Howdy Howdy all, I want to thank the soaptesters who have commented thus far on the soap that I sent them. If you have tested soap and have not yet offered feedback, please see the previous blog to leave your comments and Thanks for your participation.  I went for yet another short walk today with 25 pounds of weigth and it is actually starting to feel kinda natural if that makes any sense at all. Still no pictures but I went to a place that was not so scenic and would have gotten little more than street lights and gas stations at the most or at the least shall I say/write.  I am looking forward to getting better footwear this weekend not to mention a decent back pack (I carried my Pink Floyd/ Dark Side Of The Moon pack). Although fashionable and worthy it was not condusive to hiking with that much weight and started to dig into my shoulders a smidge. I did have enough water this time and that made a heck of a difference! As always ANY and ALL hiking suggestions are encouraged and appreciated.

And now, It is time for our next inventor:

Lewis Howard Latimer (September 4, 1848-December 11, 1928) was an African-American engineer and inventor who was a member of Edison's research team, which was called "Edison's Pioneers." Latimer improved the newly-invented incandescent light bulb by inventing a carbon filament (which he patented in 1881). In 1882, Latimer developed and patented a method of manufacturing his carbon filaments (patent #252,386). Later, the stronger tungsten filament replaced the carbon filament (invented by W. D. Coolidge). Latimer also invented a a threaded wooden socket for light bulbs.

Latimer developed many other inventions, including the first toilet that could be used in trains (1874, patent #147,363 - called "Water closet for railroad cars"), and a forerunner of the air conditioner (we in the south certainly appreciate this) (1886, patent # 334,078 - called "Apparatus for cooling and disinfecting"). In 1890, Latimer published the book Incandescent Electric Lighting, a technical guide for electrical engineers.

And now for the poetry....here goes....

Dedication Poem 9

To stay the floods of sin and shame
   That sweep from shore to shore;
And furl the banners stained with blood,
   ’Till war shall be no more.

Blame not the age, nor think it full
   Of evil and unrest;
But say of every other age,
   “This one shall be the best.”

The age to brighten every path
   By sin and sorrow trod;
For loving hearts to usher in
   The commonwealth of God.--Frances Ellen Watkins Harper

Goddess Bless