Sunday Update on Our Doings

                                              I'm Such a Duppy!

For the past week we've been spending our days in Venice Regional Medical Center with Auntie Cyndi and Uncle Dave where poor Grammy is being cared for. Today is the best day Grammy's had in the past week; we hope she continues to improve to get past the up and down pattern of the past week because everyone's so worried about her, especially Dee Dee, her husband. I saw him cry with Grammy because she was so frustrated with trying to get better yesterday. To cheer her up today Doug wore his Gettysburg shirt, brought a crossword puzzle and announced that it was football Sunday because Grammy really likes all those things. I've tried to hop into her hospital bed three times, but I forgot that she has a broken hip. Doug scooped me out of her bed very quickly, but I just wanted to let her know I love her and try to make her feel better. Duppy love is the best Doug says, and I just wanted to spread the wealth!

 The nurses here all have great fingernails, and are more than willing to use them to scratch under my collar while they call me "Baby!" I'm very popular here, and some of  the nurses stop in just to tell me how cute I am and pet me. The first couple of days we were here some of the people called the risk management and administrative offices to tell them there  was a "dog" in the hospital, but by now you can guess how that all went down. Doug used to work in hospital administration, and since I have a service badge he makes them go away with their tails between their legs. I really admire the way Doug is able to handle aggressive people that want to throw me out - he talks to them in much the same way he used to talk to his students using his "teacher voice," and it really works. Doug doesn't take "No" for an answer, especially when it comes to defending me.

 Uncle Dave and Auntie Cyndi being here is a huge bonus for me! I'm really gonna miss Uncle Dave when he has to leave tomorrow, but Auntie Cyn can stay until Wednesday so Doug's withdrawal from having his siblings around so much for so long will be only somewhat mitigated. I won't be able to see Uncle Dave until Christmastime, when we'll head back to Connecticut for the holidays with Em. I'm hoping to see Auntie Cyn for Thanksgiving. All the family time we've had recently has been spectacular, and really, really long overdue. When Grampy was sick everyone came to Connecticut and stayed with us often. I LOVED that everyone came to our house at once, but I used to mope around after they left because I was so sad. Doug used to say, "What am I, Duppy? Chopped liver?"

Doug called Carol this morning and they chatted for the longest time I've ever seen Doug use the phone! During the whole time they talked Doug didn't once mention how much I miss Margo, but Carol really did reinforce Doug's decision to call it quits in favor of hitting the road with me. I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone in Connecticut in December. Doug was only planning on spending a week there, but we may have to build in more time to see everyone. I don't mind the cold weather, but Doug sure does!

Hanging out at the hospital with Grammy isn't the favorite thing I've done, but I'm really glad we're able to help keep Grammy comfortable with our company and attention. Auntie Cyndi is the best nurse Doug has ever seen, and she always seem to know just what to do for Grammy. I saw Uncle Dave as he cocked his head watching Auntie Cyn care for Gram yesterday, and then he said, "I want Cyndi to visit me when I'm sick!" Kinda the same way Doug knows how to take care of me, she knows exactly how to make Gram comfy.

I'm so glad I have Doug all the time now. We haven't been apart a minute since last April. I could tell that Doug has missed having writing time, and have watched him writing today to let everyone know what's going on. We have to see how things are going for Grammy before we can make more plans to travel. The weather is a wonderful 85 degrees during the day, and 68 at night!! Doug loves it, but I have to seek shade and drink a lot of water. Okay everyone - that's all for now! Football's coming on, and ya know how I love a football party with snacks!

From the world's hungriest service animal with love,

Duppy

Our Poor Mom

Dear family, friends and followers,
                                                   This is not just a blog post. I just received a call from my sister, Cyndi, that Mom has fallen at the rehab hospital and broken her hip, as well as sustaining other injuries. As you know from reading my blog, nothing is more important to me than my family. Mom has been struggling for a while, and this is a scary time for all my family.

I'm suspending the freedom journal, and am on a mission to do whatever it takes to help our Mom. Brothers, sisters and I are looking at how we can most effectively be of assistance, and coordinating our efforts in that direction.

I need to go pack up to be ready to go.

Prayers for Mom, please.

