Old Salem Church
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Sunday
Our blessings continue and we had a beautiful day. I started to wax poetic and say the dawn of a lovely day. But I was afraid one of you might hurt yourself laughing at the thought of me seeing the dawn!
We drove to Spotsylvania for church services. We passed the building once, but found it the second time around. It was a nice congregation. More than one person told us their crowd was down because the teens were at a Bible Bowl in West VA. They did very well too.
We then went to the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor's Center and National Cemetary. We walked along the sunken road the Confederates used as their trench. There is also a house still standing that survived the battle. In fact it was used as a store for many years - into the 1900's - after the war. The outside had been refurbished, but the interior walls still have the bullet damage. Hard to think those people did not ever change it.
We went across the street and had lunch at the Blue & Gray Cafe. The sign said they close at 2:00 and it was 5 minutes til. I said to Don, we better look for somewhere else. Since Don had already opened the door, the cashier heard me and told us we had plenty of time, come on in and eat. So we did. It is a small, family run place and the food was very good.
Now that our tummies were full, making our moods much nicer, we headed on to the Fredericksburg Battlefield.
The drive has a couple of places to pull over, but mostly markers on the road and scenes of the trenches. We did walk up to Lee's Command Post. Nice paved path, not too steep, more or less my speed. Further along, we spotted a pyramid of stones well off the road. Mmm, wonder what that is all about? Within moments we spotted the sign telling us. An interesting story. If you cannot read the picture of the sign that I posted, let me know and I will send you the text.
Close by is Spotsylvania Court House. That is the name of the town and the battle, not just a building. After passing the actual court house at least 2ce and driving about 5 miles in each direction away from it, we found Spotsylvania Courthouse. Well, they put trees in front of it and in front of the sign as well! Not our fault, right?
The battlefield was somewhat easier to find. Lots of open space there. Beautiful to look at today. But was a very bloody battle - in fact, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and The Wilderness constitute the bloodiest battles of the War. The last stop in Spostsylvania is the "bloody triangle". The field had woods that narrowed the field and in the "tip" of the triangle is where the most people were killed. I have posted a photo of a tree trunk, where a tree was presumably standing that makes the tip of the triangle.
While we were there, the ranger was giving a talk to a small group of people. So needless to say we listened in. There was a little boy about 13 months old just toddling around and enjoying the outdoors. His mom was watching, but not hovering. He started to walk thru the gate, so I gently turned him around and whispered that he didn't really want to go that way. He gave me the look that says, hmm, who are you? He walked about 2 steps and turned to look at me again. 2 more steps and he decided he better come back my way. My thoughts were, uh-ho he is going to want to go thru that gate again. Wrong! he came right up to me and held up his hands. I picked him up and he just snuggled. I do believe I melted completely. His mom had her eye on us and was smiling. I didn't hold him but a moment, but it was the highlight of hte day for me!
This is long enough so I will leave you with the warm fuzzy.
Love, Don & Pat
We drove to Spotsylvania for church services. We passed the building once, but found it the second time around. It was a nice congregation. More than one person told us their crowd was down because the teens were at a Bible Bowl in West VA. They did very well too.
We then went to the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor's Center and National Cemetary. We walked along the sunken road the Confederates used as their trench. There is also a house still standing that survived the battle. In fact it was used as a store for many years - into the 1900's - after the war. The outside had been refurbished, but the interior walls still have the bullet damage. Hard to think those people did not ever change it.
We went across the street and had lunch at the Blue & Gray Cafe. The sign said they close at 2:00 and it was 5 minutes til. I said to Don, we better look for somewhere else. Since Don had already opened the door, the cashier heard me and told us we had plenty of time, come on in and eat. So we did. It is a small, family run place and the food was very good.
Now that our tummies were full, making our moods much nicer, we headed on to the Fredericksburg Battlefield.
The drive has a couple of places to pull over, but mostly markers on the road and scenes of the trenches. We did walk up to Lee's Command Post. Nice paved path, not too steep, more or less my speed. Further along, we spotted a pyramid of stones well off the road. Mmm, wonder what that is all about? Within moments we spotted the sign telling us. An interesting story. If you cannot read the picture of the sign that I posted, let me know and I will send you the text.
Close by is Spotsylvania Court House. That is the name of the town and the battle, not just a building. After passing the actual court house at least 2ce and driving about 5 miles in each direction away from it, we found Spotsylvania Courthouse. Well, they put trees in front of it and in front of the sign as well! Not our fault, right?
