Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Arthritis Ask Me Anything Birthdays Bloggers Books Buy More Yarn Charity Knitting Circular Sock Machine Contests Crochet Dyeing Epic Sock Blanket Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Joyful Wednesday Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday March Money Madness Memes Mittens Monday On My Mind Movies Museum of Me Mutterings My Backyard NaBloPoMo One Little Word Patterns Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Ravelry Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Sewing Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on the Tenth Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography
You are here: Home / That's Life / Christmas in the Camp

Christmas in the Camp

December 19, 2006 By Carole

We did some time traveling on Sunday and went back to December, 1863 to celebrate Christmas the way the Civil War soldiers did. The weather was fairly mild and I was able to work on my second red scarf while chatting with friends, drinking hot chocolate, and trying my best to look “period correct.” Here’s a recap of the day:

chestnuts.jpg
We roasted chestnuts on an open fire. I’ve never done this before and it was pretty cool. People loved seeing them cooking and they were absolutely delicious when they were done.

sarah.jpg
We strung popcorn and cranberries. This is Sarah, my friend Wendy’s daughter. She had a regular “pattern” going with the popcorn and cranberries and managed to finish 2 really pretty garlands before the afternoon was over.

santa_soldiers.jpg
We had a visit from Civil War Santa. During the Civil War the famed cartoonist Thomas Nast drew a rendition of Santa Claus in patriotic attire. Our friend Willy made this outfit himself and he really loves visiting the troops. Those are handknit socks he’s offering to the soldiers!

surgery.jpg
We even ended the day with a visit to the field hospital! Poor Dale. He’s had an infection in his finger for several days. Little did he know that dinner at Blogless Sharon’s house would include surgery on his finger by our good friend, Dr. Al! But we fortified him with some good bourbon and he handled it with his usual good nature and grace.

It was nice to get together with friends and celebrate in an old-fashioned way. I sure do feel fortified with the Christmas spirit.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailMerry Christmas ’07 Default ThumbnailChristmas Vacation 2012 Default ThumbnailAn Early Christmas Delivery Default ThumbnailCamp Sweet Camp
« Do You Know The Muffin Man?
Christmas Knitting »

Filed Under: That's Life

Comments

  1. Manise says

    December 19, 2006 at 7:06 am

    What a great day you had. When I grew up in Greece we roasted chestnuts that way as did the street vendors. Very yummy. Dale looks like he’s taking the procedure on his digit in stride. Nothing like a good lancing to set things staight! Hope it heals soon.

  2. Karen says

    December 19, 2006 at 7:23 am

    Good to see that Dale had some fortification for his surgery!
    The reenacting looks like so much fun.

  3. britt says

    December 19, 2006 at 7:23 am

    I just love reading about your time travels!!! It makes me want to join in the fun, but my husband is always too busy hunting. Or I think that he would enjoy it. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

  4. Martha says

    December 19, 2006 at 7:38 am

    That’ll be the last time you eat at Al and Sharon’s house for a while!

  5. Kathleen says

    December 19, 2006 at 7:44 am

    very cool. except dale’s finger

  6. Lolly says

    December 19, 2006 at 7:46 am

    Oh, those chesnuts sound great! I have never done that…

  7. Kate/Massachusetts says

    December 19, 2006 at 7:47 am

    Oh, I am currently reading “Clara Barton, A Woman of Valour” by Oates! I was just reading about Christmas 1863…I think I could even tell you the battle she was nursing the wounded from on that day! Quite a book!

  8. margene says

    December 19, 2006 at 7:59 am

    The men must have loved that little bit of cheer in the time of war. Seeing your pictures takes me right back to that era. Sarah looks great in her period clothes. Hope Dale’s finger is healing quickly!

  9. Kim says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:20 am

    Too cool! I have often wondered what roasted chestnuts tasted like :-).

    Looks like Dale was a brave patient….bet the bourbon helped 🙂

  10. Chris says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:21 am

    Such a marvelous adventure, though I suspect it wasn’t quite so marvelous for those whose traditions you recreated. I think it’s good to have such reminders of those who came before us, what their lives were like. As a kid, I did at least once string popcorn and cranberries for a garland. Loved it! Never roasted chestnuts though.

