Fixing the Smokehouse

We don't know how old the smokehouse structure is.

In its original form it may be one of the oldest buildings on the place, possibly pre-dating the main house, as does the old kitchen next to it. 

We think this because of the pegged beam in the construction. However old it is, salt from the meat curing process and wear and tear from age have taken their toll. While still basically sound, the old building needed repairs. 

Granddaddy was the man for the job. It was Granddaddy who measured and sawed and hammered on the outside of the smokehouse until it was in good shape again. Now he has the inside to go, but it's a great start to preserve the historic old building.

He had minor help from Granny...and even more minor help from another member of the family. 

Merry really wanted to help, but staying focused was difficult. 

Now you see her.

Now you don't. 

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord. (Psalm 127:3)

A Caroling Revelation

G and Granddaddy may have had a morning caroling visit by these very special people recently. 

Does that really mean that G and Granddaddy now officially qualify as "old folks?" 
If so, it's worth it!

Did you know that Silent Night is the most popular Christmas Carol ever (according to Time.com).

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.
(Psalm 127:3)

                     

Post-Thanksgiving Blessings

I love these people. I love these places. 

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord. 
(Psalm 127:3)

The Birthday Boys

Every single time these boys stay over at G's house...

They 'wake G up' with birthday cakes!   
Plastic and wax birthday cakes...

Every time.

The. Best. Cakes! 

And then we eat chocolate chip pancakes!

            Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.  (Psalm 127:3)

Sitting with Pumpkins

 We would rather sit with pumpkins
and have them all to ourselves, 

than be crowded on velvet cushions.

[with apologies to Henry David Thoreau]

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.  (Psalm 127:3)

A Pre-Fall Ramble

 A brief but satisfying diversion on a sunny, Sunday, pre-fall afternoon--

• the persimmon crop is promising  
  
  
  
  
• the wildflowers are charming  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• the light on the water is alluring  
  
• the little stream across the pond dam is flowing  
  
• the wild grapes are enticing  
  
• the Fall is approaching  
  
  
  
  
• And "found treasures" are the Best! 
  
  
  

  

• Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.  (Psalm 127:3)
• 
  
  
  

This Mother's Day

This Mother's Day, 2020, in the throes of a very strange spring...
But what lovely presents my girls have given me...

Although a couple of them are starting to make me look like a hobbit.

                  Behold, children are a gift of the Lord. 
                                            (Psalm 127:3)

Honeysuckle Time

It's honeysuckle time at G's house. 

Honeysuckle and the wild, pink roadside roses that once grew on the banks of the road that used to be dirt beside of G's house always brought the anticipation that summer would be along any day. 
The dirt road and the roadside roses are gone, but the old, red one beside the back screen door is still there. And it's more magnificent than ever this year. 

This year...of all years...needed the rose's extra brilliance and beauty.

This spring...of all springs..wanted the honeysuckle to bloom sweet and mellow.

Maybe next year the children can come and drink the honeyed sweetness from the little yellow vials fresh from the vine. Maybe next year spring can come unhindered and unsullied. But still we are thankful for the beauty, even if it must be appreciated in solitude.

A breeze blew softly, slightly rippling the water as it carried the heady scents of late Carolina springtime through the air. Honeysuckle. Jasmine. Ripe, pungent river mud. 

Ah, the world felt right.

Caitlin Rush


Behold, children are a gift of the Lord.  (Psalm 127:3)