The battlefield was somewhat easier to find. Lots of open space there. Beautiful to look at today. But was a very bloody battle - in fact, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania and The Wilderness constitute the bloodiest battles of the War. The last stop in Spostsylvania is the "bloody triangle". The field had woods that narrowed the field and in the "tip" of the triangle is where the most people were killed. I have posted a photo of a tree trunk, where a tree was presumably standing that makes the tip of the triangle.
While we were there, the ranger was giving a talk to a small group of people. So needless to say we listened in. There was a little boy about 13 months old just toddling around and enjoying the outdoors. His mom was watching, but not hovering. He started to walk thru the gate, so I gently turned him around and whispered that he didn't really want to go that way. He gave me the look that says, hmm, who are you? He walked about 2 steps and turned to look at me again. 2 more steps and he decided he better come back my way. My thoughts were, uh-ho he is going to want to go thru that gate again. Wrong! he came right up to me and held up his hands. I picked him up and he just snuggled. I do believe I melted completely. His mom had her eye on us and was smiling. I didn't hold him but a moment, but it was the highlight of hte day for me!
This is long enough so I will leave you with the warm fuzzy.
Love, Don & Pat
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Wedding Day
Sorry I couldn't figure out how to post these at the end of the blog. You might want to scroll down and read the information first!
Daniel, John & Pleasant Chitwood served as privates in the 23rd Georgia. Pleasant (right) died of disease in Oct. 1862. Daniel & John were captured at Chancellorsville, exchanged and fought for the remainer of the war.
Melanie & Mom, Dee
Melanie & WT Settles
Saturday was also a beautiful day, barely a cloud in the sky. Don and I took a fairly quick tour thru the Chancellorsville Battlfield NP on our way to the wedding. I say fairly quick, because I was not dressed for trudging up paths, etc. Since there would be no place for me to change clothes in Culpeper, I wore my dress from Fredericksburg.
At Chancellorsville, we took a pic of the Catherine Furnace. This was used to refine iron beginning in 1937, but closed in 1947. Confederates reopened in during the war because of the need for iron. General Custer (see, he did something besides Little Big Horn), destroyed the furnace in 1864. It was rebuilt and continued to produce iron for the Confederacy til the end of the war. I plan to enclose a photo of the Chitwood brothers and you can read their story. It was an interesting diversion.
We met up with Apryl & Jeremy in Culpeper and did a quick shop thru the Goodwill Store. Then we drove out into the country to the church building. The wedding party was in the auxilary building getting ready, but there were so many people already there, we just went on to the church building. The building was built in the 1700's and has been beautifully restored and is once again in regular use. There are no pews. There are several "boxes" along the walls with benches on 3 sides and a door to enter from the aisle. Each one will seat about 12 people confortably (more if you don't mind rubbing elbows). It is nice for families when there is a long service as they can let the younger children play (quietly) or color or whatever. The wedding party came down from the auxilary building and waited outside as each one was escorted down the aisle. The grooms great grandmother was there, what a treat for them. Melanie was so nervous, but was smiling ear to ear. Her stepfather, Gene walked her down the aisle and "gave her away", then her father, Leslie, stepped up and also "gave her away." Everything went off with barely a hitch. The groom shed a tear or two, but sp0ke up strong and firm. Melanie cried and had a hard time talking, but she finally came out also strong and firm.
After the ceremony was over, we headed to the reception at Amissville, VA fire hall. It is a nice little place. The bingo board was on the wall, but luckily we didn't have to play bingo! The caterers had nice table settings and a lovely cake table. The meal was catered by a high school class in restaurant service taught by a chef. The food was excellent. We enjoyed the conversation at the table and everyone had a good time. After the bride danced with her groom and her fathers, we left quietly. Not that we needed to be quiet with the dj blasting the music out! Wow, the bass set your teeth rattling. Guess we are just old after all. Nah, that can't be right, we just have sensitive ears, right?
At Chancellorsville, we took a pic of the Catherine Furnace. This was used to refine iron beginning in 1937, but closed in 1947. Confederates reopened in during the war because of the need for iron. General Custer (see, he did something besides Little Big Horn), destroyed the furnace in 1864. It was rebuilt and continued to produce iron for the Confederacy til the end of the war. I plan to enclose a photo of the Chitwood brothers and you can read their story. It was an interesting diversion.
