This Weekend in Fairfield

Looking for something fun to do this weekend? Here's a great opportunity to grab the kids and plan on having a day filled with lots of scenes from a past era. In addition to reenactments (including the cavalry-(yes, horses!) there will be lots of food, music and wine tasting for those with more sophisticated aspirations. In a nutshell, there's something for everyone. Most events are free, however, the ones with dollar signs next to them do have a cost.

Saturday, May 5th
9:30am-5pm: Living History Village open to the Public (Steelman Street)
9am: Meet the Union Generals as they plan the battle (108 West Main Street)
10am-11:30am Special Presentation by Tim Smith (Adams County author and historian) (108 West Main Street)
11am, 12pm,1pm-Civil War Era House Tours$
11am-3:00pm- "Lunch with Mrs. Lee" Quartermaster's Luncheon (Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street)$
12Noon- A Taste of History, Wine and Dine-(Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street) $
12Noon: Insight into the Civil War Spy Organizations (108 West Main Street)
1pm: A Moment with General Longstreet (108 West Main Street)
3pm: Meet the Southern Generals and their staff (108 West Main Street)
4pm: Insightful conversations with General and Mrs. Lee (108 West Main Street)
2pm REENACTMENT BATTLE:"Conferderates Attempt a Rear Guard Movement" (Landis Farm, N. Miller Street)
7pm-9pm Bonfire with Music and Songs at the Fairfield Inn with Ken Courtney (Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street.)

Sunday, May 6th
8:30am Living History Village-Free and Open to the Public -(Civil War Encampment, Steelman Street)
9-4pm Living History Village (108 West Main Street)
9am Period Church Service in the Town Hall (108 West Main Street)
10am-Ladies Relief Society Speaks of the Courageous Efforts During the War-(108 West Main Street)
11am-3:00pm- Culinary Concert with Cormorant's Fancy, Quartermaster's Luncheon (Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street)$
2pm REENACTMENT BATTLE: “The Union Cavalry Protects the Gap” (Landis Farm, N. Miller Street)
3pm Meet the Union and Confederate Generals for a Q & A (108 West Main Street)
4pm Closing Ceremony, Roll of Honor and Taps at (The Historic Fairfield Inn) $-Cost

I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way

It's been a while-and somewhere in the midst of all this stuff going on, Spring has sprung! This time of year is always busy-but somehow, this year it seems busier than ever. Between schooling the girls, work and horses it appears the time got away from me!

There has been so much I've been wanting to share,so here goes: My main focus in the past month has been moving our horses closer to our home. Because we live in a borough, (or town, for those of you not familiar with the term, we can't keep them on our property.) Not that we have any room, mind you, but it would make it oh-so-much-more convenient! I'm happy to say we are now at a gorgeous farm nestled in Buchanan Valley, just five miles away as opposed to fifteen at our previous barn. The drive is absolute heaven with the beautiful orchards and mountain views.
It doesn't hurt that there is a fabulous winery on the way-Ried's! I teased Kathy Reid that as soon as I can figure out some back trails, I am going to ride my horse over for a lovely glass of wine....

Arriving at the barn, we have a welcoming committee... (Teagan the cat).
And here is our little barn mascot, Lucy (a sweet corgi puppy.)
Oh, and don't forget the neighbor's dog, Daisy!Here are the cute minis that always brighten our day!
It hadn't even been a week at the new barn and our 29 year old mare, Imp (Impressionable) thought we didn't have enough on our plate and decided she would choke late on Friday evening, March 23, less than one week after our move. Let's just say the vet muttered under his breath as he was shoving a tube down Imp's throat, about 10 p.m. in the evening, that he had only seen one other case like this, and it didn't end well.

We prepared ourselves for the worst. I had always envisioned these types of things would happen peacefully, and our animals would quietly pass, with no pain. I don't think people are ever quite ready to handle when the time comes to say goodbye to their beloved four legged friends, but I tried to get the kids in the right mind set. I was so proud of how my girls handled it all-so calm and mature, for the most part. I felt like I was an actor in a movie, playing a role that I wasn't really prepared for.

