Forty-four Blessed Years

Ah, yes, the "teen" marriage that wasn't "supposed" to last -- according to the experts! That was in 1965. But marriages and homes and families built on God's principles, as revealed in His Word, are for a lifetime. My sweetheart and I have been blessed with 44 years of happy, ordinary, but oh-so-wonderful wedded bliss.

We had exceptional examples in both sets of parents and grandparents. Marriage for a lifetime is God's plan, and when families are established and grown by the Word, what a blessed experience and what an incredible testimony! I would not change a thing. Thank you, Lord, for my wonderful husband and our family patriarch. You have been so good to me!

Two eighteen-year-olds, so sure of their future together, with faith in the Lord for the unknown.

Now, happy grandparents of 23, soon to be 25, faithful torchbearers into the future.

Tonight was a wonderful time together at a local "elegant" restaurant. Thank you, sweet Danny for your loving shepherding and patient forbearance over the years. My greatest earthly happiness would be another 44 years with you!

This song, by Tom Paxton, is one of our favorite non-hymns. It expresses the way we feel about each other.

"You Are Love"

You are the light in children's eyes.

You are the hope that never dies.

You are all the best in me,

And you forgive the rest in me.

You are courage wrapped in grace.

You are vict'rys laughing face.

You are Noah's returning dove.

You are love.

You are the welcome kiss of peace.

You are the joy of sweet release.

You are the mischievous at play.

You are the end of summer's day.

You are the soul who is my soul.

You are the half that makes me whole.

You are Noah's returning dove.

You are love.

Once the only word I knew was "I, I, I."

Nothing mattered but myself alone.

Still, a voice within me whispered, "Why? Why? Why?"

Why must you keep struggling on your own?

What an endless hill I tried to climb,
When you were there to help me all the time!

You are the garden where I walk.

You are the quiet twilight talk.

You are the comforting caress.

You are the end of emptiness.

You are the joy I longed to know.

You are the flower in the snow.

You are Noah's returning dove.

You are love.

For Molly

This trip to Arkasouri is happening at my favorite time of year, fall. I love fall and always have. The change of the seasons is invigorating to me, but I am afraid my Florida-raised children have a hard time understanding my passion for fall. So when we left (with 3 of Molly's darling girls), she said to send her lots of pictures of the scenes of fall. The blog seemed to be the best way to send a lot of pictures without mega-computer-hassles. Here are some of the sights of Arkansas and Missouri toward the end of leaf-peeping time.

You know what kind of photographer I am, so keep that in mind! I did manage to snap this glowing tree as we were passing at about 50 mph.

This was in Mountain Home AR and we liked it because of the many colors in the little grouping.

Along Highway 5, just before the Missouri border.

This is on Ozark County Road "W", just before turning off onto the dirt road to our property.

Another scene on W. Some of the trees are finished for the year, others have very little color yet.

Looking out across the hills, just before turning onto the dirt road. Not too much color out there, but pretty scenery.

The creeks were higher than last year, in fact, one night they were almost over the bridges due to so much rain. This creek borders the property.

The last bridge before turning into the property. The road continues right, the drive begins to the left.
The larger creek that crosses the property. One night, it rained so much the creeks were almost up to the bridges. The houses from the front of the property. There is some color mixed in with the green.

Danny in front of what I think is a maple of some sort.

Jason stops along the drive. The large creek is to the left.

Tree with glowing color.

Beautiful red bush down near the marina at Pontiac. Danny hates it when I ask him to pose for scenery! Thank you, Sweetie!

More glowing color. In the background is Bull Shoals Lake, one of the best trout lakes in the country, they say. Or was it bass????

Well, those were about the best I took. Molly, you know your girls will have wonderful pictures for you! Thank you, Lord, for a chance to have a "fall experience" after so many years!

Fall Colors of Florida

Once again, it's time to show the world that Florida does have fall colors! While other parts of the country are revelling in their leaf hues, we are experiencing our own unique form of fall color!


This is an interesting weed -- it is the wild balsam apple (source: resident botanist, Mary Stricklen). When it first develops, it is orange like and elongated pumpkin. Then it begins to open so that its seeds can disburse.