Ever,
Doug and Duppy

A Part of My Support System

I wasn't going to put a post up today, but I was so touched by a note from Don, which I posted below, that I wanted to share with all the bloggers a part of the support system I have that enables me to be the eccentric, haphazard, self-indulgent, fun-loving, idiot that I can be. The seventeen years that I lived in Connecticut before this great adventure was as long as I've lived in any one place in my whole life. I was SO lucky to have fallen in with The Breezy Corner Basement Boys, and have them take me in as a friend and band mate so many years ago. The transition from rocking with Gary and Matrix, to cozy traditional bluegrass with friends who became my brothers was an amazing one. ALL my brothers and sisters love the boyz in the band the same way I do, and I really love that. Thanks for such a terrific note, Don!

Hey Dougly, (The manner of address is a total "Don-ism)

I have been quietly following your blog regularly, but up until tonight, have had nothing but grief trying to "enlist" as a certified follower.  Problem solved and you'll now find me doing my best "popeye" impression on your page.  I'm still not sure how I finally got it to work, but I did.  The basic problem was that I already had Google, Gmail and Yahoo accounts and never use any and lost all the passwords, etc.  The bast'ds all kept shooing me away when I tried to enroll "again" and I guess I just didn't have the patience before tonight to analyze the situation and deal with it. 

 

Following the Duppy/Doug roadshow for me conjures up a basket full of adjectives; enlightening, inspiring, educating, entertaining, thought provoking and heart warming come to mind easily.  I selfishly wish each of your entries were more frequent, daily perhaps, but I understand how that type of imposed -self or otherwise- pressure may water down the very product of your journey that keeps me and others glued.  I do suspect that more pen is meeting paper than we out here are seeing right now and one I hope to be among the first to add the hard cover to my collection.

 

As much as I think I already know and admire about you, every time we speak and every time I read your writings I learn more, admire and envy you more.  I'm not surprised at your wide and scattered circle of friends, but what I truly admire is your family unity.  My family is intact, but the closeness you enjoy evades us.  We're all so different I guess.  Cherish that my friend.... and I know you do. 

 

I was a bit surprised by your focused visits to the historic battlefields.  Notice that I did not call them "Civil War" battlefields. I have always viewed that term as an audacious oxymoron.  I've always been intrigued by the travesty, but not to the extent Luke has.  His 40th birthday was marked by a guy's trip to some twelve or so of the most prominent locations complete with period garb and facial hair.  I excused myself from the trip only because the timing was bad.  I plan to make the same trip on my own terms one day.  I was touched by your reaction to Antietam.  That is on my short list since my great great grandfather was wounded there.  I sadly know very little about him except that he was a bugler... go figure... and he did not die as a result of his injuries.  My mother's side is not known for given much of a sh*t about heritage and such, but I think this is where he is buried.... Vermont Civil War   He's where Sara's middle name comes from, "Hopkins."  One day I shall learn more.

 

Well it's late and I'm beat.  I just got interrupted by two collect calls from Costa Rica, so I better get to work on time tomorrow to cover that.  I'll leave you with a couple of picture attachments to give you a hint on what that's all about.  We had a big day last weekend. (Note: Don's baby and new son-in-law are honeymooning in Costa Rica - Congrats from the Duppy and me!!)

 

Later my friend.

 

Don

P.S. I can't believe Luke is 40!!! How did that happen??

Upper 70's and Sunny!! Yay!!!

                        Love Uncle Donny's new house, but the neighbor has issues

Today we took a giant "Mother, may I?" step forward toward getting Uncle Donny settled in. We checked out of the hotel that used to bring us delicious steaks and pizza right to our room, and now we're in Uncle Donny's new house where he's settling in. While the house is really nice, I loved our daily walks on the beach and going out to eat.

Doug says when Uncle Donny's truck is ready to be picked up we'll be headed down the road to his buddy, Fred, in North Carolina. After he looked at Weatherbug today, Doug told Uncle Donny he is looking forward to nearly eighty degree temperatures for the next week. Perfect!! Uncle Donny's racy convertible rental car has to be turned in tomorrow, so we'll all be back in the truck again and that suits me fine. Love our truck!!! Doug and I did the USA Today crossword sitting on the tailgate today, when Uncle Donny brought him a beer and hung out with us. Love my family!

My buddy, Scottie in NY, is sick again. Hope he gets well soon!! I often wonder how Monkey is fairing with his "service dog" lessons, and how enjoys not having to stay home when Vicki ventures out. He was so sweet there's no reason not to take him everywhere like Doug does with me. I really miss Karen, Mike, Eric and Renee, too. Be sure to give Dex a huggy kiss for me, Auntie Karen. He's the best puppy I've EVER met, even though he's a scamp. Tell him the next time we come through town my butt is off limits, and sniffing my lips isn't polite! Doug gets mad when I invade the space of others to sniff people, but I just can't help myself because I'm a Duppy.

