Thursday, May 30, 2024

The Tower

 This structure always fascinated me. 

Tower Drive In 

When I was young it used to be a Drive In movie theater. But it was eventually bought by the city and made into a park.

Apparently it was originally built as a water tower in 1927. The tower can be seen from Interstate 275, and at night is all lit up.
 

                                            Skywatch Friday   

                                         

 


Tuesday, May 28, 2024

Hummingbird sighting

 This is only the second time I have seen a hummingbird in my yard. 


Such delicate beautiful creatures.

   My Corner of the World



Monday, May 27, 2024

In memory and honor of those who have fought and died to keep our country free.

 


A week before the battle of Bull Run Sullivan Ballou, a Major in the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteers, wrote home to his wife in Smithfield.


July 14,1861
Camp Clark, Washington DC

Dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days - perhaps tomorrow. And lest I should not be able to write you again I feel impelled to write a few lines that may fall under your eye when I am no more.

I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter. I know how American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the government and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing - perfectly willing - to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this government, and to pay that debt.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me with mighty cables that nothing but omnipotence can break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly with all those chains to the battlefield. The memory of all the blissful moments I have enjoyed with you come crowding over me, and I feel most deeply grateful to God and you, that I have enjoyed them for so long. And how hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes and future years, when, God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and see our boys grown up to honorable manhood around us.

If I do not return, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I loved you, nor that when my last breath escapes me on the battle field, it will whisper your name...

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless, how foolish I have sometimes been!...

But, 0 Sarah, if the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they love, I shall always be with you, in the brightest day and in the darkest night... always, always. And when the soft breeze fans your cheek, it shall be my breath, or the cool air your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for me, for we shall meet again...


Sullivan Ballou was killed a week later at the 1st Battle of Bull Run.

13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

John 15:13 (NIV)

In memory and honor of those who have fought and died to keep our country free.

Thursday, May 23, 2024

Parentheses

 

                                            Skywatch Friday   

                                            My Corner of the World

 

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Reflection

Patriotic holidays are normally the time when we enjoy picnics, bar-b-ques, football games and other crowd pleasing outdoor events.

But sometimes......... it is a time of quiet and reflection.


It's time to fire up the grill

Monday, May 20, 2024

The Road Before Us

 

The Road Before Us have Jade, Benny and Bridger travel the long road of Route 66. Healing old wounds and recapturing Benny's love story along the way. Jade Jessup's reputation is tarnished after her fiancé is caught milking wealthy accounts in the firm they both worked for. Jade finds herself on this road trip as she tries to regain her status in the financial world.

The writing was a bit wordy in descriptions, but Rosche intertwines three different time periods deftly. The story explores areas of love, loss, faith and redemption. 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are my honest opinion.

Thursday, May 16, 2024

A view....

 ....of downtown Tampa from the Bayshore.


                                            Skywatch Friday   

                                            My Corner of the World

 

Monday, May 13, 2024

A Provincial Peer

 


I so enjoyed A Provincial Peer, by Sian Ann Bessey, and learned a lot from her diligent research.

Lord Benedict Benning is more involved in his farming estate than his title. As a gentleman in the 1700's, he is expected to be in the social circle but finds himself helping with calving and milking. When little Meg wanders into his estate, he is instantly charmed. He is intrigued by the veiled woman who comes looking for her.

Caroline Granger and her daughter Meg returned to her father's vicarage after she loses her husband to small pox which has left her severely scarred. She was Benedict's younger brothers playmate when they were children. She is drawn to Benedicts kindness and compassion. But Caroline must place her trust in God as she seeks a measure of peace for her future, and her heart. 

This was such a captivating romance, where one's outward appearance was not the focus. I loved the well developed main characters as they make their way through the ravages of the dreaded disease. This is the first book by Bessey that I have read and will be reading more. She has a very distinct writing style with apparent lots of research of the time period.  A nice, light hearted, clean faith based story, tender with a bit of humor and mystery. I definitely recommend this story.  

I received a complimentary ebook copy from the publisher, through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.


Sunday, May 12, 2024

Mothers Day

 

Mother's Day is a special day. Not everyone is a Mother, but we've all had a Mom in our lives. Whether it was a natural Mother, an adopted one, or just a special woman who came along side to encourage you. My own Mom went to be with the Lord when I was in my 20's, but there have been women who stood in her place. I am thankful for God's mercies to allow me to share special "Mom" time with these women.

If your Mother is still living, be sure to give her a hug. And if your Mother is already gone, find someone who could really use a hug. It could be a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or even an acquaintance. In the Bible we see when Jesus hung on the cross, he gave His own Mother into John's safe keeping (John 19:26-27). I'm sure after Jesus died, Mary needed a hug. And when the Lord returned from the grave, in my heart of hearts, I know He hugged His Mother. Mary probably treasured those moments, just as she did when the shepherds told of the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:19).

May the Lord bless each one of you, whether you are a daughter, Mother, Grandmother, sister, niece, friend or neighbor. Everyone deserves to be remembered.

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Presentation

 One evening, as I was walking in my neighborhood, the clouds presented themselves in the sky.



                                            Skywatch Friday   

                                            My Corner of the World

 

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Heritage

Preparing a table for Mother's Day brings out my Depression glass pieces.



I've enjoyed collecting "Heritage". It lends a touch of the past to my table.

When my Mom passed away, I found two cups and several saucers of this pattern, which started me on my trek of finding more.

Through the years I've found dinner plates, salad plates, cups, saucers, and serving bowls at Antique shops and even at the Goodwill.

The sugar and creamer - Emily's Attic by Gorham.

I love the look of glassware. A perfect table for any holiday, but elegant looking for Mother's Day.