We spent the night in our van-(I have a new-found appreciation for mini-vans as places to actually get some sleep,) checking on the poor mare every hour. Each time I went to her stall, I held my breath, fully expecting the worst, but lo and behold, that feisty little mare held her own. By the next morning, she had stopped the uncontrollable shaking (a side effect from tranquilizers) and her labored breathing was back to normal.

We were instructed to administer 28 horse pills a day (antibiotics) and 2 pounds of mash every four hours for the next four days. Doesn't that look yummy!

The big concern was that she had aspirated some fluid in her lungs and that she might have pneumonia. (We got very good at taking her temperature. For those of you who have never done this, trust me, it's a real treat and it doesn't involve the front end of the horse!)

And, because she doesn't really have any teeth in the back of her mouth, we needed very soft "grass" hay for her to dine on. It was pouring rain that day and we couldn't take her outside to graze. Being the end of winter, most everyone was at the end of their supplies of hay because the grass was coming in so locating this type of hay was next to impossible. Thank goodness for a little angel named Mary on a farm up the road.Horse lovers, unite!

I'm happy to say dear "Impy-do" as we have lovingly nicknamed her has fully recovered and enjoys eating her daily mashes-I have managed to get it down to a science and am happy to say I only am feeding her once daily now because of the all the wonderful grass that has now come in.

Don't ask me about my aussie sheperd, Ella, who decided to ingest a bar of Ivory soap two weeks later.....yes, "Throw Up Dog" is fine.
Me? Well, I'm a little worse for the wear, but I wouldn't have it any other way. xoxo Andi

Reflection for a Tuesday Morning

On my way home from Inn I often tune in to NPR and catch a few minues of the Diane Rehm show. I was listening to an interview with a writer, Cheryl Strayed. "She was in her 20s and facing a life crumbling around her so she decided to go on an 1,100 mile hike alone. She describes the brutal, physical and psychological journey in her new memoir titled "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail."

I tuned in when Diane was asking Cheryl about her mom.

STRAYED:
"...my mother got a horse named Lady. And she had always been a horse woman growing up. Horses were her religion she always said. They were her obsession. They were her greatest passion. And so it meant a lot to her to get this horse. And even though we really couldn't afford a horse, you know, she worked in exchanged for the horse's room and board and she worked out a deal even to buy the horse. And she bought this gorgeous, gorgeous horse named Lady. And Lady was a part of my life, you know, since I was five or six.

REHM:
"Describe her for us".

STRAYED:
"She was a beautiful 16-hand chestnut mare and she had this wonderful, elegant gait. And, you know, she was really my mother to me. And so after my mother died, Lady would be -- I would often go out into the pasture and just put my hands on her and I felt closer to my mom."


When I heard this it made me think of the strong parallels in my life with my horse Dancer-it was so comforting to hear that there were others in the world who were so passionate about horses in the same way I am. As I was driving, I entertained thoughts of how I might be remembered after I am gone....(not that I plan on that any time soon, mind you) but my wish is that my legacy will include horses, and how happy they made me.

What I'm Listening To This Evening....

Because I am Civil Girl it's only fitting that I celebrate everything civil, from wars to music. It's hard not to appreciate Joy Williams and John Paul White from The Civil Wars swooning chemistry and stirring harmonies. It doesn't hurt that John Paul White is not unlike Johnny Depp.....Enjoy! Joy's voice is incredible as well.

Your Daily Inspiration

Source: etsy.com via Vicki on Pinterest

February Inspiration

My oldest daughter and I watched this movie yesterday.
I always enjoy hearing about and seeing parts of the world that I have never been to, and especially love it when I get to hear the stories behind the places. (I am always searching for profound messages in everything and this film is no exception.) I suppose it's just me trying to hear God speaking to me. Well, He did through this movie. What it doesn't offer in thrilling suspense or lots of sex scenes, it more than makes up for in spectacular shots of the sweeping Spanish countryside, the quaint little towns and their people and sends a message loud and clear that speaks clearer than any scripted talking scenes can offer. I especially loved viewing the church Tom and his group reached towards the end of the film, named the Santiago de Compostela. (Be patient with the video-the frame is corrected shortly after it begins and is a real treat to view.

