A little time with the blue & grey

Last year we attended a small local Civil War reenactment. We had such a good time that we decided to attend another larger reenactment this summer. Luckily this one was very close to home as well.

We attended with friends of ours and our 11 year old friend is quite the Civil War buff. It's a lot of fun to go with someone who knows the weapons and can explain so much to the rest of us.

The battle was wonderful! Very loud and smokey. Everytime the cannon was shot the entire ground shook. Several times a perfect round smoke ring would follow the cannon shot.

The Calvary was there as well. It was exciting to watch the horses in action. They didn't even flinch at the noise and action. They were so fast and so close that I couldn't get photos of them during the battle.

It was fun to see the period crafts and the entire families in period costume at their camps. They spend the weekend at the encampment and their tents and supplies are all to the period.

On the way back to our carriage (ie. minivan) we found this sweet little baby. We made sure that he hopped safely into the undergrowth before we left him alone.

I hope that you found something inspiring to do this weekend.

Blessings, Patti

Blessings

Isn't this photo incredible? I took it in my garden today and was so happy with how it turned out! It expresses exactly how I feel today full of smiles and thanksgiving for all the blessings of my life.

The garden continues to grow and thrive The indian corn is starting to appear and the tomatoes are ripening.

Today my youngest son and I visited a Country Fair at the Des Plaines Methodist Campgrounds. This gem is less than 15 minutes from my home and I am sorry to say that this is only the second time that I have ever been there. This campground was built in 1859 and has remained largely unchanged over the years. Many of the cottages have stayed in families for generations. It is built along the Des Plaines river and has been flooded many times. Some of the cottages have been kept up better than others. At the center of the campground is Waldorf Tabernacle, built in 1903 (replacing the canvas tent used for many years).

Today there was a craft fair, quilt show, car show, and a Civil War Encampment. The hotel was built in 1882. It no longer houses guests, but today it was open as a pie bakery. It was such a perfect day that I don't want to go to bed and have it end. But wait... who knows what tomorrow will bring?!

"Come and find the quiet center in the crowded life we lead, find the room for hope to enter, find the frame where we are freed: Clear the chaos and the clutter, clear our eyes that we can see All the things that really matter, be at peace, and simply be." -Shirley Erena Murray

Blessings, Patti

Oops! I almost forgot to mention... One of the cottages is now a resale shop to raise funds for the campground. I have to share my $3 worth of purchases:

The breadcloths are in perfect shape and are reversible. The baskets look like wicker, but are actually heavy gage wire. Aren't they great?! I don't think I've seen anything like them before.