Year of Challenge, End of Keto

Today is the last day of the Keto diet. I had a check in at the middle of the month, but I wanted to follow up.

I had some struggles early on with the coffee, Charley horses and the Keto flu, but by the middle of the month I was feeling good. Since then, it hasn't been too bad. My main completes is that the bulk meals I made get tired after the third day. If I make sure I am not eating the same thing for brunch every day that is helpful. I generally rotate an egg dish, a tuna dish and an avocado smoothie.

One of my go to easy meals is a quesadilla, but I can't have tortillas, but last week my roommate made a mayo chipotle sauce. I would post a recipe but she just mixes the chipotle sauce and mayo to taste. I love spicy food, so I made a quesdilla with cheese fried as the "tortilla" on the inside I put shredded chicken and cream cheese. It wasn't as good as a quesdilla, but it did have a satisfying crunch and the sauce was great.

Keto Meal

I also made some stuffed peppers, with pepperoni slices, cream cheese, and shredded cheese. This was a very satisfying meal, and the bell peppers were sweet tasting. I haven't really craved anything sweet, but when I ate it, it lit up that area of the brain.

There was one thing that I ran into in the last two weeks that I hadn't before. The first was the constipation. I didn't notice, but I do have hemorrhoids sometimes, and they were getting angry. I have metamucil, but it has a lot of carbs. I was unsure about using it, I looked it up online, and it seems to be kind of mixed about whether or not to use it. But I decided to having a glass once and a while was worth it. So I have probably had three glasses in the last two weeks. The results were worth it. I still go longer than normal between movements, but it's not so painful.

As I mentioned, I haven't really had sweet cravings, but I do sometimes want the texture and taste of bread or dough. I said the other day that my first non-keto food would be pizza, but those thoughts are fleeting. I don't actually feel like I want to waste my first non-keto meal on pizza. That being said, I am not sticking with keto in May.

I will continue to fast in the morning. I fasted during Keto as it is a technique in getting into ketosis, but I wasn't as aggressive with fasting as I was during January which was the month of intermittent fasting. During January I only eat during an 8 hour period, for Keto I just skipped breakfast, and ate lunch at around noon. I don't generally snack, especially at night, but I didn't have a rule to stop eating after 8 pm. Unless it is a special occasion, I will continue fast in the morning. It is easy and I think it is benefiting me. My weight at the beginning of the year was 175 (I'm 5'7") and my weight today is 160. It fell to 165 after January (intermittent fasting month) and stayed around it was between that and 170 until March and this month dropped again. So I think the intermittent fasting has helped reduce my weight. 159 is a normal weight for someone my height, but I would like to get down to 135-150. That is the weight I have been most comfortable with the last time I was there was January 2017. So, I don't feel like it's that difficult of a goal. Additionally, I believe if I continue to fast, I wouldn't yo-yo as hard when I go back to a normal diet in May.

A few other takeaways....I will think more about how many carbs I'm getting and what kinds of carbs. I will also not go back to eating low or no-fat foods. If someone wanted to give keto a try for a monthly challenge then it is doable, but I think it would be difficult to main the lifestyle over the long term.

Starting tomorrow I will be getting up at 5 A.M. I know I can get up, but it will be interesting trying to fill the time between then and starting work. You might see my blog posts in the morning.

A-Z Places to Visit - A

Since this is originally a travel blog, I wanted to get back into writing about travel. I am going to do a series A-Z of places, countries, states, and cities that I would like to visit in the future. I will do a few for every letter. I will also add some itinerary items for each place. I am only listing places that I want to go to, I would go to other places if invited, but I probably wouldn't visit them on my own, at least not until I visit other places first. 

"A" Places to Visit

Countries:

Andorra - Is a beautiful country between France and Spain. It would make a good day trip from Barcelona, or to spend a night at the igloo hotel.


Argentina - I would love to go to to partake in the food and culture. I would love to visit some wineries and glaziers. I would also like to visit because of my great grandparents visited the country on their tour of South America. You can check out their journey in Buenos Aires here and here.

Austria

Austria-  Vienna is a beautiful city to visit. I would love to visit for the music history and gorgeous views. I also want to drink their hot chocolate. My friend loves the city so much she wants to name her first child after it.

Australia- Many people have this on their bucket list. Wanting to see kangaroo and koala, beaches and the outback. I want to see all of those. But I also want to visit the Might Black Stump for a selfie in Adelaide.

States: 

I want to visit every state in the nation eventually, so I will likely list them all, unless I've already been there.

Alaska

Alabama - I would love to see Montegomery and visit places where Martin Lurther King's home, visit the gulf coast, and see US space center. I would also like to visit Birmingham because my Grandma's cousin lived there and she put together a lot of the family history. She was part of mensa and incredible. So I would love to visit the area she grew up in especially because she lived there in the 1930s-1950s. So she really lived in a place where history was made.

Alaska - I want to visit Alaska possibly for an entire summer in the future. Living in Arizona it would be nice to get away from the heat for a while. I would love to visit sled dogs, glaciers and if I ever go in the winter the Northern Lights. At one of the first jobs was at a local chain and one of the other servers would live in Alaska every summer. He would work at a restaurant there too. It might be fun to do something like that when I reach FIRE.

Arkansas - I would love to visit Washington State Park to learn what it was like as a pioneer. I would also love to eat the food and listen to the music.