It made me think of how something as simple as spending time with a stranger and enjoying a meal can give you a glimpse into your own soul (if you look hard enough) given the setting and the circumstances. Aaah, but the key is being able to recognize it and appreciate it, because these windows are few and far between.

It makes me realize just how small we all are in this vast, spectacular world full of all it's stories about her places and her people.

After all, it's all about the journey, isn't it? I believe I am going to add Santiago de Compostela to my bucket list. xoxo Andi

A Girl's Dream...The Jacob Kime Farm

Some of you might have read my post about this beautiful spot some time ago-it's funny how life can take a turn down a road you never thought you would go. But I suppose it's all about the journey. My oldest daughter, who is now in 9th grade, has decided she wants to save this place. Every time we would drive down Tablerock Road in Gettysburg, she would have a sad look on her face, and say how terrible it was that history was slowly slipping away there. "Soldiers died there, mom." she would say. "No one is going to remember this in a few years when a housing development is here, or worse."
I would nod in agreement, like parents do-with a million other things going through my mind, like calling my mechanic to set up an appointment for an oil change, or what I was going to make for dinner that night. I knew she was right, but I didn't know how to go about helping her. I thought it was a very noble and worthy cause, but again, where do you start with something like this? And besides, I had way too many other things going on. Between work and helping the kids with their regular school work and trying to get my own little business going-(I want to start making and selling one of a kind equestrian crafts and art work that blend history with a love of horses,) I had my hands full. I was actually kind of hoping that my daughter would forget about that farm and let me focus on trying to get through each day.

Well....of course, that didn't happen. A few days later, I recieve an email from the National Park Service in Washington, D.C. from a young gal who thinks my offspring has a fantastic idea, and while it is a huge undertaking, it can be done. She suggests the first steps to take.....Apparently, my child had written hearfelt letters to everyone she could think of that might be able to help her, including Bill and Melinda Gates. (We did recieve a nice note back from someone at their office stating that this project was out of their realm of what they allocate funds for, but good luck.")

Voila-my daughter makes friends with a very special gal in the Mapping Department at the Courthouse in Gettysburg, and has a consultation with Mr. Eastman, a prominent real estate attorney and Gettysburg's town solicitor. All of a sudden things are catapulting forward. It has become like a National Treasure Hunt right here in Gettysburg. This young lady who is my daughter secures the address of the owner of the property and writes a letter to her. The owner, who lives in Wichita, Kansas, writes back and they begin a dialogue about her family's time growing up on the farm, the child hood memories,and some of the surrounding history of the buildings and what happened to them. It was absolutely fascinating!

What I have found to be the most wonderful thing of all is the kindness and generosity of people to take time out of their busy day to help a young lady realize her dream.

The most valuable lesson I have learned from this for myself is that I need to have more faith in people, and that the Good Lord will make sure it all works out.

Will she save this farm? I am thinking it is a very good possibility. It may not be in the capacity of her vision, (she wants to make it into a natural history museum to share with everyone) but by George, I think it just might be saved to be preserved as farm land, at the very least. Maybe even something more.

To follow along, you can find her on Facebook, or at

SavetheJacobKimeFarm

.

Something to Think About This Week...

"Life is sentimental. Why should I be cold and hard about it? That's the main content. The biggest thing in people's lives is their loves and dreams and visions, you know."
-Jim Harrison, born in Grayling, Michigan in 1937

“I want to live other lives. I've never quite believed that one chance is all I get. Writing is my way of making other chances.”
—Anne Tyler,born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1941. Awarded the Pulitzer Prize in 1988

Think.....Bubbles!

