Treasures Within Our Walls

I live in an old house that was built in 1869. This summer we had the front porch renovated. Working on the joists our contractor had to remove an outside wall leading to the floor of one of the bedrooms. To their amazement, there inside the wall under the floorboards were old love letters dated from 1876 to 1878, tin type photos (one in civil war uniform) and a button or cuff link, it is hard to tell which it is. We will never know why they were hidden but we know for a fact that our house was built and occupied by one of the earlier mayors of our town. The builder/owner married a very young girl from Ireland. We also learned that she had a sister who lived with them as servant. I guess we have to do more digging ...

What are we going to do with these treasures? We don't know yet but right now they are being tucked away (again) only this time they are not in a dark and gloomy place.

The top photo is an envelope with a postage stamped 1879.
The middle is just a few of the love letters.
The bottom is a close up of the tin type photos and either a button or cuff link.

We Give Thanks ...

In the spirit of Thanksgiving Day, November 22, I give thanks ...

... for the "S" word, the first sign of winter! I took this photo of our deck last Saturday ... a dusting of snow! Except for the icy road, I kinda like snow specially on Christmas day, it makes everything look magical ... winter also makes you look forward and appreciate spring.

... for my family's good health, for old and new friends, and for all of God's graces and blessings.

... to men and women in the military, those who have served and currently serving, putting their life on the line for us to live free.

ENJOY YOUR THANKSGIVING DAY, EVERYONE!!!

Hibiscus (Gumamela)

For years my hibiscus plant has been rewarding me with solid peach color blooms pictured above ... although it came out more of a yellow shade, it really is peach color in "person" lol

So, imagine my surprise when this two-toned flower popped up! I live in an area where winters are cold, so my hibiscus is mostly indoors. How it crosses with different hybrids (if that was the case) is mind-boggling to me! This just goes to show, i guess, that plants, like humans, come in different personalities, colors, and sizes!

Veterans Day

I work for Uncle Sam (uncle who? lol)... anyway, Dept. of Veterans Affairs to be exact. One day a VA Chaplain read this poem. I was so touched by it that I asked for a copy. In honor of all veterans and military service people, on Veteran's Day i am sharing this poem. Thanks for their sacrifices for the good of the nation.


I've Got Your Back

I am a small and precious child
my dad's been sent to fight.
The only place I'll see his face
is in my dreams at night.
He will be gone too many days
for my young mind to keep track.
I may be sad, but I am proud,
My daddy's got your back.

I am a caring mother,
My son has gone to war
My mind is filled with worries
that I have never known before.
Everyday i try to keep
my thoughts from turning black.
I may be scared, but I am proud,
My son has got your back.

I am s strong and loving wife,
with a husband soon to go.
there are times I'm terrified
in a way most never know.
I bite my lip, and force a smile
as I watch my husband pack.
My heart may break
but I am proud.
My husband has got your back.

I am a soldier, serving
proudly, standing tall.
I fight for freedom, yours and mine
by answering this call.
I do my job while knowing
the thanks it sometimes lacks.
Say a prayer that I'll come home
and remember who's got your back.

by Autumn Parker

Halloween Treat

There was a time when the whole family voyaged into the dark to go trick-or-treating. I trailed behind Red Riding Hood, Power Ranger, Pocahontas, Cow, E.T. or whatever was their fancy at that year. Hubby was smart enough and followed us in the car. Oh well, until now, he doesn't know what he missed! lol
It was fun hearing them chant, "trick or treat!" and "thank you"... it was fun following them from house to house and got scared ... it was fun watching them dump their loot as soon as we got home.

Then they grew up! (boo hooo) They started going out with their own friends. This Halloween our son and his pals turned a house for sale (w/owner's permission, of course)into a "Haunted House" for trick or treaters. Then they hid, made noises and jumped out at kids to scare them.Since everybody expected to be scared, they all had a ball! Two of my son's pals dressed up as Banana, another was a Gorilla and he was Jimi Hendrix. Attached is a photo, mixed as video for memories. I still missed those times when we all went out on Halloween nights but for the past 3 years, it was nice to just sink into an armchair, watch tv, sip a glass of wine,and revel being alone!