Cities:

I will select a city or town from each continent or Australia/Oceania.

Athens, Greece - I would love to visit Athens. I love the history from the region and would appreciate seeing the ruins. I would also like to visit for the food, culture and weather.

Angkor Wat, Cambodia - This is an ancient city, but I would still love to visit. It is an amazing ancient site and it's not something I would want to miss.

Arequipa

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire - There are many walking tours and culture tours around the city and beautiful day trips.

Auckland, New Zealand - I would love to visit this city. It has beautiful views. I would also love to see the natural wildlife. 

Acapulco, Mexico - I have been to many places in Mexico but this is one tourist destination that I have not been. I would love to go for the beaches, culture and adventure.

Arequipa, Peru - I would love to visit Peru and this city has natural and man made wonders. It has plazas and churches that are a staple of South America. I would also need to visit the salt lake just to take a picture, since my roommate loves salt.

Quarantined hair change

Fuchsia-cha

Harry Potter Drinking Game

Last year for a friend's birthday we had a Harry Potter theme. We decorated with house colors, a beautiful cake and a smoking Calderon of palomas. I found a Harry Potter treasure hunt online. It was really a hit even for adults. When I threw a Halloween party people requested another.

One of the most brilliant parts of the party was that my co-host created a drinking game! It was a great game, because you didn't need to know any harry potter trivia or watch the movies during the party. I don't think my friend has had much experience with drinking games, and I think I might play this more like a King's Cup game, but I think a person could play the game as is too.

Rules:

Everyone must have an ingredient card, a character card, a patronus card and a magical spell/curse card.

The character card will include your specs: your house, your profession, your achievements/history, or special characteristics, and it will include whether you died or you survived the Harry Potter Series.

The patronus card is the patronus that you have.

The magical spell/curse allows you to pass a drink, skip a turn, or make everyone drink.

The headboy or girl will read from this list, and if any of these descriptions fit, you must take a shot. However, remember you also have a magical spell which can be used once the Reader of the list mentions something that would fit your description or what’s contained in your cards. Magical spells/curses cards can also be earned if you hit three drinks in a row

1. If you’re a Weasley
2. If you’re a Slytherin
3. If you have Abraxan Hair
4. If your Patronus has four legs
5. If your profession is an Auror
6. If your Patronus has wings
7. If you’re a Ravenclaw
8. If you’ve competed in TriWizard Tournament
9. If you’re a Gryffindor
10. If you have a Mandrake
11. If you played Quidditch at Hogwarts
12. If you have Armadillo Bile
13. If you’re a Hufflepuff
14. If you’re a Death Eater/Have been a Death Eater
15. If you’re a professor
16. If you died
17. If your Patronus has fur
18. If you were a Seeker
19. If you were Head Boy/Head Girl
20. If you were in Dumbledore’s Army
21. If you have dragon liver
22. If you were a member of the Order of the Phoenix
23. If you have Gillyweed
24. If your patronus is a feline/canine
25. If you were a Headmaster/Headmistress at Hogwarts
26. If you were a prefect 
27. If you were a Keeper
28. If you were a Werewolf
29. If you owned a dragon

The link to the cards are here and here.

Baby Names

I have found that there are people who have their baby names set in stone from the time they were little kids, and then there are people who don't have any idea even when they are in labor. At least for me and my sister we are part of the latter group. My niece was born in November and she didn't have a name until they had to leave the hospital. I have always thought that I wouldn't be able to name a child until I saw them. I am sure I will have names that I don't like and ones that I do, but I won't know for certain until I meet him or her.

I sent my sister names for every day for every letter of the alphabet starting with the boys because she thought she was having a boy at first. The name Naomi was one her husband liked the most and it was in a top contender for her. It was one that I had sent her. She liked it right away. I called her and said I almost didn't put it in because it was a name that I really liked. So for a little while she thought that name was off limits. But because I am not a person who has had names picked out since I was ten, I told her that I wasn't married to the name. She was pregnant first so she could use it. She held out for a long time, but I think she knew that would be the name. 

While helping my sister, I realized that the is a niche of people that will post a video about baby names they love when they are pregnant. There are even people that regularly post videos with baby names. A lot of people will say these are unique names that I love, only when I listen to the video the names aren't that unique, and because I don't know many children. I actually do not know if that name is suddenly becoming popular. There is one video channel that posts baby name list every Monday and her names can get unique especially if she has a theme. She will also have popular and rising names, so if you are trying to find a name, or you just like baby names I suggest listening to her.

As you may know I have been preparing to have a baby using IUI now that I am nearly 35. So have been thinking of baby names more often for myself as well. I try to note any I like from books, movies and netflix. The one thing I really want in a name is that it is as popular as mine. My name Bernadette is popular enough that when I introduce myself people usually have heard the name before, they will say I have a friend, acquaintance, grandma with that name, but it's not popular enough that I had to share the name with someone in my classes. The first time I ever met someone with my name I was zip-lining in Mexico and she was from Belgium. More recently, I also had a coworker with my name. It was the first time I had someone who shared my name in a setting that I was in every day. It wasn't a bad experience, and I know people with popular names are probably use to it, but I still would like a name that isn't popular. The tricky part is that a name that isn't popular in adults might actually be rising in children without my knowing. My solution for this is to ask my cousin who teaches first grade. I suppose she might not know what babies are being name, but she will certain be able to tell me if she thinks the name is not as unique as some list are saying.