Doug's friend, Kathy, is okay, and I know he was really glad to talk with her. He's recently tried calling and writing her four times, but couldn't get through and was worried because another one of his friends passed away this week. He's lost six friends in one year, and I'm sad for him. DeWayne was like a brother and I would have gone to California for his funeral, but I wasn't a service animal in June. Doug stayed with Linda, who I would have liked to, and will meet, but I had to stay with Emma who took great care of me. Doug said he loved celebrating Wayne with his wife Kristine and their kids, and it wasn't as sad as before he went. Before our adventure is over I'm going to get a chance to meet them myself, and can't wait!! See ya soon, guys!

Doug needs to walk me before we go out to watch the ball game tonite and grab a bite to eat, so I'm signing off for now. I still can't figure out what "cable" is, but Uncle Donny doesn't have it either. I've been loving my fan mail, and thank everyone that writes to me!!!

Your buddy,
Duppy

Stuff Going On

                    Doug and Carol on the Old Block





A special "Hey!" to Rosemary who was my "work wife." I called her yesterday, and we talked about stuff for a while. Her son-in-law, Andrew, was a very nice guy and we hit it off on my way out of Middletown. She fed me at work, and took care of me when I needed taking care of. Thanks, Rosie! Love you! A special "Hey!" to all the people I worked with for so long at WWMS. You're the best!!!

My sister, Cyndi, said that Mom is struggling, and that (quote) "it killed me to leave her" after a nearly two-week "visit" to help care for her. Heartbreaking for me. Cyn has been Mom's guardian angel during her long-term illness, and always found a way to be with her when needed. I just show up during emergencies, and Mom doesn't even remember that I was there because of drug and stupor issues.

Losing Pop a couple years ago was almost too much for me to handle, and still makes me cry easily. Lately death has become a part of my everyday life. I've lost five friends in the past year that have dropped dead. Another one today. Ouch. I almost don't wanna know anymore. My friend, Kathy, hasn't responded to two emails or two phone messages... and I'm afraid for her as it's not like her to drop out of sight. And she just lost her Mom.

Okay, I just talked to Kathy who has her share of stuff going on - deaths, weddings and commuting to Long Island. I didn't know I had her cell phone number until we talked a few minutes ago. Luv ya, Kathy!!

Donny will move into his new place tomorrow, and I'll have to get up and function earlier than I have in a long time so that I can be a "D. Pascoe," only one of only a few, to sign for his household goods to be moved in tomorrow. Jeez. I haven't risen from the rack before 9:00 A.M.ish for a really long time. After we get Donny moved in, I'll be looking at putting us back on the road. His Harley and truck will be back in possession in just hours!! So glad to have you home safely, Donny!!

Our blog has attracted a lot of attention. We've had almost 5,000 page visits since I started it just seven weeks ago from China, South Korea, the Cayman Islands, Brazil, Belgium, Russia, Finland, Spain, Denmark, Germany, Australia, the U.K., Canada, Japan and the U.S. I started the blog on a whim, but never thought it would turn in to what it has become, and Duppy has LOVED writing on our blog!!! Thanks to everyone for reading about us and writing to us. Our email address is Coltshooter2@Hotmail.com so you won't have to use the Blogspot.com to write to us. I love that you write to us!!

Blessings to all.

With love,
Doug and Duppy

Photos From Sunday's Football Day

Duppy can't help the fact that he's the ultimate chick magnet and Kristin, pictured below, was very taken with him. She is from Queens, NY, and wanted to be featured on our blog; with a winning smile like hers I'm glad to oblige. Thanks, Kristin, for hosting a fun afternoon for Donny, Duppy and me at the Waterside Hooters!

I didn't catch the blonde girl's name, but I think Donny got her number. She flounced over to Duppy while cooing all the way and using all the right words to melt him: Love, baby, cute, Aawww, you know! This picture doesn't do her justice. Good catch, Dup!

And one more of Duppy's fans - this one had kitty ears, and had been at a wine-tasting festival all day.

What's not to love???

This is one of Duppy's best trolling faces, and really knows how to get attention from anyone happening to be carrying food past the table.

