It's been a while since I last posted, mostly because I am in the middle of a couple of big books, and I generally wait until I'm done with a book before posting. I'm also about to leave for a 10-day trip and am not sure I'll be posting before I get back.
What I'm Reading
John Adams, by David McCullough - this is a reread but loving this 5-star bio just as much as the first time I read it. I'm 75% done--Adams has just finished his only term as president and is ready to retire to his farm in Massachusetts. He and Abigail were the first residents of the White House and moved in while it was not really completely done, but now they are done with public life and eager to spend time together on their farm.
Reading this has made me want to reread the fabulous mystery trilogy by Barbara Hamilton in which indefatigable Abigail is the sleuth. I picked up book 1 from the library, The Ninth Daughter, and intend to read it on my travels.
Gettysburg,: The Last Invasion, by Allen C. Guezo - yes, the Civil War reading continues unabated. As I jokingly tell my husband, "I am studying for the test." So far, I have the Army command structure memorized for both the Confederates and the Union down to the Brigadier General level, and I am working on memorizing the regiments within the Brigades. Why? Who knows. Actually, I think it helps me to understand the battle of I can think about who is where and with whom and against whom. Let's just call it an obsession and move on.
Where I'm Going
First stop is Baltimore for the Jane Austen Society of North American (JASNA) Annual General Meeting (AGM). This meeting celebrates the 250th anniversary of Austen's birth and is jam-packed with excellent speakers, etc. As always, I am looking forward to scoping out all the wonderful outfits people put together--no, I don't dress up in Regency garb, but I enjoy seeing others do so!
After the AGM, my husband and I are hanging around Baltimore for a day and a half. As it turns out, the Pride of Baltimore II will be dockside, and we've booked a two-hour cruise on it for Sunday afternoon. Then, maybe the National Aquarium on Monday. There are lots of interesting options, so stay tuned.
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And then, drumroll please...we're heading up to Gettysburg. I've booked two two-hour sessions with a battlefield guide for consecutive mornings. And then, there is the self-guided audio tour, plus hiking trails around the battlefield, the visitor's center (which is supposed to be fantastic), and the town itself.
In addition to the reading I've been doing, I've been listening to the Addressing Gettysburg podcast, which I cannot recommend highly enough. The host and the guest speakers, mostly battlefield guides, are interesting and entertaining.
We'll end our trip with a drive south through Shenandoah National Park, stopping first at Harper's Ferry for a quick walkaround.
Have a great time in Gettysburg and the Jane Austen meeting in Baltimore. And I agree before we visit a place it's always good to read up on it. I took a trip once to Savannah GA and everyone on the ship was reading Midnight In the Garden of Good and Evil. The book had just come out and I figured why bother. Now I know what I missed.
ReplyDeleteHave fun! It is a shame that the JASNA meeting is the same weekend as the Betsy-Tacy convention. My friend Emily is one of the organizers - maybe you'll meet her - instead of rooming with me in Minnesota.
ReplyDeleteLaura Lippman's series set in Baltimore is a fun read when you are visiting. The first book is Baltimore Blues.
How fun that you're going to JASNA! I hope you have a wonderful time. :D
ReplyDeleteThat's very cool that you'll be celebrating Jane Austen's 250th birthday with a lot of other folks. I look forward to hearing about it.
ReplyDeleteYour trip sounds like so much fun - JASNA and the Civil War! Hope the weather cooperates for the Pride of Baltimore cruise. I just know you're going to love Gettysburg! Already looking forward to your photos.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a wonderful time. Have fun!
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