This is the view that greeted me this morning:



Can you imagine working at such a beautiful place?

Mannie

Hey!

Go here

Take crayons.

Mannie

Not quite what I had expected

From my station at the FDR memorial...



this is as close as I ever got to the inauguration.

"Ours is not to reason why..."

Thawing out and turning in, just north of Boonsboro,

p.s.

I did manage to capture an incredible sound from the event:

Mannie

Happy Lee/Jackson Day

Of course, she was the better singer.

Big Doin's Downtown

John Hoptak expresses it all here.

Here's my two cents worth.

I broke out a new shirt, as I always say "a new president deserves a new shirt".

I've got three Snickers bars to take along (working in cold weather is the perfect excuse!).

I trimmed my beard. I want to look my best when the Chief Justice asks me to kindly hold the bible for him.

And, my camera batteries are all charged up.

So I'm all set to go.  A full debriefing will follow here when I get back.



Mannie

mustn't forget to pickup toothpaste

Getting ready...

for Tuesday.

brrrrr

Mannie

Zouaves, and frigid weather

The latest post to my toy soldier blog can be found here.  The topic? Zouaves!

In other news,  if you are planning a visit to the battlefield over the next few days, pack your woolies, its going to be COLD.

Mannie

Regarding those remains found at Antietam...

I've been getting emails and comments from readers and fellow bloggers asking for my inside take on the story that broke a couple of days ago regarding the remains of a young Union soldier found on the battlefield.  I'm sorry to disappoint but...

 all I know is what I read in the papers.

About this electrifying event, I know little more than anyone else.

I must tell you though, I'm often asked by visitors if there's any chance that there are still soldiers buried out there, my response is usually "It is mathematically probable".

The battlefield continues to gradually reveal its story to us, day by day, generation by generation.  And through these revelations the events of that day in 1862 remain immediate, authentic, and of transcendent importance.

What an amazing place to spend my days, just north of Sharpsburg.

Mannie

Cool assignment

Re: 2009 Presidential Inauguration

I'll be Rangering on the National Mall.

Pix will follow.

Mannie

Attention all NCR Parkies

Calling all Rangers and NPS Volunteers in Parks (VIPs) who will be working or attending the inauguration in Washington DC

As you will have some of the best (and worst) seats in the house, so to speak, for this historic event, howsabout sharing them with all other parks enthusiasts and ranger wannabes who won't be able to attend?

If you would be so kind as to send me two or three representative photos of your Ranger or VIP  experience on inauguration day, I'll post them in a later blog entry for everyone to see and share.

Feel free to capture yourself in the picture. Be sure to include with your jpeg how you wish to have your name appear (if at all).

Email pix to:

museumofamerica@myactv.net

and share the day with the rest of us!

Happy new year,

Mannie