My 100th post!

In honor of my 100th post, I wanted to once again bring to your attention (in case you missed it below) the request 1,000,000 Rosaries to be said, in order to end abortion. Please join Catholics everywhere in praying the Rosary, almost simultaneously, on Saturday, May 3rd. Please register, HERE, and find the starting time for your time zone HERE. They are asking people to register, so that they can tally how many people are saying the rosary. Be sure to register each member of your family that will be praying, not just your family! Spread the word, on your blogs, through e-mail, word of mouth, anything to let people know of this endeavor. Will you join 999,999 other people in praying the Rosary, to end this great evil of abortion?

Just a quick note...

If they blog template seems to change, you are not seeing things. Going through a re-decorating phase, and I will let you know when all changes are final. =)

Random Thoughts...

As far as I can remember, I have not honored my faithful fans with any posts in 'my own' words for a while, and as my ladyship has nothing of pressing importance to say -yet, this is only the first paragraph - I shall tell you about my week. I know you are all just dying to hear about what I've been doing lately, so I shall not keep you in suspense any longer. (A more appropriate comment would be "I shall not torment you with my terrible sarcasm any longer." =) Breaking news first....

A few weeks ago, I submitted a poem of mine on the Civil War to a poetry contest, hosted by a local library. Last week I was called and informed that I had won First Place for my grade level! I was so excited, I forgot to tell my father I had won. ={ He found out the day before the poetry reading at the library. Ahem, anyhow... when we got there, each of the first place winners read there poems, we were told that there had been over 100 poems submitted, and then I found out I had won 2nd place overall! And no, I did NOT forget to tell my dad that, because he was right there. I was very excited, even more so when I totaled all the prize money. ;) That’s it for the excitement folks. Now for serious stuff…

Yesterday we went to the First Holy Communion of my dad’s cousin’s son. We opted to go to that Mass, instead of going to our usual Mass and just the party, but we should have known better. Think typical upper class influenced modern day American Mass and church, and you can pretty much get the picture. The sad thing was that the homily was great; the priest spoke to the first communicants, telling them exactly who was coming to them, and he seemed to really believe what he said, but when it came time for the consecration, the lack of respect for what was going on at that moment, that moment when Christ becomes truly present in the Holy Eucharist was just appalling. We desperately need to pray for the return of reverence at Mass! The return of beautiful churches may indeed play an important part in that, because far from being distracted by an ornate church, it reminds me who is living there. A plain church, with no focal point or statues anywhere in sight, hardly makes you think of the Divine Person who dwells there! Lest my thoughts turn into ranting, I shall leave this topic for a more appropriate time, perhaps its own post…
The party though, was very nice.

The rest of my past week has been schoolwork (done with one subject!) baby-sitting my younger siblings at least once a day while my mom leaves. (I think she’ll be home this week!) and crocheting things that I am supposed to be selling somewhere in the future (Where?????) Now for the announcements…

Here Ye Here Ye! This is an announcement for the praying of 1 Million Rosaries For Unborn Babies on May 3rd simultaneously! Please join in this endeavor to pray for all unborn children, by registering HERE and clicking HERE to find the starting time for your time zone. Let us all join in praying for the end to abortion! Spread the word, sign up to pray, and then pray with your whole heart on Saturday, May 3rd!

Music!

We started watching Gods and Generals tonight, and I remembered how much I love the opening song "Going Home", sung by Mary Fahl. It is so beautiful! I was searching the web for the music video of it (beautiful as well,) when I found this video of a ...person... who figured out how to play the song on the piano! (There is no sheet music for it. :(

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Oh, and the second one is the same person playing the main theme from Gettysburg. (Love that song as well!) Sadly, there is no sheet music for that song either... mayhaps, if I watch these videos enough, I shall figure it out. One can hope anyways!

By the way, I have tried singing "My Country 'Tis of Thee" to the tune of the main theme, and it sounds very nice! The words and the melody go very well together.

And I did find the music video, so I shall post that within the next year, along with another video that was really beautiful as well! (I just discovered how to put videos on my blog, so you may see a lot of them for a while!) =) Good Night!

Prince Caspian is Coming!

The second theatrical trailer has been released! It's really neat. Oh! I can't wait until the movie comes out!

Guess the Quote!

