Robin nest in Craig's landscape
Craig & Jeff's home
1781 tombstone - June 31st???
And so it was...
In the U.S. Mothers' Day is a holiday celebrated on second Sunday in May. It is a day when children honor their mothers with cards, gifts, and flowers. First observance in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1907, it is based on suggestions by Julia Ward Howe in 1872 and Anna Jarvis in 1907. Although it wasn't celebrated in the U.S. until 1908, there were days honoring mothers even in the days of ancient Greece. In those days, however, it was Rhea, the Mother of the gods that was given honor. Later, in the 1600's, in England there was an annual observance called "Mothering Sunday." It was celebrated during Lent, on the fourth Sunday. On Mothering Sunday, the servants, who generally lived with their employers, were encouraged to return home and honor their mothers. It was traditional for them to bring a special cake along to celebrate the occasion. In the U.S., in 1908 Ana Jarvis, from Grafton, West Virginia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the anniversary of her mother's death. A memorial service was held there on May 10, 1908 and in Philadelphia the following year where Jarvis moved. Jarvis and others began a letter-writing campaign to ministers, businessmen, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. They were successful. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day a national observance that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May. Many other countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year. Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, as in the U.S.
I woke in my own bed feeling extremely well rested after a beautifully fulfilling 9.5 hours sleep. I was up at 7:30am. As I sauntered down the stairs and noticed that we were in throws of yet another cloudy, rainy morning. I didn’t allow it phase me, though. I went to the coffee maker and hit ‘go’.
And while the coffee was brewing, I was kicking out my exercise routine with reckless abandon. And just like any other day, I leashed up Ykraps and headed out the door for a leisurely walk down the road. As I stepped off the porch I was quickly reminded that whatever today’s plan, I would have to find time to trim the Spirea bush that was quickly growing out of control and overtaking my walk.
Our walk had us back at home before 8:00am. By 8:05am I was sucking down the day’s first cup of coffee. Before anything else, though, I owed Mindy some form of communication. I decided to send her the usual email before calling. Not only did I wish her good morning but also told her just how good of a mother and role model she is, and the fact that I loved her.
Today being Mother’s Day, I decided to follow up the email with a phone call. She was getting the kids and herself ready for church but still seemed to appreciate the call. After talking with Mindy, I gave my own Mother a call. Just as I was getting ready to give up, she answered. I think the phone rang maybe eight times. I wished her a joyous Mother’s Day. She told me that she had to work. She also went on a little about brother Tommy, but I did my best to change the subject to a more positive topic. All and all, we talked for about 30 minutes.
She was happy that she received some flowers and a card from brother Glenn. I generally take her flowers of some sort for M.D. I told her that I loved her and then wrapped up our call. It was time now to ready for my run. And run I did. In fact … I ran so fast that time and youth at last ran out… I never stopped to think what life was all about … The game of love I played with arrogance and pride… As the end of my run neared, I reviewed in my head all I wanted to accomplish in the 3.5 or so hours remaining in my morning.
When I returned home immediately fired up the stove and threw on the remaining six strips of maple bacon that needed to be cooked and eaten. Too complement the bacon, I fried a couple of chicken eggs. After breakfast I somewhat hurriedly stepped into the garage to address some of the yard power tool issues I had bought remedies for. The first thing I did was install the new blade on my edger. First of all, I couldn’t believe that the new blade was nine inches long since all that remained of the old one was less that five – no shit. No wonder it’s not performing well. Once the new blade was on I gave it a quick rub and whirl. It did a superb job cutting through the mud and grass along the walk and drive - almost like butter! That made me very happy!
Next I installed the trimmer spool and gave it a try. It seemed to do the job also. We’ll see. I won’t be holding my breath! When those two issues were put to rest, I pulled out my push mower to work on cutting the back yard. I knew because of the wet lawn, I couldn't use my tractor, or at least not up around the deck area. It’s just too wet. I cut about a third of what remained un-cut in the back with the Toro. It rained pretty much the entire time but rather lightly. I got the tractor out for the deep back half and whipped it out in no time at all without doing any damage or leaving any ruts.
I still had some time so before getting in the shower so I monkeyed around with my blower trying to solve the latest mystery in its sub par performance. I pulled the carburetor from the tiny little engine. It appears that the little gasket that seals the two is weak and worn. Subsequently, I pulled all the pertinent information on the blower and made note for a hopeful repair job later. To my chagrin, 45 minutes had escaped rather quickly. It was already 2:00pm and I had to be at Mindy's at 2:30pm. I had to hurry despite not wanting to. At the same time I had to remind myself not to forget anything too important. So, after a shower I grabbed my camera, loaded the two dishes I made in a large Rubbermaid container and hit the road.
