End of work week

I made it! The next two days are my own.

More photos - the first two are of Ranger Patty in the grey uniform (Confederate Sunday), and Lyman, a volunteer who also plays bagpipes and the penny whistle on Sundays.




The next is a photo of a large hand-crafted (in the USA) Napoleon cannon. I sold one two days ago, and at $200 that was a real accomplishment for me!



Finally, a photo of a plaque outside the Visitors Center. The facts stated therein come as a surprise to many people, who believe everything that is written in history books, exactly as it is written.



As always, click on a picture for more detail.

Thomas hopes to return to work on Tuesday, and I fervently hope he will be well enough to come back next week. I won't know what to do with myself only working 4 days a week again. I'm now past the 2/3 mark of my commitment here at Ft. Pulaski and I think February will fly by for me. I've loved working here and would like to return some day.

The thermometer is on a yo-yo string

It starts out warm in the morning (sometimes) and then by mid-afternoon gets freezing cold. Today has been such a day. I think most of the country is having weird weather so I just have to deal with it. Last night's full moon, high tide, and heavy rains led to the closing of the road to Ft. Pulaski and Tybee Island for a time today. The hardy rangers who made it in came through some pretty high water. My morning was slow but the afternoon picked up and I kept fairly busy. Now we are back to several nights of below freezing temps, so I guess I'm going to let my faucet do a slow drip.

You might have noticed the white Parrott cannon pictured in yesterday's blog. The cannon is being repainted and the white is primer - it will soon be a black cannon again.

There were six Union soldiers firing muskets today. For a person who knows absolutely nothing about firearms and is somewhat of a pacifist to boot, I just love watching and hearing the muskets and cannons here at Fort Pulaski. Here are the soldiers on their way down to where they will be giving the demonstration.





One more work day until my two days off! Can you tell I'm looking forward to it?

On the downhill to my "weekend"

I've just passed the mid-week day of my work week, and feel just great. Today was a spectacular day that started out warm but gradually got colder and windier. We are in for rain and who knows what else. I didn't bother with building a fire first thing as I really didn't need it, so it is all set for me to light tomorrow.

The morning started off for me with a nice hot shower, no water pump noise and no worry about using all the water in the fresh water tank. We get spoiled so easily to flicking a switch for instant electricity and a tap for instant water, and it is good to be reminded once in a while how much we take for granted. I am so grateful for the regular flow of water again, and also to the good folks who took the time and trouble to find me the right part for my water hook-up. Good people and good friends are a treasure! My treasures include Sherri and Jim, and Fred and Mary, volunteers at Fort Pulaski.

When I walked the dog this morning I took a picture of the beautiful sky at sunrise. The white building on the left is the "cottage" (Park HQ), and the white building to the right is the Maintenance shop.



I took some photos from the top of the fort this morning. The first is a shot of the rampart, which is the wall and the cannon mounts on the right, and the terraplain, which is the grassy area on the left. Then I got a picture of a cannon where you can see the track and wheels that allowed it to be moved in an arc.
(CORRECTION: THIS IS A CANNON MOUNT, NOT A CANNON)




An explanation of the Parrot rifle cannon and a picture of it:




Looking down, the flag is directly over the sally port, and to the left is the sutler store, with the two windows and open door.

City water connection

YAY, I have city water again, so no more grinding noise of the water pump. Sherri and Jim brought me a Hose Elbow (L Connector) this morning as they went to the super Walmart yesterday. When I was driving home this evening I passed Fred and Mary who were out for a walk, and they told me they had been to super Walmart and got me a Hose Elbow. I now have one on my rig, and one for my toolbox! Since my old one only lasted 7 months, I figure it is good security to have a spare. It is lovely not having to run out and add water to the fresh water tank, or to hear that awful water pump. Thanks to my wonderful fellow volunteers here at the Fort, I'm good to go.