And finally, the sunset report from Waterside: Postcard perfect!!!

Today we went to the beach and walked up to the pier. It was about seventy degrees out, but the breeze made it feel cooler. I chatted up a couple of the guys who were fishing, and found we have a common acquaintance in Chicago. Small world.

We should get word today or tomorrow how Donny's schedule will unfold to get him moved in to his new place. Tonight we'll be watching baseball and MNF!! Duppy is rooting for Philly!

It's Been Quite a Week!!!

For a Duppy I've sure been getting around this past week that we've been in Virginia Beach. For starters, Uncle Donny, Doug and I reconnected with Uncle Dave's boys and we spent the Columbus Day weekend together doing all kinds of things. I love it best when we all go to the beach and out together to restaurants, and the boyz are the best! I'm so lucky to have such a big family that loves me so much! A funny thing about Pete and Colin is that they look so much alike some people can't tell them apart, but I can easily. Yoda, right? I love being everyone's doggie, and wish Dane could've been here, too!!

We're camping in a high-rise luxury hotel right on Virginia Beach with Uncle Donny, which is not my favorite thing because we're pretty high in the air when I'm on the balcony and there's no place out there to pee or poop. Doug has to take me to the elevator, and then for a walk. My girlfriend, Margo, wouldn't like this at all, but for me it's okay because the room service brings us delicious steaks. Doug and I walk on the beach every day, and I love our walks to the pier where people catch fish; for some reason when they cast it makes me bark, but I don't know why. I'm such a Duppy. I love that the balcony door is always open, but waves crash on the beach 24/7 and that keeps me awake. The housekeeping staff all like me even though this isn't a pet-friendly hotel, and I can tell they have doggies by the smell of their shoes. They always give us extra coffee, but I wish they'd bring me some treats!

Doug's "brother time" is a big bonus for me because there aren't any people I'd rather be with than our family, and as much as I really love Uncle Dave and his boys, Uncle Donny plays "the bisquit game" very well. A couple years ago I messed up, and caught his hand with one of my fangs, but I couldn't help it because they stick out so much. That happened with my Emma, too, and I'm so sorry because I love her so much. I've only bitten one person on purpose, but it wasn't either one of them.

I've been training Doug how to take me to the beach, and he is a good student and quick learner. When we first got here it was really hot, but today it's only around seventy degrees. Auntie Karen and Uncle Mike gave us a great folding camp chair for Doug's birthday, and Doug showed me that if I dig a hole in the sand for myself behind it I can stay pretty cool. Doug always makes sure I have plenty of water because I have to chase the sea gulls and pigeons when they try to intrude on our lunch on the beach. The pelicans are kinda scary because they're so BIG I'm afraid I might just fit in the pouch of their beaks, so I don't mess with them. Everyone brings their doggies to Virginia Beach, but in Connecticut dogs aren't allowed on the beach. Now that I'm a service animal I can go anywhere Doug goes, and have never been denied entrance anywhere. Doug's so good to me!

One day we all went to the beach I thought I was going to have to save Uncle Donny when he dove into a wave but didn't come right up again! I ran down to the water to save him as he surfaced again in just the nick of time. Doug laughed at me, but I was really worried about Uncle Donny! Thank goodness I didn't have to dive in after him! I'm not really big on swimming and have only gone in the water once, and that was when it was so hot at Vicki and Monkey's house in New York. Doug was shocked because I haven't done that before, but I HAD to cool off.

Doug has been thinking about Carol a lot, and I keep telling him to call her. I miss Margo and our walks around the old neighborhood. Carol and Margo always made me dance when I saw them, which was kind of embarrassing but I couldn't help it. They are very special, and I heard Uncle Dave say that he could tell how much Doug cares for Carol by the way Doug touches her. The only one Doug touches these days is me, and I have to say that I KNOW he loves me, but we do miss them!

We've spent a few days driving around this past week looking for a new home for Uncle Donny, and yesterday he decided on his choice! His truck is still a few days from being delivered, but his Harley is here, and I know he's anxious to get it back under him. Doug never took me for a ride on his bike, and it kinda pissed me off because I really wanted to go and feel the wind blow past us as we rumbled down the road. Carol wouldn't get on the bike, but I never understood that because I just wanna go wherever Doug goes. We're just waiting to see if/how we can help move Donny into his new place before we decide what's next for us, so stay posted for the news.