  11. Karen says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:24 am

    I bet bourbon beats novacaine hands down. I hope Dale’s finger is better now.

    I’ve never had a chestnut… roasted or otherwise. I’d love to try that someday.

  12. Heather R. says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:30 am

    Great pictures Carole. We used to roast chestnuts on the woodstove-they’re delish!

    Hope that finger is looking better-Hey, no co-pay!

  13. Vicki says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:35 am

    Looks like fun!! Mmmm, roasted chestnuts…

  14. Julie says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:39 am

    Looks like a lot of fun (except the surgery).

  15. meg says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:40 am

    I LOVE the smell of chestnuts roasting (over an open fire) – what a great thing to do. You must be thankful it has been so warm recently!

  16. Norma says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:40 am

    Awesome! And even an “authentic” period surgery, no? He should have had cotton bandages only, just for authenticity, heh.

  17. hillary says

    December 19, 2006 at 9:09 am

    Poor Dale! At least he was well fortified with the bourbon. Hope he heals fast.

  18. Anne says

    December 19, 2006 at 9:16 am

    Looks awfully fun! What a great Santa costume – did he knit the socks himself too?

  19. maryse says

    December 19, 2006 at 9:31 am

    i love chestnuts! ever had chestnuts stuffed in a turkey? yum!

    i hope dr. al used period correct bandages. and no neosporin!

  20. Robin says

    December 19, 2006 at 9:39 am

    Looks like you guys had a GREAT time! We missed our annual Christmas event this year…too many irons in the fire I guess!
    Merry Christmas to you and yours!

  21. Beth S. says

    December 19, 2006 at 9:40 am

    Interesting–the only chestnuts I’ve ever tried are the “water” variety. 😉 They do look good, though!

    Poor Dale. He is a trooper, that’s for sure. He doesn’t even appear particularly unhappy in that last photo. Brave guy!

    Where did the handknit socks come from? Did you make ’em? 🙂

  22. Holly says

    December 19, 2006 at 9:45 am

    I am so completely jealous. Your photos remind me what I am missing when I don’t go re-enacting. I can almost smell the wood smoke. You looked like you had a fabolous time. Thanks for sharing the pictures.

  23. amanda says

    December 19, 2006 at 9:50 am

    Fun! It looks like it was a lot of fun. And the chestnuts….mmmmmmmmmm!

  24. Teyani says

    December 19, 2006 at 10:08 am

    I, too, hope that Dale is healed up quickly.
    It looks like your day was wonderful. How fun that you and Dale share the love of recreating that era. The costumes are amazing.
    Is this done for the public, or just for your own pleasure.. or a mix of both?

  25. Chris says

    December 19, 2006 at 10:26 am

    “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose…” I hope Dale’s doctor waited to hit the bourbon until after surgery!

  26. Stephanie says

    December 19, 2006 at 10:49 am

    Ooh chestnuts. Yum. It looks like a really great time.

  27. Imbrium says

    December 19, 2006 at 11:09 am

    So much fun! I’m so glad I’m not the only one who likes playing dress-up. 😉

  28. Mindy says

    December 19, 2006 at 11:31 am

    I have never had real roasted chestnuts before. They look wonderful!

  29. Sara says

    December 19, 2006 at 11:38 am

    Seeing the chestnuts roasting brought back memories of my childhood. My Nana always roasted some at Christmas time – only in the oven – she’s been gone for 26 years…doesn’t seem possible. Thanks for the memory…

  30. Emily says

    December 19, 2006 at 12:04 pm

    Oh fun! But poor Dale (I am sure the bourbon helped)! it’s good to know that chestnuts are yummy – I’ve always wondered.

  31. Susan says

    December 19, 2006 at 12:17 pm

    That looks like so much fun! I’m a huge history buff and I love seeing what y’all are up to!