To find out how popular my name is I looked here. You can search by name and from a certain year forward. My name doesn't come up on the top 1000 girl names for people born after 2000. I have to go back to 1993 before it breaks the 1000s. The most popular it has been in the 1900s was in 1946 it was number 188. When I was born it was number 673. So I decided that I want to find a baby name in the 600s in the last 10 years. The issue here is that a lot of times the names around this area are names that are the same or similar to popular names they just have different spellings. For example there is Noemi, Alivia and Emelia in the 600s. They are nice names, but they are too close variants of other names. I want to avoid names that are just different spellings.

Another source, I used was this smart baby name finder. You can put in your last name and it will generator names based on the last name and things like assonance and alliteration. It doesn't look like the website is working so I won't link it, but it is called smart baby name finder. That really helped me. I want to use either my parents or grandparents names as middle names, since a lot of surnames are first or middle names I also generated a list by pretending the middle name was a surname.

Ok so here are the names I liked. I won't number them because there isn't an order. I also might add to it later.

Ferris - I had a former coworker with this name. I wouldn't use it for a boy because of the movie, but she wore it well so now I see it as a girls name. It means From Ferrieres, France so it isn't the cutest meaning, but I still like it.

Parker - This name actually breaks my popular rule, and I was actually only considering it for last year because of the NASA orbiter that reached the Sun last year. I probably wouldn't use this name in the future because it doesn't have the same meaning to me. It means Park Keeper.But to me it means Science!

Cordelia - I found this name when I was looking up Irish names. My family has been in the US for over 100 years, but a lot of our lines come from the British islands, including Ireland. I DID watch Angel, so I have some reservations about that. I don't want people to think I named a kid after a television show, but I think it's been off the air long enough that I can get away with it. It's also from Shakespeare's King Lear. It means: Heart; daughter of the Sea. I think that is so beautiful. 

Petra - I think this is a really strong name. It sounds feminine, but it's not too girly. I did hear this name in Jane the Virgin and I did jot the name down from there. However, I wouldn't say I was naming a kid after the character. I watched the show, but I am not a devoted fan or anything. The name means Rock. I think that is a great meaning for a girl.

Meredith - So this name is one that I like, but I don't love it. I would consider using this name because it fits my criteria, but also because sometimes people tell me that I look like a Meredith. So I think a kid I would have would also look like a Meredith. The name means: Lord. I love that meaning for a girl today.

Drew - People have also told me that I both look and act like Drew Barrymore. I also agree with them. Whenever I go to change my hair color I look for pictures with her with that hair color. I might pick out clothes if I think she would wear it too. I like this name much better than Meredith. So, Andrew for a male is popular, Drew alone is in the range I like, but still falls into the category of a different variant of a popular name. However, because it's for a girl I would let it slide. Maybe that seems to contradict me, but a lot of people call me Bernie and Bernard is much more popular than Bernadette! The names means: Strong. Talk about a powerful name meaning.

Matilda - I really love this name. It is a beautiful, strong name and after the wife of William the Conqueror. I believe it has risen in popularity in the UK recently, but it hasn't caught on in the US. In 2018 it was #489. Normally because it is associated with a book and movie I would be put off, but it is such a nice name. The name means: Battle Strength. I see a warrior in the family.

Ephraim - I heard this name from a show called Everwood that I watched in High School. I think it is similar to Elijah and Eli which are popular today, but this name is more unique. The name means: Very Fruitful. This is a cute meaning, it could apply to love, wealth or life.

Oren - I love that this name is similar to Otis, Owen or Orion, but it doesn't have the popularity. I think it is a nice name. The name means: Pine or Laurel. Not the most exciting meaning but many people are naming kids after nature right now.

Montgomery - I know this name might be tainted thanks to the Simpsons, but it is also the first name of Scotty from Star Trek the original series. I think it is a very strong name for a boy. It is also similar to the trends like Archibald, Jasper and Healthcliff, but it hasn't been picked up. The name means: From the Hill of a Powerful Man. It's an a strong name meaning for a boy.

Harvey - I think Harvey is another name that is similar to Jasper, Sebastian or Theodore. I am a little worried it will get popular because of the new Sabrina show, but I don't see it rising too much in the last two years. The name means: Battle Warrior. This is a great meaning for a little boy.

Griffin- This name is a little too popular than I would like, but it is my great grandmother's maiden name. I love to have names that throwback to the family. I even considered the name Clark for a girl when my Aunt said she liked it. The name means: Strong Lord. With the popularity of Game of Thrones and Vikings I can see names from lords becoming popular.

Kip - This name is good for a child or an adult. It sounds like a name of an adventurer from the turn of the last century. The name means: From the Pointed Hill. That sounds like a traveler name.

Denver - I have to admit I like place names. I live in Phoenix and near by are Chandler and Gilbert which are all great boy names, and a street close to where I grew up was called Elliott. I love all of those names, but I don't believe I will ever move away and I think it's a little funny to name a baby after a city you are in or nearby. Denver is a place name I live because it sounds a little like Chandler. Also, it is where my grandma was born and my grandfather grew up there as well. Colorado was also the first state to enact woman's right to vote. Also who doesn't love John Denver! The name meanings is: Green Valley. If I can't name a baby after Gilbert Blythe this seems like a meaning that is close enough.