We met up with Apryl & Jeremy in Culpeper and did a quick shop thru the Goodwill Store. Then we drove out into the country to the church building. The wedding party was in the auxilary building getting ready, but there were so many people already there, we just went on to the church building. The building was built in the 1700's and has been beautifully restored and is once again in regular use. There are no pews. There are several "boxes" along the walls with benches on 3 sides and a door to enter from the aisle. Each one will seat about 12 people confortably (more if you don't mind rubbing elbows). It is nice for families when there is a long service as they can let the younger children play (quietly) or color or whatever. The wedding party came down from the auxilary building and waited outside as each one was escorted down the aisle. The grooms great grandmother was there, what a treat for them. Melanie was so nervous, but was smiling ear to ear. Her stepfather, Gene walked her down the aisle and "gave her away", then her father, Leslie, stepped up and also "gave her away." Everything went off with barely a hitch. The groom shed a tear or two, but sp0ke up strong and firm. Melanie cried and had a hard time talking, but she finally came out also strong and firm.
After the ceremony was over, we headed to the reception at Amissville, VA fire hall. It is a nice little place. The bingo board was on the wall, but luckily we didn't have to play bingo! The caterers had nice table settings and a lovely cake table. The meal was catered by a high school class in restaurant service taught by a chef. The food was excellent. We enjoyed the conversation at the table and everyone had a good time. After the bride danced with her groom and her fathers, we left quietly. Not that we needed to be quiet with the dj blasting the music out! Wow, the bass set your teeth rattling. Guess we are just old after all. Nah, that can't be right, we just have sensitive ears, right?
Love to everyone and thanks for reading.
Pat
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
More from me
I have had complaint (anyone want to make that plural?) that I have neglected my blog! That person is right.
So, we interrupt the "Loop Trip" for the "Wedding Trip".
We left on Thursday, May 19, for Culpeper, VA to see our niece, Melanie Chandler, marry W.T. Settles. We abandoned the dogs at the kennels for their "vacation", and went to get Don's mom. We were so glad that she felt like going with us. Since she got treatment for her sinus infection, she is doing so much better and her balance is also better. We planned to drive to the 1st Cracker Barrel for breakfast. However, some big trucker needed that lane and we could not get over, so we waited til the next C.B. We were not starving, but were plenty hungry by that time. From there, we went to Blacksburg (with rest area stops in between) to pick up our step-nephew, Josh Stuckner. Josh is Don's brother's wife's son. (got that?) He met us as the C.B. there. And no, he was not on campus during the time of the shootings and everyone was glad to hear it. Once we got that out of the way, we let him sleep.
After dropping Mrs. Chandler and Josh with Les (her son) and Julie, we continued to dinner. We met Gene and Dee (mother of the bride) at Ruby Tuesday for dinner. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with them - we had a couple of hours. Gene had to work on Friday and he said that 4am comes early - personally, I do noy need to get direct confirmation of that - I will take his word. Also, we still had to drive the 35 mi. to Fredericksburg and our hotel.
Friday, Don and I drove to Springfield, VA, and caught the Metrorail into DC - Smithsonian stop. Thanks, Dee and Gene for directing us to Springfield. We arrived on the National Mall and started taking pics. The 1st thing Don had to get was the Capitol. We strolled on over to the Washington Monument, where it was a good thing we didn't want to enter since all the tickets for the day were gone. You guessed it - school groups! Just behind the Wash. mon. and across the street is the WWII Memorial. So Impressive! Took a ton of photos there, just trying to get as much in as we could. You almost need a wide lens to get the whole thing in one shot. We did get the standards for Guam and Tennessee in separate pics.
We strolled next to the reflecting pool toward the Lincoln Memorial. Off to our left was the Korean War Memorial. It is really impressive also. There are statues of a platoon, fully equiped, and going across a field. It is hard to describe, but I call them "ghost soldiers" because they are all grey. Hope to add some photos of that one. The wall along one side is laser-etched with battle scenes, you have to get close to see them and pics do not really turn out.
As we headed for the Vietnam Memorial, one of us admitted to being hungry, so we stopped for a sandwich. Sure tasted good.
The Vietnam wall is just like the pictures. There is a book there that gives all the names and positions on the wall so that people can find the name they are looking for. We saw more than one person making a rubbing/tracing of names.
As we went back by the WWII Memorial, we stopped at the kiosk where they have the Book of Remembrance. It was a thrill to see Daddy's name come up. I can see it on the computer at home, but there was something different about seeing it there.