I made it to Mindy's by 232pm. Not bad! With little fanfare we loaded up all of Mindy's stuff, the kids, Gloria, and hit the road. Mindy's brother lives in Powell off Liberty Rd, north of Home Rd. It was a fairly quick drive and certainly a pretty one. There's so much new growth up there it isn't funny. In about thirty short minutes we were there. Her brother Craig and his partner Jeff have a long drive that's probably close to an 1/8 mile long lined with Bradford pear trees leading back to the house, which is very attractive and built with Victorian styling. Their property is probably about three acres and consists of two ponds and lots of well manicured landscaping. After a tour of the finely appointed indoors, Craig gave Mindy and I a tour of the gardens surrounding the home. You can tell that they have put as much time attention in the landscaping as they have the interior. Very nice!
Once all of Mindy's siblings arrived, we settled down for some food. The main feature was City Barbeque pulled pork and smoked brisket. Both were delicious. After an enjoyable dinner, Craig and Jeff lead us on a walk to the old cemetery at the end of the road - Hardin Rd Cemetery. There was at least one tombstone dated as far back as 1781, and many more from the mid 1800's. Very interesting. I took plenty of pictures. Hopefully some will be legible. Back at the house we dug into some dessert and several discussions, most of which centered on the upcoming release of the DaVinci Code (Thurs or Friday). Come 7:15pm we began loading up our stuff to ready for home. Gloria chose to ride with Mindy's sister Jody. She probably didn't care much for my driving since I accidentally caused her deviled eggs to scramble on the drive up. Oops!
We made it back to Mindy's by 8pm and almost immediately began processing the children for bed. They were exhausted from a long day. Mindy and I did what we do almost every evening at here home after the kids go to bed. We snuggled on the sofa for a spell. Come 10:10pm it was more than time for me to go. I was out the door for home by 10:15pm and home by 10:30pm. My first order of business was tending to Ykraps who had been waiting patiently for me to arrive. After taking care of him I checked in with work, readied the morning's coffee, and then headed towards bed. I fell asleep after reading just a few pages of my book.
Robin nest in Craig's landscape
Craig & Jeff's home
1781 tombstone - June 31st???
And so it was...
In the U.S. Mothers' Day is a holiday celebrated on second Sunday in May. It is a day when children honor their mothers with cards, gifts, and flowers. First observance in Philadelphia, Pa. in 1907, it is based on suggestions by Julia Ward Howe in 1872 and Anna Jarvis in 1907. Although it wasn't celebrated in the U.S. until 1908, there were days honoring mothers even in the days of ancient Greece. In those days, however, it was Rhea, the Mother of the gods that was given honor. Later, in the 1600's, in England there was an annual observance called "Mothering Sunday." It was celebrated during Lent, on the fourth Sunday. On Mothering Sunday, the servants, who generally lived with their employers, were encouraged to return home and honor their mothers. It was traditional for them to bring a special cake along to celebrate the occasion. In the U.S., in 1908 Ana Jarvis, from Grafton, West Virginia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the anniversary of her mother's death. A memorial service was held there on May 10, 1908 and in Philadelphia the following year where Jarvis moved. Jarvis and others began a letter-writing campaign to ministers, businessmen, and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. They were successful. President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day a national observance that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May. Many other countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year. Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday in May, as in the U.S.
I woke in my own bed feeling extremely well rested after a beautifully fulfilling 9.5 hours sleep. I was up at 7:30am. As I sauntered down the stairs and noticed that we were in throws of yet another cloudy, rainy morning. I didn’t allow it phase me, though. I went to the coffee maker and hit ‘go’.
And while the coffee was brewing, I was kicking out my exercise routine with reckless abandon. And just like any other day, I leashed up Ykraps and headed out the door for a leisurely walk down the road. As I stepped off the porch I was quickly reminded that whatever today’s plan, I would have to find time to trim the Spirea bush that was quickly growing out of control and overtaking my walk.
Our walk had us back at home before 8:00am. By 8:05am I was sucking down the day’s first cup of coffee. Before anything else, though, I owed Mindy some form of communication. I decided to send her the usual email before calling. Not only did I wish her good morning but also told her just how good of a mother and role model she is, and the fact that I loved her.
