Post by Miss Rose on Dec 8, 2009 13:43:57 GMT -4
My Dear Sister~
I trust this finds you well. My head is spinning to remember when I last sent you a letter. I am doing much better now. A few more day's rest should make me well enough to finally travel. It was good to see Mother and Father last month. I hope the idea of my being gone is settling better with Mother now. I wish I could be there, but as we know, my presence is needed more elsewhere.
I did make it north in time for the Veterans' Day Parade. It was sad not to have our Major Celli attend, but his health did not allow him to join us. I was, however, accompanied by a wonderful gentleman, a retired Naval Master Chief. There is a story about him www.thewaywegetbymovie.com. A delightful gentleman, although, sister, between you and I, he lives up to the reputation of sailors, if you know what I mean. (a little fresh). The 20th ME CoB's ranks were small and it was disappointing not to see support for our soldiers by the ladies as we have had in the past. Perhaps we shall see them again next year. The crowds were still amazing. Men and women from all walks of life gathering to honor those who serve. As you know, sister, it is still a most difficult time, but I know Samuel is watching over me. At the conclusion of the parade, the Colonel and Chaplain returned me safely to the 20th after the march. (I know... me and a Chaplain??) Anyhow, the point is, it went well. We went to the Weathervane for lunch afterwards, but I was a bit saddened to see they had no special for the Vets this year. I realize the war is causing issues with the economy, but it saddened me all the same.
Since I was still here, I attended the Christmas Party held at the Salmon Club. It was so wonderful to see so many of our soldiers accompanied by their wives and girlfriends, and many in their wonderful gowns. Sgt. and Mrs. Dudley made their way down from The County and were accompanied by Pvt. Coltart, always a good time in Bill's company. Also down from up County were Pvt. Lipsky and Lipsky. It has indeed been much too long since seeing them, but I fear I was so busy, I did not have much chance to visit with them. Hopefully, we will see more of them in the coming year.
Cpl. Smith was in his clan colors. Or I think that is what they are called. (some would say "skirt"). He had a most interesting leather pouch of sorts he was wearing, nothing like I had ever seen before. I knew of sporns, but this was most interesting. I fear he may have shown more to our Lt. Morris than this lady wanted to know about! Lt. and Mrs. Morris were delightful to speak with. Seems they will be doing some traveling as well over the winter.
I had a very informative discussion with Pvt. Wardwell concerning Bucksport and the folks there. I am so glad to have his input to assist me in my planning. He will be busy branding rifles for the Sutlery over the winter. Pvt. Batty was not accompanied by his lovely wife this year. It was a pleasure to speak with him, even if much too briefly.
QMS and Mrs. Richards were there as well as their family. Pvt. Richards had along a delightful young lady as a guest. Mrs. Babcock and her two children joined us as well. Was so good to see them all again. Mrs. Babcock has done a most excellent job with the Sutlery this year. Great job!
And, Sister, a bit of time was spent with that dashing Artillery Captain McCrae and his wife, Amy. The artillery presence, if we can get more to travel so far, at the Battle will make it simply spectacular to augment the men on the field and sea.
Lt. D'Errico was most helpful again this year reserving the Salmon Club for us. He and I have set up his Provost responsibility for the Battle. I am so pleased with his active role. So many wonderful folks joining in and sharing their love of history.
We had some new, although old members come as well. Pvt. and Mrs Gross have returned to the 20th ranks. How lovely she was in her gown and shawl. Pvt. Gross learned how easy it is to get volunteered when you aren't looking! Thank you for helping gather names, Pvt.
At lunch, I was joined by Cpl. Tim and his precious daughter and niece. Cpl. and I discussed the area needed to hold 50,000 pinecones. We are searching for the perfect display to represent the soldiers from Maine in the Civil War. (any suggestions?) Cpl., Pvt. Coltart and I were also joined my Mrs. Willard. That dear woman always looks so nice in her attire. She brought such adorable centerpieces to share with us. Thank you, Deb!
Pvt. Audette and his beautiful, now fiancee arrived as I did. They will be wed in the Autumn and I am working with them on their period attire. hmmm.... had thought of a period wedding at the fort, perhaps a trial run? sans the new gown, of course.
Lastly, a big thank you to Pvt. Moore and Miss Caroline. Without their hard work, the party would not have happened. They are off soon to warmer weather as well. Safe travels.
Well, Sister, I guess this is long enough. I do hope I did not forget anyone. You know how scattered I have been of late.
In closing, regardless to what you celebrate (or don't), be it Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, May your lives be filled with peace, hope and love. Cherish your family, whether given or chosen, and friends for they help light your way.
Blessings for those serving to protect us and those Still On Patrol.