Elenatintil posted something like this on her blog, and it looked like fun, so I decided to do the same thing! Instructions:

1. Pick 10 of your favorite movies.

2. Go to IMDb and find a quote from each movie.

3. Post them on your blog for everyone to guess.

4. Put it in bold when someone guesses correctly, and put who guessed it and the movie.

5. Looking them up is cheating, please don’t.

Have fun!

1. "Why, you speak treason!"

"Fluently. " - The Adventures of Robin Hood ~ Yaviel

2. "Have you got a lame horse?"

"What do you be wantin' to trade for a lame horse?"

"Would you take General Burnside?"

"No. I guess I'll keep the horsehide." - Gods and Generals ~ Paul Xavier

3. "My love, will you marry me?"

"Oh, of course! And you couldn't have chosen a more romantic setting!"

"For our honeymoon: London! Paris!"

" Yes!"

"Sunny Spain?"

" [laughs] Why not?"

" We'll have six kids!"

"Six? Oh, a dozen at least!" - The Disney Robin Hood ~ Elenatintil

4. Stories don't always end where their authors intended. But there is joy in following them, wherever they take us. - Miss Potter ~ the Twiddles

5. "No disrespect to you brave men, but why are you fightin' this war?"

"Why are you?"

"Why to free the slaves, of course."

"I can't speak for some other folks, but I'm fightin' for my rights" [pronounces it "rats"]

"Your what?"

"My rights. [still pronounces it rats] The right to live my life like I see fit. I don't know why we can't live our lives our way and you live yours. Live and let live I've heard so folks say. Well, I guess this war's over for me anyway."

"I appreciate you talkin' to me." - Gettysburg ~ Lady Kathleen

6. Foll de roll and fiddle dee dee, fiddle dee foddle dee foodle! All the dreamers in the world are dizzy in the noodle! - Rodger's and Hammerstein's Cinderella ~ Claire

7. "I just lost my family - all my friends - probably forever."

"How do you know?"

"Well, I - I... You are an illustration; why am I talking to you?"

"Oh, you just lost your family - all your friends - you are lonely."

"Yeah, well, you're dead!"

"Ahh, but that is no match for wishful thinking! If you're focused on what you've left behind, you will not be able to see what lies ahead. Now go up and look around!" - Ratatouille ~ the Twiddles

8. "Let me get this straight. You know her. She knows you. But she wants to eat him. And every body's okay with this? [jumps up suddenly] Did I miss something?" - The Lion King ~ the Twiddles

9. "I'm afraid the only thing left is to be thrown into the sea."

"Oh, you don't have to do that! We've got a plank! You can just walk off!"

"Yes, thank you. You're too kind."

" Normally you'd be entitled to a refund, but under the circumstances, y'know, with you dying and all... "

"No, I don't suppose a refund would do me much good now, would it?" - Jonah: A Veggie Tales Movie ~ Lady Kathleen

10. "So are you Jason's friend?"

"Yes. I am."

"True friend?"

"Absolutely. Pinkie promise"

"So how long have you know Mr. Stevens?"

"We go way back, we're like this [crossing fingers] Now where do I sign?"

"And, um, he hasn't promised you and compensation for this friendship?

" Look at him, does he look like he has anything to offer?" - The Ultimate Gift ~ Yaviel

Note: There are no quotes from the Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jane Austen movies, or the Chronicles of Narnia.

And a bonus quote: (BTW, this is NOT one of MY favorite movies, but I am including it because it is recited quite frequently around our house!)

# 11. "What's that smell?"

"No one noticed it until you did, it must be yours." - Thomas the Tank Engine ~ Lady Kathleen (my brother's fav movie.)

*Edit* Sister's, you will more likely than not know all of these, so you can only answer 2 each. =)

Events of Pope Benedict's Visit: April 20th

At ground zero, pope offers silent prayer, comforts survivors
NEW YORK (CNS) -- In the most somber moment of his six-day visit to the United States, Pope Benedict XVI knelt alone at ground zero and offered a silent prayer. The cheering crowds were far away as the pope blessed the ground where the World Trade Center stood until terrorists forced planes into its twin towers Sept. 11, 2001. Read the rest...