When fully opened, the seeds are exposed to the world and ready to find a place to take root. This weed invades groves and twines around trees. But while the fruit is on display, I think it is beautiful!

Here is the beginning of our winter color. This is a tree at the entrance into our property, loaded with wonderful flame or ruby red grapefruits. They are just beginning to turn and won't be ready to pick until January or February. But such and abundance is hard to pass up for recognition!

This grapefruit is either left over from picking last season, or early ripening. But it has color, so it is included!

These tangerines are on their way to being a treat on someone's table! They are down the road from our grove.

Fall color! Allergy sufferers won't think much of this ragweed, but fields full of beautiful yellow blossoms add to our autumn experience.

There are several lush bouganvillea bushes in our community. The blossoms linger long into the fall, and sometimes into winter.

This beautiful blossom is the Confederate Rose. It is not as sophisticated as a "regular" rose, but it is lovely and poignant.

The alamanda is a staple in central Florida landscapes. It is a sturdy bloom that never fails to cheer me up! This one lives in daughter Molly's beautiful yard.

Ah, my favorite fall color! The humble raintree. In our community, there are quite a few, and this time of year, the display is dazzling!

This full tree will be bare before long. The pink "blooms" remind me of Chinese lanterns. They have the same shape, and their papery texture is like a lantern.

Another raintree. With a better camera, the depth of the color would be more apparent, but it is beautiful, just the same.

Well, that's all the time for fall colors this year. Tomorrow, we leave for "Arkasouri" again, and fall foliage of a different kind!

Arkasouri Trip part 7: Final Fling

Well, I think this will be the last post of the August trip to the mystery-land called "Arkasouri" -- mainly because this cotton-picking thing has gone on long enough. AND . . . we are getting ready to leave in about 2 weeks to go out again! (I heard, as Kitty says, that groan!) Well, after all, we have apples trees coming that need to be planted . . . and the leaves are so beautiful . . . and . . . and . . . well, there are the "sweet facies" we can't stay away from for long!

Right before we left for home, the Davenports, sweet friends who live high up on a mountain top in extreme northern Arkansas, hosted a very special event for us. They invited many of their friends to come enjoy the Country Cousins, and the invited a special guest for the Country Cousins to enjoy! Below is Mrs. Violet Hensley, who turns 93 years old this month. Check out this web article: http://www.stateoftheozarks.net/Cultural/Peoples/VioletHensley.html She is such a dear lady -- she not only plays very old-fashioned fiddle, but she has made dozens and dozens of fiddles -- big fiddles, tiny ones, beautiful, intricately carved ones, fancy ones, and rustic ones.

She brought several fiddles to show us. Some of them she carved from wood she cut down and planed herself. On some of them, she carved horse heads and razorback heads, and on others she painted mountain flowers. She carves with plain, ordinary knives, some of which she made herself.

Her fiddles are in museums and are cherished by Grand Ole Opry stars. The stories she told of life in the Ozarks during Depression years were inspiring. She is a delightful new friend, and although she is almost completely blind, she offered to help Daniel learn to hand carve -- she lives just a short distance from the Millers. She even called our home in Florida to follow up on her offer to teach Daniel. What an extraordinary life, lived for the Lord and for others! Thank you, Lord, and thank you, Davenports!

Here, the camera is on the wrong setting again (hey, I warned you that I am no photographer!)

The Country Cousins let her take the lead on most songs -- she is a natural performer! Occasionally she took a rest and let the children take the floor.

Mother and I enjoy the "concert" from the back of the stage!

RG and Sarah do their "dueling fiddles", Red Haired Boy and Old Joe Clark, one of my mother's favorites.

Daughter-in-law Ashley and Lisa Davenport. The Davenports are always so willing to gather their friends and make us feel welcome.

Here RG and Kitty really get into "Orange Blossom Special". This was one piece Mrs. Hensley had never played, so she sat this one out. But I think she knew every other mountain and bluegrass song ever written! Looks like Mr. Davenport couldn't resist taking to the floor to get his feet moving!!

Bethie, Katie, and Ashley delight us with their rendition of "I'll Fly Away" -- Oh, I think that's Lisa Davenport adding her voice, too, behind Katie. Some of those trophies on the wall are Lisa's.