Robert Hall Griffin

Robert Griffin 

For all the genealogist like me, I have a journal and some letters from my great-great-great grandfather Robert Hall Griffin. It doesn't really fit it the trip log theme, but it kind of does because he wrote the journal while serving during the Civil War and the letters are written to various people while he was serving. He was born May 24, 1833 in Georgetown, Ohio to William Griffin and Anna McLean. He married Louisa Hooper in Pittsfield, Illinois December 1, 1858 they had ten children. He served with 99th Regiment, Illinois Infantry in Matagorda Island, Texas. He later became a doctor. He died April 18, 1891 in New Salem Illinois.

Letter from Robert Hall Griffin to sons, Charles and Wesley.

Houston, Mo. Dec 20 1862

My Dear little Charley and Wesy:

Pa got your little letter and was glad to hear from you pa is proud of his little son because he can write and beat the drum. You will soon be a little man. Do you mind when Pa used to come home from the school how you used to run to meet him and say papa? Tell me son whose man are you, and who you love? Who made your little wagon? Have you got it yet? Do you know who sent you a drum? It was pa did it. He bought it in St. Louis and gave one dollar for it, and run down to the boat with all his might to send it to you for fear the boat would go on before I got there.

Well son you must mind what Ma says to you and be a good boy till pa comes home. Then we will get in a buggy and go to see Grand Pa and Grand Ma down to Time. You must be good to your little brother for he is a sweet little boy isn’t he? Pa will be home some day, then you can hug and kiss him as much as you please, for you are pa’s own boy and he loves you very dearly and he thinks of you very often, and Wesey too.  I can not write any more now son. You must write to me again. Run and Kiss Ma and Wesey for me and tell Wesey goodby. You must love Grandma and Aunt Mag and Mack too. Don’t forget your Pa. Good night Charley and Wesey.

Pa.

The Diary of Robert Hall Griffin – Year 1864

Sunday January 3. Amendment to Constitution affirmed – by yeas 119 by naya 56

No Entry until March 13th

Sunday March 13. Evacuation of Indianola. Troops marched with wagon C&G Equipago taken by Transport B. Arrived at the Big Bayou at Noon, pontoon ferry sunk. About the same time the Ferry at Saluria Bayou Sunk drowning 25 or 30 soldiers and one Lieut most of whom were of the 89th Ind. Camped near Big Bayou, Rained during the night.

Robert Griffin

Monday, March 14. Crossed Big Bayou 11 O’clock. Very high wind Crossed Saluria Bayou late in evening. Camped two miles below fort Esperanza. Cold and Windy.

Tuesday, March 15. Marched about 12 miles down the island and camped at an old ranch. Received a letter from A.W. Bemiss and one from E Faris

Wednesday, March 16 . This Morning Clayton Hooper came over and told me that his letters contained the sad news of the sickness of my dear little boys. Went up to the fort and heard the same news from several of Co. E boys. Am sick to hear from home. The host moved back two miles nearer the fort and went into camp.

Thursday, March 17 . No mail yet and am so anxious to hear from home. My sleep was troubled last night. Oh God, if it be thy will spare my children. I am so uneasy that I have no peace of mind. God forgive me if I have loved my family more than thee.

Friday, March 18 . Cold and windy. I had no news from home yet. I have a kind of presentment that my dear little Charlie is dead. God protect his Ma and Wesey.

Saturday, March 19. It is a more pleasant today. The sun shines brightly but it brings not joy to my heart. I feel as though I cannot wait to hear from home, time hangs heavily over me.

Sunday, March 20. Sweet day of sacred rest; but not to me--no resting to go to. No wife or children to spend the day with – lonely, lonely – lonely!

Monday, March 21 . A Steamer from New Orleans has arrived and we expect a mail. We will not get it until tomorrow. How anxious I will wait.

Tuesday, March 22 . It has come at last – a letter from Lou. Charlie is dead. I was not surprised but oh, how it rends the heart to give him up. He was the pride of my life – but he is gone. It is only for Louisa and Weseys sake that I now live. I wrote Lou today.

Wednesday, March 23. My mind is a little easier this morning. The reality is little worse than suspense. I will try to be resigned if it will be the means of bringing me back to the old landmarks. God shall have the praise. Con. McClernand visited our camp.

Thursday, March 24. We had a storm last night—some rain. The wind blew some of the tents down—Pleasant today. Wrote a letter to brother John.

Friday, March 25. Weather clear and pleasant but my heart is heavy and sad. It is not pleasant to me. I have been wandering along the seashore watching the waves dash against it. It is a sandy beach and I have been gathering shells.

Saturday, March 26. Weather pleasant—the mail brought me a letter from Allie Sevior. I answered it immediately. Received 4 months pay, $84.00

Sunday, March 27. Everything is quiet in camp. There is no meeting to go to. I wish there was.

Monday, March 28. Nothing to disturb the monotony of camp, I get very lonesome sometimes, and long for the society of family and friends. Expressed $49.00 to Lou. Captain Hodgan started to New Orleans with it. There was 786 dollars in the package for Co. K.

Tuesday, March 29. This is my birthday. I am 31 years old. In reviewing my past life I can see many places wherein I could mend it if I had to live over again but men sees his errors too late. I can only make good resolves for the future and live up to them. I will try to be better at 32 than now if God spares me so long. Wrote to Lou.

