Moom Rising

 

 ...on May 22, 2013

Deer Hits Vehicle

A whitetail deer lies on Indiana Avenue near the Vicksburg city limits after it crashed into the windshield of a 2006 Silver Honda Odyssey just before 11 a.m. Tuesday.  The driver, Sara McKenna of Vicksburg, received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.  Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said deer lately have been plentiful on roads and streets across the county.    Eli Baylis - The Vicksburg Post

Today's River Scenes

As I drove by the Louisiana Circle today I could see no towboats in site but this bird was sitting on top of a dead tree trunk and decided to take some pictures of it.  Right when I zoom in to get a closeup, it flew away.  It was taken out of the windshield of my GMC Sierra truck.

I love the colors of gray/white on the tree trunk matching the bird as a storm was approaching the city. 

I noticed this object in the MS River and at first I thought it was a tree trunk floating and when I zoom in I saw three guys out fishing, I presume.  The wind had picked up pretty good and did not know at the time that a barge was coming up the river under the bridges and they started to move over to the MS side of the embankment to avoid the waves.

These guys are nuts to be out there with the wind blowing like it was and a storm brewing.

 I would not be out there in a little boat like that!

 

You can barely see them in the MS River to the far left.

M/V Dan Javorski making it way passing through Vicksburg today and headed for the bend in the MS River.

 

M/V Dan Javorski

A nice pulled out shot of M/V Dan Javorski and how huge it was up against the small boat in the water!

Portraying "Old Douglas" In Siege of Vicksburg

My hometown celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War last Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday with bands, concerts with special guest, country singer and actor, Trace Adkins, re-dedication of memorials, wreath laying, and parades.  Overall, it is estimated 4,500 people showed up for all the events. 

One of the highlights was a pair of camels portraying "Old Douglas" who was in the Siege of Vicksburg.  Here are a few pictures I took of Abraham and Richard on Saturday afternoon before the big concert featuring The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra at 7 p.m. 

Company A of the 43rd Mississippi Infantry had a camel, an honest-to-goodness real camel, and his job was to carry band instruments."

Old Douglas played a minor role in the Siege of Vicksburg, but the animal was so well remembered that veterans still shared his story at Civil War reunions.  

Douglas was killed during the siege and he had a headstone at Soldiers' Rest in Cedar Hill Cemetery.  (see below)

 Abraham the camel is considered the photo-bomber of the pair.    

 

Say Cheezz!

 

How do you like my teeth?

 Did you know that I want spit on you!

 

Park Ranger, Adam Wilson, with 10-year-old Abraham.

 

17-year-old Richard portraying "Old Douglas!"

Doug Baum, owner of Texas Camel Corps, talks about the history of “Old Douglas” during the Siege of Vicksburg. - at Vicksburg National Military Park.

 

Richard plays the role of Old Douglas quite convincingly. Old Douglas was killed by a Union sharpshooter at the siege of Vicksburg. Not to worry however, Richard is fine, he’s just resting after a long day on the battlefield. - at Vicksburg National Military Park.

 A camp site near the camels.

 Douglas "the mascot" camel  

 Taken January 20, 2012

A Memorial Day Memory ~ Thomas B. Huff

Thomas Blanchard Huff was an artillery sargeant in the 104th Timberwolf Division of the U.S. Army during World War II. He was born in 1915 and his father died when he was 8 years old. He started working as a pharmacist's assistant at that time and worked steadily until he was in his 70s. Thomas, along with the Timberwolves liberated Nordhausen Concentration Camp. The memories of this place haunted him until the day he died. He was a member of Amvets, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled American Veterans. He held offices and was commander of these organizations. Along with his wife, Josephine Rice Huff, he served his community through these organizations for a long time after he served his country in Europe. He was a brave soldier and a good friend. Above all he was a Godly man, a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. His good nature, sense of humor and gentle and generous heart caused him to be loved by all who knew him.

Words from his daughter, Tomi Lynn - On Memorial Day, I like to remember my father, Thomas Huff. He was the best man I have ever known. He was a loving father, a faithful and loving husband, a devoted son and a great friend to everyone who knew him. He was also a brave soldier during World War 2. He helped liberate Nordhausen the Nazi concentration camp. His father died when he was 8 years old. That is when he went to work as a pharmacist's assistant. I will always be grateful to him and will miss him until I take my last breath.

Note:  My late grandmother, Della and my cousin Tom's grandmother, Myra, were sisters.  This is my way of honoring a good man that fought for his country and what a character he was!  I love and miss him so much! 

Trace Adkins Performance @ Vicksburg National Military Park

Last evening my daughter Kathy and I attended the Vicksburg Sesquicentennial Commemoration Concert and The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra with featured special guest, Trace Adkins.  My daughter, Debra, her new husband, Matt, with granddaughter, Lucy, also met us there.  It was a very memorable and moving experience and a great event for my hometown, Vicksburg. 

About 3,000 were on their feet when country music star Trace Adkins took the stage as part of a free concert at the Vicksburg National Military Park, but did not perform his scheduled song and left without completing his performance The Vicksburg Post said. 

He was set to perform "Til the Last Shot is Fired" with the orchestra, but instead he took the stage alone, singing "If the Sun Comes up," over what sounded like a karaoke track.

He also was slated to recite a famous letter from Union Maj. Sullivan Ballou but, at the last minute, it was announced that Walt Grayson of TV's "Mississippi Roads" would perform the reading. 

