3/14/2021

 

Update 3/14/2021

I’m back! I did my first tours at DH on Tuesday, and they went well. I admit I was nervous, but overall, I think I was ok. I lost my focus a couple of times, but any questions that were asked, I was able to answer with authority, so I’ve not forgotten the information – I’ve forgotten to include some it in my narrative. It felt good to be doing something again. The fountains in Savannah, including the one in Columbia Square, were turned green again.  Not every St Patrick's Day tradition has been lost to COVID. Also, Luciana, the City of Savannah archivist, contacted me about returning. Although City Hall isn’t open to the public yet, it will be fine if I can come in occasionally to document transcription, or anything else they need. Because it’s been such a long time since I was last there, undoubtedly, my access has expired, and I may just be clipping, copying or sorting for a while. But I’m going back in April, and that will be great, too.

After meeting Jane and Helen in Green Square on Thursday, I didn’t feel much like walking. I did have to get back to my car, parked where it’s free. And as I ambled down Oglethorpe Avenue and past Colonial Park Cemetery, I noticed that some of the azaleas were blooming to beat the band! I kept going to Forsyth Park, and was disappointed that those azaleas haven’t come out yet. Maybe next week. Nothing picks up spirits like lovely spring flowers.

Friday night, I went to Starland Yard, a food truck venue that was hosting jazz music provided by the Philharmonic. (Interestingly, AP also had a food truck come that afternoon – more chances for me to indulge!) I met a few of the ladies from the Wednesday evening gatherings there and we had a nice time, visiting, listening to incredible music (think Ella, the vocalist was very much like her), and having food and drink.

Friday was also Allen’s 50^th birthday. Holy Shit, I’m old! He told me he’d received many cards and was pleased to be remembered.

On Saturday, I zoomed with the Friends of Mt Hope Cemetery for a lecture on Emily Sibley Watson. (caution: editorials ahead). Many very innovative men earned great wealth through invention, intelligence and hard work. But the family members were left to be the philanthropists. I’m always struck about how revered those family members are, Rockefellers, Fords, Sibleys, for donating and supporting such worthy causes. But overall, I don’t believe it wasn’t anything they couldn’t do, or sacrificed much to do. I haven’t heard of any of the families giving up large amounts of stocks, or huge estates, or traveling anywhere they wanted at any time, in order to endow hospitals or open schools. Probably, it would be like me giving up half of my stimulus check to assist others – not anything I can’t really afford and nothing that will affect my overall standard of living. Also, Emily Watson lost a young sister to typhus, and she lost a daughter to diphtheria. Pandemics aren't new, and people have always lost loved ones to disease, just like today. But unlike today, I don’t think the generations of people who came before thought death was something they and their loved ones could avoid; it was very much a part of life.

I’ve been reading furiously. Whenever I see an interesting book on a book review website, I add it to my list of library reserve books. Four books have been available in the past ten days, and the loan period of new releases is only two weeks. Three of the books are novels involving WWII, and one is set in WWI. This is why I need to be in a book club. Left to my own choices, historical novels is what I want to read. The Pooler Library book club, however, sent out the invitation for next Tuesday’s meeting on Thursday! I wrote back that it would be impossible for me to find a copy and read it in time to participate in a discussion. I was assured that I’d bet more lead time next month, but we’ll see. I should just be happy to read books I’m interested in, I guess.

Because Sunday was National Pi Day, I made a pie. I always am unhappy to be in the kitchen, but this took minimal effort, and actually tasted quite good. It’s also something I’d thought of to make for St Patrick’s Day. Traditionally, the Irish would eat shepherds’ pie, but since I don't like lamb, I made cottage pie. I may still get a corned beef sandwich on Wednesday, too.

General Oglethorpe died this week. I have met him at many festivals and events during my time in Savannah. He was a delight. He was especially good with children during parade in February for Georgia Days. Almost always, he would be in the 1700s, never breaking that plane, but I have talked to him when he was willing to chat about what we can learn from history in the 21^st century. RIP Scott.