The Genoa Cowboy Festival 2017

Hello Friends,

I am going to be starting a new little series for the Yesteryear category which was encouraged by a fellow NCWV civilian. I have been wanting to share more than just pictures of each event with those of you who read the blog. At first, I wasn't sure how to do it. At the event last weekend, the dear Mrs. Giurlani suggested keeping a journal of sorts during our reenacting season. Her suggestion was more as a historic marker for the club, but it encouraged me to do it for myself. The entries are dated during the years of the war, but the events mentioned are purely modern (e.g. incidents that happen during the reenactments we attend.) I hope you enjoy this little step back in time.

                                                                                                April 30. 1861

Our encampment at Mormon Station has been successful. Our contingent, though small in number, has had a grand impact. It seems as though those who dwell here enjoy our company. Mrs. Giurlani, Mrs. Quinlan, Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Sullivan acted as gracious hostesses, showing passersby their dwellings. And answering any questions put forth for their consideration. 

While working on my mending, I encountered a gentleman and his lady who were taken ill after listening to Dr, Bechard make his lecture about his medical practices. I myself have never had the pleasure of listening to the gentleman make his lecture. After this encounter, I am reserved in my judgement to do so. 

Mrs. Sullivan, though she is not the camp cook, made an exquisite peach cobbler for after our supper the night before. It was agreed upon by all that her methods were well worth the effort. 

Our numbers have included many a gentleman sympathetic to the Union cause. While examining our camp, I noticed one gentleman, not so sympathetic, who made his stance quite clear. I know not why he was in camp, but his gray jacket made him to stand out. While our compassion has gained the better of us in our hospitality, we are still wary that he may cause trouble if so provoked. Mr. Reed, our humble chaplain seems to have befriended the gentleman in a right manner as he has sought sanctuary with in the walls of the chapel. 

When not attending to those in need within his flock, Mr. Reed often graces us with the presence of his musical talents. He entertains his audience with delightful melodies. I am blessed to know some of the words and oft find myself singing alongside Mr. Reed. Upon occasion, he can be seen giving a short lesson to willing students, who oft leave with an expression of joy upon their face. 

Included in our numbers are Mr. P. Aylworth and Mr. R. Sewell. These gentlemen perform a great service when presenting their knowledge to all who are willing to lend an ear. I will oft lift my eyes from my work to see their tent surrounded by persons who seem to be intent upon their every word. There are few who leave their audience less than satisfied with their experience. 

          Mr. Aylworth and Mr. Sewell invited Mrs. Sullivan and myself to participate in a croquet match this morning. As we set upon our game, the company was pleasant, until Mr. Aylworth deemed himself far removed and commenced to cheat the company. When his indecency had been discovered by Mrs. Sullivan and myself, it was brought to the attention of Dr. Bechard. After having examined the situation, the good sir prescribed that Mr. Aylworth receive a total of three lashings for his misconduct. Mr. Sewell was instructed to carry out the punishment. Though a bit harsh, the punishment was given for the indiscretion and no more was said on the matter. 

          As it has become customary when we are encamped together, the ladies put on a spectacular afternoon tea. We were graced with the presence of several young ladies, many of whose names I regrettably cannot recall. Several presented their knowledge about historical figures to the company assembled. Each lady stood before us with elegance and poise while becoming another. I quite enjoyed it. Once they had completed their presentations, we were honored to hear Mrs. Smith present several poems to be read aloud in a dramatic fashion. It seemed to please the company assembled. 

          After our tea had come to a close and our company departed, it was time to break camp. As we packed our trunks, we wished a fond farewell to one another and sent wishes of goodwill until we met once again. 

Which part is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below.

{Farm} Introductions

I realized that I have never done any kind of post that explains who’s who. So here is a list of the people you’ll hear about in the blogs and even on the YouTube channel.

At the Flying V.S. Farm

 

Gran

This is my grandmother’s code name on the blog. Gran is my maternal grandmother. She was born in the 40’s during WWII. She lived during the original green movement and knows how to do all the good things like canning and sewing. She teaches me as well as any book could.