I knew something was strange because it was not time for intermission according to the scheduled they gave out and all the people in the orchestra left the stage.  All of a sudden while everyone was taking a break they announced him.  Everybody came running up towards the stage, taking pictures and clapping.  The Vicksburg National Military Park declined to make an official statement on why Adkins left, but several people involved in producing the concert said Adkins had a dispute with the sympathy Friday.

 

Adkins great-great-grandfather fought here in the Siege of Vicksburg.  His name was Pvt. Henry T. Morgan of Company E of the 31st Louisiana Infantry.  "He was wounded and taken prisoner of Vicksburg," Adkins said during a press conference when he was elected in 2011 to the board of trustees for the Civil War Trust.  

Trace said that the first time he ever came to Vicksburg, he got to stand where he knew he was within 100 feet or so of where his great-great-grandfather was positioned in the battle.

He spoke of the sacrifices made by all members of the military, including his great-great-grandfather.  "Their main concern was us," Adkins said.  "And that is why they went and did what they did from the Revolutionary War through today."

Trace Adkins performed in his great-great-grandfather's memory without pay.

Happy 6th Birthday Tidus!

 

Today is, Tidus, my great grandson's 6th birthday.  He is shown here about 2 years old and have not seen him in four years.  I really do miss him.  He lives in Montana now and that is a long ways from Mississippi.  Hopefully, one day I can go and visit him.  Wishing you a very Happy Birthday Tidus and I love and miss you so much!  Hugs and Kisses!  Great Gran Gran :)

Guest Post ~ FindTheBest

Compound Bows Ratings and Reviews

Whether you are a seasoned bow hunter, an expert gun huntsman, or a novice new to the sport of archery, knowing what to look for in a compound bow is essential to your performance as well as what type of game you hope on hunting. Compound bows can range anywhere from $180 to $2,100, with such as large selection of bows on the market today and with such a large variety in price, how can you know you are purchasing a bow that will give you the most bang for your buck? FindTheBest has created a compound bow comparison to help you easily see the important metrics to consider before purchasing a used or new bow. Here are a few things you should consider when looking to purchase a compound bow.

What will you be shooting? Although most hunters use their bows for hunting, compound bows can be used competition target shooting or bow fishing. Hunting bows tend to be smaller that target shooting bows as well as bow fishing bows, which allows for more mobility for the hunter. Whether you are planning a trip to a hunting lodge or campground, or just practicing your shot at a shooting range, ensuring you have the right sized bow for your activity will make for a more successful trip.
What type of game will you be shooting? If you plan to use your compound bow to hunt, you want to determine what sized game you will be shooting for. Larger game, such as elk, deer, and bears, require a bow that can generate as much force as possible; look for a bow with 60- to 70-pound draw weight. For smaller game, such as birds and rabbits, you want a bow that can be fired quickly with a lighter draw rate; look for a small game bow with a 50- to 60-pound draw weight.
What is your skill level? It’s important to remember that a high draw rates are required to generate high arrow speed. The high draw rate will make the bow more difficult to draw back, which can make a bow more difficult to handle for less experienced archers. Unlike the compound bows counterpart, the crossbow, the learning curve of a compound bow can take several months to even a couple years to completely master. Be sure to evaluate your personal skill level to ensure you purchase a bow that fits your skill.

If you consider these tips, it will make for a hunt with fewer frustrations as well as providing you peace of mind in that you purchased a bow that fits your needs and skill level. 

By: Katie Armstrong

Katie Armstrong

Business Development Associate,

FindTheBest

mobile: (408)710-0809

FindTheBest, a powerful tool for making quick and informed decisions.

Five Bucks!

My Backyard Magnolia Blossom

 

My magnolia tree in the backyard is loaded down with our state flower.  Looking forward to taking more pictures.  I do have another magnolia tree but has not put out any blooms yet. 

Took this picture of a helicopter as it flew over my head while taking pictures!

 

 

 

Skies are clearing now since we had severe storms to come through last night with power outages and down trees.  Looks like my only magnolia blossom made it in good shape!

Connecting Hunters & Landowners

If you want to find a great place to hunt or to lease your land you can go to Hunting Locator dot com for more information.  They have a large data base for hunting leases that is free that you can browse or if you are a landowner you can post your land at no cost and fill that vacant hunting lease. This site is a great way to connect hunters and landowners in your area.  You can find leases by city, state, zip code, type of game, or even price.  You can even find the "hunt of a lifetime".  So, go by and check the site out and see if it takes the hassle out of finding a quality place for you to hunt or having a responsible hunter hunting your land.  

M/V Parker A. Settoon At Sunset

M/V Parker A. Settoon (1217612) making it's way towards the bend in the Mississippi River at Vicksburg on May 18, 2013.

A pull out shot of M/V Parker A. Settoon passing through Vicksburg, MS.

In the bend of the Mississippi River with Ameristar Casino in foreground.

Making a sharp left turn with a towboat to the right going up river.

Another pulled out view of the setting sun.

Zoom in and got this picture that I'm very proud of.

 Our U.S. Flag on top of the old Hwy 80 bridge.

Sun setting over the Mississippi River at Vicksburg, MS.

Down With Piggy

 

This picture was posted on my hunting friends Facebook page of Southern Girls Got Game!  I really like the way she got down with her wild boar.  Congratulations in our great wild outdoors!

Three Turkeys for Dave!

Below are pictures of three turkeys that Dave Mehlenbacher of Crystal River, Florida got recently.  Dave is a self-employed hunting guide and it looks like he really made a great turkey season for himself.  My congrats to Dave in our great wild outdoors.  A job well done!

 

Dave's first turkey taken in Kansas at Hickory Creek Outfitters!

 

Second turkey and...

 

...third turkey that he got yesterday in Nebraska!