The War could not have been fought without the aid of horses and mules, and more of them died than did soldiers during the 4 long years.	The drums roll, the cannons fire, and life for an entire nation changes forever.
"Home Too Late"   It wasn't just the soldier that faced dangers during the War years. Many of them escaped death only to return to lives that had changed forever.	The bigger they are, the harder they fall.  Thanks to Cap'n Mike for laughing when we titled this one "Muchas Grassyass"
Even with their world  coming apart at the seams, children still found time to smile and enjoy a day in the sunshine.
	More Americans died during the four years of War than have died during any other period of wartime before or since. Although the reasons for this war are often misunderstood,  and the flag of the South has been unreasonably sullied in the years since,  the wounds have healed and we all join together as One Nation. Under God. Indivisible.

My world isn't all about cannons and gunfire, it's also filled with the sounds of rushing waterfalls and birdsong. I am blessed to live near the Tennessee River where the foothills of the Appalachians reach out and dip their toes. Where towering pine and oak trees whisper their secrets to the intricate rock patterns on the faces of the mountains in gentle summer breezes. Where Mother Nature dumps her paintbox in the skies for afternoon sunsets, and the moon and stars twinkle down on placid lakes that mirror their sparkle.Where fishermen haul in record catches and vacationers flock to share the bountiful blessings Nature has bestowed upon my little corner of the world.

Being Southern is all about "family." Knowing who you are means you know your pedigree, not that you know what you want from life. My family has lived in this little valley for generations, this cabin (now officially in the historical records) was my grandfather Joe Burgess's birthplace. One mile from the farm where I still live.