We had a lot of folks stop in the sutler store today, although sales were typical of the month after Christmas holidays. A large group came in wearing blue t shirts and jackets indicating they were U of KY fans! It was fun talking with a lot of them who lived in or near Cincinnati. I myself was born in Kentucky but raised mostly in Cincinnati. I've lived so many different places it is getting more difficult to identify with any one city or state, although I'm feeling more Kentuckian as I get older.

I got a late start this evening and have to get up early for work tomorrow, so I will wait until tomorrow to post new pictures.

Pictures taken at the Fort

It was an uneventful day at work, and I had time to snap some photos: I had previously tried to get the plaque at the entrance to solitary confinement but the lighting was wrong, so here is a little better shot at it. The second picture is the entrance to solitary, and the third is looking into the little room (pictures of which I've already posted). Click on a picture to enlarge it.





I then went over to one of the stairwells from ground level up to the rampart and teraplain, and then back down.





Finally, I took a picture of a fig tree, or possibly several trees, that should be full of figs in a few months.

"Weekend" nearly over

My weekend happens to fall on Monday and Tuesday this week and next. I found a place to get my truck's oil changed, and spoke to them about a rough sensation and noise from the steering column. I will take it back next Monday morning when I am off work again and have that problem taken care of. One of the service techs drove it to try to determine where the noise was coming from, and he thinks it is a boot on something that goes into the firewall. Hey, I don't understand it, and maybe I have the sequence of words wrong, but essentially they will lubricate something that should clear it up. I was worried it could be brake pads but he didn't think so.

I remembered to eat lunch BEFORE I went to the grocery, but still came home with chocolate eclairs, pecan danish, and a big jar of cashews with sea salt and pepper. Imagine if I had been hungry!

I got my hair trimmed as I want to get the cut into a different shape, and will go back again towards the end of February by which time it should be a little longer and a little fuller.

My mother was born on this day in 1920. She lived 83 years, just short of her 84th birthday, a long and full life. Raising 8 children wasn't easy, especially with me being the first, but I'd say she and my dad together did a tremendous job. They were loving parents, devoted to each other and to their children. They didn't have a lot of money but I don't remember that we wanted for any of the necessities, and our household was full of love. She still nags me from time to time: Don't go outside with your hair wet; wear a hat; put on a sweater or you'll catch pneumonia; never hang clean curtains on dirty windows; and you get the picture! Mary Elizabeth Willett Federle, I miss you. (1920-2003)

A laid-back day (2nd post Jan 25)

I'm doing a 2nd post today because I want to get back on track for writing them in the evening - it is easier when I am working.

I wanted to get my laundry over with early but there was no electric, so I just left the basket there and came back home. I got some things together to mail to my grandsons and went over to Tybee Island. The best post office in the country, and the best postal clerk are in the Tybee Island P.O.

I also drove to the River's End RV Park to get a look and to stop in the camper's store in hopes they had an "L" connection for my water hose. No "L", but I talked to the camphost for a little while and got some info about the park. It doesn't look as spacious as some parks, although it would serve me fine and there would be no problem towing my 5ver to the registration office and into one of the longer pull through sites. I didn't walk around to look at the pool or other amenities. I think their prices seem high, although it is the beach that draws people into the area, and I'm sure you would find hotel, house rentals, condos, etc., just as comparatively pricey in season.

The nightly rate as of Feb. 14 for Water & Electric Sites is $39; 30-Amp Full Hook-Up is $45; 50 Amp Full Hook Up is $55. A 10% discount is given for Good Sam, AARP, Coachmen Owner's Assn, and Active military. The park had a lot of empty spaces when I was there, so it certainly didn't look crowded. But when it is filled up, then I don't know.