Wednesday, March 30. Went to For Esperanza with Col. Bailey for ordnance. General McClernand went to Brownsville on Clinton.

Thursday, March 31. Clear and pleasant. Wrote a letter to A.W. Bemiss (See below for letter)

Friday, April 1. Weather fine- wrote a letter to my wife. Have had a pain in my hand for several days. Study almost constantly about the loss of my boy. I can hardly entertain the thought that he is dead.

Saturday, April 2. Weather clear and pleasant. Wrote to J.K. Sitton. Wrote to A.W. Bemiss F.Kosoncrans came to the Regt.

Sunday, April 3. Weather clear and warm. Wrote to Lou had some words with the H. Paid me $3.35 for comfort. Sorry it occurred.

Monday, April 4. Weather fine. My mind feels oppressed. It is very hard for me to be cheerful altho I try. When I’m driven to the thought, I shall, never see Charley any more it nearly breaks my heart

Tuesday, April 5. Weather fine.

Wednesday, April 6. Weather fine. Wrote to Lou.

Thursday, April 7. Foggy all day. Capt. Cooper went to Headquarters so as to be ready to start home. Went with him.

Friday, April 8. Foggy in the morning-Cleared off about 9 o'clock—Cool and windy. Wrote to Jas. E. Irwin.

Saturday, April 9. Cool and clear—Went to the brigade found Capt. Cooper Still there. Had two pictures taken and sent them to Lou by him. He thought he would start home in the evening on the Cresent. I also sent Charleys and Wesleys pictures with him.

Sunday, April 10. Weather cool and Clear. Wrote a letter to Lou tonight.

Monday, April 11. Pleasant, weather. The mail brought two letters-one from Lou the other from Catherine Griffin telling me of the death of my Charley. I had heard the news before. My heart is still almost broken.

Tuesday, April 12. Weather Clear and windy. Wrote a letter to Lou to tonight. Last night I dreamed of home and meeting wife and friends. I hope soon to be realizing the pleasing dream.

Wednesday, April 13.  Cloudy and some rain. Thunder in the evening. Wrote to Catherine Griffin today.

Thursday, April 14. Cloudy and high wind. Last night so bad a heavy rain and hard storm of wind. All we could do to prevent our tent from blowing away.

Friday, April 15. Clear and warm. Received two letters from John and one from Will and 1 from Lou and a commission from Gov. Gates.A.D. Richards also received a commission to Capt of Co.

Saturday, April 16. Weather fine- Was discharged and mustered in as a 1st Lieut Capt. Richards was mustered in at the same time.

Sunday, April 17. Weather Fine.

Monday, April 18. Clear and warm. 2nd Brigade moved on board of transport. 99th received orders to move up to the Brigade.

Tuesday, April 19. Fine weather – Over from outpost to fortification and joined rest of Brigade. Arrived in camp at noon. Received a detail as a member of a General Court Martial to convert tomorrow morn at 9 O'clock

Wednesday, April 20 . Cloudy. Court Martial met and organized. Names of Members of President of Lt. Col. Vanacida of 21st 1d

Judge Advocate

Capt. Clerk 21st Power

Capt. Henry 23rd Power

Capt Cirkey 22nd Power

Capt. Hodgen 99th Power

Lt Caobeant 21st Power

Lt Griffin 99th Power

Tried 8 cases

Thursday, April 21. Clear and warm. Court met at 9...Tried 4 cases. Adjourned to met at 9 AM on the 22.

Friday, April 22. Wet- Tried some cases and then adjourned.

Saturday, April 23. Nothing now. Weather fine—Court adjourned to meet April 25th

Monday, April 25. Court Martial adjourned sine die. Captain Richards at to N.O. in charge of prisoners. Rec’d mail a letter from Lou, one from John and from Elijah Faris and one from J.H Litton.

Tuesday April 26. The loss of Charlie hurts me. I can hardly reconcile my mind.

Wednesday, April 27. All quiet in camp-fine weather-wrote to Lou.

Thursday, April 28. On guard.

Friday, April 29. All quiet and fine weather.

Saturday, April 30. Wrote to Lou.

Sunday, May 1. Wrote to Lou. (see below for letter)

Monday, May 2. Wrote to John and Elijah Faris.

Tuesday, May 3. On picket guard.

Monday, May 9. On Guard Duty.

Sunday, May 15 on Guard Duty

Monday, May 16. Received a mail – brought me a letter from Lou – One from John and from E. Foris? And one from Jennie Macklem.

Wednesday, May 18. Moved up near end line of defenses.

Thursday, May 19. Regiment on fatigue-Loading Clinton.

Friday, May 20. Regiment on fatigue in the afternoon. Loading Steamship Clinton.

Saturday, May 21. On Guard- Steamship Clinton sailed for New Orleans.

Sunday, May 22. Co. E on fatigue at port commissary-looks but little like the Sabbath at home.

Monday, May 23. Pleasant weather.

Tuesday, May 24. Propeller Corinthian, Steamship Zepher and Warrior Sailed for New Orleans. Weather clear and fine

Wednesday, May 25. Propeller exact arrived from New Orleans with the mail. Rec’d a letter from Lou, one from Mary Griffin and one from Catherine Griffin. Wrote to Lou and Mary. Lou is discouraged and needs my presence to cheer her up. I long to be with her.