Build on 'Impressive Legacy' of U.S. Church, Pope Urges at Final Mass
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Honoring the bicentennial of four U.S. archdioceses, Pope Benedict XVI praised the "solid foundations" of the American Catholic Church and said "the future of the church in America" must continue to build on that "impressive legacy." But in his homily for the final Mass of his April 15-20 U.S. visit, the pope also said the "impressive growth" of the U.S. church has been "not without its challenges," comparing those challenges to the "linguistic and cultural tensions" found in the early church. Read the rest...

'Move Forward' in Faith, Pope Urges Catholics at Yankee Stadium Mass
NEW YORK (CNS) -- At Yankee Stadium, transformed into an open-air church April 20, Pope Benedict XVI urged more than 57,000 Catholics to "move forward with firm resolve" in continuing the legacy of faith set in motion by the country's first Catholics. "Follow faithfully in the footsteps of those who have gone before you!" he told the stadium congregation on a cool, breezy and overcast afternoon. Read the rest...

Click Here to read the Holy Father's Homily from Sunday's Mass.


Address at JFK Departure Ceremony
Mr. Vice-President,

Distinguished Civil Authorities,

My Brother Bishops,

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The time has come for me to bid farewell to your country. These days that I have spent in the United States have been blessed with many memorable experiences of American hospitality, and I wish to express my deep appreciation to all of you for your kind welcome. It has been a joy for me to witness the faith and devotion of the Catholic community here. Read the rest...

Articles and photos found on the EWTN and official Papal Visit Websites.

Events of Pope Benedict's visit: April 19th

Enthusiastic crowd greets Pope Benedict on New York's Fifth Avenue
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Hours before Pope Benedict was scheduled to travel along Fifth Avenue people began lining the barricaded route hoping to get just a glimpse of him. A group of students from Ave Maria University just outside Naples, Fla., waited five hours in a spot right in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral, where the pope celebrated a morning Mass for clergy and religious April 19. Read the rest...

All articles found on http://www.uspapalvisit.org/

Events of Pope Benedict's Visit: April 18th

Pope, at U.N., says no government or religion can limit human rights
UNITED NATIONS (CNS) -- Neither government nor religion has a right to change or limit human rights, because those rights flow from the dignity of each person created in God's image, Pope Benedict XVI said. In his April 18 speech to the U.N. General Assembly, the pope insisted that human rights cannot be limited or rewritten on the basis of national interests or majority rule. But he also said the role of religions is not to dictate government policy, but to help their members strive to find the truth, including the truth about the dignity of all people even if their religious views are different. Read the rest...

At New York synagogue, pope encourages 'bridges of friendship'
NEW YORK (CNS) -- In a brief, movingly simple visit to a New York synagogue, Pope Benedict XVI expressed his respect for the city's Jewish community and encouraged the building of "bridges of friendship" between religions. The encounter April 18 marked the first time a pope has visited a Jewish place of worship in the United States, and it came a day before the start of the Jewish Passover. Read the rest...

Pope says divisions, abandoning tradition weaken Christian witness
NEW YORK (CNS) -- Using unusually strong words for an ecumenical prayer service, Pope Benedict XVI said the witness of Christians in the world is weakened not only by their divisions, but also by some communities turning their backs on Christian tradition. "Communion with the church in every age," he said, is needed particularly "at the time when the world is losing its bearings and needs a persuasive common witness to the saving power of the Gospel." Read the rest...

All articles found on the Papal Visit official website: www.uspapalvisit.org

Events of Pope Benedict's Visit: April 17th

Pope urges U.S. Catholics to renew their missionary energy
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Celebrating Mass in a Washington baseball stadium, Pope Benedict XVI urged U.S. Catholics to renew their missionary energy at a time when American society is at a moral crossroads. The pope warned of "signs of a disturbing breakdown in the very foundations of society" and said people need the church's message of hope and fidelity to the demands of the Gospel. Read the rest...


Catholic University students thrilled to welcome pope 'on our turf'
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The pope doesn't visit a U.S. college campus very often. So when four seniors at The Catholic University of America heard that Pope Benedict XVI was coming to their campus, the roommates knew they wanted to witness it. So they arrived on the lawn behind the Columbus School of Law shortly before 10 a.m. April 17 to wait for the papal arrival on campus some seven hours later. Read the rest

Pope urges U.S. Catholic educators to lead students to deeper faith
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope Benedict XVI urged U.S. Catholic educators April 17 not to simply transmit knowledge to their students but to bring them to a deeper understanding of faith "which in turn nurtures the soul of a nation." "A particular responsibility ... for each of you, and your colleagues, is to evoke among the young the desire for the act of faith, encouraging them to commit themselves to the ecclesial life that follows from this belief," he told more than 400 Catholic college presidents and diocesan education representatives at The Catholic University of America. Read the rest...

