Velta's Blog
FINALLY!
Well, I’m about to wrap up the final leg of our 50th anniversary trip to the Amish country in Lancaster, PA and surrounding areas. Thank you for your patience as I’ve jumped back and forth between other topics, and long lapses of “nothingness”. I decided that I’d better put the finishing touches on our trip before another anniversary rolls around!
Concluding our memorable trip was a visit to chocolate country! Yep, you got it. We took a short day trip over to Hershey, Pennsylvania. At first glance, you know you are in the kingdom of chocolate. The streets welcomed us and were practically paved in chocolate! (Well, I'm taking a few liberties here, but you get the idea. Truthfully, they were paved in a chocolate-y brown something or other!)
How could we not turn on this street!
Of course the entire city of Hershey is all about chocolate and the Hershey story. Milton Hershey founded the town, wanting to provide a community with a safe environment for his workers. His heart was for his employees and their well-being. He also had a compassion for orphaned boys and gave away much of his fortune to support the orphanages he founded.
We thoroughly enjoyed our self-guided tour of the Hershey museum; the displays were so interesting and captured in great detail how Mr. Hershey went "from bankruptcy to brilliance, transforming chocolate from a luxury to an everyday treat." I'm happy to say, after all these years, "It still is a treat!"
Upon entering the museum, we, of course, had to take advantage of a photo opportunity!
Wasn't it kind of all the original Hershey pioneers to line up and pose just for us? I thought so, too.
A bit of nostalgia is always good!
Our only disappointment during our museum experience was that the labs are no longer open for visitors to create their own chocolate creations! Small problem, however, because the gift store was adequately stocked with any and everything chocolate! No problem! Our expectations were to participate in a hands-on class, including molding and dipping chocolate, etc. (I can see how this could easily get out of control and create quite a "stir", in light of FDA requirements, most likely)! Still, our visit to Hershey was very fun-filled and I highly recommend a visit there when you are in that neck-of-the woods. For the entire story go to: HersheyStory.org.
After leaving the museum, we enjoyed lunch at Friendly's, a regional restaurant, and then made a brief ride through Penn State and its College of Medicine, in the same area as all the Hershey buildings, etc. Judging from a quick drive-by, the campus was impressive and definitely had a "country" feel to it; all in all, the town of Hershey left us with a laid back, comfortable feeling and one that we'd enjoy re-visiting.
Our last real day, June 23, with a bit of nostalgia, we made one last visit to a few of the local woodworks/crafts businesses. Mostly, we did a lot of "look-see", enjoying the fine craftsmanship of the Amish woodworkers. Swings, birdhouses, fine dining furniture, desks, breakfast and kitchen furniture were all displayed in abundance.
We got fuel at a Hess station and then enjoyed a delicious lunch at one of the local eating establishments. Then it was back to the camper for "winding down" and readying it for our goodbyes to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. With this entry, I think that about concludes our ramblings in Pennsylvania and beyond. What a glorious several days in such a lovely part of the U. S. We began our journey homeward on Friday, June 24, with an overnight stop in Harrisburg, VA; from there we finished the trip the next day, all the way to Lancaster, SC - Home.
With a heart full of gratitude for the blessing of 50 years together, I certainly had much to think about; so many friends would love to have reached this same milestone but for one reason or another, were unable to do so. As we celebrated the actual anniversary day on June 17, Bill gave me a letter he had written a few days earlier, reflecting on our marriage of 50 years. With his permission, I'd like to share a portion of his letter to me, not to bring any honor to me, but to encourage each one of you, my friends and family who read this, to strive for excellence in all that you do, whether it's a marriage relationship or some other commitment you have made. I cherish these words from Bill and believe this is a fitting way to close out my account of our 50th anniversary celebration trip:
"... These years have brought losses - but that's life - Daddy Polk, Mother Morris, Granny Gray, Grandmother, Fleet, Edsel, Harry, Lou, Butch, Uncle Jimmy, Don (Bearden), Sally Kay (Brown Pierce) Hank, Opal, Bailey, Jim, Dad, Bert, Bill Quin, Mother, Mary Ann, Guy, and Arlyne. I know I have missed many, but through all these losses I had you to lean on and comfort me. I read the other day what I wrote in your red Bible that I gave you at Christmas 1959, and a year later at Christmas 1960 I gave you your ring. I wrote ... 'for a whole lot of fun - a pat on the back - a smile - a "you can do it" and help in every respect'; 50 years later all those things are still true. Thanks for these 50 years and I am looking forward to whatever time we have together. And, Miss Velta - I would marry you again in a heartbeat, for marrying you is without a doubt the best thing that ever happened to me. I love you and I am committed to you for whatever time the Lord lets us have."
I love you, too, Bill! It's been quite a ride - and it still is! As Vestal Goodman said in her book that my cousin, Betty Anderson, recently gave me: I Wouldn't Take Nothin' for my Journey Now."