Thursday, May 26. Wrote to John and Father. Think of home more frequently than ever before. Long to see my family and to comfort them.

Friday, May 27. On Guard. Lazy work on picket guard here. A good place to think of the past and make resolves for the future. I have been thinking today that my past life has been poorly spent, and by the help of God will do better in time to come.

Saturday, May 28. Steamship Crescent Arrived from Brownville. Wrote to Martha McCurdy. If I could only feel happy in the love of God as I did onset. I sometimes do, but not always. The influences around me tempt me to do wrong. I pray for strength.

Sunday, May 29. Co. E on fatigue in the afternoon. The morning passes quietly. No service. We need a good religious Chaplin to lead us. I wonder why Mr. Evans don’t come.

Monday, May 30. Co.E on fatigue.

Wednesday, June 1. On picket guard-Received 17 letters—6 of them from Lou, 1 from Jennie Higbee, 1 from Lydia Willard, 2 from Capt Griffin, 1 from Still, 1 from J.K. Sitton, 2 from A.W. Bemiss, 1 from Mary Miller, 1 from Elie Williamson, 1 from Frank Miller.

Thursday, June 2. Wrote to Lou

Friday, June 2. Wrote to Jennie Higbee.

Saturday, June 4. On Picket Guard.

Sunday, June 5. Wrote to Lydia.

Thursday, June 9. On Picket Guard – sent $5.00 to Moses A Dow for the Waverly Magazine, once Godey’s Ladies book. Boston Mass.

Friday, June 10. Came off guard this morning. Wrote D.D.Hicks, C.W.Kain Chapman and Kellogg and W.H. Clayton. Wrote to Lou.

Saturday, June 11. Wrote to A.W.Bemiss. Steamer Alabama sailed for N.O with part of the 21st Iowa on board.

Sunday, June 12. On Fatigue all day. Leading the Propeller Corinthian I’m not well. The boys get very tired doing so much fatigue duty. Col. Bailey issued whiskey to all who wanted it. Capt Fee confiscated the pussers whiskey on the Corinthian, because he sold to the soldiers, downright.

Monday, June 13. Corinthian sailed for N.O. this morning. We are getting tired staying here. Will go soon

Tuesday, June 14. Embarked on board the steam ship St. Mary. Cleared the wharf at dark dropped back to pick up schooner and got hard around where we had to stay until near morning when the tide come in. Clinton arrived outside the bar from N.O. was in charge of detail to burn up hospital and all other buildings.

Wednesday, June 13. On board the St. Mary. Clinton came over the bar-brought to me mail. Rec’d a letter from Sarah Jane C. at about 7 O'clock we leave the Island and I hope forever. The Sophia led out the bay, the Clinton next, and then the St. Mary with the 99th and 5th Cos. Iw. We are now (noon) out of sight of land—vessel rocks some—some of the boys are sea sick.

Thursday, June 16. Still on the gulf, making slow time.

Friday, June 17. At two O'clock in the afternoon we entered the Mouth of the Mississippi.

Saturday, June 18. We arrived at N.O. at 7 O'clock this morning. Moved out W. Greenville and went into camp.

Sunday, June 19. Went to the city with Col. Bailey, Capt Johnson, Lt. Atkinson. Met Capt. All and John Allen and had a good time.

Monday, June 20. Went out to camp this evening and found the boys alright.

Tuesday, June 21. Marched up to Kennersville, 9 miles and went into camp.

Wednesday, June 22. Rained and wet. Wrote to Lou.

Thursday, June 23. Raining –Ordered to go to Donaldsonville.

Friday, June 24. Wrote a letter to Lou. Raining today. Embarked on the Steamer Iberville early in the morning—arrived at Donaldsonville at 3 in the evening.

Saturday, June 25. Warm and Sultry. Chaplain preached tonight.

Sunday, June 26. Chaplain preached at 10 ½ o'clock in the grove. Quite a number of soldiers out and listened with much attention.

Monday, June 27. Went across the Bayou to see Major Matthews who is sick. I found him some better today. The larger part of the town is on that side. Most of the town has been burned.

Tuesday, June 28. Weather hot.

Thursday June 30. Hot- some rain.

Monday, July 4. Salutes were fired from the fort and U.S. Gunboats at morning noon and night. Flags were displayed from all quarters.

Thursday, July 7. Embarked on the Steamer Joseph Pearce—Arrived at N.O. at nine o'clock tonight.

Friday, July 8. Came over to Algiers and went into camp.

Monday, July 18. Am looking for Brother John every day.

Tuesday July 20. Embarked on Steamship Laurel Hill at daylight. Left the wharf at eight o'clock and started up the river. Landed at Morganza Bend sometime during the night.

Wednesday July 27. commenced disembarking at daylight. Went into camp on the river bank, at Morganza Bend, L.A.

Thursday, July 28. The first brigade went out on a Scout-towards the Stohafazliah-met and routed the rebels and returned.

Saturday, September 3. Embarked upon the transport Illinois with the 21st Iowa and 120 Ohio at noon. Hard storm of wind and rain in the evening, thought we were started for good at dark, but only went 2 or 3 miles and landed.

Sunday, September 4. Started up the river at daylight, passed the Red River early in the morning. Arrived at Natchez an hour before dark. Saw all three of my brothers there. Had a joyful meeting. After dark we moved up the river 2 miles and landed.

