FALL TRIP 2009
Well, good morning everyone from a rainy, chilly, spectacular Lancaster, SC!I feel like it’s been forever since I’ve blogged! Not quite that long, but close! Today seemed like a good day to get back on it. I awoke around 7:30 (slowly getting my body clock back on EST!), stumbled to the kitchen to find the coffee pot; looked outside and the rain was still falling very softly and the leaves were turning loose and floating to the ground. A beautiful sight, for sure! If they continue, the lovely “leaf carpet” on my deck will be even more plush!
On Saturday, October 3, we said good-bye to Lancaster and headed to Williamsburg, VA! Excited? Yes!!! Our dear friends, George and Marj Walrod, invited us some time ago to join them there for a week of sightseeing and great times of fellowship. (We were so disappointed last year when we were invited to spend a week with them in Williamsburg, but alas, my gallbladder surgery changed all my plans and the doctor said a resounding, “No travel!” The Walrods were kind enough to renew the invitation this year, bless them!)Williamsburg, as you know, is rich in history and so interesting! Much too much to see in a few days, but we made a big dent in it for sure.
The Walrods are like walking encyclopedias on Williamsburg and were the perfect guides and hosts. From day one, we had a marvelous time exploring Colonial Williamsburg and for a brief time we tried to imagine and experience a bit of what the early days in our history were really like. Seeing so much history reenacted in living color and its actors dressed in true period attire, was a sobering reminder of the hardships our founding fathers (and mothers!) endured! I came away thankful for many things: among them my Maytag washer and dryer, my air-conditioned home, my car, and other reminders of the materialism we enjoy today. The most important reminder, however, is the fact that as Americans we are all free and none are enslaved. How blessed we are today.
The College of William and Mary adjoins the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg and looks and feels just like you might imagine. Just the mention of it, conjures up words like rich, expansive (1200 acres!), and yes, ever so stately, in its 18th century architectural buildings! Its website claims that it is the second oldest college in America, having been chartered on February 8, 1693, by King William III and Queen Mary II of England. Sounds like a valid claim for “old”, huh? W & M became state-supported in 1906 and coeducational in 1918. So, now you know! Every day was filled with sightseeing, fine dining, and yes, even some rest times! We were all ready for a little relaxing each day after climbing stairs at every place we toured! Remember, there were no elevators or escalators back then. Walking alongside the carriage rides was a lot of fun, though! Of course, we were very mindful of where we stepped along the unpaved streets! The horses had the right-of-way and did what they pleased where they pleased!
Of course, I am always drawn to food wherever I’m living and breathing! One most interesting dinner was at King’s Arms Tavern, in Colonial Williamsburg. George and Marj had enjoyed some great cuisine there in the past, and highly recommended it. It was cozy; our waiter was in appropriate period attire, and dinner was perfect in every way! It was traditional southern fare served in an atmosphere of long ago. (Their dessert offerings were sumptuous, and I admit that I did sin and partake of the delectable pecan pie, but please don’t tell my doctor. She read me my Miranda rights before we left home and I made a vow to be very cautious of anything good going into my mouth while on vacation! Not a good thing to do before going anywhere!)
We had way too much fun to elaborate on everything while in Williamsburg, but among the good times was visiting the Bruton Parish Church, the first Anglican church built in 1660. It is still an active church. It is interesting that the present organ, the church's fourth, was presented by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1954. In 1761, merchant James Tarpley presented the church with a bell which is still in use today. Marj and I even got to pull the rope to ring the bell on the appropriate hour! More interesting facts at: www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbbruch.cfm
On Sunday we enjoyed worshipping with George and Marj at Williamsburg Community Chapel, which states that, “as an interdenominational church wherein all of those who love Jesus Christ and desire to serve Him may join in one common effort.” The music was outstanding and we very much enjoyed the service.
One final highlight of our trip to Williamsburg was the opportunity to spend some time with Jim and Carolyn Whitaker, dear friends in our church here in Lancaster, who joined us later in the week. Fellowshipping with fellow Christians is always enriching and makes for beautiful memories! Saying goodbye to the Walrods and Whitakers was filled with mixed emotions, for sure!