  32. Monica says

    December 19, 2006 at 12:35 pm

    Mmmm, roasted chestnuts, open fire… Uh oh, don’t get me started singing…
    What a unique way to celebrate the holidays.

  33. Donna says

    December 19, 2006 at 2:27 pm

    This all looks like so much fun. Well, not poor Dale’s finger but the rest. I’ve never seen real roasting chestnuts. I do wonder what the sight of all those Yankee soldiers would do to the good folks down here! hehe

  34. Kristi aka Fiber Fool says

    December 19, 2006 at 3:55 pm

    What great time travel! I don’t think I’ve ever seen chestnuts roasting on an open fire either! Awesome!

  35. Carol says

    December 19, 2006 at 4:20 pm

    Sounds like a great time as usual! Your first sentence had thinking all Star Trekky. Really? We went to 1786 cause I just love the attire of the time:) That’s where I’d go anyway. I think you two take the coolest trips and do the awesomest things! I love knowing about the things past that make us what we are today. Seems bourbon also makes for a happy patient!

  36. Deb says

    December 19, 2006 at 4:59 pm

    I would like to trade lives for a weekend! Did Dale get a bullet to bite on?

  37. --Deb says

    December 19, 2006 at 5:32 pm

    “Civil War” and “Field Hospital” had me worried there for a minute–I’d hate for Dale to lose a finger! It otherwise sounds like a great weekend.

  38. Birdsong says

    December 19, 2006 at 6:10 pm

    What great photos… so glad that your re-enacting includes some Christmas traditions.

  39. Laurie says

    December 19, 2006 at 6:14 pm

    Yummy chestnuts!

    The guy is lucky..anesthesia was invented in 1846. But I doubt they had it on the battlefields.

  40. ~Kristie says

    December 19, 2006 at 6:37 pm

    How fortunate for Dale that there just happened to be bourbon around to get him through his mini-surgery!!

    As always, your photos are so beautifully done, it makes us feel like we’re there with you! Thanks!

  41. Lucia says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:23 pm

    What a great day! I too wish I’d been there. And a little noggin makes grace a lot easier, at least for me :).

  42. JessaLu says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:42 pm

    I’m a little envious…it looks like you guys had a great time! :o)

    (…and now I want popcorn!) ;o)

  43. Laura says

    December 19, 2006 at 8:51 pm

    That last line there makes this sound like an entry in Melanie Wilkes’ diary. hehe I love Sarah’s bonnet!

  44. Becky in FL says

    December 20, 2006 at 9:03 am

    Carole, this is the best post. Loved it. So tell me, what do roasted chestnuts taste like?

  45. Lynette in Crescent City says

    December 20, 2006 at 11:06 am

    I must admit I am a bit jealous with your ‘period’ costume and life. My business partner and I are in the final steps of getting ourselves together to depict the WWI era when we demo and have a booth at events. I knit socks on a LeGare, we both spin, she has animals and we are really having a hard time finding the right clothing. Your era is much better defined…we’ve almost decided to become red cross workers knitting for the troops.
    Happy Holidays.

  46. Li_B says

    December 24, 2006 at 12:04 am

    I can smell those chestnuts all the way in Vancouver. Merry Christmas!
    Li

  47. Liz (the crazed weasel) says

    December 24, 2006 at 3:14 pm

    oo! the chestnuts actually on an open fire! YUM!

    Merry Christmas to you and Dale!

  48. Rachel says

    December 26, 2006 at 5:28 pm

    Dale looks like he’s taking his injury like a man. 🙂 I really enjoy experiencing your hobby vicariously — thanks for sharing!

