Civil War Cemetary-Vicksburg

The primary reason for visiting Vicksburg, MS is as a Civil War buff/historian. I am not a Civil War expert nor do I believe that war is the answer to all conflicts between nations. However, I do have a real interest in historic cemetaries and what they tell us about those who came before. As I drove through the section of the Vicksburg city cemetary that is dedicated to the Confederate soldiers of the Civil War, I could not help but, once again, see that war is fought by the young. The causes of wars are many and at times, in retrospect, appear to be events that really proved nothing but a nations' ability to wage destruction on its enemies-both real and imagined. Regardless of the cause of war the sacrifices that are evident in these silent cemetaries should force us to reflect on the results of these wars. To the families who lose their children and loved ones the toll is overwhelming and is never forgotten. Regardless of whether it is Arlington National Cemetary, the military cemetaries found in most major cities, or the monuments to "glories past," I can not help from thinking about the lives that were never allowed to find their natural end due to conflict between warring sides. George Orwell wrote the following concerning the willingness of young men and women to defend their country: "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." I am sad for these lives lost. And, at the same time, incredibly grateful that there are those "rough men" and women who gave it all over the years. Perhaps you will say that the Civil War is not an example of this sentiment,but none the less, on this day, in this cemetary, I was keenly aware that sacrifice is sacrifice.

Ruins of Windsor-Mississippi

Located between Natchez and Vicksburg Mississippi are the "Windsor Ruins." Personally, I had never heard of this place until a friend and native of Vicksburg introduced them to me. Located on a state highway off Highway 61 and near Alcorn State University one can find this magnificent relic of the past. As I drove down a small paved road and then turned onto a dirt "path" I wondered if I was about to go someplace I had no business going alone at 5:00 in the afternoon. As I rounded a bend in the "path" there stood these wonderful columns! Alone among the towering trees with dappled light coming through and the singing birds that seem to be everywhere in Mississippi, I could not believe what I was seeing. Today there are only the remaining columns of what was once a magnificent home. As the light began to change and the wind picked up, the columns took on new dimensions. I stayed on the sight, alone, for about 30 minutes trying to photograph every angle possible. This historic sight is so unlike anything I had seen in relation to old southern plantation type homes. If you are ever in Port Gibson, MS ("the town to beautiful to burn"), take some time to go to the Windsor Ruins. Here is more information :

http://home.olemiss.edu/~kcozart/ruins.html

Kudzu-Nature's Blanket

Anyone who has driven through the Deep South is familiar with this phenomenon known as Kudzu. This lush, incredibly fast growing vine covers nearly seven million acres of southern landscape. Introduced by the Japanese government in the late 1800's as part of a world exposition event, the plant has become in integral symbol of the South. Growing at one foot per day, this plant loves the humidity and heat that comes with this part of the country. In driving through the Deep South, one can have the same sensation as looking at cloud formations on a clear day. One can begin to see things and people in these massive vines. Whole landscapes disappear under this blanket of green. I think I saw an elephant with trunk extended rearing up on its hind legs. What do you see?

On the Road Again

While driving through Central Louisiana I came across this sign. I love homemade signs as they often have great syntax bloopers. It grabbed my attention so much I had to made a u-turn to get back to the place of business. My question was immediately "Are puppies used for firewood?" "What type of kindling does one use?"Now don't go postal all animal right's activists....it's just a funny thought.