Our next stop was in Charlottesville, Virginia. For a long time I had heard how lovely this area was. I was not disappointed. We arrived early enough in the day to visit Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. www.monticello.org/. We took a bus up the mountain (boarding at a recently dedicated welcome center that was beautiful on its own and included a great museum). We had quite a wait once we reached the grounds of Monticello, but the tour was definitely worth the wait. The home was smaller than I had expected. But definitely recognizable as depicted on our five cent coins. Our tour guide was very good and we enjoyed a visit to the past. The grounds were lovely, too, with several gardens displaying beautiful foliage and blooming plants. I’m grateful to those souls who continue to preserve our rich heritage. We all benefit from looking back – with thankfulness.
Leaving Charlottesville, our next stop was a brief visit to the home of Stonewall Jackson (1824-63) in Lexington, VA. Sources tell us that next to Robert E. Lee himself, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson is the most revered of all Confederate commanders. His home is rather small and unassuming, located only a couple of blocks from Virginia Military Institute where he was once a professor. More about him at www.civilwarhistory.com/stonewalljackson/jackson.htm
On Sunday October 11 we decided it was time to head for Arkansas! Our travel west included a brief stop in Memphis, TN where we enjoyed choir practice (for real!) with our close friends, Ralph and Peggy Jones. When we called them to see if we could “do” lunch, they asked if we could arrive by 9:30? No problem we said. So we marched ourselves right up into the mega-Bellevue Baptist Church just like we belonged there! There were a number of other seniors on hand and we belted out their Christmas carols just like we were regular, certified members! It was so much fun! After practice, the nice lady who filled in for their regular choir director shared a devotional thought from a book she was reading – What Difference Do it Make, a sequel to The Same Kind of Different as Me. Both were co-authored by Denver Moore (a homeless, illiterate, sharecropper’s son from Red River Parish, LA) and Ron Hall (a wealthy art dealer in Ft. Worth, TX), an unlikely duo. Perhaps some of you are familiar with the books and may have seen TV interviews with the two. We highly recommend them for their deep insights into the lives of true homeless folks contrasted with the materialistic lives of others. Without giving away too much, suffice it to say that these two contrasts intricately weave together and will bless you as you are compelled to examine your own hearts. A significant element is the influence of Deborah Hall, whose life transformed both men.
We finally reached Arkansas on Tuesday October 13 and more fun began! Our little camper was still in place and just as we had left it in Andy’s yard/pasture. Our home away from home, it gives both of us privacy and we do not wear out our welcome! Keeping up with Andy, Karen, Luke and Hannah is always a challenge but lots of fun, fun! Hannah’s school, Shiloh Christian, where Karen coaches volleyball, was in the throes of preparing for football homecoming and for hosting the state final volleyball games. We were in full swing helping out wherever we were needed, in addition to keeping the home fires burning, particularly on the gas range!An especially fun day for me was homecoming day when I followed Hannah around as she prepared for the homecoming court on Friday night. I became a little dizzy going with her from pedicures and manicures, to hair-dos, to the Clinique counter of Dillard’s, but all the effort resulted in a quite stunning Miss Hannah! She was lovely in her red, beaded formal gown. A good friend of hers was elected queen and she was happy for her. Of course, Hannah was already queen to us, so it didn’t matter to us that a few other folks disagreed with us!
The following week we enjoyed the games. I even stamped hands one day as schools from all over the state arrived for the play-offs. Bill collected money and then I “validated” the folks so they could come and go at will and enjoy all the games. It was fun! Lots of school spirit from the fans. Shiloh lost in the last next to last bracket and did not advance to the finals which were held on Saturday in Jonesboro, AR. Anticipating this possibility of losing, Hannah just picked up her violin the next day and proceeded to try-outs for all-state orchestra. She made 7th chair in the first violin section.