Events of Pope Benedict's visit: April 16th

Multiple Choruses of 'Happy Birthday' Mark the Pope's 81st
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- At 5:21 a.m., the disc jockey on a country music radio station in Fredericksburg, Va. -- 50 miles south of Washington -- invited listeners to join her in singing "Happy Birthday" to Pope Benedict XVI. On the South Lawn of the White House, dignitaries, bishops and guests joined in an impromptu rendition of the song. Later, opera star Kathleen Battle led the song again, and the pope blew out candles on a four-tier cake. Read more...

Bush, Pope Exchange Gifts Accompanied By Lemon Cake
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- With the formal greetings out of the way, Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush got down to serious business during their historic White House meeting April 16 -- the exchanging of presents. On his 81st birthday, the pontiff received a lead crystal cross sculpture and a collection of American classical and religious compact discs from the president... Read more.

Pope, Bush Discuss Fighting Terrorism While Respecting Human Rights
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- In a meeting at the White House, Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush discussed the problem of terrorism and how to confront it while respecting human rights. The two leaders also expressed their joint concern for the protection of human life, marriage and the family, according to a statement issued after a private meeting April 16. They also prayed for the institution of the family. Read the rest...

U.S. Ambassador Says Pope-Bush Meeting Was Proud Day for Americans
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- For the U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, the meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and President George W. Bush was a proud day for Americans. "It was wonderful to have this great world religious leader express his appreciation for so many things we take for granted," Mary Ann Glendon told Catholic News Service April 16. Read the rest...

Happy 81st Birthday Papa!

Happy Birthday!

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum Geburstag!

Penblwydd Hapus!

Chúc mừng sinh nhật!

Grattis på födelsedagen!

¡feliz cumpleaños!

Sveikinu gimtadienio proga!

Felix dies natalis!

Buon compleanno!

A Very Happy 81st Birthday to Pope Benedict XVI!

He's Here!

Click Here for a news report on Pope Benedict XVI arrival in the US.

Keep updated on the Pope's visit to America by checking out the links I posted up!

Viva Papa! Viva Papa! Long Live Pope Benedict XVI!

Hope Springs Eternal

Last night, my mom read us this article from the Caritas "Words of the Harvesters" bulletin. I was so moved and inspired by this true story, which occurred on March 11, 2008. Today, as Pope Benedict XIV arrives in America, let us pray that the events that occurred in this story, will have a powerful and positive effect with the future of our nation. I greatly encourage you to read this story, and to pass it on.

The (non) Iprotmncae of Seplilng

I am sure you have all gotten this in an e-mail before, but I thought it was worth mentioning:

I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at CmabrigdeUinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed erveylteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh? yaeh and I awlyas thought slpeling was ipmorantt.

So if I msislepl a wrod, it wno't mttear, 'cusae you can raed it ayhonw. Bsides, Sleplcechk deons't wrok. =) Hvae a ncie day!

A Call to Arms...

Check out this great post on Catholic Discussions, titled "Hope Amid Despair". A great read about how Catholics and Christians need to unite against the forces of Satan. Kudos to Paul for writing such an inspiring post!

The Official Decision...

The people have spoken! My old pink template is generally preferred over the lighthouse template, most often for the reason that it is more "me". (Really, do I look pink to you?) Soooooo, since very few people like this one, and I don't really care for either of them, what do you all think of THIS ONE? *Holds up template next to face* Does this one look more like 'me'?

Again, NO LUKEWARMNESS. You like it or you don't. End of Story. =) "Done, you call me tomorrow. You know where I live." (I've watched "Cars" to many times, now I'm even quoting it on my blog!)

The Begining and the End: April 12th 1861 and 1865

April 12th, 1861 - Confederates, commanded by General P.G. Beauregard, fire on Fort Sumter from Fort Johnston. The Civil War begins.
The following account is taken from the April 20th, 1861 edition of the Harper's Weekly. Found on Son-of-the-south.net.

