This collection of tales and stories is derived from over fifty years of reading, hundreds of books, family diaries, oral histories and internet research. The most interesting of Bummer's study centered on the role of women during the Civil War and their attempts to cope and survive the horrors, carnage, loneliness and suffering of this country's early genesis and civil strife. Bummer wants to thank all the scholars, academics, journalists, students and fellow bloggers that inspired this collection and hopes that you enjoy the read as much as "this old guy" thrilled at foraging food for thought.