Twenty-something years ago I had my first ‘Civil War’ themed birthday (thanks to my mom) with an old fashioned Americana meal, a Confederate battle-flag cake, and presents that all revolved around the War Between the States. Today I turn 36, and I am having a ‘Civil War’ themed birthday (thanks to my wife) with an old fashioned Americana meal, a Confederate battle-flag cake, and presents that all revolve around the War Between the States. Life is sure good.

BTW: Although I will be in N.C. attending to my son’s future in NASCAR, I did want to share some info on the myriad of events that are coming up next weekend in honor of The Battle of Chancellorsville and my personal hero:

Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park will hold special walking tours and living-history programs for the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville. Some driving-tour stops also will be staffed with historians to answer questions. In addition to programs May 2-4 on the battle, three special activities pertaining to the death of "Stonewall" Jackson will take place May 8-10. National Park Service events are free; a fee is charged for activities sponsored by Spotsylvania County and the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust. FRIDAY, MAY 2 "Chaos in the Night: The Wounding of Stonewall Jackson," one-hour historian-led walking tours, 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., Chancellorsville Visitor Center, 11 miles west of Fredericksburg on State Route 3. Final tour will take note of the exact time and place of Jackson's wounding. SATURDAY, MAY 3. (Call 540/373-6122 or 540/373-5167 for more details.)