Beginning of the War

On Friday, 12th, at 27 minutes past 4 A. M., General Beauregard, in accordance with instructions received on Wednesday from the Secretary of War of the Southern Confederacy, opened fire upon Fort Sumter. Forts Johnson and Moultrie, the iron battery at Cumming's Point, and the Stevens Floating Battery, kept up an active cannonade during the entire day, and probably during the past night. The damage done to Fort Sumter is stated by the Confederate authorities to have been considerable. Guns had been dismounted, and a part of the parapet swept away.
Major Anderson had replied vigorously to the fire which had been opened upon him, but the Charleston dispatches represent the injury inflicted by him to have been but small. The utmost bravery had been exhibited on both sides, and a large portion of the Charleston population, including five thousand ladies, were assembled upon the Battery to witness the conflict.
Down to our latest advices, the battle had been carried on solely by the batteries of the revolutionists and Fort Sumter. The Harriet Lane, Captain Faunce, the Pawnee, and another United States vessel, were said to be off the harbor, but had taken no part in the conflict. The Harriet Lane is said to have received a shot through her wheel-house.
The opinion prevailed in Charleston that an attempt would be made during the night to reinforce Fort Sumter by means of small boats from the three vessels seen in the offing.
No one had been killed by the fire of Major Anderson, and the casualties among the Confederate troops in the batteries were inconsiderable. There is, of course, no account of the loss, if any, among the garrison of Fort Sumter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

April 12th, 1865 - The Army of Northern Virgina formally surrenders to the Army of the Potomac. This account is taken from "The Passing of the Armies", by General Joshua L. Chamberlain, the commander who oversaw the ceremony.

It was now the morning of the 12th of April. I had been ordered to have my lines formed for the ceremony at sunrise. It was a chill gray morning, depressing to the senses. But our hearts made warmth. ...We formed along the principal street, from the bluff bank of the stream to near the Court House on the left - to face the last line of battle, and receive the last remnant of the arms and colors of that great army which ours had been created to confront for all that death can do for life. We were remnants also...
Instructions had been given; and when the head of each division column comes opposite our group, our bugle sounds the signal and instantly our whole line from right to left... gives the soldier's salutation, from the "order arms" to the old "carry" - the marching salute.
...As each successive division masks our own, it halts, the men face inward towards us across the road, twelve feet away; then carefully "dress" their line.... The field and staff take their positions in the intervals of regiments; generals in read of their commands. They fix bayonets, stack arms; then, hesitatingly, remove cartridge-boxes and lay them down. Lastly, - reluctantly, with agony of expression, - they tenderly fold their flags, battle-worn and torn, blood-stained, heart holding colors, and lay them down...
And only the Flag of the Union greets the sky!

What Happened on April 9th, 143 years ago....

He passed through the door, and into a hallway, did not wait. He saw Babcock off to the left, a warm room, dark, and Grant moved to the doorway, stopped, looked at three men, all standing, waiting for him.

Babcock saluted, and Grant nodded, returned it with reflex. Then he straightened, removed his hat, stepped slowly into the room. He could not help but stare at the calm dignity, the grace, of the man in the gray uniform facing him, straight and tall, the white beard not quite hiding the firm jaw, the dark weariness in the man's eyes.

Babcock said quietly, "Sir... General Grant, may I present... General Robert E. Lee."

Grant made a short bow, and Lee's expression did not change. Grant realized how well Lee was dressedm saw the red silk, the extraordinary sword. There was a quiet moment, and Grant felt something odd, something he did not expect, thought, How difficult this must be. What would this be like if it were me?

He moved closer, held out a hand, said, "General Lee, thank you for meeting with me."

Lee did not smile, took the hand, a brief firm grip, said, General Grant, it is my duty... to be here."

...The room was quiet again, the officers now still, and Grant began to realize what he was wearing. He glanced down, saw the mud on the boots, the dust on his clothes, was suddenly embaressed, wanted to say something, realized he still held the cigar in his teeth. He slowly raised his hand, rmoved the cigar, said "I hope you will forgive my appearance. I have ridden all morning to get here. There has not been time to change... I'm not even certain where my tunk is, at the moment." He tried to be casual, relieve the tension, the quiet strain in the room, but no one spoke.