Family Time In Virginia

                                      My handsome brothers in an older picture

I am one of the most blessed people I know. In our family we are all the best of friends, and there are no other people on the earth I'd rather "hang with." Dave and his two sets of twins, minus Dane who is a senior at Liberty University, spent the holiday weekend together with us in Virginia Beach. Duppy and I are "camped out" in a luxury hotel on the beach with Donny where the room service is great, the sound of pounding surf lulls us to sleep, and we enjoy celebrating our brotherhood by eating too much and enjoying cocktails regularly. Being able to mostly shake off responsibilities of life, and revel in a freedom the hard work of life brings is a really wonderful thing. Donny is just returning safely from a three-year overseas assignment I wouldn't dare to write about, but I'm really proud of him and Dave both.

We started the family holiday weekend festivities by ordering pitchers of brew and big, fat steaks at Logan's Steak House. It's so good to see the nephews again and catch up on their doings and goings on. We're all a bunch of beach bums, and enjoyed record-setting high temperatures for the beginning of the weekend. The surf was up, and the boys' surf board was freshly waxed - Donny is a great body surfer, and I think maybe part fish. Duppy is training me in "Take the dog to the beach" protocol, and I'm learning quickly. He tolerates our days on the beach quite well, and has been a good teacher.

Over the weekend we had a food agenda, which included a couple of favorite places. Shoney's breakfast buffet where we had all-you-can-stand bacon, sausage and ham? Oh, I'm SO down with that!!! Number One Chinese Buffet is an experience in and of itself. All-you-can-stand sushi bar, a Mongolian grill I didn't even go to, and rows and rows of various Chinese specialty dishes. Whoa. We always enjoy going to Golden Corral, and made the most of our visit there before rolling, literally, out the door. The last time we visited those haunts was when Dad was here with us. It's been nice to revel in the past, and still make new memories as the nephews become young men, and my brothers and I traipse through our fifties.

Today is rainy one, but I'm not complaining. It is, after all, the middle of October, and while my goal is to follow eighty degree temperatures, Duppy and I are really enjoying hanging out with Don. Stationed on the balcony overlooking the Atlantic seaboard, I've been watching the dolphins smile at me three times a day, the pelicans glide in formation, and admiring the thunderous roar of Hornets and Super Hornet jets that take off from Oceana Naval Air Station. I know it might sound a little strange but our Dad, and I think both of my brothers, enjoy parking next to the airport to watch aircraft take off and land. I hope to do that here soon. In another life I would have loved to be a naval aviator, and really enjoy the powerful sound of the jet engines as they take off and land in training operations. As I sit here writing this, I'm unable to differentiate between the rolling thunder, streaking lightening and and roaring jets tearing through the sound barrier. Duppy is not a happy camper.

I have also enjoyed our strolls down the beach and boardwalk with cocktails in hand to VA Beach pier where people catch smaller fish than I care to try for. While I really enjoy fishing, I think it's kind of funny that I also find enormous enjoyment in watching other people fish, especially children. Last year I went deep sea fishing eight or nine times before I just started going along for the ride to watch kids fish from the Mijoy and Hell Cat charter boats on the Connecticut shoreline.

Don, Duppy and I have been riding around looking for a residence that Donny can move into as he gets ready to report in to his new duty station. The process of finding a new home is quite daunting, but eased by the fact that the navy will allow him to stay in the hotel until the end of the month. His household effects arrived a few days ago; I know he's anxious to get moved in to a new place, and his Harley back under him as much as anything else. Until then, "Life's a Beach," and we'll carry the party on until the wind blows Duppy and me away.

So Long For Now Auntie Karen!

Once again I see Doug out mucking around in the truck, packing things into a more orderly manner and looking at maps. I know he's been talking to the Uncles and we're going to meet up with them in Virginia Beach for a visit, and YAY! More camping with the Uncles and nephews!! I could easily be Uncle Dave's doggie, but I'm going to really  miss being here with Karen, Mike, Eric, Renee and even Dexter. I think Dex knows we're pulling out, too, because he's been a real pain this morning - this afternoon he's been better, He keeps bringing me his toys and pushing them into my face, and jumping on my butt. He's such a puppy! Sharing Doug with Dexter took some getting used to, and finding him in our bed next to Doug in the morning was quite an adjustment for me.