For RVers who like spiffy resorts with lots of amenities, you might prefer something more polished. A lot of folks have weighed in on the issue of "It" factor, and I'm sure by some people's standards this wouldn't have it. But by my definition an "It" park requires a good and friendly welcome, a fairly easy site to get into, utilities that work, and not a whole lot of rules. I agree that no noise during certain hours and pick up after your pets are two absolutes, but I wouldn't stay at a park that had an age limit (on the RV, that is) for example. To me that is uppity, and I don't like uppity. Of course there are rules about campfires, food & glass in the pool area, and food & alcohol at campsite only. The management seems very friendly and I would not hesitate to try this park, but that is my opinion only.

When I wrote my feelings earlier about needing some time to myself to get my energy back, I didn't mean to imply that I don't like being around people. I need other people, but trying to find the perfect balance is challenging. I am pleased that I can enjoy and relate to others as well as I do, especially in my job, but I was really wondering about why I wanted to go to sleep at 7:30 in the evening. That's how I figured I wasn't able to recover enough energy to make it through the next day without just crashing. I'm not talking only about physical energy, but also about the mental and emotional drivers that we all have. Understanding it makes it easier to deal with.

Back to the electric problem here at the park, when I returned from Tybee Island I discovered I had no electricity either. It turns out the entire park was without, including both stores and cash registers. I decided it was a perfect time to exercise the genny for an hour, which I did. I had the oil changed in November but really hadn't run it since I left Lassen, and was pleased to find it started like a champ! The electricity came back on this afternoon and I guess all is well. I don't know if they had a problem or were just upgrading it.

I got a thank you letter from one of my granddaughters today - I have been sending all the grandkids post cards at least every other week, and little gifts I pick up. Autumn wrote to thank me for the birthday and Christmas presents plus the postcards. She wrote that she can't wait to see me when I get to California, and she wants me to "play ballet with her". I'd better be careful because this could lead to serious injury on my part.

Holding on to my energy

I notice that since I'm working at the Fort I seem to be much more tired at the end of the day, and simply can't stay awake very long after supper. It finally dawned on me that being an introvert, I need time to myself after being out with people in order to recoup my energy. It is the way with all introverts, and the opposite is true for extroverts - they are energized by being around groups of people.

All day long I am meeting and greeting folks, from the time I arrive and am with my colleagues for a little while before I head out to the Fort to open the store. From then on I talk to a lot of people - most who come into the store like to engage in conversation about the Fort itself, the Civil War, Savannah and surrounding areas, the states and cities where they are from, and a great variety of topics. They ask questions and I have absorbed enough of the history of this place to enjoy trying to answer the questions. I love going to work in the mornings, but working several days in a row takes its toll on my energy level, and all I want to do is to sleep. So today and tomorrow I am off work and hope to enjoy being with me!

Several days ago I took a picture of what the Union used as solitary confinement for their Confederate prisoners. This room was originally a shell magazine, but it was turned into a dark little hole for prisoners deserving of extra punishment Of course there were no electric lights, and 6 officers who tried to escape were housed in this little room for a time.


I couldn't leave the store so I just amused myself by taking pictures from my doorway. This is looking directly across the parade ground to the prison.


I used the zoom on my camera to bring the prison a bit closer. Click on pictures to enlarge.

Kicking back

I came home after working all day, walked the dog, changed clothes and popped open a cold one, and I'm so glad to just chill out before I start supper. It was a busy day, and sometimes people just came in to look around and warm up. I work tomorrow and will then be off two days.

Before I forget, I want to mention that comments to my blog appear here on the blog itself, and also come to me in an email. Sometimes folks have questions, or I want to respond to their comments, and I REPLY to the email. I am beginning to doubt that these replies ever reach the intended person, or anyone for that matter. I know several people have asked about RV parks in this area, and I have responded that the nearest one is River's End on Tybee Island, about 5 miles from the Fort. I know this park comes up online with a Google search, and have no doubt they are in the major directories. I will be working here until the end of February, at which time I will travel west to Sacramento, and would love to visit with anyone passing through this area.