Lee simply nodded, said, "Quite all right, sir."

Grant could not take his eyes from Lee now, began to feel a growing sadness, did not know what to expect, thought, How would we ever know? We will never be in this position again. Lee's face was still hard, firm, and Grant looked for something, some sign, but could see now, thought, No he will give nothing, he is holding it all in.

... Lee looked to the side, focused on a small oval table. "Perhaps, General, we should discuss the matter at had. I have come to meet you in accordance of my letter this morning to treat about the surrender of my army. I think the best way would be for you to put your terms in writing.

Grant nodded, scanned the faces, saw Ely Parker, his secretary, a pad of paper, an order book emerging from the young man's blue coat... He moved to a small table, sat, put the cigar in his mouth, stared at the blank paper in front of him.

... He suddenly began to write, did not think, felt his mind pouring out on the pages. He kept writing, the only sound in the room the scratcing of pencil on paper. He paused again, saw Lee quietly moving across the room, sitting now at the oval table. Lee's sword bumped the floor, and Grant stared at it, thought, Yes, there will be none of that, the stuff of newspaper stories, the rediculous dramatics of handing over swords. He wrote again, another page, then stopped.

...Grant put the book down flat, took a deep breath. Then he stood, with the book, moved across the room and handed it to Lee. ...Grant stepped away, nervous again, felt like a student, his words put before the grim judgment of the professor. He scolded himself, It's fine, it's simple, and it's what I want. He is taking his time, of course, give him a moment.

Lee now raised the book slightly off the table, and read.

Headquarters, Armies of the United States

Appomattox Court House,

Va., April 9, 1865

General R.E. Lee, Commanding C.S. Army

General:

In accordance with the substance of my letter to you on the 8th instant, I propose to recieve the surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia on the following terms, to wit: Rolls of all the officers and men to be made in duplicate - one copy to be given to an officer to be designated by me, the other to be retained but such officer or officers as you may designate; the officer to give thier individual paroles not to take up arms agains the Government of the United States until properly exchanged, and each company or regimental commander to sign a like parole for the men under his command. The arms, artillery and public property are to be packed and stacked, and turned over to the officer appointed by me to recieve them. This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor thier private horses or baggage. This done, officers and men will be allowed to return to thier homes, not to be disturbed by United States authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force where they reside.

Very Respectfully,

U.S. Grant, Lieutenant - General

Lee nodded slowly, said, "Your concern for the dignity of the officers, their private property... this will have a positive effect on the army."

...Lee handed the book to Grant, who turned, gave it to Parker and said, "Colonel, you may copy this in ink."

...Grant reached for a chair, pulled it closer to Lee, sat now, said quietly, "General... I am aware of the lack of supply... of the difficult situation your men may be in. May I offer to assist?"

Lee straightened in the chair, nodded slowly...

"If I may ask, General, how many rations would you require?"

Lee shook his head, and Grant saw the eyes close. Lee said, "I am not entirely certain. Twenty-five thousand perhaps."

Grant turned, looked at Sheridan, said, "General, can you produce twenty-five thousand rations to General Lee's men?"

Sheridan seemed surprised, said..."Uh... yes, sir. It is not a problem. We will make the arrangements."

Grant said nothing, turned to Lee, and Lee now looked up at Marshall, who still stood close behind him. Lee said, "Colonel, you may prepare a response to General Grant's letter."

Marshall wrote, and Lee scanned the letter, then slowly handed it to Grant.

Headquarters, Army of Northern Virginia

April 9, 1865

Lieut.-Gen. U.S. Grant,

Commanding Armies of the United States

General:

I have received your letter of this date containing the terms of surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia as proposed by you. As they are substantially the same as those expressed in the letter of the 8th instant, they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper officers to carry out the stipulations into effect.

Very Respectfully, your obedient servant,

R.E. Lee, General

...Grant looked back at Parker, who handed him the permanent letter, and Grant read it carefully, leaned down, took the pen from his secretary and signed his name. He moved across the room, handed the letter to Lee. Lee now took Marhsall's letter, read it again. Grant watched Lee, saw Lee staring at the letter but not reading, was staring beyond, past the page, perhaps past this room, in this simple house, out past all the men and guns and horror of the past four years. Grant waited, would say nothing, felt the sadness coming again, the room bery quiet now, the men understanding what was happening, what this moment meant.