Franklin

Our nutty black and white cat.  I am not 100% sure how old Franklin is. When gran adopted him from the SPCA, he was supposed to be my cat. As is often the case, the cat chose his human and it wasn’t me. He adores Gran and is her cat… I am ok with that though. He is an absolute nut! We laugh at him quite often.

Gabe

Gran’s adopted 6 year old Border Collie from a local rescue. Gran has an affinity for animals with issues. Gabe only has 3 legs. He was hit by a vehicle before we adopted him. He can get around as well as any dog. I hope to possibly start training him to herd because he has a natural desire for it.

Linus

 My 4 year old Border Collie mix. When Gran adopted Gabe, we couldn’t only have one dog. So I talked her into adopting a second. The same rescue had two 4 month old puppies listed on their website. We went back to pick up her dog and met them both. I settled on Linus because his personality stood out. Little did I know what kind of personality I was getting into.  He is a bit bouncy as you will see in the future. He also talks- a lot. 

Woody

My nine year old Miniature Dachshund. While I am a supporter of the adopt don’t shop movement, I am glad to have Woody. He balances out the size ratio in our home. My parents bought my brother and I dogs back in 2008. After losing his brother, he was the only dog in our house. He needed a canine family. When my parents moved to their apartment in the city, they couldn’t take him with them. That was fine and he became my dog. He is the class clown here on the farm.

My Family

 Mom & Dad

My parents are, well, my parents. I haven’t come up with any creative code names for them yet. They live about a half hour north of Gran and I. When they moved from their apartment to a house, my mom became a little keener on the idea of homesteading (at least having a garden and a few chickens anyway.) I am hoping to get Mom to contribute a bit to the blog. and maybe even Dad.They were the original creators of the Flying V.S. Farm. To keep them as a part of the farm, they have become the Flying V.S. Farm North 40.  I attribute my love of animals and history to them. 

Mom

This is usually the view I have of Mom.

Mom is a fantastic photographer. I will be sharing some of the period inspired portraits she's taken of me lately on the blog soon.  There are somethings you just can't learn from a book. My natural affinity for photographing life comes from her. When she isn't crafting or cooking. she works as an elementary school teacher. 




Dad
Dad is retired going on 10 years from his job as a state employee. Now that he has all this free time, he works as a US missionary associate with the Assemblies of God church and is an AG certified minister. His heart lies with the intercity people, particularly the homeless.  

Scooter

This is the code name for my “little” brother. Even though we live apart, we are still very close. When you grow up in a neighborhood where you’re the only kids, it’s bound to happen that you become best friends with your siblings.  

The G’s

My code name for my second cousin’s family. They moved to the area a few years back and it’s been nice having them closer. Family dinners and shared holidays, what could be better?’

Mrs. G

Mom’s cousin on my grandfather’s side of the family. She is a stay at home mom and homeschooler extraordinaire with their two kids. She loves doing Pinterest projects in her spare time.

Mr. G

 I don’t mean to point out the obvious, but this is Mrs. G’s husband. He works as a guardsmen and a pastor.

Lil’ Sis

My 5 year old cousin who feels like my little sister, thus her codename. She enjoys playing with Legos (they are actually Duplo blocks, but hey, what is the difference?) She started dance last year and is really good. And her sense of humor… wow. Lil’ Sis also enjoys the animals and we have great fun when she visits the farm.

Lil’ Bro

My 2 year old cousin. Now that this kid has started walking (and running) he is into everything. He has also started talking. If he isn’t running away he is telling you what he thinks. When they visit, his favorite toy is a wooden Ark that I had when I was a kid. It is attacked with great fervor and within 5 minutes there are giraffes and lions scattered about.  We introduced him to the chickens this past fall and he kept trying to feed them… constantly.He seemed to enjoy it.

I hope this gives you a better understanding of who everyone is when you are reading posts here on the blog. I know it can get confusing sometimes. Hang in there!

Ms. B