Throw Away The Scabbard - A must read for alternate history and Civil War fans

THROW AWAY THE SCABBARD - click on the picture to buy it.


What if Stonewall Jackson had survived Chancellorsville?


In this alternate history, Jackson survives Chancellorsville. With Jackson leading his Second Corps in an invasion of the North, the war shifts from the Virginia wilderness to the Pennsylvania countryside. After the Army of Northern Virginia wins a stunning victory on the banks of the Susquehanna, General Ulysses S. Grant comes east to drive the Confederates from northern soil. But when Grant fails to dislodge Lee's army, President Abraham Lincoln risks all in a desperate attempt to win the war and restore the Union.

Throw Away the Scabbard is the first book of a trilogy that provides the exciting answer to the Civil War's most enduring question: What if Stonewall Jackson had survived Chancellorsville?

This is a wonderful book, the characters come alive and we hated to put it down. We are anxiously awaiting the second book in this trilogy.

Foxhole January 09 Update

It's been colder this year than last. Quite a string of below freezing nights than we are used to. We even had school closing and delays last week because we had 1/2 inch of snow and the temps below freezing.

The birds have been going through 50 lbs. of seed a week. We have huge flocks of goldfinches down from the north, the front and backyard feeders and the ground are full of them. The blue jays are back at the feeders as well as our feathered friends that never leave, the nuthatches, chickadees, red bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, etc.

We had some bad news with a bright side. Sam's son was hurt while playing soccer and will have to have some facial surgery next week, we are thankful to God that he wasn't hurt worse and we pray for a quick recovery.

We received mail from a friend of ours from New York, a wonderful poet who we think dearly of. It's been a cold winter up her way. Getting hand written letters is such a rarity in today's Internet world, it was a nice surprise and we wrote back, yes, in paper and ink, by hand. It is too bad that form of communication is nearly lost.

As always during these winter months we are anxious for spring. After all, we live in the South and expect to be warm!

We are avoiding most political news, only keeping an eye on what is going on without dwelling on it, we are conservatives in exile.

We did do one fun thing a couple weeks ago, we went to a local gun show and boy was it packed. That was a fun outing. We spent more than we should but we will sacrifice elsewhere to stay on our budget. Suffice it to say, Sam is a happy camper.

Hugs to all.

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas

This weekend we shopped for our first real tree for the SC foxhole. We found a local gentleman selling pre-cut trees or you could cut your own. He had many varieties and he also had some wreaths and garland. The air was cool and the smell was wonderful.

His father has a grist mill and we also bought some fresh stone ground grits. What a wonderful way to spend the morning. As you can see we put the tree up as soon as we got home. We dug out some decorations and the place has a nice, not too overly done, Christmas spirit about it.

We hung the dogs Christmas stockings on the fireplace mantel but will wait to fill them until Christmas morning. The dogs are curious but not bothering it at all.

We called Pa while we were decorating to wish him a happy birthday. We are looking forward to Christmas vacation to just hang around the house and chill out for a couple weeks.

Happy Thanksgiving

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be greatful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor.....
George Washington.

Eight days until family arrives for Thanksgiving. We are really looking forward to it. It's getting very chilly later this week, lows of 25, highs in the 50s. Brrr. Hopefully it will warm up some for our Thanksgiving week, can't have company coming South and have them freezing!

I had planned on working from home this next week to tend to fall chores but the boss is not so willing. I have a presentation Tuesday and an all day meeting Wednesday. It looks like I will not be able to use all my vacation this year and there is no carry over. In these times though I am glad I have a job.

We find that in these frightful times for our country that we still have many things to be thankful for.

Out of the Fog

We will rise again.

Gearing up...Come what may

Beautiful day today for a long drive in the country hills of South Carolina. Headed out to a range and met some nice people with about six dogs! The owners told us they all came to them. Nice folks to take them in, then again they have almost 400 acres! They did not have everything we needed but it was a pleasant drive. We are enjoying the cooler weather.

Our home is full of political talk of course, more than usual considering we are only two days away from the election. Frightening prospect but we are ever hopeful. Tuesday is going to be a long, long night. I already voted for Sarah in Georgia and Sam will vote here on election day.

On the domestic side, the dogs have been tearing up the new grass and frustrating Sam. Sarge likes to kick his hind legs after a pee and Scarlett likes to dig little holes. Beat up grass is still far better than sand. The grass has proven to be a great big door mat, no more sand in the house. Yippee.

We're looking forward to company for Thanksgiving, we've already acquired the bird and most of the fixins'. Having the time off work will be an added bonus!

The leaves are just starting to turn here so it should be a pretty show for a couple months. If gas prices stay low we may be able to get out and scout around a little more. There is so much we have yet to explore around here.

Sam is reading about the Italy campaign, the book is concentrating on Anzio and I am re-reading Mary Chestnut's Civil War. I recently finished Lone Survivor, the true story of a Special Forces (Navy SEALs) operation in Afghanistan. Incredible book.

We received an early Christmas present from Ma and Pa in Chicago, Polish sausage, sweets and Tamales. Good stuff always!!

Hugs to all and stay safe. Those willing, please join us in prayer for our country this election day.

Southern Georgia Pine - 1 Acre and Home for Sale

One Acre Southern Georgia home for Sale

We finally have our Georgia home on the market with a great realty company. We really hate to sell it but we must. We like our place in South Carolina but someone looking for a great place to relax and hide away will love it and love Georgia. My favorite part about it was that you couldn't go in any room without seeing pines outside every window. The stars at night are awesome, it's the darkest place I've ever lived at night so the stars seem really close. It's rural but only 10 miles from town. Wonderful.