Ramblings....

It seems that I have survived another action-packed weekend, which included three road trips, two of which could be considered war-related.

Friday night found me in the town of Burnsville at the Parkway Playhouse. It was opening night of “The Ballad of Tom Dooley." The real story (which takes place in 1866) of this former Confederate soldier is well known to many. Needless to say, the writers of this script took quite a few liberties with the historical story. But it was a good play, and the music was great. The play is running through August 21. You can find more information here.

We were up early on Saturday and on our way to Durham to the Bennett Place for their last 2nd Saturday program. I joined about a dozen other authors for a mini-author’s fair. I had the pleasure of being set up under the old Band Stand there on the property with local historian Jim Wise and Appomattox Historical Park Ranger Burt Dunkerly. We had a great time talking to the crowds and sharing information amongst ourselves. Throughout the day, we were kept in step by the Carolina Drum and Fife Corps, which sounded great!

On another note, tonight (Monday, August 16), Dr. Michelle Gillespie, of Wake Forest University, will be speaking before the Mitchell County Historical Society on the aftermath of the War in the Appalachian Mountains. Dr. Gillespie will be at the Mitchell County Historic Courthouse at 7:00 pm.

I’m still working on the proofs for the book on the 58th North Carolina Troops. They should be finished this week. And as always, I have a couple dozen score of emails that need attention. Hopefully I’ll get to yours soon.