June 17, 1961
KEEP ON LOVIN'!
Yesterday, as our Classics Choir members were getting in place and ready to
sing at a local convalescent home, there she was: a lovely lady was escorted
into the dining room; wheeled in, just like so many others. She was no doubt
only a wisp of the vibrant soul she used to be, and quite unaware of her
striking presence, or even of her own presence, perhaps. I say she was
striking because at once she grabbed my attention. In her arms she lovingly
clutched a baby doll, ever so tenderly. The baby doll looked very much
alive and appeared to receive her every stroke of love.
We were there to bring joy, perhaps brighten the days of the residents who
call the facility Home. Through song, we hoped to bring a measure of hope,
renewed happiness, help them recall memories of former experiences -
whatever, and however, the Lord chose to use us that day was our defining
purpose.
But, as we sang our songs, my eyes could not leave the sweet soul caressing
her baby doll. Often, she lovingly stroked the little head, touching his
face, moving the baby from her shoulder to her chest, and then cradling the
baby doll in her arms, always looking down with pure love and admiration in
her eyes. Barely able to control my tears, the thought occurred to me that
no matter how long ago our recall abilities may have left us, what does
remain is our ability to love; if we've known how to love in the past, I
want to believe that God allows this ability to remain, even when our other
faculties have diminished.
Did it matter that the baby doll could not feel the gestures of her love?
Not a bit. No, the giving of the love - even to an inanimate object - is
what mattered to her. Afterwards, I asked her the name of her baby. "I'm
trying to remember," she said. "A boy or a girl?" She wasn't sure, but I
said that, "Well, today he's a boy. Let's name him Little Boy Blue because
he's dressed all pretty in blue and white." (Maybe I'm partial just a bit
to boys?)
I left "the home" with mixed emotions. Yes, we gave what we could; yes,
they were blessed; yes, we were blessed as we watched several sing along
with us, He Touched Me, Oh, He Touched Me, and The Longer I Serve Him, the
Sweeter He Grows. Emotionally, I had a hard time because my mind kept
seeing my sister as she once sat in a similar facility but who now is
sitting at the feet of Jesus. I looked into the eyes of a resident, a fellow
church member who is "no longer with us" in some ways. The resident smiled
and a brightened countenance appeared when we began to sing At Calvary.
Songs will touch you and refresh your memory when everything else seems to
fail.
As we left, one sweet lady in particular thanked us for coming and remarked,
"It (that we enjoyed singing) showed on your faces, and singing is better
than preaching sometimes." So, watch out, Pastor Bert. Covenant's
Classics Choir is getting to present some strong competition, at least
according to one wise soul.
Bottom line from my heart this morning: let's pray our ability to love never
diminishes, and even if there is no recipient to visibly receive it, our own
heart will be the beneficiary. Thank you, Jason Burley, for leading us in
paths of worship in so many ways.
"Keep on loving your little baby doll," you dear, sweet, striking lady at
the home. I felt it.
Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong.
Hold tightly to what is good. Romans 12:9
Anniversary trip: Runnemede, New Jersey - the Baileys
RUNNEMEDE, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 21, 2011
All aboard! Today we are on the road very early. After doing our usual morning routine in the camper, we hit the road bound for Runnemede, NJ, just across the Delaware River. A very special friend moved there a few years ago, Audrey Joan Richardson Bailey. Joan and I first became friends while we were students at Tennessee Temple, a Christian Bible School and University in Chattanooga, TN. The year was 1955! We were suitemates and formed a close friendship. Sidebar: Joan has one of the most beautiful, lyrical soprano voices I’ve ever heard. She can soar with that voice of hers, and used her talents for the Lord by singing solos, in groups, etc. At one time she toured with the Lester Roloff Evangelistic Association, an icon of that era. If you are old enough to remember the song, It's Real, from the red Favorites series, then you can appreciate how her version of that beloved song must have blessed so many.
We stayed in close touch for the next several years, but then we lost contact around 1970 or so. Through the years I often wondered about her whereabouts, and so badly wanted to find her and reconnect. I remembered hearing that she had remarried, but without a last name it was a little more difficult to search. (One of my bosses in Greenville, Tommy Wyche, used to tell me I was relentless! I would never give up until I found what needed to be found.) Also, I have an intact “detective” (nosey?) gene, so through a diligent – and I do mean diligent - Internet search through several sources, I found her! I remembered she was originally from Clinton, Tennessee, so initially I contacted the newspaper and high school there for information. This led me to her full name and to the property records in a county in Texas. I wrote a long epistle to whomever was at the address listed on the property records and my letter was ultimately forwarded to Joan! A relative who lived at that mailing address forwarded my letter. BINGO! One day I happily received that long-awaiting phone call. The rest is history as they say, and I have previously shared some of these details, but they definitely are worth reminding us again.
