Today I started to get serious about gathering information for the ‘Backyard History’ lecture that I’ll be giving at a private affair for the Lee’s Hill '55 Club in March. My plan was to develop a one-time, custom presentation that specifically dealt with historical events from the Civil War that transpired within the Lee’s Hill community, as well as the surrounding area. Each section was to be complemented by satellite imagery and VA Roadside Marker photographs. It sounded like a great idea, but I was a little unsure about pulling it off. Luckily I have some great friends and associates in my network who always come through for me.

Thanks to Mark Jones, I am now able to generate hi-quality sat-maps using FLASH EARTH, and thanks to our good friend and NPS guru John Hennessy, I now have an expanded list and reference material for some forgotten ‘gems’ that are sure to make this talk extra-special. 

I also had to provide some bio updates and advertising copy for my historical churches of Fredericksburg talk/reception/signing that I’ll be doing at Spotsy Presbyterian in April. I must say that as I just begin to prepare for these talks I find myself getting more and more excited. I have a feeling that 2008 is going to be a great year of new friends, and new opportunities. As usual I will post copies of my presentation slides and transcripts over on my website after they transpire.