I'm giving myself permission today to indulge in something that I have a great love for doing, and don't often find the time to do these days; writing!

I recently had the opportunity to reconnect with a dear, dear friend with whom I'd lost touch and speaking with her reminded my of why I have always enjoyed her company so much. Not only is she a strikingly beautiful woman inside and out, she always had a special gift of being able to describe places she'd been or people she had spent time with in amazing detail-so much so that I would feel like I was right there with her. She always did it in such a beautiful and eloquent way, sharing the most endearing and captive features about a particular individual, place or thing. I always cherished her special gift for this, and reminded myself constantly to make every effort to celebrate my friends, family and people I met and places I traveled to in the same manner at every opportunity.

Why? Well things can get so mundane, in our daily routines, overwhelming schedules and all we need to do. It helps to center oneself on what God really intended; for us to love and help each other and our neighbors and take time out to appreciate all that is good and right with this world.

Everything seems so hectic and rushed these days-it's so refreshing to take one minute to savor something-really enjoy it-something as simple as cuddling with one of your children or your significant other, (listening to an uplifting program on the radio-NPR has alot of those and I am especially enjoying a program called Midday Connection these days),enjoying a walk in the park with your dog or having lunch with someone whose company you enjoy. It is important to surround yourself with as much positive energy as you can and just as important to pass it on.
I always like to visualize a huge bubble I fill with a bunch of good karma that I gently send on its way to touch someone, often times quite unintentionally. I try to send one of these out daily, and I find that whatever I send out into the world always comes back two or three fold to me sometimes in a simple form, other times, in full fanfare. I don't do this expecting to receive anything; I do it because it feels right and I suppose it is one of the laws of the universe-you can't reap what you don't sow, right? It's just getting your mind to think in a more purposeful way-which is harder than you think, but so worth it if you can do it. I'm a Christian, so I know it is God's power that is behind all of this-but you can put your own spin on it.

Try sending a quick email (a hand written note would be spectacular, but do what you can) to someone you haven't talked to in a while and let them know you are thinking of them.
Another thing that always puts a smile on people's faces if you have the time is going anonymous,and putting a small treat on someone's doorstep. Try doing it when they aren't home, or at night-not too late, obviously and knock on their door or ring the bell. I know some of the neighbors on our street took part in this around Halloween and my children really enjoyed it. What surprised me most is that my kids took more pleasure in the giving than in the receiving.

There are so many ways to spread the love-I'm sure you can come up with tons of ideas on your own. Would love to hear your stories if you have time to share-but I completely understand time is at quite a premium these days.



Now go blow those bubbles!

XOXO Andi

What I'm Listening to Now....One of the Most Fantastic Voices I've Ever Heard

An excerpt from her bio reads like this: "Growing up outside of Detroit in a family of musical evangelists, Worden studied multiple instruments (her father is an acclaimed accordionist and mother an organist). She became equally passionate about classical and Motown, later pursuing a degree in Opera at the University of North Texas where she wrote and recorded original material for the first time. After moving to New York by way of Moscow, Worden recorded three albums before joining the ranks of Sufjan Stevens‘ Illinoisemakers. She then expanded her musical education further by studying composition under Padma Newsome (Clogs, The National), and turned out several scores for off-Broadway productions."

I hope you enjoy listening to her as much as I do! Again, I would have never known about this gal without the fantastic programming at NPR.

Poem for Today

The Return of the Subjunctive
by Tamara Madison

Oh, the Subjunctive,
May it make its bold return!
May it ride back proud
In liveried coach,
May its two fine horses snort
And paw the ground,
And, escorted by its staunch
Attendants If and Whether,
May it descend in velvet cloak
And black-gloved hand
The lacquered steps of hope
And happenstance.
May it fix upon us its deep
Uncertain gaze!
I shall be there to greet it
Though my company
Be small and moody.
I shall beg it stay
And may its presence give
Some respite from the steely glare
Of Indicative, a mantle to shield us
From Passive's clammy chill.
May it light again the land
Between the world that was
And is, and that which still might be,
And may we tread again desire's
Leaf-dappled path
Of possibility.