About 3pm we caught the Metrorail back to Springfield. We left early so that we would miss the rush hour - and we did! We picked up the car and headed for I-95. Well, we missed the turn for the HOV lanes. Big mistake. Lots of people must have left early on Friday afternoon - imagine that. We had a really good look at most of the scenery along I-95 as we inched along. It was exciting to make it to 40 mph. Actually it only took us 1-1/2 hr. for a trip that took us 50 min. that morning.
This is long enough. More later.
Love to all, Pat
So, we interrupt the "Loop Trip" for the "Wedding Trip".
We left on Thursday, May 19, for Culpeper, VA to see our niece, Melanie Chandler, marry W.T. Settles. We abandoned the dogs at the kennels for their "vacation", and went to get Don's mom. We were so glad that she felt like going with us. Since she got treatment for her sinus infection, she is doing so much better and her balance is also better. We planned to drive to the 1st Cracker Barrel for breakfast. However, some big trucker needed that lane and we could not get over, so we waited til the next C.B. We were not starving, but were plenty hungry by that time. From there, we went to Blacksburg (with rest area stops in between) to pick up our step-nephew, Josh Stuckner. Josh is Don's brother's wife's son. (got that?) He met us as the C.B. there. And no, he was not on campus during the time of the shootings and everyone was glad to hear it. Once we got that out of the way, we let him sleep.
After dropping Mrs. Chandler and Josh with Les (her son) and Julie, we continued to dinner. We met Gene and Dee (mother of the bride) at Ruby Tuesday for dinner. Thoroughly enjoyed our time with them - we had a couple of hours. Gene had to work on Friday and he said that 4am comes early - personally, I do noy need to get direct confirmation of that - I will take his word. Also, we still had to drive the 35 mi. to Fredericksburg and our hotel.
Friday, Don and I drove to Springfield, VA, and caught the Metrorail into DC - Smithsonian stop. Thanks, Dee and Gene for directing us to Springfield. We arrived on the National Mall and started taking pics. The 1st thing Don had to get was the Capitol. We strolled on over to the Washington Monument, where it was a good thing we didn't want to enter since all the tickets for the day were gone. You guessed it - school groups! Just behind the Wash. mon. and across the street is the WWII Memorial. So Impressive! Took a ton of photos there, just trying to get as much in as we could. You almost need a wide lens to get the whole thing in one shot. We did get the standards for Guam and Tennessee in separate pics.
We strolled next to the reflecting pool toward the Lincoln Memorial. Off to our left was the Korean War Memorial. It is really impressive also. There are statues of a platoon, fully equiped, and going across a field. It is hard to describe, but I call them "ghost soldiers" because they are all grey. Hope to add some photos of that one. The wall along one side is laser-etched with battle scenes, you have to get close to see them and pics do not really turn out.
As we headed for the Vietnam Memorial, one of us admitted to being hungry, so we stopped for a sandwich. Sure tasted good.
The Vietnam wall is just like the pictures. There is a book there that gives all the names and positions on the wall so that people can find the name they are looking for. We saw more than one person making a rubbing/tracing of names.
As we went back by the WWII Memorial, we stopped at the kiosk where they have the Book of Remembrance. It was a thrill to see Daddy's name come up. I can see it on the computer at home, but there was something different about seeing it there.
About 3pm we caught the Metrorail back to Springfield. We left early so that we would miss the rush hour - and we did! We picked up the car and headed for I-95. Well, we missed the turn for the HOV lanes. Big mistake. Lots of people must have left early on Friday afternoon - imagine that. We had a really good look at most of the scenery along I-95 as we inched along. It was exciting to make it to 40 mph. Actually it only took us 1-1/2 hr. for a trip that took us 50 min. that morning.
This is long enough. More later.
Love to all, Pat
Monday, April 16, 2007
Satan roams looking for those he can devour
The shootings at VA Tech are unbelievably tragic. How can you not believe that satan is real after such as this? This was definitely satan's work. The shooter was overtaken completely by satan's lies.
Deepest sympathy and caring go out to the family and friends of the students killed and wounded. May they find strength in Christ who will comfort and encourage them. While we shed tears for the loss, we rejoice for those who were among the saved, they have gone home now. It is a relief that students who are a part of VT CSC are all unharmed physically. They are meeting in prayer tonight. Prayer of thanksgiving and glory and prayer of petition for those so closely affected by this tragedy. I am thankful that Josh Stuckner, Leslie's wife's son is all right. When we see him on Thursday, we will probably find out more of how close he was to the "action" - provided he is ready to talk about it. I do not plan to ask him questions, but will listen if he wants to talk.