One of our most enjoyable days while there was a trip to John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR where Luke is a freshman. He greeted us and then we headed to find a place to do lunch. We had told him to pick out any restaurant in town and we would treat him. Guess what he chose? Taco Bell! Worked for us! Later he gave us a tour of the campus and even let us have a peek at his dorm and room! He loves JBU and is so happy there. There are many new buildings and face-lifts to the campus since Art and Andy were there several years ago. The fall foliage is so brilliant, especially the maples which always make quite a statement. It was very nostalgic to remember our very firsts visit to JBU when Bill, Art, Andy and I took a trip in 1979 to “check it out.” JBU stole our hearts, for sure.
Well, leaving a bit of our hearts in Arkansas we drove to my sister’s home in East Texas on Friday, October 30. We enjoyed several days with her and my brother, Claude, and Bea's daughter, Denise. We just enjoyed catching up on our over-due hugs. Bea has some health issues that concern her and we are awaiting some test results to see what can be done. One special day while there was a visit from Nick and Todd Dillard. A visit from grandsons is a definite guarantee to brighten a grandmother's heart!
We also enjoyed dinner with my cousin and her husband, Betty and Howard Anderson, at one of our favorite restaurants, Cheddar’s. Wish we had one over this way.While in East Texas we made a day trip to College Station to visit Dora and Derry Magee. Dora is recovering nicely from recent knee surgery and it is obvious that Dr. Derry is taking very good care of her! We enjoyed a nice lunch at Fish Daddy's, visited some more, and then headed back to Bea's. Shortly after we began our trip back, we learned of the awful massacre at Ft. Hood. Once again, we were reminded that freedom isn't free and cannot be taken for granted, even on our very own soil.
At long last, after 3965 miles and 38 days of making new memories we are back home and lovin’ it. (The washer wonders why the sudden attention!) We missed everyone here and will catch up eventually. I’m in a serious e-mail/Facebook deficit, too. Our wireless card did its best wherever we were, but there was not a lot of time to devote to either.Thanks for enduring this long litany of ramblings! I love you all!
As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s pause and do just that: give thanks – following lyrics by Dan Moen:Give thanks with a grateful heartGive thanks to the Holy OneGive thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His SonAnd now let the weak say, "I am strong"Let the poor say, "I am richBecause of what the Lord has done for us"We give thanks to You oh LordWe give thanks.(repeats omitted)
On Saturday, October 3, we said good-bye to Lancaster and headed to Williamsburg, VA! Excited? Yes!!! Our dear friends, George and Marj Walrod, invited us some time ago to join them there for a week of sightseeing and great times of fellowship. (We were so disappointed last year when we were invited to spend a week with them in Williamsburg, but alas, my gallbladder surgery changed all my plans and the doctor said a resounding, “No travel!” The Walrods were kind enough to renew the invitation this year, bless them!)Williamsburg, as you know, is rich in history and so interesting! Much too much to see in a few days, but we made a big dent in it for sure.
The Walrods are like walking encyclopedias on Williamsburg and were the perfect guides and hosts. From day one, we had a marvelous time exploring Colonial Williamsburg and for a brief time we tried to imagine and experience a bit of what the early days in our history were really like. Seeing so much history reenacted in living color and its actors dressed in true period attire, was a sobering reminder of the hardships our founding fathers (and mothers!) endured! I came away thankful for many things: among them my Maytag washer and dryer, my air-conditioned home, my car, and other reminders of the materialism we enjoy today. The most important reminder, however, is the fact that as Americans we are all free and none are enslaved. How blessed we are today.
The College of William and Mary adjoins the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg and looks and feels just like you might imagine. Just the mention of it, conjures up words like rich, expansive (1200 acres!), and yes, ever so stately, in its 18th century architectural buildings! Its website claims that it is the second oldest college in America, having been chartered on February 8, 1693, by King William III and Queen Mary II of England. Sounds like a valid claim for “old”, huh? W & M became state-supported in 1906 and coeducational in 1918. So, now you know! Every day was filled with sightseeing, fine dining, and yes, even some rest times! We were all ready for a little relaxing each day after climbing stairs at every place we toured! Remember, there were no elevators or escalators back then. Walking alongside the carriage rides was a lot of fun, though! Of course, we were very mindful of where we stepped along the unpaved streets! The horses had the right-of-way and did what they pleased where they pleased!
