Saturday, June 28, 2014

Gardening, a thing of yesteryear for many - From my lens to yours

I guess I'm feeling sentimental this week and going down memory lane.  Today as I was digging in my flower beds, I thought of my grandparents, parents and gardening. It is hard work planting, hoeing and harvesting a crop.  A typical summer day consisted of sitting in the front yard "shucking" corn, peeling peaches, stringing and breaking beans and visiting.  Several chairs would be formed in a circle under the shade tree and the entire family would get busy working.  I enjoyed sitting on the front porch, visiting with Grandma Tennison, shelling purple hull peas and listening to her tell stories.  I also enjoyed making relish and chow chow with Grandpa and Grandma Wheeler.  Grandpa would let me assist in grinding the peppers and cucumbers.  These are memories made I will never forget.

There is nothing that tastes any better than fresh corn-on-the-cob, fried squash, fried okra or green beans with new potatoes.  The corn must be cooked, smeared with enough butter and salt to ooze down your chin.  I'm sure tasting and missing that fresh corn about now.  I see a trip to the Farmer's Market coming next week.

Growing up, canning was an essential part of my parents and grandparents lives. We never knew what it was like to go to the store to buy canned vegetables, our cellar was always full.  They canned just about everything including tomatoes, corn, beets, beans, peaches, and apples.  They made their own jams and jellies from the berries that grew wild in the woods. Those of you who still live in the country and have gardens are probably thinking that this is still a typical summer for you, but not for me, and I sure miss it.

My mom and brothers and sister still have gardens and still carry on the canning tradition.  I may have to go for a visit and assist in the "canning" process so that I can pass this tradition on to my family.

Gardening, it is great therapy, both physically and mentally...thinking I will definitely try a box garden next year. Until then, I'll just keep digging in my flowers.









Thursday, June 26, 2014

Wishing for Simpler Times in Life - From my lens to yours

As I was driving into work this morning there was a fog over the valley.  I had my camera with me so I turned down a road to capture the moment.  It was so still and peaceful, God's presence was all around me.

I noticed many things this morning that took me back.  I noticed the mimosa trees in full bloom.  We had them in our front yard when I was growing up.  I can still remember their sweet fragrant smell and the many times we climbed on them.  It took me back to years gone by, childhood memories and of those loved ones no longer with us. I noticed the flowers along the road and a dog bounding through them.  My husband says they are just weeds but I see flowers and beauty. 


I guess I am getting sentimental and realizing life is passing by way too fast.   I want to go back to simpler times and a simpler life.  A life where neighbors help neighbors, Sunday afternoon visits with church friends, families sitting down to eat at the dinner table discussing the day's events, eating watermelon & spitting seeds, riding on the tailgate of a pickup truck,  swimming in creeks, camping and BBQ's.

 
I am looking forward to our trip to Ponca in a couple of weeks.  I will get to experience the simpler life....Newton County...Home Sweet Home....never far....always in my memories....always in my heart.
I am reminding myself and you to slow down, enjoy the little things in life.  Don't let life pass you by.....


Fall photos were taken in the Boxley, Ponca, and Steel Creek area.

 

 







 

 


Monday, June 23, 2014

Dreaming of Sun, Sand, & Summer Fun at the Beach...Come along thru my lens

 
Beach, beach, beach...yes, that is all I am seeing on Facebook and yes, I am a wee bit jealous.  It is my very favorite place to vacation and so far I have not made it this year but, there is still time.

Please humor me as I post some of my favorite pictures from Orange Beach.  If you have not or are not going to the beach this year, dream along with me through my lens.











We stayed at Turquoise Place. The condo, all the amenities, the beach...everything was perfect.


                                                                                                                                                                           The Wharf is a great place
to visit.  Even though there are plenty of boutiques to shop at, the tree-lined drive is reason enough to visit.  The palm trees change colors at night and there is even a Ferris Wheel.
 


Saturday, June 21, 2014

My Free Saturday...A Rarity - From my lens to yours

A free Saturday is a rarity around my house. Today has been great.  I spent the morning at home with Jackie and then met my mom and sister at Taco John's for a short visit.

 Since I had to drive to West Main Walgreen to pick up meds, I decided to drive out to Lake Dardanelle State Park.  It was obvious a fishing tournament was going on when I entered the park.  The first hint was cars, trucks, trailers and boats everywhere.

 I made a quick lap through the park and decided to drive over Skyline to Old Post Park.  I sat and watched a squirrel consume a Dorito.  He was sooooo cute and didn't mind me snapping photos... he was too intent on his dinner.

 Much to my surprise the deer were out and I snapped a few photos of them and had a nice long visit with the park attendant. I was driving my typical slow drive through the park when I saw him coming down the road. He indicated for me to roll my window down and I was thinking, oh boy, I'm in trouble but instead, he told me he saw me come in the park all the time to take pictures.  He told me his feeding times and told me I was welcome to come anytime to take pictures.  I parked and went over to his trailer, he shared his photos with me and we had great visit.   It is amazing when you meet someone how quick you find out we live in a small world.  He knew many of the same people I know and he gave me some secrets about the deer.  Mr. Bill was a very nice gentlemen and I am happy to make his acquaintance. 
 I arrived home and was blessed with a visit from Seth and Porter.  Mom and Kathy decided to swing by on their way home to see Porter so I got to visit with them again. 
Yes, it was a blessed day.  The pictures I am posting are from today's excursion.  Counting my blessings.

  










Friday, June 20, 2014

All aboard!  Today I met with two great friends to have lunch at Opal Mae's.  I couldn't resist taking a few pictures around the depot. The conductor is symbolic of days gone by, simpler times and obsolete transportation. Just for a moment, I closed my eyes and wished for these times and then it was back to reality.... one hour lunches, and work. 

I love old buildings.  I am so glad we have Main Street Russellville. They have taken the time to make sure the old buildings are restored and history preserved.  If you haven't lately, take a slow drive through town and look at the architecture.  You won't be disappointed.

I decided to visit the deer before I came  home this evening.  The grass is getting so high that they are hidden or camouflaged I did manage to get a few shots.  I hope you enjoy them.