2/18/2024

 

Weekly Update 2/18/2024

This was an amazing week for me to learn new things. What a great week for lectures!

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were just normal days, but starting Thursday, I really had a lot of places to go and things to do.

The first one was a talk by Stan Deaton. He was giving a noon time lecture at 6 E State Street, a small space on Wright Square across from the Lutheran Church. I think it is associated with the church and in addition to being a meeting space, it also serves as a soup kitchen and place of advocacy for the homeless. Dr Deaton gave a marvelous talk about George Washington and his vision for the chief executive of the US government. Without pointing fingers at present day politicians, the talk was only about Washington’s desire to step back from governing in any form, and when pressed, how he formed the presidency and the term limits it still holds. Fascinating and informative.

That same evening, I went to Bethesda for another one of their lectures. This was given by Andrew Jones, a descendant of Noble Jones from Wormsloe Plantation. He talked about the early settlement of Savannah and how his ancestor was instrumental in helping to establish colony of Georgia. As a surveyor (among many other occupations) Noble Jones helped James Oglethorpe develop the Oglethorpe Plan of wards, squares and lots.

Friday night I went to the Mighty Eighth Museum for a screening of one episode of Masters of the Air, a current drama series showing on Apple TV (which, of course, I don’t pay for). It was graphic in it’s portrayal of a bombing mission meant to destroy a German military site. Following the movie, a 101-year-old WWII air veteran spoke. His memory lapsed from time to time in the talk, but overall, he did remarkably well in sharing some of his experiences. That was followed by a panel discussion. One of the actors, the producer and the author of the book that the television series is based on, discussed the filming and took questions from the audience. It was wonderful.

Saturday was a let down. I went tot he Book Fest. I haven’t attended in a few years, as I’ve been disappointed that I was not able to hear authors that I wanted to because there was not enough room to seat everyone. This year, a few new venues were added, including the Savannah Theater and the Cultural Arts Center, both of which are larger auditoriums. I was hopeful. I was able to get into the first book talk by Sy Montgomery. She spoke about her latest book, Of Time and Turtles. It was interesting, but was about snapping turtles, not the sea turtles that I have come to love. So, that was a little disappointing. After that, I walked as fast as I could to the next location, which was the First Baptist Church. I really wanted to listen to Alice McDermott because I had read book, Absolution, and I loved it. When I got there, the line waiting to get in was all around the block. I knew there would not be room, so I left. The Book Fest was so wonderful when I first moved here, but it’s gotten so big, I think I’m just going to have to pass on attending this event in the future.

Sunday, Bonaventure hosted Don Teuton talking about the Tattnall family. They owned the plantation that became Bonaventure Cemetery. The lecture was held in the Jewish Chapel at Bonaventure. The acoustics were horrible, and the microphone didn’t work, so I hardly heard anything. But I wanted to support Don and the BHS. I also got to remove the poinsettias from John and Dessie’s graves and put out spring flowers.

BUT – the highlight of my weeks was Annie. Her first birthday is Monday, February 19, but her party was on Saturday. Sarah and Jack set up a google meet, so I could attend the party! I bought a piece of cake at Publix, stuck a candle in it, and watched as Annie ate her cake and played with her balloons, and opened her presents. How cool is that?