I learned that Joan had relocated to New Jersey, where she and her husband now live with her son, Jimmy Bishop, and his wife, Janet, along with their darling little daughter, Elena. Elena was THE highlight of our visit, of course. She is the most beautiful little 4-year old girl from Guatemala, adopted by her loving parents, Jimmy and Janet. She can have you wrapped real tight in no time! She especially enjoyed playing with a puzzle I brought her; in fact, Joan tells me that it is still her very favorite puzzle and they often work it together. That makes me smile!
Garmin told us it was only 51 miles from our campground to her front door. That was surely doable! BUT, it took almost two hours because of the early morning Philadelphia traffic that we encountered! A nightmare in every sense of the word. But Bill had full command of that big red Ford truck and he maneuvered among the many lanes with grace and style.
Joan still has that captivating smile!
As soon as we arrived, Bill Bailey, Joan’s affable hubby, greeted us with a warm Texas welcome (they met, fell in love and married while living in Texas), and of course, I am a Texan by birth and Bill and I lived there for a few years following our marriage. So, we had Texas all over all of us! It was so good to finally put a face with a name and meet “the other Bill.” (Joan had made a flying trip to see us in 2009, so we had actually seen Joan, but had not met her Bill.) They live in a quiet, cozy neighborhood and enjoy a private upstairs apartment, convenient for both families to enjoy each other and yet maintain their privacies. The best part is that Elena can run up and down the stairs at will to enjoy spending time with her grandparents. Doesn’t get much better than that for all parties. What's the saying: If mom says no, ask Grandma?
Precious Elena and her mom, Janet Bishop. What a blessing to each!
Can you tell who is having the most fun?
Joan had prepared a delicious salad luncheon for us: homemade chicken, tuna, and tossed salads, topped off with lemon ice box pie! Wow! We feasted and had such a wonderful visit; so much to talk about; thankfully, most of our memories were intact. 
The “Bills” enjoyed "boy talk" while Joan and I yacked about any and everything! I mean, how do you even begin to catch up after being apart so long? But we made a good dent, that day, for sure. Joan even let me “play” in her bookshelves! You know how I love to fool around in other folks’ what-nots and collectibles! And, she had even saved a box of treasures for me! The catch was: I had to come and get them! Fair deal, right? Absolutely!
I came home with several of Joan's "pre-loved" treasures. Among them: a box of blue and white dishes! Yes! Joan had carefully preserved them after visiting us in 2009 and seeing how much I loved blue and white. Also, some beautiful aqua blue glass pieces that now sit prominently in my kitchen window! So each time I am at my kitchen sink, Joan is there with me. How special is that! She had enjoyed her blue and white dishes through the years, but storage space for many of her things was now at a premium, so I promised to give them a good home and I was delighted to receive them. Something else may have to go, but there will always be room for blue and white dishes in my kitchen. I also received a beautiful coverlet/bedspread that I am now enjoying. Joan is a gracious, giving person.
Some of the blue glass Joan gave me; (the little short vase is from another sweet friend)
A few hours is not enough time to catch up on all that we wanted to, but to conclude a wonderful day, before saying our sad goodbyes, we all enjoyed a scrumptious dinner at Famous Dave’s Barbeque in Philly. Yummy ribs and all the trimmings! Finger lickin' good! Our only regret of the day was that Jimmy was working out of state and was unable to be with us. Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to meet him at another time.
My heart was full when we left. The Lord had enabled us to once again have a visit with dear friends and get caught up on our "hugs deficit." Thankfully, Joan is quite accomplished on the computer, so we can now stay in touch all the time! God is good! On another note, her husband just went through quite an extensive heart surgery and is recuperating well at home, thank the Lord.
Blessings, everyone. Tomorrow I am taking you to Hershey! Chocolate kisses? Maybe!
Donegal Presbyterian Church and Cemetery, Mount Joy, PA
Let’s wrap up this trip! At least, let's get another day or two down today.
On Monday, June 20, 2011, we plugged in our trusted Garmin GPS and headed for Mt. Joy, PA., specifically looking for Donegal Presbyterian Church and Cemetery (http://www.donegalpc.org/). My niece, Judy Richardson, had given me names of some of our ancestors who are buried there and I promised to find them if possible while we were in that part of the world. Judy is our official family genealogist/historian and trust me, she knows her stuff!
We found the church among a lovely setting of ancient trees, well-tended grounds! The church was quaint, but we could tell that she was not dead or out of business, by any means. And then we spied her: an old – I’m talking old - cemetery dotted with mildew blackened headstones, some inscriptions legible; others, not even a clue as to who lay beneath them or what tribute was inscribed. Most of the ones whose inscriptions were almost non-existent were made from sandstone, according to what we were told. Some had “slept” in peace for a century or two, no doubt. Surrounded by a massive stone/rock wall, the cemetery had an open gate which beckoned us to come inside and stroll among its silent inhabitants, many of whom had been planted for centuries.
