One more time at Gettysburg Military Park and Visitor Center

It's been rainy for the past couple of days.  Reminiscent of last spring, but at least this year we are not getting the ark ready.  Last year the rains were so intense, and simply day after day after day.  I'll never forget the one day last year when the rains came so hard so fast that the street in front of Shriver House ran like a river.  When it was time to leave work, I had to cross that street; and, as I stepped off the curb onto the street, the water covered my shoes.  Driving home that night along Taneytown Road, which has a few places in it where the road dips some, was really scarey.  There were three occasions when I had to drive through water that was almost 12" deep.  I did my best to stay to where the highest part of the road was each time I went through the water.  By the time I got back to the campground the car was not driving all that well.  Turns out I had slipped my serpentine belt.  Thankfully, there was a Boy Scout troup staying at the campsite, and one of the fathers came to help me get the belt back in placed.  And, then that night there was a terrible storm.  The rains came in buckets and the winds were making the trees sway by almost 10' back and forth.  I was so frightened that I ran out to my car and drove over to the cinder block building where the bathrooms and laundry were located and went inside.  I at least felt a little safer there and my car was out of the reach of the trees.  I did hear one tree come down; fortunately, it did not hit any of the RV's, but it did make a mess and blocked one road for a day.

Anyways, to occupy this rainy day, I went to the Gettysburg Military Park and Visitor Center.  Friends, if you come to Gettysburg, this site is a must see--along with MY museum, of course.  At the Military Park you see a film that talks about what brought the war on and gives highlights up until the Battle of Gettysburg.  Next you get to see the cyclorama.  Now, if you have never seen one of these, it is amazing.  A cyclorama is a huge painting of some historical event.  It was a way of presenting these events to people all over the world.  The painting is 42' high and 337' around.  This painting was restored to its 1882 luster, and portions that had been torn away were replaced.  It depicts Pickett's charge.  And, then you go to see the museum, which is filled with artifacts and interactive displays.  I particularly like the TV screens where you can stop and sit for a few moments to understand what was taking place during the military maneuvers and other screens you will watch and listen to the soldiers and civilians talk about what they experienced.

What made this visit extra nice was the couple that I met in the parking lot.  They were cordial, and I offered to get them into the museum on my membership.  Of course, they accepted.  For the first hour in the museum we had an interesting discussion, and then we moved in our own directions.  I also suggested to these folks to come to the Shriver House.  We'll see if they show up tomorrow.

Was looking through some of my pictures from last month and found a couple that really show the bueaty of the gardens in Colonial Williamsburg.  I have often marveled at the beauty that God has given us on this earth--the variety of colors, flowers, plants, etc.  I suppose I marvel at it even more since I have basically got a black thumb.  The only thing I have not killed is an ivy plant that I was given when my father passed away.  Nothing else has grown for me.

Life's little ups and downs

I didn't think I would ever get those darn tax forms done.  This year I had to file forms not only with the feds, state of Ohio, city of Greenhills, but also state of Pennsylvania AND Adams County, PA.  Whew!  It was the PA forms that were giving me fits.  It took several tries to find the forms on line; then I could not find a computer that had a printer where both machines were in working order to get the forms.  Once I got the forms, I was just too worn out to try and fill them in.  I gave up and went to a tax preparation office.  Would you believe they were going to charge me $71 just for these two short forms!!  The clerk took pity on me and provided a coupon, which bought it down to $51--still a lot as far as I'm concerned, especially since they had a computer to do all the work for them and the whole thing only took 20 minutes.  Sure wish I had a job that paid $51 every 20 minutes.

On another note, things in the job search department have not been going all that well either.  I have now lost out on three different job opportunities.  The first was from the employer I had last year.  I thought for sure that job would be waiting for me this year, but the manager who had been appointed late last summer just did not want me back.  The fact that I told her last year that I wished she would have at least talked to me before changing the schedule and taking one of my work days away for herself was probably the cause--ya think?  Then there was the job I had hoped I could get because I had heard about it a month before the other person was leaving.  Somehow that person felt upset that I was inquiring about the job before she was gone; so that one went down the drain.  And, most recently, I felt I had been hired to work in a sutlery where I would also be doing sewing for them.  This manager kept asking me to come back for one reason or another, but would never settle down and put me on the schedule.  Then suddenly I was told that another of their employees needed the hours more, and I would not be needed.  Excuse me, but are there any managers with a professional ethic left in the world?

