Battlefields and Sisters

What do battlefields and sisters have to do with one another? You might be thinking of those childhood battles, but I'm just thinking of the flow of our trip.

Friday was spent absorbed at the Gettysburg battlefield and in the town of Gettysburg. We started at the National Park visitors center and museum. Across the street is a large cemetery and the place where Lincoln gave the Gettysburg address. Then we began the driving tour of Gettysburg. It was a fascinating day. The weather was sunny and windy, really windy, blow-you-over windy which gave us clear skies and no rain. It was a great day for exploring Gettysburg.

The Inn keepers loaned us a taped auto tour. This was our tour guide and it worked beautifully. We spent about four hours going from one site to another and learning about the battle of Gettysburg. It was an awesome experience. To stand on the rise of a hill and look across the field to the woods and imagine 12,000 soldiers marching towards you ready to fight to the death in hand to hand combat, was disquieting. There were over 50,000 casualties; dead, wounded, missing and captured. That is a high cost of human life in one battle.

It felt more than a little callous to be driving around in our comfortable car munching on chips as we heard details of the battle, saw the monuments and battle fields, and thought of all those who fought there. For most of us, war is a far distant event. It is not something most of us will ever face. Yet, because of all those who have willingly left home and family and fought for our way of life, we have the privilege of enjoy freedom. I was reminded of how many men and women have sacrificed for the cause of American freedom. Since the Revolutionary War to the war today in Iraq, we have much to be grateful for. Personally, to Judi's dad, Doug's dad and our nephew-in-law Jason, Thank you!!

The town of Gettysburg is very quaint if a bit touristy. We ate a late light lunch at a pub in the center of town, then went into the antique store next door. By that time, we were bushed and went back to the B&B for a quick nap which turned into a long nap. That meant we almost missed having the opportunity to get back to the battlefield before dark for a photo shoot. The day ended with dinner at the Dobbins house. The house was built by a minister in 1776 for his family of wife and 10 children. After the death of his first wife, he remarried a women with 9 children, so there were 19 children living in this house at one time. He also ran a school in his home. It was a large home and now is an excellent restaurant. Dinner was outstanding.

Saturday morning we left for Jack and Joan's but took a detour through the Pennsylvania Dutch area. It is interesting to have to slow down for a horse and buggy. The farms are beautiful and amazingly neat. We saw numerous of the Amish out and about in plain dress, long beards, horse and buggy. What a fascinating segment of our society.

By the late afternoon we arrived at Jack and Joan's. What a relief after over three weeks of travel to be here. Joan and I have already spent hours talking and catching up on each other's lives. Jack and Doug have watched at least 7 football games. Five of these they were watching last night simultaneously. Today we went to church, heard Jack preach, saw the new buildings and then came home for lunch. While Jack and Joan were out this afternoon, we took a long walk and relaxed. It's been good to be here. Currently, Jack is watching the game (some game,) Doug and Joan are talking about business techniques and I'm on the computer. Jason is supposed to make it by this evening so we can visit with him. It's nice to be with family.