Fences of Yesteryear

Today is Thursday, and the day that I link up with other blogs to show fences in their areas. It is no secret that I will stop in my tracks when I see an old home, but I also love to see their antique fences.

This stone and iron fence is fairly new, but I see that they have used an old section of  nineteenth century fencing. This style of iron fence with it's fancy post or finial (?) seems to have been common all over the southern U.S. I have tried to research online, to see what company manufactured these, but have yet to find an answer. 

To visit other blogs with examples of fencing go : HERE

Back in School

As some of you know, Tom and I have been taking fun courses at our local college. Texas Christian University. My first class this semester is on  journaling, and it seems like it is going to be a wonderful choice. Then I got to thinking about it. I barely find time to Blog...oh me, maybe I should have signed up for time management.

Journaling is supposed to be very beneficial for personal development, it enhances intuition, creativity, reduces stress, improves writing skills....and so on and so on.

So, I am going to give it a try. I will just have to give up sleeping....or maybe eating. No that is not going to happen.

Do you journal? Crazy question for all of my blogging friends. I think I know the answer..

It's Fall

It is Fall, or at least the calendar says so. I just heard though that on Wednesday it is supposed to be 90 degrees again, here in North Texas. That cool front we had, sure got me in the mood....for pumpkin pie, apple cider and pots of stew. sweaters and football.

I have even started trying to make the house look like Fall. You see I am hosting Thanksgiving Dinner for my family this year. As most of you know, I have four sisters in the area and we all get together on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. We take turns hosting the celebration, and it is my turn. I haven't gotten the official count yet...but it will be around twenty.That includes spouses, kids and grand kids. None of our children will be in town though.

I have centerpieces for all three of the tables that will be set up.

I even put a few Fall things on the mantle under the T.V., because I feel sure a lot of my guests will be gazing in that direction.... watching football.Yes, we do turn it off while we eat...but it comes right back on again! If you celebrate Thanksgiving, what are your plans? I think Canada just had their celebration this week. ...and of course The Netherlands, Australia and England don't have such a holiday...or do you have something similar?

The Convertible

We have had  cool front arrive here in north Texas  this weekend,

and it is perfect weather to put your convertible top down. I spotted this cherry red mustang parked at a bakery where Tom and I go for coffee (and to split an amazing cinnamon roll).

 I always think of my youngest daughter when I see a convertible. She commented, when she was about five years old, that she wanted one of those cars with the lid off.

It also brought back another memory. I too had a Mustang. It was the first new car I ever purchased (all by myself). It was a 1967 Mustang GT Aspen Gold.

This is a better picture that I found online. I by the way would never buy such a car these days. Especially not a two door. This model was a stick shift with wide tires and it was probably more than I could handle. What was I thinking?

Do you remember your first car ?

Has It Really Been That Long?

Someone reminded me the other day that it has been fourteen years since my sisters and I helped restore the Conner Cemetery in Mississippi.It all began actually sixteen years ago, when I talked my husband into helping me find the location of my ancestors plantation in northern Mississippi. I won't go into the whole story, as some of you remember me blogging about it.

click on any photo to enlarge

What we did find was the small family cemetery that was on the plantation. I was heartsick though at it's condition. After returning to Texas, I couldn't get this picture out of my mind. The next day began a long two year effort to restore the cemetery, helped by two of my sisters and two very distant cousins that I  found online.

Fast forward.... Upon completion, it looked like this. You see, we sent out letters requesting donations, to every relative we knew, and a lot we didn't know....the later taking a bit of research. Several that we contacted denied they were kinfolks, but I conveniently had in my possession.. the family tree. 

Sadly, our donations fell short, so there was not enough money for the restoration. Although, the local chapter of The Sons of  Confederate Veterans got wind of what we were doing, and also discovered that one of their heroes, from the Civil War, was buried right there in our cemetery. I can document every single grave, all family members, but that guy is still a mystery. No one could figure out our connection to him, and why he was buried there. Didn't matter, he became our ace in the hole. The Sons of Confederate Veterans took on our project and raised money among themselves, to restore the entire cemetery. 

They even brought Civil War muskets to the dedication and fired them in salute.

So what did we do with the money we raised? We had the cemetery declared a Mississippi Historical Site. You see, you not only have to provide page after page of documentation, but must pay for the sign yourself. At that time the fee was $1,400.00

So, if ever find yourself in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Go to the public library and ask directions to our cemetery. It is a ways north of town, on a hill shaded by tall trees, surrounded by this barbed wire fence...and hopefully it is still in decent shape. 

To read more about  The Confederate Veterans go :HERE

Linking to Good Fences : HERE

Ribbet, ribbet

One of the guests we have had since we have been back in Texas is

a very special Princess. My granddaughter.... four year old Hannah. I was never very good at action shots, but it is hard to mess up that face. We have done a lot of fun things while she was here. Water coloring, The Children's Museum, a couple of playgrounds, helping me cook...and not to mention a lot of reading.

I think the most exciting thing though, was attending a live performance of the Broadway hit Frog and Toad with Hannah's little cousin Jack

I was amazed at how these these two and four year olds behaved.

They were mesmerized by the performance. Helped along by the fact that my sister Polly had gotten us front.row seats. I don't know about you, but I am enjoying experiencing life through the eyes of a little one.

Are You Still There?

I know, I have been missing in action again, but just wanted to let you know that all is well, and I haven't lost my camera. I know it isn't necessary to explain, but I have been busy getting settled in our winter home, traveling,  having guests, etc. etc.. 

 I have also been baking. I made these little Apple Hand Pies once in Colorado and they were so good, I decided to try them at a more normal altitude.

The recipe is really for apples and caramel, but I couldn't taste the caramel the first time, and omitted it this time.I also dipped them in a glaze , hot from the open. I think what amazes me is the crust. I really like it.What makes it different is that it has sour cream in it.. If you are interested in the recipe, go :HERE.
Tell me about your weekend.