Lee blinked hard, took a pen from Marshall, read the letter one more time, the acceptance of the terms, the surrender of the army. Grant saw the paper shake slightly, saw Lee clench his fist, then slowly Lee signed his name.

~ taken from The Last Full Measure, by Jeff Shaara.

Either - Or

I am trying out a new background, in case you didn't notice, and I would be interested in your input. Which do you prefer? Cast your votes in the poll to your left (everything is on the left now!) and explain if you would the reason for your choice in the comment box. I will not accept "Well, I like both, soooo it's really up to you which one you like, 'cause both of them are very nice, and I like both of them, it's hard to choose, blah, blah, blah." I cannot stand those kinds of answers, so if you can't say straightforwardly "I like this one over that one", then please remain silent! (This is also an exercise in preventing lukewarm-ness.) Thank you for your imput!

Ps. you have 1 week to vote!

Civil War All Stars

This is rather humorous Civil War-Baseball analogy that I found a while back on this website. Sorry, if you know nothing of Civil War, it won't be funny - but perhaps it will inspire you to look in to this period in history. (Knowledge of baseball is of less importance.) So without further ado...

Civil War All Stars!

Union All Stars

Manager - U.S. Grant. Has good success with the two-platoon system; has developed well-balanced team. Possibly a bit lax in enforcing training rules.

First Base-"Cump" Sherman. Watch this boy burn up the base paths. Reminds old timers of the "Georgia Peach" Good at digging them out of the dirt; consistent hitter. Not popular with all fans.

Second Base - George Meade. Good pivot man. Team captain. Always dangerous at the plate. Would attract more attention with a favorable press.

Third Base -"Fighting Joe" Hooker. Whiffs a lot since he was beaned at Chancellorsville. Plenty of natural ability; sometimes clutches under pressure. Good power, but a sucker for an outside curve.

Shortstop - "Phil" Sheridan. Larcenous base runner. Able to go from either side. Real sparkplug of team's offense. Dangerous in the clutch.

Right Field - "Speedy" Burnside. a real "wall climber," which led to injuries last season at Fredericksburg. Has developed a rifle arm. Led the league in strike-outs last season.

Center Field - Jim Wilson. One of the least publicized players in the league. A strong arm and plenty of speed. A good pull hitter. Candidate for rookie of the year.

Left Field - George McClellan. Plenty of natural ability, but slow on the base paths. Probably brought up from the minors too soon.

Catcher-"Rocky" Thomas. Real key to team defense. Good arm; plenty of power. Base runners don't take chances with this one.

Pitcher -"Win" Hancock. Fireballer; tough with runners on base. The best of a weak staff.

Pitcher - Bill Rosecrans. Has good stuff, but experiences difficulty staying ahead of the batter.

Pitcher - "Chief" Custer. Rookie of the year his first full season in the majors. Hasn't been the same since the last series with the Indians!

Middle Relief-"Come to Papa" John Buford. Good with the changeup, continually has batters chasing the Seminary Sinker Ball, a favorite of his.

Closer- Joshua Chamberlain. Calls his overpowering fast ball the swinging gate. Been known to use the inside portion of the plate with great advantage, some cases beaning opposing hitters.

Confederate All Stars

Manager - Robert E. Lee. Aggressive; not afraid to take risks. Lee gets along well with both the players and the front office, but who was it that said "Nice guys don't finish first?"

First Base - "Frenchie" Beauregard. Slick fielder. Has tendency to swing at bad pitches. Has never quite lived up to preseason notices.

Second Base - "Joe Johnston. Good field, no hit. Can make the double play. Has been peddled to several clubs because of his uncertain temperament.

Third Base - "Texas John" Hood. Good at the hot corner; hangs tough at the plate. Provides plenty of batting muscle when not on disabled list.

Shortstop - "Jeb" Stuart. Can play any position, best at short. Good range, often hits for the circuit. A real crowd pleaser.

Right Field - "Ranger" Mosby. Hits well to all fields; excels at hit and run. Really shines when playing in his own field.

Center Field - "Wizard" Forrest. A tough competitor. Covers lots of ground in center. Can hit the long ball. An umpire baiter.