Of course, I am always drawn to food wherever I’m living and breathing! One most interesting dinner was at King’s Arms Tavern, in Colonial Williamsburg. George and Marj had enjoyed some great cuisine there in the past, and highly recommended it. It was cozy; our waiter was in appropriate period attire, and dinner was perfect in every way! It was traditional southern fare served in an atmosphere of long ago. (Their dessert offerings were sumptuous, and I admit that I did sin and partake of the delectable pecan pie, but please don’t tell my doctor. She read me my Miranda rights before we left home and I made a vow to be very cautious of anything good going into my mouth while on vacation! Not a good thing to do before going anywhere!)
We had way too much fun to elaborate on everything while in Williamsburg, but among the good times was visiting the Bruton Parish Church, the first Anglican church built in 1660. It is still an active church. It is interesting that the present organ, the church's fourth, was presented by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1954. In 1761, merchant James Tarpley presented the church with a bell which is still in use today. Marj and I even got to pull the rope to ring the bell on the appropriate hour! More interesting facts at: www.history.org/almanack/places/hb/hbbruch.cfm
On Sunday we enjoyed worshipping with George and Marj at Williamsburg Community Chapel, which states that, “as an interdenominational church wherein all of those who love Jesus Christ and desire to serve Him may join in one common effort.” The music was outstanding and we very much enjoyed the service.
One final highlight of our trip to Williamsburg was the opportunity to spend some time with Jim and Carolyn Whitaker, dear friends in our church here in Lancaster, who joined us later in the week. Fellowshipping with fellow Christians is always enriching and makes for beautiful memories! Saying goodbye to the Walrods and Whitakers was filled with mixed emotions, for sure!
Our next stop was in Charlottesville, Virginia. For a long time I had heard how lovely this area was. I was not disappointed. We arrived early enough in the day to visit Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. www.monticello.org/. We took a bus up the mountain (boarding at a recently dedicated welcome center that was beautiful on its own and included a great museum). We had quite a wait once we reached the grounds of Monticello, but the tour was definitely worth the wait. The home was smaller than I had expected. But definitely recognizable as depicted on our five cent coins. Our tour guide was very good and we enjoyed a visit to the past. The grounds were lovely, too, with several gardens displaying beautiful foliage and blooming plants. I’m grateful to those souls who continue to preserve our rich heritage. We all benefit from looking back – with thankfulness.
Leaving Charlottesville, our next stop was a brief visit to the home of Stonewall Jackson (1824-63) in Lexington, VA. Sources tell us that next to Robert E. Lee himself, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson is the most revered of all Confederate commanders. His home is rather small and unassuming, located only a couple of blocks from Virginia Military Institute where he was once a professor. More about him at www.civilwarhistory.com/stonewalljackson/jackson.htm
On Sunday October 11 we decided it was time to head for Arkansas! Our travel west included a brief stop in Memphis, TN where we enjoyed choir practice (for real!) with our close friends, Ralph and Peggy Jones. When we called them to see if we could “do” lunch, they asked if we could arrive by 9:30? No problem we said. So we marched ourselves right up into the mega-Bellevue Baptist Church just like we belonged there! There were a number of other seniors on hand and we belted out their Christmas carols just like we were regular, certified members! It was so much fun! After practice, the nice lady who filled in for their regular choir director shared a devotional thought from a book she was reading – What Difference Do it Make, a sequel to The Same Kind of Different as Me. Both were co-authored by Denver Moore (a homeless, illiterate, sharecropper’s son from Red River Parish, LA) and Ron Hall (a wealthy art dealer in Ft. Worth, TX), an unlikely duo. Perhaps some of you are familiar with the books and may have seen TV interviews with the two. We highly recommend them for their deep insights into the lives of true homeless folks contrasted with the materialistic lives of others. Without giving away too much, suffice it to say that these two contrasts intricately weave together and will bless you as you are compelled to examine your own hearts. A significant element is the influence of Deborah Hall, whose life transformed both men.