Despite all of this, there is a good side.  I will be getting my money back from both the state and county governments in PA, which will help to pay for some of the Ohio taxes, and I'll come out a little ahead.  And, I just found out that another local shop that has been carrying my "housewives" (Civil War style sewing kit for soldiers), sold a bunch of them today.  Knowing this makes me keep believing that somehow the job I need here will come to me too.

Just to show you what I have been working on since leaving home to get ready for the fall craft shows, see the dolls, apron, colonial mitts and dish clothes I have made.  Like I may have said in the past, my fingers have to keep busy.  If my hands aren't moving, better check for a pulse.

It's been a long week

It's been a long week with a few days with lots of bus loads of groups to take through the building.  And, then there was the man who showed up with a ghost detecting device.  He said he was just looking around the gift shop, but then I could hear this faint beep, beep, beep with the sound getting more rapid as he moved around the shop.  Then he explained that he had recently gotten this device that detects spirits.  In the one corner of the shop the device was going wild.  He was feeling excited; I was not too surprised.  I have had a number of experiences with spirits since working in Gettysburg.  I won't tell you all of them right now, but one that comes to mind are the couple of occasions when in the middle of the night I could hear cannon fire in the distance.  I knew I was fully awake, and it could not have been fireworks or re-enactors, especially since it was around 3AM I heard the sounds.  I had confirmation as to what I had heard in the morning.  I was talking with a fellow camper the next morning and when I mentioned what I had heard, he turned white and commented, "I heard it too; I thought I was imagining it all!"
Well, this week came to an end with four large groups of students at the end of the day, and, two of the groups showed up late.  I was supposed to leave at 5PM, but had to stay until after 5:30 to accommodate the groups.  We were worried they would be difficult to deal with because the man who booked the group had been difficult to deal with, but the students were fine and at least a fair share of these seniors were listening and were interested.  That is the best you can expect when it's late in the day and you are trying to impress teens, who would really rather be texting someone about the flavor of gum they are chewing.
To finish this long week, and day, nothing less than pizza and ice cream would do.  One of the best places in town to get ice cream is Mr. G's.  It is all homemade ice cream at a very reasonable price.  And, now they even have a reward card; buy 10 scoops and get a free one.  Tonight's flavors were mocho fudge and black raspberry.  Just to show you how good it is, or should I say was, see below:

Time to kick back and get my tired feet up.  Goodnight friends.

I'm a concerned

I have always been a believer in spirit, and at times spirit reveals itself to me.  When I was recently at a museum to see a fashion show, I took this picture and look what shows up.  When I went to take the picture, the green light was actually moving around.  I thought it was just some reflection and just snapped the picture.  As you can see there is a lot of sunlight coming in the window, but there were no mirrors this low to the ground that could have created a reflection.  After looking at the picture further, I believe it is something more.
The reason I feel concerned is that here in Gettysburg there are a lot of companies that do ghost tours--so many, that I am afraid they are overshadowing the sanctity of this hallowed ground.  There are a couple of companies in town that I think do a quality tour and have a respect for those in the afterlife, but then again there are those who stand outside "hawking" their tours.  And, then some of the things you hear them say about spirits sound unbelieveable.  And, it seems like every time you turn around there is another shop opening up advertising their spooky tours and paranormal items.  I truely hope this element doesn't completely take over the town for the story of the battle that was the turning point of the Civil War and those who fought in it and the civilians of this town is so much more important for every American to know about.

A day off for other sites to see

I was so glad to have this day off of work so I could go to see this beautiful mansion in Hanover, PA.  I did not even know it was there.  I had happened on a brochure for Titanic Fashions: High Style in the 1910's being presented at the Warehime-Myers Mansion.  The fashions were wonderful, but even though this exhibit will only be there until April 29, the house is wonderful to see all on it's own.  They normally do not allow photos, but we were able to take pictures of the fashions--so if some of the house shows up in these pictures, all the better.  I am bad.

