupational education.

The first took place in 2002-03, which allowed the community college to increase enrollment from 96 to 128 students each year. That number rose to 160 students when the second expansion occurred in 2007-08.

"There's always a waiting list and it continues to grow," Sherman said. "But that's not unusual for any health science program that is in high demand. We try to accommodate both the students and the local employers."

Sherman said the college had to be creative to make the recent expansion work with a larger number of students.

"We're actually teaching nursing students off sync," Sherman said. "The last expansion started in January so nursing students aren't taking the same courses at the same time."

The shortage of registered nurses in the United States could reach as high as 500,000 by 2025, according to a report released by Dr. Peter Buerhaus of Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tenn., and colleagues in March 2008. The report, titled "The Future of the Nursing Workforce in the United States: Data, Trends and Implications," found that the demand for RNs is expected to grow by 2-3 percent each year.

Johnson said SU's expansion "is a timely addition to the graduate nursing program."

For SU alumna Kathryn Fiddler, a registered nurse who earned a bachelor's degree at SU in 1996, it was an easy choice to re-enroll in the master's program.

An Air Force reservist and clinical research coordinator at Delmarva Heart LLC in Salisbury, the Allen resident is taking full advantage of a new clinical nurse educator track this fall.

"The new track provides the opportunity to have an understanding of clinical health assessment, as well as the teaching aspect," said Fiddler, 41. "What we do as nurses involves so much education, for physicians, patients and other nurses. Most of us are not ever formally trained to teach; we just step into that role."

cevans@dmg.gannett.com

Elizabeth Marie Baptism

Well it's been a few days once again since I've been here. Friday through Sunday were really busy. Friday was the arrival of Hubertus, he and his two brothers own the farm I manage. The brothers are Thomas and Christoph and I have yet to meet either. Seems back in eighty five when they were all here and purchased the farm, they were unfamiliar with the Black or May Fly situation that we have here on the Eastern Shore. So as I've heard it, one or the other, or both brothers arrived with their wives in late May or early June for their holiday. They have yet to return. Apparently during their visit the annual hatching of Flys took place and if you've ever experienced it, 'It aint pretty. Hubertus, being the oldest and much wiser has almost always come in August and early September, thus no flys and a great vacation.

My day Friday was a day to forget. I arrived at the farm early to begin a list of many to dos. Friday was dump day and when I arrived to collect the trash from the previous night's cleaning by Kathy, Sarah and Della I found a water stream coming from under the old fridg. It had been on borrowed time for the last year or two, but this time the last breath had been taken. Everything in the freezer had thawed and the other foods were actually warm. I guess that happens in 90 deg. weather.

When I first opened the freezer there was a distinct oder. "Hmmm what is that smell" I asked myself. As I worked my way from top to bottom, throwing everything in a double wrapped plastic bag the smell got more prominent. When I hit bottom, there it was, a cardboard box of thawed, warm black inked Squid!!!!! It was enough to take your breath away. I gathered up all the trash for the farm and made my weekly, soon to be bi-weekly with the Germans aboard, trip to the dump.

The bag I filled with all the thawed food and Squid was a bit heavy. I'm not the best lifter any longer after numerous surgeries. As I attempt to throw the bag onto the truck, it hits the corner of the tailgate, splits open and regurgitates its liquid contents from my waist down my right leg. Not nice, right? Now I have to go to the tenant house and get their trash. "De ja voux all over again" as Yogi Berra says. I pick up the first bag to put in the truck, it splits wide open and the rotted fruit, 90 degrees remember, goes all down the front of me. It even had thousands of those little white wiggly things in it(maggots).

It's off to the dump, stinking like you can't imagine. I get rid of the load and immediately head home. Out in the backyard, hidden as best I can, I strip and take a hose shower. Ever take a feel of the water coming out of the hose when it's, you guessed it, 90 degrees. So after a minute or two it was a cold shower and hopes that the next door neighbor didn't happen by. I went back into the house after hosing the clothes and took a real shower and changed into something fresh.

Ok, so now I've got Hubert arriving at 20131 hrs., his daughter Isabel and her friend Monte arriving soon after Hubert from new York and no Fridg. Off to town I go, making multiple stops for a new purchase and delivery, TODAY. No luck. In our Annex, sometimes referred to as a garage is a one year old Fridg. I'll empty and take it to the farm! I call Jeff, request his help and he volunteers and we meet at the Annex. We empty, clean, remove the doors and drawers and load the Fridg in my truck. Slam, Bam, thank you Mam the Fridg is up and running and the important stuff, Beer, is back in chilling. We take the old one apart and put it in the barn. I'm impressed, all in 45 minutes. Thank you Jeff, your the Man.

The next three hours were spent Bush Hogging the perimeter of the farm. Just prior to finishing I came upon a tree that had blown over and had to make a U turn. In making the turn I hit the rotted trunk of the tree and immediately was lit upon by a squadron of Hornets. After seven bites on my arm I was able to exit the area of assault. Could anything else happen? O course.

After the mowing was completed I had one remaining task, replace a clogged filter in one apartments AC. As I pu my hand on the rail to walk up the stairs to the apartment I was immediately nailed on my fingers by several bees. Once again I was doing a great dance and uttering words I wanted no child to hear.

The ride to the airport was uneventful. Hubertus arrived only a few minutes late and to top it all, his bags were with him. A first for US Air. So ends Friday.

On Sunday we were in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach Delaware for the Baptism and birthday party for Kate and Ron's daughter Elizabeth Marie (Beth). The child was turning two. If Mommy were alive she would have said "about time you got the Pagan Baby baptized".

The ceremony in the church took place after the mornings 1030 Mass at St. Anne"s in Rehoboth Beach. After all the people exited we began to move forward. There were to be two baptisms this day. All Beth's family and friends had congregated on the right. The other family was on the left. For what ever reason we were asked to switch sides. Perhaps an alphabetical thing, I do not know. Ok, now to begin, not. The God Parents of the other child were not there. The Deacon who was to perform the ceremony went on and on about how he liked children, had been doing this for 24 years, 14 at St. Anne's, Etc, Etc, Etc. Finally we were about to begin and so was God. A mighty Thunder, Lightning and Rain event of great magnitude prevailed during the entire service. Perhaps because Sarah, Beth's sister asked while looking up at Christ on the Cross, "What happened to him".

The service eventually was carried out, Kathy and Jeff were the God parents and it was time to feast. Back we went to to the club house where Kate< Ron and Old Aunt Sarah live. There was a swimming pool for the kids and all anyone could want for food and drink. Ron and Kate were the perfect hosts, God quieted the sky's and fellowship was enjoyed by all. My only personal problem was with the cake, they had a store bought cake. Now I can say that, because my niece Kate can make the best tooth suckin cake you ever had.

Those attending were all the Polish folks from Ron's side, Grandmom Kathy and Kate and Ron's friends. From Kate's side , of which I am a part and I can elaborate more were the following. Uncle Bob and Aunt Barb did the picking up of the food from Harris Teeters. Joe Romspert was there, Cowboy Hat, boots and giant belt buckle, USMC. All the Biffs from Elkton were there except Kyle. Sharon, Dave, Elizabeth and her friend Page were down from Wilmington. Sarah, Rachael and Tommy from Fruitland, MD. Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Pringer, Liz Moore, Fran and her husband John and Amy were there. I'm sure I've missed somebody along the way. please forgive me. Oh, and Carolyn had to work.

The pictures above are Kate and Beth, the parents and God parents at the font and Old Aunt Sarah, granny to Beth, and a great family friend, Ellie.

Have a great day all.