No matter what the weather forecasters predicted, it is cold today with a bitter wind blowing. I heard a life-long Savannah resident tell someone that due to the high humidity it feels colder than it is, plus when you add the wind factor it's downright uncomfortable. I chuckle to myself because I always thought it was a joke when Sacramentans said to me "Oh, but it's a dry heat." Maybe there is something to that, although I will never really admit it, but it is possible that a dry heat isn't as hot, and a dry cold isn't as cold, as the reverse. (Don't tell any Sacramentans that I'm related to, but I would give anything to spend a day in a dry heat right now.)

When I walked Lady this evening we took a path that is close to the river, as we usually do. At the same time we were there a huge container ship came alongside us on its way out to sea. We stopped for a few minutes, me admiring the beautiful grace of such a ship, but when I was ready to leave Lady wouldn't move. She watched the ship intently until it was nearly out of sight. I wonder what was going through her mind.

No TGIF for me!

The weekend is here, but it will be business as usual for me. Since I retired I have always felt that every day is just another day off, although with volunteering there is an element of structure to my week, which is probably a good thing.

It didn't rain today but the wind is chilly, and although the temperature supposedly got up to 60 today I don't believe it! A few hardy souls ventured over to the Fort today but most stayed at the warm Visitors Center. The folks who came into the Sutler store were fun to chat with but few of them bought anything. I had visitors from Manitoba, Canada, as well as quite a few who are on their way to Florida.

I am about to get hitch itch, and when I finish my 3-month commitment at Dinosaur this summer I am only going to accept positions that will allow me to work on a 2-month commitment with a possible extension. That third month seems to be harder than the first two put together, and I'm sure February will find me anxious to get on the road again. What I really want to do is to get rid of this 5th wheel before something else goes wrong with it, and get into something smaller that I can handle.

I've been daydreaming about renting a small house somewhere with a long driveway where I can park a little RV until I feel the urge to travel, and then have a place to return to when I need to stop and rest. If I ever figure out a location in this huge country where I'd like to rent this little house, I'll do it in a heartbeat! There are so many factors that go into deciding on the best location - taxes, insurance, vehicle licensing, CLIMATE, distance from either Sacramento CA or Hudson Valley NY, my personal likes and dislikes, and so on. I should probably start making a list. I just hope to be able to travel until I make that final trip, and I hope that is a long way off!

And the rains came down

Fast and furious they fell! At one point the parade ground looked more like a marsh.

Business was extremely slow but I just tried to stay warm. The heat is back on, which is good, although the old casemates weren't build for that kind of heating and never really get "hot" warm, which is what I want to be for just a little while. While I was off for a couple of days Patty cleaned out the fireplace and it looked too good to even think about messing it up again.

I must have writer's block because I've reached the end of today's post!

A Peaceful Day

I took pretty much a day of rest. All I did was pick up some prescriptions and get a propane tank refilled. Those full tanks get heavier every time I have to lift one.

The sun was warm and I could finally wear a T-shirt with no jacket over it, although that changes when the sun goes down. I go back to work tomorrow for the next three days, but these two days off were just what I needed.

Disappointing black & white photos

I should have realized that the film wasn't fresh and wouldn't produce very good photos, but I will post some of them anyway. Here are some taken at Bonaventure Cemetery. Cherubs on a tombstone indicate a baby or young child's grave.









And my favorite statue:



This is the bridge from Hwy. 80 over to Cockspur Island. It crosses the South Channel of the Savannah River, which was extremely calm and beautiful this morning, but none of the pictures showed it very well.



I have received several comments on a previous post regarding an organic product I recently bought for treating the waste tanks. I have only used it once so far, but have been very happy with it. For the past month or two I have patiently pulled apart the two plies of the Angel Soft toilet paper. This vastly improved the sensors, although not completely. After using the product once the lowest level sensors - those which indicate Empty and 1/3 - must be clean because after the first use and emptying the tank, the sensor showed Empty. That has never happened before since I owned this 5th wheel.