All my love and hope,
~Your Sister, Christabell
I trust this finds you well. My head is spinning to remember when I last sent you a letter. I am doing much better now. A few more day's rest should make me well enough to finally travel. It was good to see Mother and Father last month. I hope the idea of my being gone is settling better with Mother now. I wish I could be there, but as we know, my presence is needed more elsewhere.
I did make it north in time for the Veterans' Day Parade. It was sad not to have our Major Celli attend, but his health did not allow him to join us. I was, however, accompanied by a wonderful gentleman, a retired Naval Master Chief. There is a story about him www.thewaywegetbymovie.com. A delightful gentleman, although, sister, between you and I, he lives up to the reputation of sailors, if you know what I mean. (a little fresh). The 20th ME CoB's ranks were small and it was disappointing not to see support for our soldiers by the ladies as we have had in the past. Perhaps we shall see them again next year. The crowds were still amazing. Men and women from all walks of life gathering to honor those who serve. As you know, sister, it is still a most difficult time, but I know Samuel is watching over me. At the conclusion of the parade, the Colonel and Chaplain returned me safely to the 20th after the march. (I know... me and a Chaplain??) Anyhow, the point is, it went well. We went to the Weathervane for lunch afterwards, but I was a bit saddened to see they had no special for the Vets this year. I realize the war is causing issues with the economy, but it saddened me all the same.
Since I was still here, I attended the Christmas Party held at the Salmon Club. It was so wonderful to see so many of our soldiers accompanied by their wives and girlfriends, and many in their wonderful gowns. Sgt. and Mrs. Dudley made their way down from The County and were accompanied by Pvt. Coltart, always a good time in Bill's company. Also down from up County were Pvt. Lipsky and Lipsky. It has indeed been much too long since seeing them, but I fear I was so busy, I did not have much chance to visit with them. Hopefully, we will see more of them in the coming year.
Cpl. Smith was in his clan colors. Or I think that is what they are called. (some would say "skirt"). He had a most interesting leather pouch of sorts he was wearing, nothing like I had ever seen before. I knew of sporns, but this was most interesting. I fear he may have shown more to our Lt. Morris than this lady wanted to know about! Lt. and Mrs. Morris were delightful to speak with. Seems they will be doing some traveling as well over the winter.
I had a very informative discussion with Pvt. Wardwell concerning Bucksport and the folks there. I am so glad to have his input to assist me in my planning. He will be busy branding rifles for the Sutlery over the winter. Pvt. Batty was not accompanied by his lovely wife this year. It was a pleasure to speak with him, even if much too briefly.
QMS and Mrs. Richards were there as well as their family. Pvt. Richards had along a delightful young lady as a guest. Mrs. Babcock and her two children joined us as well. Was so good to see them all again. Mrs. Babcock has done a most excellent job with the Sutlery this year. Great job!
And, Sister, a bit of time was spent with that dashing Artillery Captain McCrae and his wife, Amy. The artillery presence, if we can get more to travel so far, at the Battle will make it simply spectacular to augment the men on the field and sea.
Lt. D'Errico was most helpful again this year reserving the Salmon Club for us. He and I have set up his Provost responsibility for the Battle. I am so pleased with his active role. So many wonderful folks joining in and sharing their love of history.
We had some new, although old members come as well. Pvt. and Mrs Gross have returned to the 20th ranks. How lovely she was in her gown and shawl. Pvt. Gross learned how easy it is to get volunteered when you aren't looking! Thank you for helping gather names, Pvt.
At lunch, I was joined by Cpl. Tim and his precious daughter and niece. Cpl. and I discussed the area needed to hold 50,000 pinecones. We are searching for the perfect display to represent the soldiers from Maine in the Civil War. (any suggestions?) Cpl., Pvt. Coltart and I were also joined my Mrs. Willard. That dear woman always looks so nice in her attire. She brought such adorable centerpieces to share with us. Thank you, Deb!
Pvt. Audette and his beautiful, now fiancee arrived as I did. They will be wed in the Autumn and I am working with them on their period attire. hmmm.... had thought of a period wedding at the fort, perhaps a trial run? sans the new gown, of course.
Lastly, a big thank you to Pvt. Moore and Miss Caroline. Without their hard work, the party would not have happened. They are off soon to warmer weather as well. Safe travels.
Well, Sister, I guess this is long enough. I do hope I did not forget anyone. You know how scattered I have been of late.
In closing, regardless to what you celebrate (or don't), be it Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, May your lives be filled with peace, hope and love. Cherish your family, whether given or chosen, and friends for they help light your way.
Blessings for those serving to protect us and those Still On Patrol.
All my love and hope,
~Your Sister, Christabell