Cowpens Battlefield

Today we took Chase and Sadie to Cowpens Battlefield in Cowpens SC. It's about 30 minutes from our house. I know that's a weird name for a town. I thought it was odd the first time I heard it and you can imagine what went through my mind when I envisioned a town named Cowpens. Now, whenever I mention it to other people they almost always say, "Cowpens? Why'd they name a town that?" So here is the rest of the story:

If you didn't know, South Carolina had more Revolutionary War battles than any of the other states. Several of them were significant turning points in the war, including the battle at Cowpens led by General Daniel Morgan. The term cowpens referred to a local grazing area for free-range cattle at the time. Before the days of the Internet, the General Morgan's message swept across the Carolina countryside, "Meet us at cowpens!"

Through an ingenious plan Morgan composed the front line with the local patriot militia. The British under Colonel Tarleton sensing an easy victory advanced on the line. Morgan ordered the front to fall back and then on the next hill the British found themselves facing the Continental Army in full force. The Revolutionaries lost 72 men at Cowpens on Jan. 17, 1781 to the 600 losses in the British Army. Colonel Tarleton was sent fleeing into the hills. The overwhelming victory at Cowpens gave hope to the Patriots and changed the course of the Revolutionary War!

Bamboo Forest at Cowpens

Cowpens Battle Reenactment Jan. 15, 2005

Parent's Week-End at College of Charleston

We went down to Charleston for Parent's Week-End at College of Charleston. Dropped Sadie and Chase off with Sherri then Sarah took us on a tour of the college. It is absolutely a beautiful campus. All the old buildings. I remember driving by it when we lived there, but had never actually went in any of the buildings. We had lunch at one of her favorite places and then hit the school bookstore to buy some sweatshirts!

Kids Here this Week-End

Lance, Sarah and two of their friends went to the Clemson game on Saturday then stopped back at our house today. I love having them and their friends around. We all sat out on the swing and chairs in the front. They are the greatest kids. We are so lucky!

The Citadel

Sarah's boyfriend Michael (front in the picture) is a junior at the Citadel. He is very nice and has been to our house several times. The poor guy came the first time over Thanksgiving Week-end. He showed up in the middle of a charades game with all the crew from Virginia Beach and some how got roped into doing a military marching thing with Jeff, Ray, Tony, Lance and Steve. I figure if he can hold his own with those guys, he is "A-Okay" with me.



I love this black and white (Michael is the one holding the towel), reminds me of Cary Grant movies and the 60's. Anyway he is a really nice boy from a small town about 15 minutes from us. I think our high school football team and his are rivals. I'm looking forward to meeting his parents the next time he and Sarah come up. It might be awhile though, the Citadel has strict curfews and they don't let their boys have a lot of free time! He and Sarah can just focus on school for now, good for both of them. :)

Happy Birthday Sarah, she's 21!

Sarah's 21!! She celebrated her birthday in Charleston with all her friends then came up to our house this week-end. We had spaghetti (Sarah's favorite) and a cake. Took a ride in the Chevelle, watched "Gladiator" and spent the evening talking about what the future might hold for all of us. She is doing well in school and loves her job at the bank. It sounds promising that she might be able to continue to work there when she graduates. She'll have a degree in psych and wants to work in human relations.

Her birthday present from me was everything so she can get a passport. I know that day is way off in the future but I hope she will be able to go to China with us when we pick up her sister! I know I'm going to need some help. She and Jeff can keep me sane during the trip. We are hoping Lance will also be able to come at least for the "Adoption Day" court date, but will have to see where he is in the Navy in 2 years.


She brought Mr. Chase with her. Sadie was glad to see her old friend. They played until they both fell asleep on the living room floor. Right now though Chase is in trouble. The man who has the field next to us fertilized it a few days ago with manure. Can you believe that?

We had to give Sadie a bath on Friday because she found her way into it and now Chase has done the same thing. Then Jeff pulled on the hose, I'm not sure exactly what happened but we don't have any water. Something broke and he had to turn the water off. Sunday evening, what can you say!!!