Another question is why I empty the tank on a weekly basis. I have read many posts on this subject on just about every RV Forum I know of, and they are all conflicting. Some say empty only when it is full, and others say empty once a week whether it needs it or not. I have had problems in the past with odors when the tank gets too close to full, so I opt to empty it more often and use plenty of water. It works for me, and if it ain't broke, I ain't fixin' it.

So while I may find that in the long run the Happy Camper product isn't perfect, I am satisfied enough so far to keep on using it. For those who might be doubtful but would like to try it, you can purchase the 4 oz size for $4.50, or the 18 oz size for $17, both plus S/H. The company promises a total refund if you aren't completely satisfied. The completely organic treatment is 100% made in the USA, and this is a "plus" in my book.

Clarification

I posted yesterday about Confederate Sunday at Fort Pulaski, and I would like to explain a little about our program here. On Monday-Friday we alternate between guided tours of the Fort, usually led by a ranger, and musket firing demonstrations. The shooters wear Union blue uniforms, as do some of the rangers leading the tours.

Saturday is Living History Saturday, and interspersed with the tours and musket firings, are three sessions of cannon firing demonstrations. Again, those firing the cannons are dressed as Union soldiers, and you can see that from some of the cannon and musket pictures I've posted.

Monday through Saturday the Union flag (U.S. flag) is raised, a replica of the one that was flown during the civil war.

Sunday is Confederate Sunday, and along with musket firing and tours, is a special tour and explanation of the prison which held "The Immortal 600". To make a long story short, the Union was often retaliatory against the South and in this case, handpicked 600 confederate officers who were in prisons, most of whom were amputees, and all of whom had serious illnesses. They were kept in a relatively small space in the Fort, and deliberately fed a starvation diet. The winter of 1864 is the coldest on record for this area, and several inches of snow lay on the ground, but the prisoners' coal was taken away, leaving them without cooking and heating. They began to burn their wooden bunks just to keep warm.

The volunteers and re-enactors wear the confederate uniform, and the flag over the Fort is the Stars and Bars, the official flag of the Confederacy.

Today, Monday, the uniforms were all blue, and here are a couple of re-enactors who play fife and drum.



A word about re-enactors - they probably exist in most states and sometimes form groups representing units from their state or area. They make or buy their uniforms and weapons, and take it all very seriously. They study the history of the war, the people who fought in it, and individual battles. In many cases they pass their love of history on to their children, who themselves take part in the re-enactments. I have a high regard for their knowledge and their attention to detail. If any of my readers are re-enactors, I would love to hear from you and to pass on your individual stories. And of course, if I've written anything that is not correct, please let me know.

On a different note, and if you can tolerate a couple more river pictures, here are two from this morning. Neither of these ships is carrying containers and I don't have a clue about their purpose. One is from the early morning dog walk, and the second was taken a little later in the morning. I caught it as it was going by the Coast Guard Station, and as you can tell, it is up close!

Working Confederate Sunday

I was busy from the time I went to the Fort this morning until closing. Sunday is normally a day off for me so I don't get to hear the piper, for one thing. I've been on the Prison Tour, plus the guided tour and musket firing, so the piper was an interesting event for me. I took two photos - one of him on the terraplain playing the bagpipes, and the second one of him playing the penny whistle. (Note: click on photos to get an enlarged and much better picture.)




The morning went pretty smoothly and in the early afternoon the young teens started coming in small groups. The first four were just looking at everything and acting silly. One was a tall skinny boy, who probably grew so fast he hadn't yet learned how to manipulate his arms and legs in a graceful fashion. I was relieved when they started out the door, but then the last boy stopped, pulled out his wallet, and inserted a donation to the Park in a special barrel for that purpose. I thought that was such a sweet gesture and then I felt a bit guilty for hoping they wouldn't stay long.

After that I tried to look at everyone who came in without making judgments, which is easier said than done, but I'm trying.