At first glance there didn’t appear to be anyone on the premises, nor did we expect to find anyone, necessarily. After all, it was a Monday and obviously there would be a small church staff who perhaps had the day off. We were about to begin searching the graveyard on our own, when we were warmly greeted by the Rev. Thomas J. McKinnon, the pastor, who was just finishing a meeting with a fellow pastor who was going to use their church for a wedding in the near future. Normally, it was his day off on a Monday, so it was truly our lucky day! The pastor retrieved a very old book from among the archives, and inside the book were translations of the inscriptions found on many of the tombstones, markers, etc. It also contained an index of names and the rows, sections, etc., where the deceased were buried. The book had been published in 1900 by someone who wanted to be certain that these identifiers were preserved. So, “the book” was handled with great care, and we felt privileged to be able to touch it. The pastor pointed out a note inside the book with a strong admotion: The book must never leave the church; it was not for loan under any circumstance, because it was rare and irreplaceable. Judy had researched the numbers of the rows where our ancestors were interred; however, even though the rows had been marked, when the cemetery was restored a number of years ago, the row information was not replaced. Had we not had the book it would have been virtually impossible to locate the graves we were looking for, at least during the few hours we had to search.
We introduced ourselves and explained our purpose for being there, and he extended us a true southern welcome right there in Pennsylvania! He was also eager to show us around inside the church – the foyer of which resembled a museum -and in fact, the entrance/foyer had been preserved through the years for just that historical purpose. Many documents and artifacts were displayed, all of which presented the church’s history in an orderly, informative fashion.
Charming and so eager to help, the pastor also gave us a personal tour of the entire church property including its newest addition with a large glass wall overlooking a lovely garden and springs area below. From there, you could enjoy a very serene view of Donegal Springs which flowed at the base of an incline, along shaded, well-kept grounds. Talk about conducive to worship! So tranquil. A grand piano completed this perfect setting, and it is in this new addition where one of the two morning services is held. Even though the church is very old(http://www.archive.org/details/authentichistory00zieg), apparently it is still a vibrant, mission-minded Presbyterian church today.
Donegal Presbyterian Church Cemetery - Can you sense the tranquility?
(Entrance to cemetery, courtesy website)
I'm not certain if the Watsons interred beneath the above markers belong to our Watson relatives, but my guess is that back there somewhere our trees merged!
Pastor McKinnon
Can you tell I'm excited about THE BOOK that contains the names of some of our families way back when?
I can only imagine the marvelous sounds from the pipe organ above. An acoustical paradise, with no carpet, window treatments or other obstacles to distort the sound.
Pastor McKinnon told us that the Celtic cross above the pulpit area was made from a portion of the original floor of the Donegal Presbyterian's mother church in Ireland. This, of course, held a very special meaning for the congregation.
It might be my imagination, but do you see a happy face in the church above?
Donegal Presbyterian Church, Mount Joy, PA. (COURTESY WEBSITE)
We were so grateful for Pastor McKinnon’s hospitality, and we felt as if we were walking on Holy Ground as we searched among the graves. If only the voices of those departed could speak to us today, I’m wondering what they would say?
Strolling among the graves on a lovely day caused us to ponder, for sure. We were thankful we had accomplished the mission we had set out for that day and grateful for the heritage of those who years ago had influenced my very lineage.
Leaving there, we toured more of the little town of Mount Joy and around lunch time, we found a local diner – much like one you see on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and visiting with the friendly staff. Of course, we always brake for thrift shops wherever we are, so of course Bill stopped at Barely Used and let me get my “fix”.
Before finally getting back to our RV park, we stopped at a vegetable stand in an Amish farmer’s yard and bought some homegrown tomatoes. Get this: our transaction was totally on the honor system. How refreshing is that! Located across the road from his home, the stand was a little covered shed that advertised the tomatoes: Help yourself. And we did just that. A little container was there for you to put the money in and the tomatoes were already in little baskets and priced accordingly. Plastic bags were provided to transfer the tomatoes to “take home” containers. Trust. Almost forgotten in modern times, but not in Amish country.
Our day was now complete. I’m not positive, but I'm thinking we enjoyed tomato sandwiches for dinner that night! Another delightful day had come to a close in the lovely, rural country of Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Ellicott City, Maryland: Here we come - finally!
I promise I am going to get to the end of this anniversary trip before too long, so thanks for bearing with me on our journey.
We left our camper very early on Sunday morning, June 19, bound for Ellicott City, MD. We arrived there around ten o’clock and found the church pastored by Dan Crow. Now, it's important to know that we go back a very long way with Dan and his lovely bride, Becky Cade Crow. So far back, that’s another whole blog in itself, having originated in Kentwood, LA in the late 1960s, early 70s.
For starters now, though, Dan pastors The Church at Covenant Park in Ellicott City, and we had been wanting to see those “kids” for a very long time. So, since we were in the general area of the US, our time had come! To add more sweetness, we would also get to see Del and Connie Morgan – another whole story that is way too long and involved for one simple blog entry. Del is worship leader at the same church. Double blessing.