We finally reached Arkansas on Tuesday October 13 and more fun began! Our little camper was still in place and just as we had left it in Andy’s yard/pasture. Our home away from home, it gives both of us privacy and we do not wear out our welcome! Keeping up with Andy, Karen, Luke and Hannah is always a challenge but lots of fun, fun! Hannah’s school, Shiloh Christian, where Karen coaches volleyball, was in the throes of preparing for football homecoming and for hosting the state final volleyball games. We were in full swing helping out wherever we were needed, in addition to keeping the home fires burning, particularly on the gas range!An especially fun day for me was homecoming day when I followed Hannah around as she prepared for the homecoming court on Friday night. I became a little dizzy going with her from pedicures and manicures, to hair-dos, to the Clinique counter of Dillard’s, but all the effort resulted in a quite stunning Miss Hannah! She was lovely in her red, beaded formal gown. A good friend of hers was elected queen and she was happy for her. Of course, Hannah was already queen to us, so it didn’t matter to us that a few other folks disagreed with us!
The following week we enjoyed the games. I even stamped hands one day as schools from all over the state arrived for the play-offs. Bill collected money and then I “validated” the folks so they could come and go at will and enjoy all the games. It was fun! Lots of school spirit from the fans. Shiloh lost in the last next to last bracket and did not advance to the finals which were held on Saturday in Jonesboro, AR. Anticipating this possibility of losing, Hannah just picked up her violin the next day and proceeded to try-outs for all-state orchestra. She made 7th chair in the first violin section.
One of our most enjoyable days while there was a trip to John Brown University in Siloam Springs, AR where Luke is a freshman. He greeted us and then we headed to find a place to do lunch. We had told him to pick out any restaurant in town and we would treat him. Guess what he chose? Taco Bell! Worked for us! Later he gave us a tour of the campus and even let us have a peek at his dorm and room! He loves JBU and is so happy there. There are many new buildings and face-lifts to the campus since Art and Andy were there several years ago. The fall foliage is so brilliant, especially the maples which always make quite a statement. It was very nostalgic to remember our very firsts visit to JBU when Bill, Art, Andy and I took a trip in 1979 to “check it out.” JBU stole our hearts, for sure.
Well, leaving a bit of our hearts in Arkansas we drove to my sister’s home in East Texas on Friday, October 30. We enjoyed several days with her and my brother, Claude, and Bea's daughter, Denise. We just enjoyed catching up on our over-due hugs. Bea has some health issues that concern her and we are awaiting some test results to see what can be done. One special day while there was a visit from Nick and Todd Dillard. A visit from grandsons is a definite guarantee to brighten a grandmother's heart!
We also enjoyed dinner with my cousin and her husband, Betty and Howard Anderson, at one of our favorite restaurants, Cheddar’s. Wish we had one over this way.While in East Texas we made a day trip to College Station to visit Dora and Derry Magee. Dora is recovering nicely from recent knee surgery and it is obvious that Dr. Derry is taking very good care of her! We enjoyed a nice lunch at Fish Daddy's, visited some more, and then headed back to Bea's. Shortly after we began our trip back, we learned of the awful massacre at Ft. Hood. Once again, we were reminded that freedom isn't free and cannot be taken for granted, even on our very own soil.
At long last, after 3965 miles and 38 days of making new memories we are back home and lovin’ it. (The washer wonders why the sudden attention!) We missed everyone here and will catch up eventually. I’m in a serious e-mail/Facebook deficit, too. Our wireless card did its best wherever we were, but there was not a lot of time to devote to either.Thanks for enduring this long litany of ramblings! I love you all!
As Thanksgiving approaches, let’s pause and do just that: give thanks – following lyrics by Dan Moen:Give thanks with a grateful heartGive thanks to the Holy OneGive thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His SonAnd now let the weak say, "I am strong"Let the poor say, "I am richBecause of what the Lord has done for us"We give thanks to You oh LordWe give thanks.(repeats omitted)
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