Immigrants

Immigrant---a person who comes to live permanently in a foreign country (Oxford Languages definition).

A co-op school project about immigrants coming to America through Ellis Island in the late 1800s-early 1900s resulted in some fun time at G's house.

We made "passports."  

This young lady came from from Ukraine with hopes of making her living in a factory. She has $45 in her purse.

This young boy came from Ireland to escape the potato famine. He plans to live in America with his grandparents and work on their farm.

They only have with them what they carry on their person or  in their suitcase--which is not much.

New arrivals:

We wish them well in their new lives.

For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were.
Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.
(I Chronicles 29:15)
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour,
the Lord Jesus Christ
(Philippians 3:20)

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)
•