A couple years ago we came to visit with Karen, but Doug took off to Europe and left me here!! I was a little concerned about that happening again. As much as I love Karen, I didn't appreciate being ditched by Doug. I've been watching him very closely, but ever since I got my service animal vest I don't get left behind anywhere. It seems the whole world loves a Duppy, and I'm really enjoying life!

Since I go everywhere with Doug, I don't get to greet him when he comes home anymore, but I sure do love it when Auntie Karen, Eric and Renee come home! It's just like the old days, and they know just how to fuss on me!  And I get to greet three people a day! I'm a lucky boy to have such a great family. Doug says we may be back this way during the holidays. I know for sure that we're spending Christmas with Emma in Connecticut, but I can't wait until the wind blows us back to Leesburg again!

Today when Karen got home we went for an enjoyable walk with Dex, and sniffed out a part of the neighborhood Dex doesn't usually go to and found all kinds of great things to pee on together!! Lottsa doggies use that trail. When we got home Dexter jumped all over me and made me chase him - I'm too old for him! He's really fast!! He jumps on my face, hops on my butt and runs away before I can get him. Scamp.

Special thanks for being such a great aunt, and special sister to Doug. I know he's really proud of you, and admires you. I think it's great you guys are such terrific friends and have a jolly old time traveling, exploring and just hanging out together. I wish I had brothers and sisters! I'm very envious. Thanks for your gracious hospitality, and all the things you did to make our visit memorable.

Love you,
Duppy

I Stand Corrected!!

Renee showed me how to copy and paste information from web pages, which reminds how my students used to show me computer "tactics," and LOVED that my students also taught me!! While Antietam was, indeed, the bloodiest day in the war, the numbers below represent more accurately the battle statistics of the major "Civil War" battles. Civil War... Hum. Seems kind of a silly oxymoron doesn't it, or is it just me?


The Worst Civil War Battles -


Antietam was the bloodiest one-day battle of the Civil War. But there were other battles, lasting more than one day, in which many more men fell. The numbers below are total casualties for both sides.

Duppy's Day at Antietam

                     Doug won't let me pee on battlefield fences

Today Auntie Karen was fussing over breakfast and making what Doug called "popovers" - something our Grampy used to make on Sunday mornings. When Doug and Uncles Dave and Donny talk about going to see Grampy I get all excited even though I've never really gotten to see him again, but I like the rock garden and park where we go. The guys always bring scotch, smoke cigars and sit around the same spot and toast him. We've been there a bunch of times, but I still haven't seen him. Grampy is the best. I tried eating the popover, but I liked the bacon a whole lot better! So did Dexter! Thanks, Karen!

Karen and Doug were excited today to go explore somewhere they've never been, and didn't know anything about until they went on the computer - then they got REAL excited by what they were reading! For my part, I just enjoy a good ride in the car. When we got there and went to the visitor's center, a park ranger came up to Doug and said, "No dogs are allowed in here." Hah! Silly park ranger! I'm not a dog - I'm a service animal! Doug really knows how to make the "No Dogs Allowed" people go away, and I'm really glad I get to go everywhere, and don't have to wait in the car by myself anymore!

We went to Antietam, and I could "smell" the blood in Bloody Lane in much the same way I did at Gettysburg, and a lot of it! We drove around the battlefield, the smallest one we've seen so far, which kind of "compressed" the effect and feeling of battle there. We walked past Dunker's church and down to Burnside's Bridge, which crosses Antietam Creek. Auntie Karen went ahead of us because Doug didn't want her to see his tears at this incredible battle site. Today I actually saw another dog, but he didn't get to go into the visitor's center and had to wait for his people in the car. I'm SO lucky.

Uncle Dave called Doug while we  were on the northern battlefield, and I think I may get to go camping with him and the boys next weekend! I'm psyched! To be able to camp with Uncles Dave and Donny at the same time with nephews would be heaven for me! My family is THE best!!! Tyler and I had a great time camping with Donny, Mark and Doug last summer! Camping with the Uncles, Adam, Colin and Pete all at the same time? Wow!!! Let's GO!

The very best part of the day was a restaurant we went to on the way home! All the ladies that worked there were glad to see me and very nice. Even though Doug and Karen were slipping me food, one of the ladies brought me my very own serving of chicken! Karen is always watching out for me and noticed I looked a little thirsty. She pushed her glass of water toward me, but I couldn't reach it and I had to stand up against the edge of the table to get a drink. The waitress was really tickled and laughed because I'm so cute, but I could tell Doug was shocked. The next time we go to a restaurant I'm sure he'll make certain to water me better than he did yesterday, or I'll have to take matters into my own paws again! THAT'S what he should have taken a picture of!