Jason and Ashley visit with little Sam with the music in the background. I think Sam has been enjoying the punch!

For some really great pictures and commentary on the trip, visit the Dischers' fun blog:

http://www.thedischerfamily.blogspot.com/

Okay, one trip put into the memory book! Thank you, Lord, for Your hand of mercy on our travels. Thank you for Your wonderful people who are so willing to share their hospitality and gather a family to their hearts. Until next time . . .

Arkasouri Trip Part 6: Rockbridge

Another installment of the "trip that never ends!!" On one Monday, all the "girls" piled in together and headed for a place we found in one of our scouting trips to Missouri. It's the Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch in Rockbridge, MO. (Actually, it IS Rockbridge MO!)
http://www.rockbridgemo.com/ It is a wonderful "resort" or hunting lodge hidden in a hollow on a beautiful creek. It is the home of an old grist mill that has been restored, and a wonderful restaurant whose premier dish is rainbow trout caught there on the property.

The whole bunch of ladies awaiting a wonderful lunch in the lodge. Oh, sorry, baby Paul! We did have a gentleman escort!

Me, Katie, and my mother enjoying the meal. I went with their yummy angus burger, but several of the ladies tried and enjoyed the trout.

Emma Jane, Gracie, and Markie enjoy the view while waiting for dinner. In the fall, they say the view from these windows is spectacular! It is lovely in the summer, too!

Our gentleman escort got a little bored with girl-talk and decided to take a nap, in spite of all the goodies!

Two little sweeties having fun -- they didn't coordinate their outfits, but they ended up coordinated. What a good time!

If you zoom in, you can see that the original mill was built in the middle 1800's. It was burned down during the War Between the States (by the Yankees) and rebuilt in 1863. The lodge, which was originally a general store, is still the post office for the area.

Heading over to check out the mill -- no, Rosie and Rachel! This way! Adventurous girls always want to explore!

A nice gentleman took our picture in front of the old mill, just before the rain hit. There is a cafe/pub in the mill but it wasn't open when we were there. Someday we would like to go inside and look around.

Deciding whether to venture under the mill to see the baby trout.

Better not! sounds like rain is coming soon! Back to the vehicles.

Rachel did do a little exploring and brought Grandmother a handful of sweet wildflowers.

Another portrait of everyone in front of the lodge. The rain was already starting, so we were heading home!

Back in Florida, we decided to try and duplicate the WONDERFUL deep fried squash like we had at the Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch. Here, Markie helps me batter slices while Gracie patiently watches them cook in wonderful palm oil shortening.

Not quite the same, but a pretty good substitute! Yummy!!

Well, there is still more to come from our trip to Arkasouri! Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful time of sweet fellowship with the ladies we love!

Arkasouri Trip Part 5: Ahhh, Millerland!

On to the Arkansas region of "Arkasouri" . . . Everyone loaded up and headed from the property in Missouri to Yellville and Millerland. We planned to stay Saturday night and attend church the next day with the Millers. Here we enter the "compound" . . .

Settling in for some ladies' fellowship in the "kitchen" cabin. What a good time getting caught up and setting the example for the young ladies: cooking, serving, nursing babies, talking over things of God and families. I am blessed -- four generations were there, with my dear godly mother at the centerpiece of the conversation.

In our family, there is no such thing as "age segregation" when it comes to fellowship. Here older sister/cousin Sarah shares a laugh with sister Markie and cousins Andrew and Benny, while helping prepare dinner. (Caught you smiling, Andrew!)

Katie gets to enjoy some rare time with her grandmother. I think dinner was well underway at this point.

Gracie musters her picking troops to finish up the crowder pea crop. Gracie is an artist when it comes to inspiring the younger children. She is full of enthusiasm and imagination, telling tales and making up "stories" to get them involved. When she was little, she would make up the elaborate plots and her older sisters and cousins would follow right along -- Grace, the Story Mistress!

Little Sam, Joey, and Markie toil on diligently -- the reward will be on the table!

