Those of you that are familiar with the field correspondence of Confederate cavalry commander General J.E.B. Stuart will understand the term “headquarters in the saddle,” which he used to identify his ‘HQ location’ while on the move. It is with great pleasure that I too use this term as I am up, out of bed, and on the move myself...so to speak. It is a step in the right direction and I type this message to you not from my laptop in bed, but from my office desktop computer (OK, it’s only a few feet away…).

My strength is still lacking, but I am responding well to the new medication and certainly headed in the right direction. Today, I spent some time on the phone, answering emails, coordinating advertising material for an upcoming speaking engagement, and getting caught up on reading everybody’s blog. (Who knew CWi’s friendly little list of the 'Top 50 CW Books' would ignite such a firestorm of debate. Whoa!)

Over the last week I have suffered terribly and I have prevailed. I finished reading a wonderful short-biography on Thomas Jefferson that I’ve been casually reading for months. (I am shocked at the similarities between the political bickering that took place then and now.) I watched about a gazillion hours of the History and Military History Channel and should now be considered an expert on Adolph Hitler and the occult. (They need more material.) I am rehearsing my Lee’s Hill talk, which will be in 2 weeks and (thanks to my publisher at Patriot Press) I am very much looking forward to seeing the final printed page-galleys for The Southern Cross tomorrow. The next time I see them, they will be arriving in cases as books.

I am also looking forward to compiling info for the baseball book project that I am sharing with Eric Wittenberg. I already have a nice introduction ‘assembled’ in my mind. That will be an on-going piece as time permits. The doctor said that I have to learn to slow down and pace myself. After surgery #4, I believe him. I am beginning to feel my age for sure. Recovery from spinal-surgery at 35 is a lot different than it was at 30, 31, and 33.

I see my surgeon on Thursday and will let you know how it goes. I should be back to work fulltime (either from home or at the office) in 2 weeks. I have to be very cautious and not overdo it now. So that will be all for today. I will have something not about me to post in next day or two. Perhaps I will respond to the current discussions that are circulating over the lack of interest in Jefferson Davis commemorations with a post on the man that may surprise you. I know my brothers in the SCV have been addressing that issue with some nice programs. Thanks for your continued prayers and support.