I took a package of Ritz crackers and a jar of peanut butter for my lunch, so it was a long day in the store. I think I'll plan to come home for lunch tomorrow. Lady was glad to see me when I arrived home - she is used to me dropping in during the day. On our walk I took this picture. Whenever I see the birds congregated like this I think of the song that goes something like this:

All God's children sing in the choir; some sing low, some sing higher;
Some sing out loud on the telephone wire, etc.



The weather was mild today, with a brief shower and a couple of episodes where the wind really kicked up. I think it will be a few degrees lower tomorrow, but it really doesn't matter because it is always colder inside the casemates at the Fort. We got a load of firewood, wonderful smelling hickory, but unseasoned and wet! I can deal with one more day and then have a couple days off - hopefully.

Not sunny and warm here!

It's raining and pretty chilly, if not downright cold. The rain is really coming down and I'm glad I got home before it got too bad. Lady had a very quick walk and I think even she was glad to get back to the warmth of home. And the heck with worrying about propane, this weather is tolerable if I am not shivering. I decided to live wild with the setting at about 62!

I took some photos at the visitors center before I went over to the Fort to work today. Thomas wasn't in so I filled in at the Sutler Store, but was dressed for working in the warm VC today. At noon I came home for lunch and put on my long underwear!

Ranger Matt (who is also Thomas' son):


Ranger Joanne is clowning around with her baseball cap turned sideways.


Ranger Patty came into the store to get warm by the fire:


Since Thomas is still sick I will be working again tomorrow. Today I was out of firewood at the store and since the heat hasn't yet been fixed, I was desperate. Megan helped me find some and carry it back, and then built the best fire I've ever seen! I could never have gotten the logs positioned so well, and with such a good start, it wasn't difficult to keep going all day. When I was leaving this afternoon I saw them bringing in a load of firewood, so I'll be good to go.

Today, Living History Saturday, features cannon demonstrations plus the musket firing. With about 5 Union soldiers firing muskets at the same time it is almost as loud as the cannon, but not quite. The cannon is deafening.

This is a warming trend?

I guess it is but I am not warm yet. Tomorrow promises to be 63F, with the following week in the 60's by day and 40's and 50's by night. I'm happy with that, but I would love to be out without having to wear a coat and gloves. Some hardy Minnesotans who also volunteer at Ft. P. - Fred and Mary - were seen going into the visitors center this morning in just short sleeves - no jackets! I wonder when I'll be able to do that.

I have to give a thumbs up and recommendation for a commercial product, for RVers who have problems with the sensors in their waste tank. The website is: yourhappycampers.com Click on Order at the bottom of the page to get to the list of their products, for both RV and boat. I ordered the 18 oz holding tank treatment, and after only ONE use my sensors work perfectly. That hasn't happened since I've had this 5th wheel, with the possible exception of towing it over the gravel washboard road at Lassen Park last summer. I have also used this treatment per the instructions in the kitchen sink drains, but the black tank is where I found an incredible difference. The recommendation is to use 1 oz (powder) for every 30 gallons your tank holds. My black tank holds 38 gal. but since I try to empty it once a week, I just use the 1 oz scoop of product figuring I won't ever reach the 38 gal limit.

There wasn't much to photograph today, but I did get a picture of a warning sign posted:



Before each tour the folks are warned that the fort was built for war and not for safety, and to exercise caution. There are circular iron stairways, unlit, that lead up to the top, but no railings along the top of the fort where many of the cannons are located.

Not much is going on and I'm getting ready to just chill and enjoy Friday night, even though I have to work tomorrow. I'm just about halfway through my commitment here at the Fort.

Home on the range

I don't know about antelope, but there are plenty of deer playing on the grounds of Fort P. It's amazing how deer are so prolific and are seen just about everywhere, and I think they are in all 50 states. I doubt there is anyone in the United States who hasn't seen a deer up fairly close. Yet do you ever notice that folks always slow down to watch them, and get excited about it.

