Gettysburg 150th Anniversay!

Do you enjoy the smell of black powder in the morning? How about over 10,000 reenactors facing off for a three day battle bent on historical accuracy? Did I mention that there’ll be cannons? Lots and lots of cannons.

This July 1^st marks the 150^th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg! During this landmark occasion I’m flying back east to Gettysburg itself in order to take part in a large-scale reenactment commemorating the most pivotal battle in American History. Men and women from all over the country, and the world, will be travelling there to take part in what is sure to be a historic event in its own right. Many more will attend as spectators.

Reenactors portray Union and Confederate soldiers, as well as civilians. I myself fight for the North. How about you? If you could partake in this historical reenactment, which side would you choose? Yankee? Reb? Or a civilian caught in the middle?

Wish me luck…it promises to be a chaotic, loud, intense, exhausting, memorable, and fun weekend!

The Summer Solstice!

Ready for the first day of summer? Prepping for BBQs, outdoor activities, or maybe fireworks? Or perhaps you’re more into the spiritual side of the solstice as observed in cultures around the globe.

Today is officially the first day of summer and the longest day of the year! In places like Stonehenge and New Grange the sun rises and casts light through these structures in mystic ways intended by the ancients. I myself will probably be relaxing in my backyard garden and hanging out with friends. I’ve been a bit lax with my blogging lately due to a new job and hanging out with my six-month-old son, but I’m hoping to get back into the groove of posting regularly again now that summer has begun.

What are you doing with your longest day of the year? Or if you’re in the Southern hemisphere, what do you do with your shortest day of the year? Any summer activities on your to-do list?