Thursday, March 18, 2010


GRANDMA'S APRON
<<<<<>>>>>
When I used to visit grandma,
I was very much impressed,
by her all-purpose apron,
and the power it possessed.
for grandma, it was everyday
to choose one when she dressed.
The strings were tied and freshly washed,
and maybe even pressed.
<<<<<>>>>>
The simple apron that it was,
you would never think about;
The things she used it for,
that made it look worn out.
She used it for a basket,
when she gathered up the eggs.
and flapped it as a weapon,
when hens pecked her feet and legs.
<<<<<>>>>>
She used it to carry kindling
when she stoked the kitchen fire.
And to hold a load of laundry
or to wipe the clothes line wire.
She used it for a hot pad,
to remove a steaming pan.
and when her brow was heated,
she used it for a fan.
<<<<<>>>>>
It dried our childish tears,
when we'd scrap a knee and cry,
and made a hiding place
when the little ones were shy.
Farm products took in season,
in the summer, spring and fall.
Found it's way into the kitchen,
in Grandma's carry all.
<<<<<>>>>>
When Grandma went to Heaven,
God said she now can rest.
I'm sure the apron, she chose that day,
was her Sunday best.
<<<<<>>>>>
Author Unknown

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Happy St. Patricks Day. I was told by my dad as I was growing up that we were Scotch-Irish. I was never sure what this meant but now I do. It means: In the 1710 to 1775 era, over 200,000 people emigrated from Ulster, Ireland to the 13 Colonies, from New Hampshire to Georgia. The largest numbers went to Pennsylvania. From that base some went south into Virginia, the "Carolinas" and across the South, with a large concentration in the "Appalachian" districts. My family is definitely a cultural mix but that is what makes us unique.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Spring is Around the Corner

Spring is a miraculous experience. The whole world comes alive after winter in which it seemed that everything was dead. The world comes filled with color and the scent of delicious greenery. The world that seemed so dull and cold has come alive once again. Little did we know that beneath the cold hard ground the plants and trees were preparing for rebirth. Spring gives us hope for rejuvenation in our own lives as well. Spring is a time to renew the excitement and zest for life that lives inside us. Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world. Each bloom and bud are welcome sights.
Check Spelling

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Winter 2010

This has been the coldest winter in years and we have already had two big snows. This last one was 7 inches and due to the temperatures, will most likely be around for a while. The above picture is one I found online. It is the Viaduct at Grandfather Mountain. It was made January 10, 2010, so it is recent. Being snowed in has given me time to do genealogy research. It has also given me time to go through closets and cabinets, cleaning out and cleaning up. But I am longing for Spring, for the daffodils and tulips, for the plowing of the garden, for chirping of the birds and for sunshine. God blesses us with seasons but I like Spring the best.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Blizzard of 2009

This has been the coldest winter we've had in 30 years. The 19th of December we got 12 inches of snow where we live and other places in the county got up to 15 inches. It has been four weeks and all of it has not melted yet. It has been too cold. Now they are predicting another storm. I just hope it is not as bad as this last one. It certainly makes for beautiful picture taking however and watching the flakes fall is just breathtaking. So pretty. Then after the roads are driven on and scraped and the snow starts to melt some and becomes slush - it isn't pretty, just messy. But this is just one more of God's beautiful portraits he paints and gives us, just like the sunrise and sunset. Happy 2010.
Anita

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Southern Christmas Show

This is my grandson Ryan who is 3 years old. He is in awe of the tree, lights and 'snow'. Of course he wanted to touch everything. We were entering the Southern Christmas Show that is held in Charlotte, NC each year at the old Coliseum. We had Ryan's stroller and after a little while of walking we put him in it. It wasn't long until he was lulled to sleep. The Christmas Show is an annual event and we have been three times. It is very crowded. You see so many pretty trees, sample lots of tasty food and drinks, get a chance to purchase some Christmas Gifts, hear Christmas music and get into the Christmas Spirit. I got sick right after this event with the flu and it took me almost two weeks to get back to normal. But we had a good time. My daughter, my sister and I went together. We always have lots of fun together and the Christmas Season is just very special. I hope everyone recognizes the reason for this season, the birth of our Lord. I hope you will take time to engulf yourself in His love and care. He is Our Heavenly Father who wants the best for us but expects our best for Him. Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Tell Me More Ancestor Stories, Grandma


As an avid genealogist I have learned that if another person is not interested in their ancestors, you may as well stop talking about them. Not so with children. They will listen for as long as you can talk. They will ask you 'why?' They will laugh at your stories. They never seem bored or wonder when you are going to stop talking. Lastly, they love stories. They seem to think the things you are telling them about when you were a little girl are just so great! I tell them what they call 'ancestor stories'. Then, the next time I see them they will say, "Tell me more ancestor stories, Grandma." Then, of course, I get started!