We arrived between the first and second services, and as soon as the first was dismissed we received a robust welcome by Jonathan, Stephen, David (and his fiancé Krista), and Allen Crow! (4 of the 5 sons of the Crows)
Soon thereafter we were engulfed in hugs from Connie Morgan, along with son Michael and his wife; also Danielle and her husband; and daughter Rachel. Lana was unable to be there because of an obligation at her church in Washington, DC. (She and Danielle attend the same church in Washington.) It was Father’s Day, so all the Morgan “kids” were present (except sweet Lana) to lavish their love upon their father Del, and the Crow kids did likewise.
The Morgans, plus Velta and Bill
I was so moved at the realization of being united with all these wonderful friends, who are more like my family, most of whom I had not seen in years! The Morgans came into our hearts and lives when Del came to Kentwood (LA) FBC. They lived next door to us; Rachel was only 3 - and there she was, singing and praising the Lord! She is now nearing 30 and graduated from Wheaton, working on her master's. Then there was Michael, a bundle of pure energy, sweet Danielle who was the sweetest, most lovable baby in the world! And then little Lana came along! Oh, how we enjoyed the Morgan kiddos! Connie is a wonderful mother and recently received her master’s in writing children’s literature. Del and Connie are Louisiana natives from Cajun country! In addition to his music and worship duties, Del founded a wonderful ministry, Lamplight Artists; from his website: Del founded and is currently Executive Director of LAMPLIGHT ARTISTS, a non-profit organization committed to raising up artists who are passionate Christ followers. Sharing Christ through music and the arts continues to be a life-long pursuit. Taking others along on the journey has deepened the joy of knowing Christ.
Connie and Del Morgan
As I mentioned, the Crows go way back to days in Kentwood when Becky, a young girl who had recently lost her dad, came to work for Bill at our store. Bill became a surrogate father of sorts and even gave her hand in marriage to Danny Crow whom she had met while both were students at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. (After Danny was thoroughly vetted, of course!) Through the years we have followed them and their FIVE SONS, and now are watching them as they are proud grandparents! Becky and Danny (we still call him Danny!) have blessed us immeasurably through these many years.
Becky and Bill (don't miss Bill's cap! Had to have a taste of home!)
Following church, we enjoyed a wonderful Father’s Day of feasting on steamed crab and all the sides at the hospitable home of Adrian Crow, the first born son. Our elbows and mouths were moving 90 to nothing. Delightful weather allowed us to enjoy the outdoors. Emeril Lagasse would have been proud, 'cause we definitely kicked it up a notch - or two. Actually, I got pretty good with those pliers!
"Now, pay close attention: this is how you do it," per Bro. Dan
True Southern hospitality was extended to us, and old war stories were revived and enhanced a bit, perhaps. Lots of laughter and fun times abounded while cracking those crabs, and there were plenty of belly laughs, to boot! The “star” of our gathering was Colton, the darling little son of Jonathan and Beth Crow. I tried my best to sneak away with him but there were far too many eyes watching me! I did bank some hugs and smoochies, though.
Beth, Colton and Velta
Jonathan Crow, proud father of Colton
We returned to our camper after having an unbelievably great day of sharing with dear friends and recounting our blessings. A few final words about Becky Crow: for as long as Bill and I can remember – we’re talking 35 years or more – she has faithfully, without fail, remembered each of us on our birthdays, Father's Day, etc. Each card has words spoken from her sincere heart and causes us to pause and thank God again for Becky and her devotion to us. She is a rare jewel, and we treasure her and her family. Professionally, she is a nurse; however, as I recall, she has chosen to spend her time guiding and nurturing her sons, homeschooling them, and by being a constant companion and helper to Dan in their ministry. Currently, she is very active in a non-profit ministry in addition to the women's ministry at Covenant.
We have been blessed by so many who have touched our lives and hearts; the Crows and the Morgans are etched there. We were so thankful for the opportunity to visit them and have a true picture of where they live and work. Our cups were full and overflowing.
Longwood Gardens ... 50th Anniversary trip
Well, it’s me again! One of my favorite cousins – don’t tell anyone: she may be my very favorite cousin who is several layers removed, Betty Zager Anderson, has been bugging me: When are you going to start blogging again? So, Betty, here we go! Back to our 50th wedding anniversary ramblings:
Well, the first day after the first 50 years was also magnificent – June 18. After a leisurely breakfast in our-home-away-from-home overlooking an indescribably beautiful meadow in Amish-land, we set out for Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, a couple or so hours away. Little did we know what spectacular beauty we were about to behold! 