In other news, the trial of Mary Carol Winkler had concluded it's fourth day and the prosecution has rested. Diane Winkler, Matthew's mother, was on the stand and answered the questions with little emotion. She had tight control on herself. She related that she and her husband have not tried to influence the girls at all, but have listened if they wanted to talk. The girls are seeing a Christian counselor in Nashville. Diane also stated that the after the last visit the girls had with Mary they were excited and happy and looking forward to seeing her again. However, that has not happened. Diane stated that the girls changed their minds and did not want to see Mary. No reason for the change was given.
When 9-yr-old Patricia Winkler went to the stand, she was almost immediately in tears. This is the first time she and her mother have seen each other since Sep. 2006. There were no cameras allowed in the courtroom during the 19 minutes she was on the stand. Reports are that she gained control and was able to answer questions. Patricia then broke down again when she was cross-examined. At this point the Judge called a halt to the testimony to spare the child more trama. One reporter said there was not a dry eye in the house - including jurors.
In listening to the Q&A call in show during the lunch breack, most of the callers were sympathetic to Mary Winkler. It is amazing to me how this incident and trial have brought such caring from the public.
Missy, who does my hair, knew Mary from Kindergarten up thru HS. She cannot imagine Mary doing this. Their 3 & 5 grade teachers are also amazed. She is described as very caring and responsible and would never harm anyone.
Ok, enough of the sad stuff.
It was wonderful to talk to Lilly last night and hear how well Mary is doing after her liver transplant. She is progressing faster than anticipated. There are a number of arrangements to be made for her care when she leaves the hospital. But she should be there about 3 more weeks, giving everyone time to adjust to the changes that will be needed for her care.
We are excited about going to Culpeper this weekend for Melanie's wedding. So looking forward to seeing everyone up there. And happy that Mrs. Chandler feels like making the trip.
It has been a day of emotional chaos, but God will see us all thru if we will only trust in Him and follow His will.
God Bless, Pat
Deepest sympathy and caring go out to the family and friends of the students killed and wounded. May they find strength in Christ who will comfort and encourage them. While we shed tears for the loss, we rejoice for those who were among the saved, they have gone home now. It is a relief that students who are a part of VT CSC are all unharmed physically. They are meeting in prayer tonight. Prayer of thanksgiving and glory and prayer of petition for those so closely affected by this tragedy. I am thankful that Josh Stuckner, Leslie's wife's son is all right. When we see him on Thursday, we will probably find out more of how close he was to the "action" - provided he is ready to talk about it. I do not plan to ask him questions, but will listen if he wants to talk.
In other news, the trial of Mary Carol Winkler had concluded it's fourth day and the prosecution has rested. Diane Winkler, Matthew's mother, was on the stand and answered the questions with little emotion. She had tight control on herself. She related that she and her husband have not tried to influence the girls at all, but have listened if they wanted to talk. The girls are seeing a Christian counselor in Nashville. Diane also stated that the after the last visit the girls had with Mary they were excited and happy and looking forward to seeing her again. However, that has not happened. Diane stated that the girls changed their minds and did not want to see Mary. No reason for the change was given.
When 9-yr-old Patricia Winkler went to the stand, she was almost immediately in tears. This is the first time she and her mother have seen each other since Sep. 2006. There were no cameras allowed in the courtroom during the 19 minutes she was on the stand. Reports are that she gained control and was able to answer questions. Patricia then broke down again when she was cross-examined. At this point the Judge called a halt to the testimony to spare the child more trama. One reporter said there was not a dry eye in the house - including jurors.
In listening to the Q&A call in show during the lunch breack, most of the callers were sympathetic to Mary Winkler. It is amazing to me how this incident and trial have brought such caring from the public.
Missy, who does my hair, knew Mary from Kindergarten up thru HS. She cannot imagine Mary doing this. Their 3 & 5 grade teachers are also amazed. She is described as very caring and responsible and would never harm anyone.
Ok, enough of the sad stuff.
It was wonderful to talk to Lilly last night and hear how well Mary is doing after her liver transplant. She is progressing faster than anticipated. There are a number of arrangements to be made for her care when she leaves the hospital. But she should be there about 3 more weeks, giving everyone time to adjust to the changes that will be needed for her care.
We are excited about going to Culpeper this weekend for Melanie's wedding. So looking forward to seeing everyone up there. And happy that Mrs. Chandler feels like making the trip.
It has been a day of emotional chaos, but God will see us all thru if we will only trust in Him and follow His will.
God Bless, Pat
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