Cravats and Crinolines

One of my jobs this summer is to revamp the "Living History" collection of clothing here at Melrose. We have a plethora of clothing items to be used in the historical programs here, but they are all in one big heap up in the dairy building behind the main house. Angie has been trying to find the time to go through everything, but seeing as how she is currently the acting Supervisory Ranger, she hasn't had a chance to work on it yet. So, I'm now the clothes person. I've been learning all about crinolines (the wire cage things that go underneath hoop skirts), bodices, fabrics, and a whole bunch of other stuff. Today, as you can see, I was up going through some of the less relevant material we have in the collection--such as colonial hats and Spanish helmets. It should be a fun project to do!

The "National Tourism Week" celebration at the Natchez Convention Center yesterday was really funny. It was very apparent that tourism is the main (or the only) industry here in the city because the reception was just for people involved in hospitality services (hotels, restaurants, tourism companies, etc.), and the WHOLE city of Natchez was there! They had some tasty eats there.

There are a bunch of cool birds that live here at Routhland. Last night I was washing dishes in the kitchen, and this bright red cardinal came and landed inside the awning over the window. He sat there looking at me for a minute, then he took off--he was soooo pretty! There's also an owl that lives in one of the trees outside, and sometimes I hear him at night.

Today was a good day at work. I had this couple on my 3:00 tour from France. They didn't speak much English, but somehow we made it through the tour. They said that I was easier to understand than other people they had met in the area, and I said, "Heck, I can't even understand people around here!" They were really nice. The only French I really remember from high school is: "J'mapelle Tiffany," which thoroughly thrilled the couple when I said that. Well, I'm off to see Shrek III tonight with Ranger Sharon and a couple of her Alcorn State University friends. I am really excited to see it!