Monday, September 5. Started at break of day. Arrived at Vicksburg an hour or two before night. Found my old friend Dr. Erisez there. Lay there all night. The troops on board the Rose Hambelton changed onto the Kentucky.

Tuesday, Septemeber 6. Left Vicksburg early in the morning. Run very slow all day, our flee consists of seven transports and one gun boat viz: 1st Laurel Hill, 2nd Nebraska, 3rd Baltic, 4th Illinois, 5th Ohio Bell, 5th Fringle, 7th Kentucky, convoy gunboat No. 14

Wednesday, September 7. Nothing of interest today except the whole fleet stopped to bury a soldier—then the Nebraska collided with the gunboat No 14 and broke some arms out of the wheel of the latter. Fun all night.

Thursday, September 8. Landed at the mouth of the White River early this morn. Camped in the cotton field. We had to pull the cotton stocks out of the way.

Friday, September 9. In camp at the cotton patch at the mouth of the White River.

Saturday September 10. Embarked on board the Steamer Hattie and started up the White River. On the way up struck a snag, causing some alarm on board. Main of Co. A jumped overboard and swam ashore and was brought on board by the boat hands in the yawl.

Sunday, September 11. This afternoon we arrived at St. Charles Ark., disembarked and went into camp.

Monday, September 20. Col Bailey started to Memphis with the expectation of going home from there.

Friday, September 25. John Allen Starts to Memphis

Monday, September 26. Today I sent up an application for a leave of absence. Received a detail on a court martial as judge advocate. The other members of the court are Capt. John R. Richards and Capt. T.C. Hodgens.

Tuesday, September 27. Court met this morning and tried two cases; 1st Henry Andrews of Co.C and Charles Main of Co.A.

Wednesday September 28. Court met again this morning but adjourned sine die. A hard storm of wind and rain.

Thursday September 29. Johnny Allen returned from Memphis said Col. Bailey went home from there. I wrote a few thoughts and sent them to Bemiss.

Friday, September 30. Raining.

Thursday October 20. The regiment embarked on board the Steamer Eclipse for Duvall Bluffs.

Saturday October 22. Arrived at Duvall Bluffs at 2 o'clock this afternoon.

Sunday October 23. Embarked on board the Steamer Sallie list early this morning and starts down the White River.

Wednesday October 26. Arrived at St. Charles at Noon-got caught on a bar and lay there all night.

Thursday, October 27. Started at eight o'clock this morning.

Sunday October 30. Left mouth of White River on board the Sallie list at five o'clock in the evening . At nine o'clock in the night passed the Steamer Dunliff stuck on a snag. Rescued her passengers.

Monday, October 31. Left mouth of White River on board the Sallie list yesterday. Arrived at Helena today at noon.

Tuesday, November 1. Arrived at Memphis this morning at eight o'clock took passage aboard the Steamer Belle Memphis for Cairo.

Wednesday November 2. Arrived at New Madrid at ½ past one o'clock PM Arrived at Cairo 9 o'clock tonight.

Thursday, November 3. Took the twelve o'clock train at Cairo arrived at Odin at Nine o'clock, tonight took the train for St. Louis—arrived at St. Louis at 2 o'clock.

Friday, November 4. Took passage on Steamer Nellie Rogers at 2 o'clock.

Saturday, November 5. Arrived at Montezuma at 2 o'clock. P.M. Had a very pleasant trip from St. Louis up. Met Mr. Foremen at Montezuma and rode out in his wagon to Time. Arrived at Time at 4 o'clock and found Lou at Ad Norton's.

Sunday, November 6. Went to Father's and stayed all day and all night.

Tuesday November 29. Left home this morning for Naples. Left Naples at ½ past 6 o'clock this evening.

Wednesday, November 30. Arrived at Tolono at 1/2 past 2 o'clock this morning. Missed the Cairo train—lay all day at Tolono. Left Tolono at ½ past 5.

Thursday, December 1. Arrived at Cairo this morning at daylight. Embarked on board the Steamer Olive Branch and left Cairo at 6 this eve.

Letter Sent to A.W. Bemiss:

Matagorda Island Texas.

March 31, 1864

A.W. Bemiss

Dear Sir: 
I wrote to you but a day or two ago, but as my propensity for writing has become materially augmented of late – thought I would write again; knowing that anything from “a Soldier in camp in the field” will be read and appreciated by you.

Our life at present is rather a monotonous one; consequently we are compelled to adopt various modes of “driving dull care away”, one of the most pleasant of which is writing our friends at home.

The duty we are preforming at present is not the kind that suits soldiers of our nature. We like something more active an order to march forward toward the interior would be hailed with delight. Soldiers, with their limited means of knowing the plans of our Commanding Generals, can hardly be brought to see the point in laying on a sandy barren island for months at a time. It may be right- but I confess that I am not in possession of a sufficient amount of human ken to see it. We get but little news from the rest of the world, and when we do it is very stale.

I have been regaling myself with the contents of the Westminster and North British Reviews, dating back as far as 1855. I find there the cause of the Russian War; alos the resources of the nations engaged; and the manner in which they conducted the Crimean war. Once cannot help arriving at the conclusion that our cause is more just than that of the English. It is not my province however, to discuss the merits of their cause.

We find in reading the history of the wars in France, Belgium, Italy, Poland and Spain, a greater similarity to our own, than we do in the Crimean war.