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 15 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
15 of 75 (20%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

Friday night snacks look better from here. And als Friday night snacks look better from here. And also, I’m not oblivious to today’s news, I’m devastated. I’m also extra grateful to (a) live in Massachusetts and (b) be privileged enough to ignore it for right now while on vacation. #fridaynightsnacks #martinitime #baysidemaine #cheeseandcrackers #myhappyplace
Pizza night. What can I say? Wednesday is the new Pizza night. What can I say? Wednesday is the new Friday. #oonipizzaoven @ooni.it #pizzanight #outdoorliving #margaritapizza #imadeitmyself #homemadeisbest
Happy FriYay, friends! #fridaynightsnacks #friyayn Happy FriYay, friends! #fridaynightsnacks #friyaynight #helloweekend #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #charcuterie #outdoorliving
Happy Sunday from Fred and George! #sundaymorningv Happy Sunday from Fred and George! #sundaymorningvibes #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecats #fredandgeorge
Friday night is pizza night these days. And those Friday night is pizza night these days. And those napkins? They sum up the secret to our 25 (next Tuesday!) year marriage! #oonipizzaoven #fridaynightsnacks #peaceloveandcocktails
It’s a perfect June morning for Sunday brunch un It’s a perfect June morning for Sunday brunch under the pergola. #sundaybrunch #brunchalfresco #pergolaliving #outdoorliving #inmybackyard #juneismyfavoritemonth
My patriotism is sorely lacking at the moment. Sti My patriotism is sorely lacking at the moment. Still, I’m grateful to head into Memorial Day weekend focusing on the good, remembering those who gave the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, seeking common ground and (always) looking for hope. If all that fails, at least I’ve got a martini. And snacks. #fridaynightsnacks #memorialdayweekend2022 #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime
I love a hotel conference room with a view! #massl I love a hotel conference room with a view! #masslib2022 #libraryconference #aroomwithaview
Flower haul, day 2. #flowersaremagical #containerg Flower haul, day 2. #flowersaremagical #containergardening #timetoplant #givemealltheplants
It was a good day for plant shopping, my annual tr It was a good day for plant shopping, my annual tradition with my gardening bestie @doemack87 . I think we even left some plants behind … maybe. 🤣 #plantshopping #containergardening #plantsgalore #flowersaremagical
Pizza perfection tonight! Margherita for me and pe Pizza perfection tonight! Margherita for me and pepperoni for him. I’m loving our @oonihq pizza oven. #oonipizzaoven #ooni #margheritapizza #pepperonipizza #homemadeisbest #imadeitmyself #summernights
Fred has assured me that there is no pea under tha Fred has assured me that there is no pea under that pile of quilts. #fredandgeorge #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecat #princessandthepea #pileofquilts
First al fresco breakfast of the season, air fryer First al fresco breakfast of the season, air fryer hash browns with avocado and crispy fried eggs. Delicious! And so nice to enjoy under the pergola. #breakfastalfresco #inmybackyard #airfryerhashbrown
Fridays on the deck are the best Fridays of all. # Fridays on the deck are the best Fridays of all. #fridaynightsnacks #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #happyhourathome #itsspringbutfeelslikesummer
Ranunculus season is short, gotta enjoy these beau Ranunculus season is short, gotta enjoy these beauties while we can. #ranunculus #flowersaremagical #springblooms #crossstreetflowerfarm
Two kitties in a basket! #fredandgeorge #siameseca Two kitties in a basket! #fredandgeorge #siamesecatsofinstagram #siamesecorner #siamesecats
It’s Friday night, friends. Time for snacks. Ooo It’s Friday night, friends. Time for snacks. Ooof, what a week. #fridaynightsnacks #cheeseandcrackers #martinitime #thosenapkinsthough #iwishiwasaunicornsoicouldstabpeoplewithmyhead #fuckyouscotus
Egg in the hole for breakfast this Saturday mornin Egg in the hole for breakfast this Saturday morning. So delicious with @paindavignoncafe bread and local eggs. #saturdaymorningvibes #egginthehole #itswhatsforbreakfast #localfood #eatlocal
In this week’s adventures with the Ooni, we have In this week’s adventures with the Ooni, we have expanded to pepperoni. It’s quite good! @ooni.it #oonipizzaoven #homemadeisbest #pepperonipizza #pizzafriday #fridaynightsnacks
Hoppy Spring! #happyspring #happyeaster #easterdec Hoppy Spring! #happyspring #happyeaster #easterdecor #daffodilbouquet
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in