                  Doug wouldn't let me pee on the Burnside's bridge either!

Antietam Battlefield

                         Sunset Report: An arc of light after a humbling day

Karen mentioned yesterday that she wanted to make popovers this morning, which is something Dad used to do on Sunday mornings - a specialty, in fact - Karen broke all the rules and baked us up a beautiful batch! Pop would've been proud!! Scrambled eggs and bacon, too! I took a picture of breakfast ad lib - wished I'd arranged it a little because the popovers were SO incredibly beautiful, but the two bacon strips look like just one piece of bacon in the picture!! Delicious breakfast, Sis!! Duppy and Dexter thought so, too!

Our plan today was to go to the Antietam Battlefield - neither of us have been there before, but again, "Antietam" is a word I know without knowing why. That seems to happen a lot lately, and I wonder how it is I can't recall any background knowledge about something that sounds so familiar. The thing that struck me the most is that the battle for Antietam was the single deadliest day in American military history - EVER! At Gettysburg, the same approximate number of soldiers were killed in three days. Not one day! Yikes!


Casualties include three categories: 1) dead; 2) wounded; and 3) missing or captured. In general terms, casualties of Civil War battles included 20% dead and 80% wounded. Of the soldiers who were wounded, about one out of seven died from his wounds. Over 2/3 of the 622,000 men who gave their lives in the Civil War died from disease, not from battle.

Antietam Casualties

Approximate Numbers	Union	Confederate	Total
Killed	2,100	1,550	3,650
Wounded	9,550	7,750	17,300
Missing/Captured	750	1,020	1,770
Total	12,400	10,320	22,720

Because of the catastrophic nature of battle, exact numbers of casualties were virtually impossible to compile. The sources for these figures are The Official Records of the War of the Rebellion and the Antietam Battlefield Board. Tough to imagine. Another noteworthy fact is that Antietam was the first battleground to be photographed before the bodies were removed. I'm not posting the pics here, but you can Google Images yourself. They were taken by a guy who worked for Matthew Brady - forget his name as I sit here. Another startling fact about the battle was that six general officers - three per side - were killed. I don't believe that has happened anywhere, ever in the history of the world. Karen and I did the driving tour of the battlefield which was about eight miles long, and steeped in reverence. Dunker church, Bloody Lane, Burnside Bridge - this battlefield was six miles long and two miles wide, and the site of one of history's bloodiest battles. 50,000 Artillery rounds were expended in a day! Artillery Hell.

I bought Antietam: A Documentary Film, which is narrated by James Earl Jones, to complement the Gettysburg tour CD. Mom and I are going to have a ball when we get together!! My brother-in-law, Mike, made us a copy of the entire Ken Burns' Civil War PBS series and the movie Gettysburg. Big thanks for that, Mikey!

It occurred to me today that I don't know where Valley Forge is, and I've never been to Mount Vernon, though Karen says I have. I feel compelled to do something about that. We had a very interesting day, and Karen is a wonderful playmate for both Duppy and me. We went to an all-you-can-stand Chinese buffet on the way home where Duppy was not only greeted, but welcomed openly. The Chinese waitresses really fussed on him, brought him his own dish of chicken and laughed in delight when he put his feet on the edge of the table and drank out of a glass on the table. (I was mortified!) Talk about getting away with murder! We gave her a big tip!!! I back away from my earlier supposition that you can be too cute. Duppy's got it nailed.

Virgina Beach and hooking up with Donny has been put on temporary hold as he has a full-time agenda to find a place to live and get moved in quickly. He's in VA Beach, which is not conducive to guys with campers who need secure parking arrangements, like me. I hope that Dave can still find his way here next weekend - maybe we can find somewhere to set the camper up. I know I've camped in Virginia Beach before, but can't remember where. Anyway, Dave, no worries. Come on down and we'll figure out the details as need be! Bring ALL the Boyz and sleeping bags!!! I've got everything needed to be the host with the mostest and I LOVE your tribe!!

To my blog followers, I thank you for following. I have about 100 views per day on my blog each day from twelve countries - oftentimes even more!! It seems my family and friends are the only ones who leave me comments, but I do welcome your notes when you feel inclined to leave them.

All for now!
Doug and the Dup