"The Return of the Subjunctive" by Tamara Madison, from Wild Domestic. © Pearl Editions, 2011. Reprinted with permission.

"A Wonderful Time"

I have a lovely book that was graciously lent to me by a dear friend, titled "A Wonderful Time" written by Slim Aarons. He was an American photographer noted for photographing socialites, jet-setters and celebrities. Upon a further search and ending up at Wikipedia, I found the following: "At 18 years old, Aarons enlisted in the U.S. Army, working as a photographer at West Point and later serving as a combat photographer in World War II and earning a Purple Heart. Aarons said that combat had taught him that the only beach worth landing on was "decorated with beautiful, seminude girls tanning in a tranquil sun."

After the war, Aarons moved to California and began photographing celebrities. In California, he shot his most praised photo, Kings of Hollywood, a 1957 New's Year's Eve photograph depicting Clark Gable, Van Heflin, Gary Cooper and James Stewart relaxing at a bar in full formal wear. Aaron's work appeared in Life, Town & Country and Holiday magazines.

Aarons never used a stylist, or a makeup artist.Aarons made his career out of what he called "photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places." "I knew everyone," he said in an interview with The (London) Independent in 2002. "They would invite me to one of their parties because they knew I wouldn't hurt them. I was one of them." Alfred Hitchcock's film, Rear Window, whose main character is a photographer played by Jimmy Stewart, is set in an apartment reputed to be based on Aarons's apartment. He died in 2006, and was buried in Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Massachusetts."

Here are just a few of the fantastic photographs from his last book titled "A Wonderful Time."

Do you recognize this handsome young gentleman? You guessed right! Paul Newman.



A well to do man with horses....



When you thumb through the pages, you can almost imagine being there-I know I do! Something in my being just feels so strongly that I somehow should have been a part of that; like I really was there.

Here is a fantastic pic captured of a few Hollywood Icons enjoying a stolen moment:



And this is my very favorite: Robert Frost-


If you ever have a chance to peruse this book, I highly recommend it! It will surely give you respite from the daily grind, even if it is just fleeting.

XOXO Andi

A Beautiful Autumn Day

It's a gorgeous day here in Adams County, PA! I am enjoying Ella F. as I get in a quick post.
We are going to take a much deserved break this afternoon and head over to Hanover to check out the new Hobby Lobby. I am hoping to pick up some fabric to re-upholster my oversized ottoman. Maybe some lovely heavy brocade? Or an updated toile? Of course, anything that has red in it is an immediate favorite!
Will let you know what I discover....And, if I'm lucky, we'll get to stop in the New Oxford Coffee Company to enjoy some of the best apple cake you have ever tried! Don't forget to pare it up their Hot White Chocolate infused with a shot of raspberry syrup. Yum!
Also, wanted to share a few pics of the last week or so-there is always a beautiful rainbow somewhere after the rain!And of course, here's one of my beautiful girls-(I have three four-legged ones and two two-legged ones!) Hope you got that; you did? Good for you-I have a hard time keeping things straight myself most of the time!

Here's to a wonderful day and will catch up with our adventures soon. XOXO Andi

Yellow Hill Farm and Remembrance Day 9/11

Take a magical journey to Yellow Hill Farm...

Today is such an emotional day for everyone and there isn't much one can put into words that doesn't sound cliche. My kids are becoming young adults and I struggle with how to mark this anniversary. We will say prayers and reflect. I'll look back and think about how much has changed since that awful day and be thankful for this wonderful place we call home and being able to enjoy so many things that so many have sacrificed their lives for. And, of course, we will want to "do something" because that is how one heals, by moving forward and trying to help each other. It is a solemn day, but also a day to celebrate how wonderful America is, and how fortunate we are to have men and women who love this country so much, that they gave their lives for it, including those that woke up on September 11, 2001 and headed off to the airport or work in New York, and D.C.

