Looking back: 150 years ago in Manassas

Remembering the second battle of Manassas, Va. during the Civil War was a blast from the past -- with cannons.



I was reminded of the festivities when I heard and felt the earth shaking BOOM of artillery across the street from my office on Friday. Historic Liberia House was in full reenactment mode.

 

A visit to the restored building and grounds brought reflection of how life had been and how life had changed. The historic home looked like the Weir family had stepped out for moment to tend to their farm. It was hard to believe that beyond the tree-lined property was the massive traffic flow of Northern Virginia.










The on-site cemetery was guarded by an old fence and wounded tree.




Intrigued, we wondered to old town to get a twilight tour of the Confederate Cemetery in Manassas. Many city founders, mixed with unknown Civil War soldiers, are buried there.



It was eerie when the guides explained that many coffins had bells in them. Military members feared they would be buried alive. The bells would alert the living to dig them up.

The south can put on a good show with authentic costumes, music, and balls. Tents and gear dotted any available grassy area in the city.

Old Town Manassas merchants welcomed visitors with great food, live music, and gifts.



At night, the cannons were quiet but the town had music swirling through the streets from the Harris Pavilion's Blue and Gray Ball to the City Square Cafe's entertaining toe-tapping solo guitarist. 







Share your experiences if you visited any Civil War happenings this summer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Freedom from the phone: Just turn it off

I was reminded to leave my cell phone in my car during a recent visit to the County Courthouse.
Unfortunately, it was like leaving my arm behind.  I don't hover over my screen like many people.  I just listen for tweets or rings that may be important in work and family.   

My daughters are permanently attached to their phones.  One was yelled at in church by a lady who saw her sneaking a text during the Gospel reading.  I am not proud of this behavior. 

The cell phone has been a great punishment tool.  "Get good grades or we'll take your phone," was a common echo when senioritis set in for a few of the children.  One long punishment left my one child feeling liberated from the freedom of the constant nagging of her phone contacts.  Later, her so-called friends were angry at her for not responding to their pleas for attention.    

My son, in the military, must exercise self control from his phone.  He leaves in downstairs when he goes to bed.  A good, simple plan.

NY Times reported how one person turned off his phone and felt tension and a thrill of being digitally cut-off:  http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/26/technology/cutting-the-digital-lifeline-and-finding-serenity.html?smid=pl-share



   

Draught be gone; fall is near

What happened? The end of summer is near -- after a draught like hell -- and I have finally decided to crawl out in our almost acre property and access the damage. The cascading hanging baskets are kaput, however, the nagging weeds are spiraling out of control.

Remember, it's the most beautiful time of the year: Fall. Perfect for planting. I stumbled upon Southern States, Manassas , Va., after navigating through some construction, and was thrilled with a 50 percent off sale with a huge selection.

The friendly horticulturist on staff said they are suffering from the construction. If you want to revitalize your landscape, check out your local nurseries, this is the season for bargains. As a certified master gardener, I know many flowers and plants will bloom and grow throughout the fall.

Southern States, 9751 Center St., Va. (703)368-2165. http://www.southernstates.com/storelocations/77685/index.aspx

Get ready for a great military discount

Our men and women in the military, including our son and daughter in the U. S. Air Force, are honored with some great military discounts.

Our daughter is usually upgraded to first class during commercial air travel. My son gets a kick out of his Lowes and Auto Zone discounts.

Militarydiscountlist.com shares oodles of companies and services with discounts including:

Burger King -- not McDonalds

Old Navy -- not Walmart, Kmart, or Target

SeaWorld's FREE admission -- not Universal Studios, who only discounts a hotel/park package.



SeaWorld in Florida won the vote for a family vacation. Their theme, "Here's to the Heroes" has been honoring the military with free admission since 2005.

Getting the kids psyched for a trip to observe, learn, and be in awe of the great creatures of the sea was easy. Respect for the sea and living things were echoed throughout the park ending with an impressive grand finale with Shamu, the killer whale.

Do you know of any great military discounts?

Name choices for grandmother

The word grandmother sounds so -- old. That's why I picked Nannie as my official title when my first grandchild was born. His other grandmother picked Grammy.

I remember the brain storming session: Gram, Mom-Mom, Mimaw, G-maw, or Mimi?

Why did we bother? When he started to talk, he called us what he wanted to call us. Now I am Nanna and she is TuTu. Go figure.

Did your grandmother have an unusual name? Why?

How to survive college -- in your 50's

I'm a senior now.  One more year down at George Mason University (GMU).  Juggling a full time job, 3 to 4 kids living in the house (the Old Dominion University [(ODU] child flits in and out), a busy hubby, and a full load in college is no easy task.  But, I did it.  I was surprised when I received a letter from GMU --  I made the Dean's List -- and so did my ODU child.

Going back to college (after a 20+ year break) was the best decision I ever made.  I have met incredible professors and fellow students that have had a positive impact in my education and business.   

My favorite classes were upper level courses in marketing, social media, journalism, entrepreneurship, and health management.  I loathed the required IT class. 

This upcoming year I will tackle some tough classes to finally finish -- I am excited.    

Our household will have 3 in college in the upcoming fall semester.  The two college youngsters will have no excuses but to get good grades -- I did it -- and so can they.  Of course, they are already pleading that their social life is way more active than mine.  Different priorities.  However, I am more than happy with my social life. 

Adult students: How do you manage work, family, and life?  

Top teen triumphs

All teens are different. Some strive for ivy. Some want a winning sport team.



Some value friendships.



And others are driven to lead and to work hard. Our recent high school graduate -- the third in three years -- is the latter.



She is smart, can play a mean lacrosse game, has good friends, but her strongest trait is as a leader.



Sure she had her struggles after an unavoidable change in high schools. 

She was once nervous for a job interview, but by graduation, she was juggling two part-time jobs while coaching a girl's soccer team.

Once soft-spoken, she can now reprimand a parent for misconduct on a game's side line.



She paraded on to graduation.



Now college is in sight and a new beginning. As a parent, it just takes patience to see her through her journey.



She has emerged as an incredible young lady prepared to be successful in life.