I see deer from my rv windows and drive past them at least twice a day, but I still marvel at these beautiful animals. Maybe it's something in their eyes, or in their expressions when they look up to watch you pass, and decide if you are friend or foe. Whatever it is, I don't think anyone is immune to slowing up and taking a good look, although some might be seeing venison on the table.

This morning was cold but with a hint of warmer weather to come, and there was no wind. I took some photos of the moat which was calm and reflected the Fort and the sky:







Today I took a photograph of a photograph of Robert E. Lee, which looks to be from his graduation from West Point.



I always thought he was a handsome older man, but he sure looked fine as a young guy!

Bonaventure Cemetery, Savannah

The sun was shining from early this morning, and although it was still cold I headed out to Bonaventure at 9:30. It is about a 20 minute drive from here, which insures that I will return at least once.

I had read so many stories about this cemetery and how it is haunted, that I hoped I would at least feel a little trepidation as I entered the place. Strange visions and spirits hovering about would have been welcome too. But as any genealogist knows, a cemetery is one of the most peaceful, calm, and loving places you can be. When approached with respect, the spirits of the dead seem to be clamoring for attention and remembrance - "See my marker? Read my inscription! And those of my spouse and children!" I felt an immediate sense of welcoming calm and benevolence as I began my walk through Bonaventure Cemetery.

I came in through the Jewish gate and all of the graves in that section are inscribed, at least in part, in Hebrew. Most of the graves were topped with lots of small stones, which is not uncommon in many cemeteries, although I only found it in the Jewish section here. As I was leaving I again went through this section, and noticed that one of the graves had no little mound of stones, so I found one and placed it on Rose's tombstone!

I was struck by the beautiful, fluid movement of the spanish moss which is draped from the trees. There was even a tall statue on one of the tombstones that had moss hanging from various parts, but unfortunately the light in that particular spot made photo taking an absolute zero.

This is one of the many lanes that crisscross the cemetery sections, allowing access to just about all the graves and family compounds:



I got several photos of interesting looking mausoleums and structures:




Then there are the statues, and I'm including a sampling. Several aren't as clear as I would like, but the surrounding foliage is interesting, I think.






The next two statues are the one I think is most beautiful, and the other is of "Gracie", a small child who died of pneumonia at the age of 6 in the late 1890's. You can see that the fingers of the statue are all missing. This is the case with nearly every statue I saw, and is no doubt from vandalism - maybe people want a souvenir? That would certainly bring a person luck! Those fingers don't just fall off, at least not in the numbers that are missing. Gracie's grave is surrounded by an iron fence, no doubt to deter souvenir hunters, and I had to take the picture through the bars.




No visit to Bonaventure would be complete without viewing the graves of Savannah's famous son, Johnny Mercer, and his family. Johnny was a composer and singer, co-founder of Capitol Records, and winner of 4 Academy Awards. His and his wife's graves are inscribed with the titles of two of his songs: "His: "And the angels sing", and his wife's "You must have been a beautiful baby". I got a decent photo of his wife's marker but Johnny's was in too much shadow so I'm not including either one. There is a memorial bench though, which is inscribed with the titles of some of his songs, including the one I know best, "Moon River".



I walked a lot more than I'm used to, and although it was warm enough in the sun it was still cold in the shade, so I came back home after about two hours. I changed clothes, packed the dog and an empty propane tank into the truck, and headed to Ace Hardware. I was going to have the second tank topped off but it was heavy and I figured I could probably have waited a few more days before running out. See, I'm learning - put off getting propane and risk freezing!

I also took about 24 pictures in black and white, plus the 40 in color. I won't be able to get the B&W developed until Sunday, my next day off. I took a lot of statuary and obelisks in B&W. The cemetery sits on a bluff overlooking the river, and when I go back I hope to get some pictures from that area. It is really a huge place and needs much more time and repeated visits.