I just finished Shelby Foote’s “Stars in Their Courses” which is an epic summary of the Battle of Gettysburg. In it, Foote speaks of the courage shown by Union cavalry General John Buford who so aptly chose the ground on which the Northern victory was accomplished. Buford’s main part in the story is his elegant orders to his brigade commanders. “Keep a close watchful eye and defend the high ground or we’ll lose everything,” ordered the gruff commander.

It’s another great lesson of the Civil War. Keep a close eye on the things that are important to you. Ryan taught me another lesson tonight. Keep too close a watch and you’ll miss everything else going on around you.

Location:Sylvia Ln,Schenectady,United States