Remember the fallen, celebrate their lives!

 Yesterday we celebrated Memorial Day. Maybe it is because I lived overseas for so many years, I don't know, but I always seem to get a "catch" in my throat each time I see our beautiful flag. As the song says, "I'm proud to be an American!"

 We went to a nearby park and cemetery to commemorate this special day. So many graves were decorated by flags and plants. It was a good time of reflection...freedom is not free!

 This is the first year that we were able to attend the special Memorial Day service held here in our city. Not only did we honor the service men and women who have passed on, but we also had a special time in the service to honor those who are still living. A soloist sang each of the songs from the 5 branches of service, and the guests who had served in that branch of the military stood and sang their song together with her, as we applauded them. It was especially moving to see an elderly man and his uniformed grandson stand together as the anthem for the Air Force was sung. Thanks to all of our service men and women who pledge to guard our freedoms, regardless of the cost to their personal lives.

"O say, can you see, by the dawn's early light,

what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight,

O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?

And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,

Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.

O say, does that star spangled banner yet wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

O thus be it ever, when free men shall stand

Between their loved home and the war's desolation!

Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land

Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just;

And this be our motto: 'In God is our trust!'

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Sunday Celebration

On Sunday, we celebrated Jim's birthday (again) with our church family by a special pot-luck luncheon after the church service. We were so happy that our family here could be at the service and also join in the celebration. Of course, the best gift to Grandpa was his grandchildren! 

 Several little girls at church also enjoyed our little Em!

 A special thanks to all the women who organized and served the luncheon, plus the ice cream sundae bar (Jim's favorite!) after the meal.

 This little buddy loved practicing his climbing skills on the stairs.

 Every one of the kids took a turn in the rocking chair-the same one that their grandma sat in as a little girl!

 K found her uncle's big shoes...

 And B enjoyed playing with his uncle again.

 This is such a fun age of imagination! J loved playing with the wooden toys that his great, great grandfather made over 35 years ago. (I love how he now has names for all the vehicles when we play cars and trucks!)

 More daddy time...

 time for a musical interlude...

 then on to helping Grandpa open cards and gifts!

Mommy and little boy even had a short nap!  We had such an enjoyable day with family and friends. We are so BLESSED!

One week ago

 One week ago, we were getting ready to travel back home again after a lovely time together with our son and daughter-in-law. In the process of packing his bag, Jim noticed that the strap was hanging by only a few threads, so Gina offered to "suture the bag." It certainly is handy to have an ER doc in the family! Thanks, Gina, the bag repair was great and traveled well!

 Thanks Mark and Gina for a wonderful week and such a relaxing time with you.  

 A week ago, this was the scenery along the roadside. We enjoyed the clear fresh air, the lush green trees, and so many fewer cars on the freeways.

 Since we had plenty of time to explore this airport, we took advantage of it.

 We even found some southern hospitality and charm there...

There is nothing like a nice rocking chair to just relax the spirit! Have a great week.

Happy Birthday Jim

Today I celebrate this wonderful man that God brought into my life. Not only is he my best friend, confidante and lover, but he is also a leader and shepherd of many people. His Godly wisdom and grace have provided strength and protection for me and our family, and his many talents have sustained us through the years. I am blessed to call him my man! I love you, Jim, and wish you a happy birthday and a year filled with the blessings of God.

Just hanging around...

 Buying flowers, plants and produce at a local Farmers' Market

 Outside their lovely home, on a summer's eve, just before a walk around the neighborhood

They truly live in the country, as their neighbor across the street has horses behind the house!

 Time for a bit of yard work...

 ...and some help from dad.

And also a bit of study time...

...or internet time! Just chill-axing!

Biltmore Estate: Antler Village and Winery (part 3)

The last part of our day was spent in "Antler Village." We decided not to take the tour of the Winery, since we were all tired of walking by that time. 

 We decided to browse the shops and sample a bit of Biltmore wine

It was a rather intense lecture on the flavors of wine on that list...

 Then we went to eat a delicious meal at one of the restaurants  

One more photo-op of the kids...then on to the final part of the tour.

 The last buildings that we visited were the farmyard and old stables. Part of George Vanderbilt's vision was that his property would be self-sustaining, so he proceeded to plant crops and vegetable gardens, and raise animals to provide food for his household. He was very successful and graciously shared the produce with neighbors and nearby hospitals. The ice cream that was made on the estate had a reputation for being the creamiest, most delicious ever made! Jim and I were just excited to read some of the ancient history, and also find old machinery (like this hay rake) and equipment that reminded us of our childhoods. (Now we are really showing our old age!)

Jim loved this old Oliver tractor! It was a long day, but so interesting and so enjoyable! Thanks M&G for such a fun treat!

Biltmore Estate (part 2)

The beautiful wall garden!

This conservatory was one of the first buildings on the property.

There were so many big, beautiful Hydrangeas

Even a small touch of France....

It really was hot in this building with many tropical plants and orchids

I wish I had this pot of flowers in my yard!

A Magnolia blossom

Gina and Marilyn loved taking pictures of all the flowers!

A photo-op in the garden

The view of the house from the garden area.

We stopped to enjoy another view of the valley below just before we toured the house. (Sorry, no photography allowed inside.) But the place is spectacular, including a massive stone spiral staircase with 102 steps rising four-stories high; a basement that includes: a bowling alley, a heated swimming pool and changing rooms, servants quarters, huge kitchens and pantries, and a laundry room (plus other rooms). That's not to even mention all the guest rooms and sitting rooms, the library with thousands of books, the paintings, the art collections, the furniture or even the fact that the house had 43 bathrooms- in 1895- when many homes of that era had only an outhouse! Very impressive!

After the tour of the house, we visited the gift shops

We loved the many varieties of trees and flowering bushes

We passed this beautiful water falls on our way to the winery.

"Docs on the rocks"

And then we followed the river road to Antler Village and the Winery.