While we were stationed at Columbus, Mississippi, we got involved in Civil War re-enacting. Lyle was in the 18th Infantry of MS and participated in various local battles and encampments. I tagged along with our two daughters, attending the ladies’ tea and enjoying the compliments we received on our period dress.

I had worked for weeks sewing authentic costumes for the girls and myself. When I started, I had no idea that ONE each wouldn't be enough. A lady living in the 1860’s had to have MORNING dresses and AFTERNOON dresses and EVENING dresses! And just like today, I needed both summer outfits and winter outfits. Oh, and don’t forget matching bonnets, gloves, fans, and baskets plus all the period unmentionables. (You would have thought no one had ever heard of pantiloons!) It was as challenging finding all this in the 1990’s as it must have been in the 1860’s and we didn’t even have a war going on!

Here is what Jackie and Sarah looked like then.
Click below to see what they look like now!

You are listening to a midi of the flute music Jean-Luc Picard played in our favorite episode of Star Trek TNG. Within 25 minutes, Jean-Luc is given memories of a life-time spent with a loving family in a close-knit community; a family he never had as a career, Star Fleet Officer. It ends with him playing this tune and remembering that life with the wife and children that he loved so much.