Bagsful of good, healthful peas! What a good lesson the grandchildren are learning now -- God has given us the ability to produce wonderful, whole foods. It is such a comfort to know the source of your food in these times, and to know you had a part in providing for your family is a wonderful example of biblical sowing and reaping.

More cherished conversation -- the ladies pitch in to shell the peas as the sun goes down.

Most of the Country Cousins were back together for a short while (we really missed the Stricklen girls!!) and they took this opportunity to not only delight their parents and grandparents but to practice for the following Tuesday evening, when they would have an experience they had never had before!! (coming soon!) We first went outside to use the porch for a stage. Here RG and Sarah play "dueling fiddles" in Red Haired Boy and Old Joe Clark. This is one of my mother's favorites.
Matthew handles the upright bass, while "Banjo Man" Peter plays . . . what else? Gracie on the right on the mandolin. I think the camera was not set for low light!! See, Sarah and Mary, I am
not being modest when I say I am NOT a photographer! Thank God for today's easy cameras!

Gracie adds the "bow-ron" to one of the Celtic-inspired songs. (Actually bodhran) Everyone loves how much it adds to the music!

Well, not being a good photographer, I forgot to take the camera to church, so I didn't get pictures of the dear folks there who have made the Millers a part of their "family". Thank the Lord for good solid teaching and the fellowship of believers.

After Sunday dinner, the children broke out the instruments again and made Uncle Robert's day. He is on the road so much of the time, but he loves to hear the children play. When RG is on the fiddle, sometimes Sarah takes over on the bass. Actually, all of the children can play most of the instruments -- I am blessed and impressed at the musical ability that has come out of their hearts and fingers!!

Banjo Man found the premium spot -- in front of the A/C!

This is a great picture! Look long and hard, because it is rare! Eddie sings The Minstrel Boy along with Beth (the rarity is Eddie singing on "stage" -- Beth is an old hand at it). We found the lyrics on my phone online, so that excuse was gone. Actually, Eddie has a wonderful voice, he just doesn't think so! Thank you for blessing us, Ed!

Well, the time ended all too soon, and we were back to Missouri. Next, Ladies' Day at the Rainbow Trout Ranch! Thank you, Lord, for your mercy in allowing the sweet times with family!

Arkasouri Part 4: New Friends, "Old" Fellowship

During the two weeks we were in Arkasouri, we were blessed to meet new friends and renew old friendships. One family we had been looking forward to meeting was the Niednagels. The Dischers had come to know them through the Thomases of Massachusetts, whom we met at the Jamestown 400 celebration in 2007. Melissa Thomas married Jordan Niednagel in 2008, and we were excited to find that they live less than an hour from the Missouri property on a property shared by the extended Niednagel family.

One Friday evening, we all took off to a Bible study held in the home of the Jeremy Niednagels. What a blessing to find new friends and share in the old, old fellowship of the Word! We studied in the book of Acts and sang beautiful old hymns a capella together. Above is the home built by Jeremy for his family. It is beautifully constructed of wood, some of it from their property and some from local sources. It is a wonderfully welcoming home, and we enjoyed the time at the home of Jeremy and Danielle.

After the Bible study, we went a little further into the woods to Jordan and Melissa's beautiful new home. It is open and "wood" also, though not quite as rustic in style as Jeremy and Danielle's. We had a good time of getting to know them a little better and touring their home.

Kitty and Sarah talking with Melissa, as Sarah enjoys little William Niednagel resting on her shoulder. The open kitchen is lovely.

Here Jordan is vigorously explaining something to Beth and Eddie. Probably about the intricacies of building a large house on a secluded property!

Danny, Eddie, Beth, and baby Paul do the Canadian thing and leave shoes at the door. The beautiful hardwood floors last longer that way! I was admiring the built-in bookcases in the background.

Jason and Ashley made it up for a little while (Jason had worked very late) and got to know their "neighbors". It is a wonder to me how God brings His people together in the most unexpected places!

My camera was befuddling me that night, so I didn't get many good pictures. We did get to meet another family at the Bible study who turned out to be related to another family we were scheduled to meet on the following Monday! We found, about a half-hour away, a family who produces and sells raw milk and free range eggs! What providential provision!

Continuing on soon . . .