Left Field - "Bill" Hardee. A real student of the game. Dangerous at the plate. One of the most underrated players in either league.

Catcher - "Pete" Longstreet. A steady influence. Plenty of power at the plate a tough competitor and a good pull hitter. Seems to have trouble hitting in Yankee Stadium.

Pitcher - "Stonewall" Jackson. Best righthander in the league. Blazing fast ball. Uses dust-off pitches. Can usually go the route. Chances for a successful year may well rest on Jackson's arm.

Pitcher - "Brax" Bragg. Control pitcher; good for a couple of innings. Would probably work better on a different club.

Pitcher - A. S. "Mormon" Johnston. Master of the curve ball, but sometimes has trouble with control.

Middle Relief - A.P."Red" Hill. Good set-up man when his temper doesn't get in his way. Refuses to pitch when Longstreet is catching. Sometimes feuds with other pitchers.

Closer - "Baldy Ewell" Capable fast baller. Has trouble reading signals, sometimes has problems with power hitters.

Little House on the TV

Everyone knows who Laura Ingalls is, we all have read or heard at least one of the "Little House on the Prairie" books that she wrote about her life. And some of us have watched with mixed and varying emotions, the Little House on the Prairie TV episodes. (You know, the 9 season one that ran back in the 70's and now is replayed everyday on the Halmark channel out of order?)
My family has read all but two of the Little House books out loud, and as individuals we have read each read them countless times on our own. We love them! We also love the TV seires. We were introduced to them when a family we know gave us the DVD's for the second season, saying that while they were good movies, it just wasn't the Little House they knew. Which it isn't. (For one thing, Pa is missing his beard. =0 )
But it is very close. There still is Mary, Laura, Carrie, Grace, Jack the dog, even Freddy, Laura's little brother most people don't know about because he died. They live in Plum Creek (true), but never move permenantly away (not true). Which is just fine, because after two episodes we fell in love with Walnut Grove and would never have forgiven them if they (The Ingalls) had up and left. Keeping the family in Walnut Grove also provides the benefit of a set, secure, backdrop for the characters' adventures and trials. Really, the most glaring differences between the books and the TV shows is that 1) they stay in Walnut Grove and 2) Pa has no beard! (I know I mentioned already but really, Pa without a beard!) 3) A lot of the things they do never happend to the real Ingalls family, but could have.
So differences aside, they really are a great series to watch! One of the Ingalls is always at the center, with the ever obnoxious Mrs. Olsen (along with Nellie and Willy) providing both villians and comic relief. (Though they aren't the only funny ones by far.) We have so far collected the first four seasons (which means 24 discs and 76 hours of Little House combined.) But we have yet to get tired of Little House on the Prairie
Why? Because no two episodes are the same. The little booklets that come along give some description, but that only causes the suspense to increase, you can never tell quite how an episode will end! We've laughed, we've cried, we've screamed and closed our eyes... (that does rhyme, right?) , we've crawled up the back of the couch with fear (Like that time we were convinced Ma was going to chop her leg off, even though we'd seen the season after and she still had two legs). People die (they drown, get blown up, burn, all that good stuff, oh and they die peacfully too.) but never on screen (that's fine with us!), people are born, they make us proud and they thoroughly embaress us at times for varying reasons, and they are never boring!
Finally, they are so much better than the stuff that's on TV nowadays: all those reality tv shows and the like. Little House on the Prairie is more real then those shows anyhow. (Though realistically speaking, you would expect them to make some money sometime. Everytime a good crop comes along, so does the hail and the rain, or, not the rain. Pa finally inherits some money, guess what it is! Confederate money! Can't use it!) Their money situation or lack thereof does go to show that no matter how poor you are, as long as you are with a family that loves you and good faithful friends, you are the richest man in Walnut Grove!
Also, unlike modern tv shows and movies, these kids never get away with disobedience, defiance of proper authority or lying, cheating, stealing or anything of the sort. They might be convinced that they are doing a bad thing for a good cause, but something disasterous will happen to show them that good will not come of being bad. They repent, get punished, life goes on.
In summary, while they are different from the books, the pros outweigh the cons. Personally, I'd much rather watch a good, clean, old-fashioned Little House on the Prairie movie, where virtues are extolled and families are cherished, than watch anything otherwise on modern tv.

Anyone else want to hop on the wagon?