Our first rest stop while enjoying Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens had been highly recommended by several friends who had visited there, so it was definitely on our must-see list. As its brochure boasts: It was a feast for the eyes! Also, its claim that there is a wonder in every sense is true! I will share some of the photos we took that will give you only a glimpse into this world of wonder. There was so much to see, and how we would love to make another trip back there, because even after 3 hours we still had not experienced everything. Thank you, DuPont family, for your vision many years ago, and for those who make sure the gardens and museums are maintained for the enjoyment of everyone.
Among the things we enjoyed the most were the dancing fountains in the amphitheater (photo below). Mr. DuPont designed the Main Fountain Garden after visiting the gardens of Italy and France, and also after seeing hydraulic displays at several world fairs. This five-acre hydraulic masterpiece runs continuously through the day! We were spellbound as we enjoyed the dancing fountains which kept perfect time to the orchestral melodies.
A tiny snapshot view of a few of the dancing fountains
The beauty of the gardens, which showcased every imaginable species of flowers, trees, shrubs – you name it – was perhaps what most awed us. June has to be the best season for viewing, because there was such an abundance of blooming beauty everywhere! The lush arbors and walking paths, with comfortable benches for resting or viewing, just made you want to park there and just soak in - bank, if you will - the loveliness. What a tribute to Our Lord, Our Creator, who provides us with more beauty than we can ever think of or imagine with our finite minds. Heaven? Original Garden of Eden? I believe we had just a tiny taste of it at Longwood Gardens!
Perhaps the most unique and surprising feature was the display of water lilies. These unique pools were myriad and among them Santa Cruz water-platters (amazing - see photo below), aquatic cannas, lotus, water lilies, and other plants in the elegant courtyard. I was left speechless, never having seen anything like this in my long years.
The water platters were amazing!
Beautiful, huh?
Notice the bee; something wonderful is happening!
This thing must have been shipped in from Texas!
(Just so you know: Bill hails from Louisiana)
Guess who had fun in one of the tree houses?
Little boys are like that, aren't they?
Well, maybe I've shared enough to whet your appetite. If you want a day of sheer beauty and relaxation, marveling in the majesty of Our Lord and His creation, it's well worth your time to stop and rest awhile among the gardens and structures, fountains, museums, displays that beg description, and many sights and sounds, entertainment of superb quality. I suggest that you make http://www.longwoodgardens.org/ a favorite place for your next vacation for the entire family. My trying to adequately describe Longwood Gardens is akin to advising Robert Kinkaid how to properly paint light! But I hope you have grasped a bit of the joy that Bill and I had the day we visited Longwood Gardens. Thanks to everyone who inspired us to visit there.
I'll leave you with this beautiful image of one of the thousands of orchids:
Pausing to reflect a moment ...
Before I get back on track and continue our travels in Lancaster, Pennsylvania - like I promised, and sharing more of our ongoing celebration of our 50th wedding anniversary, I want to pause for just a minute to reflect on God’s faithfulness. I don't do that often enough. But in recent days I've been challenged personally to rely more on God's grace and power in my life and to reflect on what is important and what is rubbish. Facing uncertain medical issues has a way of doing that, doesn't it?
As many of you know, I often post to my Facebook page the daily words of wisdom from Max Lucado. Today, his quote really reminded me of a truth I needed to let sink in again … and again. Just in case you could use an infusion of this truth as you hurry and scurry about, or as you struggle with uncertainties of one kind or another, I am posting his comments for you to ponder. He has a way of honing in on the truths of God’s Word, and often, just when I need them the most.
May you be blessed and encouraged by them, too. By the way, his daily posts can be found at: http://www.maxlucado.com/articles/category/daily_text/
He’s Faithful by Max Lucado
If we are not faithful, God will still be faithful, because he cannot be false to himself. 2 Timothy 2:13”
"We don’t get it!
Because God’s blessings are dispensed according to the riches of his grace, not according to the depth of our faith.
Why’s that important to know? So you won’t get cynical. Look around you. Aren’t there more mouths than bread? More wounds than physicians? More who need the truth than those who tell it?
So what do we do? Throw up our hands and walk away? Tell the world we can’t help them? No, we don’t give up!
We look up. We trust. We believe.
Christ has proven worthy. He never fails!
That’s what makes God—God. "
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
I'm back! Happy New Year's Eve Everyone,
After being away from my blog for several weeks, I am up and running!
Hope each of you had a terrific Christmas and that your 2012 will be smack
full of love, joy, peace and good health!
We had a very wonderful Christmas. Eating, visiting, eating, opening
presents, eating, hugging, eating, regretting that we ate too much, eating
again. you get my drift? I'm thinking I will take up my same resolution
from last year because I really neglected it in 2011 and I'm sure it is just
waiting for me to give it a second chance!
How about the rest of you?Let me know what worked/'works for you and maybe I will cut and paste it
into my new year's resolutions column! Deal?
I'm trying out some new features on my blog and will get into some serious
blogging in the days to come. Thanks for your interest and encouragement!
I appreciate all the love and prayers on my behalf.
