OK, so IO sold my period tentage. And bought new costume parts. And hate bad weather. Where to go?

Prime requisite: indoors. Other prime: clientele must be interested in history of a violent type.
Answer: Gun Shows

I attended several Showmasters shows in the past and enjoyed them. I also attended a relic and antique arms show in Fredericksburg, but Civil War interest often trumps the Revolutionary War. 
PA demographics show up well for my book and so I have several shows planned in York and Gettysburg. So we shall see! (Does anyone else ever use the word 'shall' anymore?)

A few fall plans went by the wayside, but can't say I'm sorry.

I managed Chadd's Ford PA for a lovely Friday/Saturday. Then the smart money smelled rain, so the vendors in my environs decamped for home. I will say that the event was so enjoyable in many different ways, both for us and for the non-costumed folk.

But somewhere in there a seed was sewn... as I contemplated loading up the car.

And I walked over to the nearest large military unit and asked them if they wanted my tentage.

They did.

Then I went home and bought a new costume riding jacket.

So I am not out of the game, but will blanket-trade from baskets in the future. Truth of it is that I seem to gather bad weather the way a dog gathers fleas - unintentionally but steadily.

I also need to finish my next book and do all the things that years of devotion to "1777" have blocked me from doing. (Now ... if I could only afford those things!)

August 1 and the Battle Flags begin to fly for reenactors.

Or do they?

Suddenly a sharp retraction of approval for a certain fall event.
Then, after several weeks, a new type of civilian event is discussed.

How do I feel about the traditional battle array shifting gears?

I feel good, but maybe not for the reason you think.
I am a gun owner, so it's not that.

History as we know it is too impersonal to mean anything to people today. Watching from a distance while men we don't even know pretend to fight a battle does not draw us closer to our ancestors or our country's history.

People do want to be closer to history, as indicated by the popularity of shows  set in our past. Many books open our understanding of the military difficulties faced. My book tries to present common family issues and how they affect individuals caught in family disagreements and driven into financial corners. It shows real people.

The latest reenactor "new thing" is not so new after all, since the expression "living history" denotes costumed individuals chatting with their visitors about their daily lives. So I applaud the Brigade of the American Revolution for considering non-military presentations at events that may have been mainly military in the past.

How many times have I seen three or four officers stalking along, chatting to each other and only each other. They might seem more approachable sitting at ease under tree, listening to a fiddler. They might invite a few kids to draw near and sit with them. The mounted soldier could let his young admirers lead his horse a few feet, perhaps hoist one aboard the saddle. Explain a little more about horses. No hurry ....

Sutlers and demonstrators, usually abandoned during battles, would have all day to entertain their own admirers.

Maybe we'd have more music and relaxation instead of see-the-battle-and-run visitors.

Two posts in one week: unheard of!

I do want to announce that the teacher's key has arrived! It gives the home-schooling mom a fair chance, even if she only glanced through the book last year when she bought it!

Precis of chapters and hints for "essay question" answers, it has it all! Enjoy!

I look forward to fall, but I'm never sure what will happen because I do work in emergency management when our call center is open. Last year, all my plans were blitzed on Labor Day, however I must make plans for events whether they come to fruition or not! Check out my events page, 'cause first event is this week ... time just sneaks up on us.