After the “Treaty of Vienna” was established Europe was said to be at peace. Politicians said so at least, but they meant nothing more than a truce or an armistice. The peace which they proclaimed rested precisely the same foundation that the previous state of things had done; that is they wanted to stop long enough to breath. On how firm a basis the peace rested let the battles in France, Poland, Belgium, Italy and Spain decide.

How like the Treaty of Vienna was the Compromise of 1820; After that our histories speak of the “era of good feeling”. That Compromise was nothing more than an Armistice of a truce. There was no change in the feelings of the contending parties. The inevitable forces had not ceased to work. The bone of contention still existed.

How firmly this “era of good feeling” as our histories are pleased to term it, was rooted in the hearts of the people, we can see by first referring to the Boston Mob which sought the hearts blood of the garrison. We can find evidence all the way down from 1835 to Bulls Run, Anteitem, Gettysburg, Champions Hills, and Vicksburg, how strong that good feeling was.

Tho final result we do not doubt. This universal contest will be decided in our favor, because the universal tendency of mankind is toward perfect liberty, it is so recorded in the book of human history. The instincts of the human heart teaches us what Jefferson truly said that God has no attribute that can take sides for Slavery. This truth is not limited but is universal.

We may as well imagine Pope Pius will dominate the world, or that Russian serfdom will be established on free American soil; as to suppose that the slave breeding aristocracy will again be permitted to rule Americans sell men and women like cattle.

Faint hearts may quail, weak men may tremble in their boots as they “smell the battle far off,” copperhead traitors may cry out “Call off the hounds! Let us have peace!” but it will not do. The issue is upon us and now is the time to look it square in the face. Now is the time to conquer a peace that will be worth more than the flimsy Compromise of 1820. WE do not look for a fairy peace. WE do not want it, because it would be worthless if we had it, and whosoever desires such a peace is a coward and deserves not to live in a free country. We want no more compromises. WE have already had too many and now the sooner the last vestige of human slavery is swept away the sooner we will have a permanent peace, if we shun the task now the blow will fall upon our children. Our lives and our all is staked upon a peace that will be enduring for generations to come, and we will accept of none other, and may God speed the day when it will come.

Please excuse those incoherent lines for I sometimes imagine that I am talking to traitors and then I must let off steam. I send you this that you may know the sentiments of the soldiers who take the trouble to think. I have no local news to give. All are well and seem to be happy. My kind regards to friends.

Ever your sincere friend, R.H. Griffin

Letter from Robert Hall Griffin to Louisa (Hooper) Griffin

Head quarters Co. E 99th Ills. Vols. Infty. Matagorda Island, Texas

May 1st 1864

Dear Wife:

Again I commence the pleasant task of writing to you this Sabbath morning. I have not received any letters from you since last writing, but I never wait for that. I write as often as I can anyhow. Your letters nearly always come in a bunch. Sometimes I get three or four at a time. I am anxious to have another mail for I know I will get some letters from you. When I last wrote to you I did not expect to write from here any more, but here we are yet and a pretty good prospect of remaining here for some time to come. The white troops have all left except our regiment and the 21st of Iowa. The probability is that we will remain here and do garrison duty which pleases us all very well. I think this is a very healthy place to stay. We have never all been in as good health, as we have, since we have been on the coast. The weather is fine and cool all the time. It would be pretty warm some days if it were not for the breeze which comes from the sea it commences about 9 o'clock in the morning and continues all day. Capt. Richards has not returned from New Orleans yet. Consequently I am still in command of the company. I have been very busy during the past week making out muster and pay rolls. We mustered yesterday for pay, but I do not know when the paymaster will come round. I hope before long. Bad news awaits Capt. Richards on his return from the city. One of his children died recently, two or three letters are here for him with the badge of mourning, poor fellow, I know how to sympathize with him, but he is yet unconscious of his troubles. It will go very hard with him for he is like myself, he almost worships his children, but these things must be borne we cannot expect to pass through the world without trials and afflictions. If we had nothing but happiness and pleasure here, we would not know how to appreciate heaven when we reach that place. It is like being separated from earthly friends. If we are always permitted to enjoy each other's society, I doubt if we are so well prepared to appreciate each other so well, as if we are necessarily separated for a time. It was always said to me, that I loved home and friends. If this was true before I ever was away from home, it is doubly true now, for I know that I never before place a proper estimate upon them until since I have been separated from them. I have often heard it said that time would wean a man from his old associations, and even from home and friends. I know not how it is with others, but as for me I am prepared to deny it. On the other hand the longer I am away the more I long for home and its associations, but you must not think that I go drooping around and am homesick, for you know that I am of a buoyant spirit, and am rather inclined to look on the bright side of things, and in this manner I will try to spend the time until I get home, and then I expect to spend many a happy a year with you, in the hope that there will be no more war to separate us or our boy. I would rather pass through a great deal, than that our Wesey should ever have to undergo what I have done.

I have no news to write at this time. I am officer of the guard tomorrow and will be on duty until the next day. We are doing the easiest solidering we have done since we have been in the service. We have new tents, are well clothed and fed and the boys are all in good health and spirits. Give my love to Mother, Mag, and Mack after receiving your own share. Kiss Wesey often for me, and send me your and his likeness as soon as you can. Write often as possible.

Farewell.

Your loving companion

R.H. Griffin