Love you all.
Velta
50TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP - DAY 6 - JUNE 17 - the real day!
Many of you have asked: “When are you going to start blogging again?” So, I hope I can finally say, “Now!” Thank you for your interest and concern for me while I’ve been away from my home base for quite some time. I will save the details of my time away for later blogging, perhaps, but the short reason is that I’ve been away much of the past few months due to the illness and death of my sister, Beatrice Gray Miller, who lived in East Texas.
When I last blogged I was just getting off to a good start on detailing our wonderful 50th anniversary trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, so that’s where I will pick up today. (There will more to come when I tell you about the fantastic week with the entire family in the mountains of Franklin, North Carolina, a gift from our sons and their families.)
June 17th finally arrived! It is finally the actual date of our wedding when we tied the knot back in 1961 in Longview, Texas. It is hard to believe that 50 wonderful years have passed, but I suppose the calendar doesn’t tell falsehoods. Nor do the age spots and wrinkles here and there I will admit, though: celebrating 50 years causes one to ask certain psychological questions. I’m supposed to feel old, right? Golden is old, right? Longevity from this point on? Really realizing the real meaning of ‘happily ever after’? Waking up, cooking breakfast, Facebooking, texting! Life hasn’t changed overnight just because I’ve been married 50 years! I’m not feeling older! Earlier that morning a dear friend from home called to see if I wanted to go to an estate sale in her neighborhood. Sure hated to miss that, for sure, but the distance from PA to SC was a little too difficult to master. Now, we got all that old stuff settled, I think I agree with whoever said: Old is in the eyes of the beholder.
This special day brought more exploring of the lovely area of Lancaster, PA. We never ceased to be amazed at the lovely farms of the Amish folks. Well-tended, lush, and not a blade of grass anywhere. Precious children, dressed as their parents were in modest, very basic garments, were all playing and having fun in the well-manicured yards.
We found a Walmart (never far from one!) and selected a matted frame for our photo/puzzle/collage we had worked the night before and hung it right away in our camper! We then enjoyed a light lunch at Arby’s. Max and Sara called us and wished us a happy anniversary! That was special to hear from them.
All day we kept recounting our blessings, marveling at the number of years God has given us together. 50 years sounds like such a long time, but it’s only five 10s or ten 5s. Doesn’t sound so long that way, does it? We wondered aloud: how many more will we have together? So many couples only dream of this milestone. Why are we so blessed?
Completing our day of celebration was a candlelight dinner in a quaint, historic restaurant, “Revere Tavern”. Dating back to 1740, it was one of the better inns along 62 miles stretching from Philadelphia to Lancaster, PA. It had been recommended by several of the locals and we were not disappointed. http://www.reveretavern.com/ While there we did commit a grave transgression! (See photo below) Maybe the calories won’t be in effect when I next visit my sweet doctor, I remember thinking. Somehow I just felt certain that calories did not compute when ingested on one’s 50th wedding anniversary. Agree?
Adding to the day’s wonder was reading the myriad of sweet wishes and congratulatory Facebook messages from our treasure trove of friends sprinkled over the United States. Beauty surrounded us both in our tranquil setting and in our hearts. A call from Art and Merritt was the perfect ending to a day that we only dreamed about in the past. We are so blessed.
We face the future with hope and confidence, knowing that our remaining years are in His hands – where they’ve always been – and we are grateful. We pledged to each other once more to live each day to its fullest. God blessed us with two sons, two daughters-in-love, two grandsons and two granddaughters, extended family, and an abundance of cherished friends. What more could we ask for? The “rain” in our lives has been a result of our own wrong choices, but these never obliterated our joy of family and the legacy of family that helped to keep our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith.
Celebrating our Anniversary Dinner
Doesn't this just look too yummy for words? Shared decadence!
ANNIVERSARY TRIP DAY 5 - JUNE 16
Another great day! After some necessary housekeeping we left the camper around 10 o’clock and started our day of more exploring.
Our first stop of the day was a quaint little town called Lititz, also known as Lancaster County’s Sweet Spot. Its streets are literally “hugging” homes and small businesses, each separated by scarcely 2-3 feet. The tiny, well-manicured yards had lush greenery, stunning ground covers, and climbing vines and their porches often had exquisite hanging baskets, in full bloom and bursting with variety of colors. I could not help but notice that many of the homes also had a decorative metal star displayed near the front door, or in some other noticeable place, maybe on a brick wall or even hanging inside their windows. At first I thought they were Moravian stars, but when I inquired about them I was told they were barn stars. A brochure said that the barn star originated within the German farming community and that the farmers would often mount a large star-shaped decoration onto their barns. Its significance varied. Some farmers considered the stars good luck; others viewed it simply aesthetic and pleasing to the eye. The tradition of the barn star in America can be traced back to the 1700’s and to at least the 1870’s in Pennsylvania. (Source: Tin’N’ Treasures, Kitchen Kettle Village, Intercourse, PA.) As an aside, while in Texas recently, I saw many of these same stars gracing homes and other structures! But that’s another whole story! I must get them started here! We thoroughly enjoyed our slow drive through this sweet little town and admired its cleanliness and small shops and residences that were very well-maintained. While cruising, we saw a cute sign in one yard:
In case you can't read the wording, it says: To the person who took my A.C.... it was not free for the taking! I would greatly appreciate it if you would return it!