Today being Mother’s Day, I decided to follow up the email with a phone call. She was getting the kids and herself ready for church but still seemed to appreciate the call. After talking with Mindy, I gave my own Mother a call. Just as I was getting ready to give up, she answered. I think the phone rang maybe eight times. I wished her a joyous Mother’s Day. She told me that she had to work. She also went on a little about brother Tommy, but I did my best to change the subject to a more positive topic. All and all, we talked for about 30 minutes.
She was happy that she received some flowers and a card from brother Glenn. I generally take her flowers of some sort for M.D. I told her that I loved her and then wrapped up our call. It was time now to ready for my run. And run I did. In fact … I ran so fast that time and youth at last ran out… I never stopped to think what life was all about … The game of love I played with arrogance and pride… As the end of my run neared, I reviewed in my head all I wanted to accomplish in the 3.5 or so hours remaining in my morning.
When I returned home immediately fired up the stove and threw on the remaining six strips of maple bacon that needed to be cooked and eaten. Too complement the bacon, I fried a couple of chicken eggs. After breakfast I somewhat hurriedly stepped into the garage to address some of the yard power tool issues I had bought remedies for. The first thing I did was install the new blade on my edger. First of all, I couldn’t believe that the new blade was nine inches long since all that remained of the old one was less that five – no shit. No wonder it’s not performing well. Once the new blade was on I gave it a quick rub and whirl. It did a superb job cutting through the mud and grass along the walk and drive - almost like butter! That made me very happy!
Next I installed the trimmer spool and gave it a try. It seemed to do the job also. We’ll see. I won’t be holding my breath! When those two issues were put to rest, I pulled out my push mower to work on cutting the back yard. I knew because of the wet lawn, I couldn't use my tractor, or at least not up around the deck area. It’s just too wet. I cut about a third of what remained un-cut in the back with the Toro. It rained pretty much the entire time but rather lightly. I got the tractor out for the deep back half and whipped it out in no time at all without doing any damage or leaving any ruts.
I still had some time so before getting in the shower so I monkeyed around with my blower trying to solve the latest mystery in its sub par performance. I pulled the carburetor from the tiny little engine. It appears that the little gasket that seals the two is weak and worn. Subsequently, I pulled all the pertinent information on the blower and made note for a hopeful repair job later. To my chagrin, 45 minutes had escaped rather quickly. It was already 2:00pm and I had to be at Mindy's at 2:30pm. I had to hurry despite not wanting to. At the same time I had to remind myself not to forget anything too important. So, after a shower I grabbed my camera, loaded the two dishes I made in a large Rubbermaid container and hit the road.
I made it to Mindy's by 232pm. Not bad! With little fanfare we loaded up all of Mindy's stuff, the kids, Gloria, and hit the road. Mindy's brother lives in Powell off Liberty Rd, north of Home Rd. It was a fairly quick drive and certainly a pretty one. There's so much new growth up there it isn't funny. In about thirty short minutes we were there. Her brother Craig and his partner Jeff have a long drive that's probably close to an 1/8 mile long lined with Bradford pear trees leading back to the house, which is very attractive and built with Victorian styling. Their property is probably about three acres and consists of two ponds and lots of well manicured landscaping. After a tour of the finely appointed indoors, Craig gave Mindy and I a tour of the gardens surrounding the home. You can tell that they have put as much time attention in the landscaping as they have the interior. Very nice!
Once all of Mindy's siblings arrived, we settled down for some food. The main feature was City Barbeque pulled pork and smoked brisket. Both were delicious. After an enjoyable dinner, Craig and Jeff lead us on a walk to the old cemetery at the end of the road - Hardin Rd Cemetery. There was at least one tombstone dated as far back as 1781, and many more from the mid 1800's. Very interesting. I took plenty of pictures. Hopefully some will be legible. Back at the house we dug into some dessert and several discussions, most of which centered on the upcoming release of the DaVinci Code (Thurs or Friday). Come 7:15pm we began loading up our stuff to ready for home. Gloria chose to ride with Mindy's sister Jody. She probably didn't care much for my driving since I accidentally caused her deviled eggs to scramble on the drive up. Oops!
We made it back to Mindy's by 8pm and almost immediately began processing the children for bed. They were exhausted from a long day. Mindy and I did what we do almost every evening at here home after the kids go to bed. We snuggled on the sofa for a spell. Come 10:10pm it was more than time for me to go. I was out the door for home by 10:15pm and home by 10:30pm. My first order of business was tending to Ykraps who had been waiting patiently for me to arrive. After taking care of him I checked in with work, readied the morning's coffee, and then headed towards bed. I fell asleep after reading just a few pages of my book.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.