I am reminded of this every day at my job, where I have the privilege of working in a place that spans over two and a half centuries and has quietly stood through many struggles for freedom and was here twenty years before the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
George Washington wrote in his farewell speech "...profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; than, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation, which is yet a stranger to it." What powerful words to read;it's inspiration for all of us.

Don't you feel sometimes like you are just one person who deeply cares but as one indivual, how can you possibly make a difference? Even the smallest gestures can make a big impact. Today, the girls and I plan on going over to Yellow Hill Farm in Biglerville to pick raspberries, cut some gorgeous flowers from their beautiful garden and enjoy a homemade sundae. The farm will then make a donation to the fire department on our behalf to thank them for their continued service.

This will be the way we show support for the unselfish sacrifice of so many. Thank you, America.

A Photo Essay of My Drive to Work One Morning

It was such a beautful morning I thought it would be fun to take some pics of my drive in to Fairfield. Forgive the blurriness as I was driving and shooting at the same time. It wasn't always the best picture, but nontheless, it gives you a sense of the beauty I am fortunate to experience.
Here's the Historic Round Barn....

the sunflower garden across the road from the barn...
a gorgeous old farm ...
and the breathtaking countryside with a view of the mountains in the background....

at the intersection in Cashtown...

the fog lifting off the mountains as the sun rises...

I realized how much I take for granted every day and thought it would be nice to capture the beauty of something as simple as a routine morning drive. I am truly blessed.

Only in Gettysburg....

Putting It All In Perspective

As much as I try to make each moment count, there are those times where I allow frustration to take over and I begin to sink into self pity. God has a great way of timing things, and as I was feeling sorry for myself about having to head off to work,(among other things), there was a piece that came on the radio. It was about young soldiers in Afghanistan coming home and the difficulties they were facing adjusting back to the routines of daily living. "I try to listen to my friends talk about their daily frustrations with car problems and what-not," he says," and I think to myself, you have no idea how lucky you are to be dealing with these things-I just had to pick up my buddy's body parts from a mine blast."

I'm not trying to minimalize what each of us is dealing with in our lives, but I thought it would be good to put it out there that we have alot to be thankful for, including these brave men and women that help to keep this country free.

On the way home the other night, I was lucky enough to pick up a broadcast from Paul Harvey about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. I highly recommend listening to this if you can find it-I managed to locate the piece in print-it is yet another overlooked sacrifice that so many have made for people like me so I can have all those wonderful choices and privileges I take advantage of every day. You can read it here.I suppose, as I write this, that I have it pretty good. God Bless America!
xxx Andi

What I'm Listening To This Evening....

While this has nothing to do with history, family or Gettysburg, I think it is still noteworthy to share. This girl has an amazing, powerful voice and the song lingers long after it's over. I've taken to listening to more NPR sorts of things, but every once in a while its refreshing to get caught up in a tune like this just for the sheer enjoyment. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Thought for the Day....

From someone I admire intensely:

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank

Every time I feel like I just can't handle one more thing, I always think of her and what an incredible inspiration she is. My girls and I always say to each other when we are feeling down, "I bet Anne Frank would have given anything to be in our shoes."

Yesterday the girls and I attended the funeral of my dear Uncle Al. This was their first time attending such an event. I was conflicted about if I should bring them or not, but after praying about it, I knew it was the right decision. While these things are always very sad and difficult, they are also part of life.

While they had only met their great uncle a couple of times, they were able to hear first-hand about how generous and kind he was from various family members who were eager to share their stories during this time.

These events are always bittersweet and the service was heartbreaking; it was a wonderful tribute to a man who was larger than life and a wonderful role model for everyone who knew him.

I am so thankful that I had the privilege of knowing him and I look forward to when I will see him again.

"Adieu dear comrade
Your mission is fulfill'd."

Adieu to a Soldier, Walt Whitman
Leaves of Grass, 1892