Later we had lots of fun in Intercourse, PA, where we enjoyed a nice lunch and browsed in several shops, most of which had locally made wares, but also offered many other items found in similar “touristy” towns and villages. All of them were set right next to a rolling farm land being tilled by an Amish farmer guiding his team of big, strong horses! What a pastoral view we had! Farm land is abundant in Lancaster County and enjoys prime spaces right in the towns and villages. In fact, a large percentage of farm land must be dedicated to farming, rather than to commercial or industrial use.
Perhaps you might be wondering (nosey?) about the unusual name of Intercourse? It’s an eyebrow-raising name, for sure! Well, I will tell you what I found out:
Formerly known as "Cross Keys", this village was founded in 1754. The name was changed to Intercourse in 1814.
There are several explanations concerning the origin of the name of Intercourse, but none can really be substantiated. The first centers around an old race track which existed just east of town along the Old Philadelphia Pike. The entrance to the race course was known as "Entercourse". Some suggest that "Entercourse" gradually evolved into "Intercourse".
Another theory concerns two major roads that crossed here: the Old King's Highway, which ran from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh (now called the Old Philadelphia Pike), and the road from Wilmington, Delaware to Erie, Pennsylvania. The intersection of these two roads was thought to be the basis for the town of "Cross Keys" or, eventually, "Intercourse".
A final idea comes from the "old english" language which was is use in the early 1800's. It refers to the "fellowship" or social interaction and friendship which was so much a part of an agricultural village and culture at that time. These roots mark the community of faith to this day, and the many evidences of it are experienced by those who care to dig a bit more deeply while visiting this area.
Intercourse is a town full of delightful treasures and friendly shopkeepers, nestled among the scenic Amish farmland. For visitors of any age, there's plenty to do in Intercourse.
So, take your pick about the name. I agree: there’s plenty to do in Intercourse! It is teeming with fun shops, tasty, local cuisine, all in a lovely setting where you can sit on a bench and watch the team of horses do their thing. A wonderful respite!
Couldn't resist this photo op while in Intercourse! This wonderful shop had celebrated 50 years of cannin' & jammin' a few years back and still sported its sign ... and we were doing the same thing - celebratin'! We've had lots of "we can do it!" times in our lives and we've been in and out of a lot of jams!
We were framed in Intercourse!
After more exploring we arrived at the Sight and Sound Theatre to see the performance of “Joseph”. Words fail me to adequately describe this incredibly moving re-enactment of the Biblical account of Joseph. The power of forgiveness was so gripping my eyes welled-up with tears. We were captivated from beginning to end. We would encourage everyone to see this dramatic presentation if at all possible, either at the Lancaster, PA or Branson, MO Sight and Sound Theatres. I won’t even attempt to describe the majesty and excellence of this event. Currently, the cast is working on Jonah. I can only imagine how moving this will be. I'm sure many of you are familiar with this type of presentation, but the scenery and drama literally surrounds you, in front and on the sides of the massive auditorium. The narrator will tell you upfront that certain liberties have been taken for purposes of the drama, but the thrust and overall story line of the presentation is true to the Biblical account. http://www.sight-sound.com/.
We topped off another special day by feasting at Hershey’s Restaurant’s marvelous buffet, and by far the best cuisine we had enjoyed thus far.
Once back home at the camper, we found the surprise package that Merritt had sent by UPS. It contained a very unique and intriguing jigsaw puzzle that had been hinted at earlier in my Mother’s Day gift! I was told then that on “our day” I would receive more clues about the plans they were putting together to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary! The puzzle, when assembled, contained photos of Art and Merritt, Max and Sara, Andy and Karen, Luke and Hannah, and Anna and Justin, all holding different signs with various messages. We stayed up until midnight working the puzzle and had a ball! Here is the message when each saying was deciphered: “Happy 50th Anniversary! You and Daddy Bill and we will spend a week in the mountains of North Carolina. We have rented a house! We’ll go fishing and shopping and enjoy the cool mountain evenings. The trip will be from August 6 – August 13. It is going to be awesome! We love you and can’t wait until we’re all together in Franklin, NC. Hope you’re happy!” Isn’t that the neatest thing you’ve ever heard or seen?
Before calling it a night Bill and I exchanged anniversary cards and affirmed our love, hopes and dreams for many more years of togetherness. God is good and we are blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren, and an abundance of friends. Tomorrow is the REAL anniversary day!