I find the fashions of the past so elegant and feminine.  The silvery looking outfit above is actually a wedding dress.  Sometimes I wish we did still dress like these fashions.  Normally, no one ever even notices this grandmother walking around town.  However, things are different when I am in my period attire.  And,  I know that when I get into my period attire to do tours I feel so much more feminine.  I hold myself more erect and move with a new kind of grace.  The fact that people want to take my picture over and over again when I am in that attire is a big plus for my ego, too.  Huzzah, for being a woman!

There is still good in the world

When I first came back to Gettysburg, I was very disappointed to find out that my second part-time job was no longer available.  What was really hurtful was that the manager seemed to take a degree of pleasure in letting me know that "I WAS NO LONGER NEEDED".  Following this was a misunderstanding with another person where I had hoped to get some work.  I don't think I have ever before been the subject of gossip as in this case.  Well, I had a discussion with the person in question, and things seem to have been worked out.
Now, for the good part.  In the meantime the same person who had been upset with me has actually called to tell me about a job she was aware of to help me out.  Also, while looking for employment I stopped at the Regimental Quartermaster, and a lady there told me that their sister shop, the Emporium, could be looking for someone, and, in particular someone to do sewing for them.
I had my first interview with them, and it went well.  Then, I met with the seamstress there.  By the time I left I had an idea of how many hours each week I would be working and what they wanted from me as far as sewing.  I was even given fabric to start the work on some aprons. 
I also received a call from another co-worker at Shriever House about a different job opening.
These events have restored my faith in people.  And, as for the woman who let me know I was no longer needed--nah nah nah nah--I got a better job, where I will even have the opportunity to learn more things about sewing garments!  God may close one door, but He certainly opened another for me.

My second day at Shriver House

One of the first families to tour the house today told me they had an unusual experience last year when they visited the house.  They told me they were the only ones in the house along with their guide, and not long after the tour began the three of them heard a lot of people come into the house and go up the stairs.  This was not another group and they did not SEE any people.  I told them that I believed in spirits, but had never heard anything in this house before.  I then said that the spirits would probably make themselves known to me now that I had said that.  Later in the day as I was coming up the stairs from the saloon, a brick fell from the ledge by the stairs and just missed my foot--coincidence?  Maybe not.  Hello whoever you are!
Today was also a very successful day as I received four different tips from those who toured with me.  It is always nice to feel appreciated for giving a quality tour that is fun and informative.

The possibilty of another job

During the couple of days off I have been seeking other work to supplement the part-time job that I have at the Shriver House.  I have tried at a couple of places and I hope to hear back from one of them soon.  The one I liked the best was the possibility of sales clerk/seamstress job at a sutlery.  When I heard about this job, I stopped in the shop to check it out even though I could not be interviewed until the following day.  It was a very nice shop with all kinds of clothing for men and women and accessories.  There was a customer there trying on a blouse and petticoat.  The saleswoman kept making suggestions to add to the outfit.  The lady then had a belt and bonnet on when I suggested a brouch should be added.  It completed the outfit.  And, on the following day when I actually went in for my interview with the same saleswoman, she remembered me from the day before.   This is really what I was hoping for.  Now, if the master seamstress will just find me acceptable.

Another day at Colonial Williamsburg

The highlight of this day was a performance by  Dean who plays glass instruments--yes, I said GLASS instruments.  The first is a glass armmonica, which instrument was invented by Benjamin Franklin.  It is a series of fine tuned glass bowls attached to a rod, which spins.  The player has his fingers wet with water sliding them along the spinning glass bowls to make such lovely music.  He also demonstrated a glass violin and glass bells.  The newest instrument almost looked like a piano keyboard, which was made out of glass rods.  Again, it is played by sliding his wet fingertips over the glass rods to make the music.

As it got dark out, I took the Civil War walking tour.  This tour had been cancelled a few years ago, and I was so glad to see it renewed.  On this tour you hear about what happened in 1862 when Union forces won a battle in Williamsburg and then held the area until the end of the war.  As you tour, you get to hear the stories of a young Confederate soldier and the fear that he feels about the battle, an African female who talks about how we should not be out after curfew, and a Union officer who informs the crowd about how martial law is now being enforced because of the townspeople's disrespectfulness to the Union forces occupying their town.  This tour gives you a completely different view of the history of Williamsburg.