Exploring Local History
We went to the county courthouse yesterday to take advantage of early voting. Mr. FixIt and I studied the sample ballot so we would be sure we knew exactly who we were voting for. I wish I could say we voted early so we could avoid the crowds on Election Day but that’s a farce. We live in the country. The county seat, sure. But there are never more than three or four people in line to vote at any given time around here.
As we came out, I asked Mr. FixIt to wait for a minute. I wanted to take time to photograph the cannons on the front lawn. They’ve intrigued me for years but I finally felt compelled to dig a little deeper.
We have a friend here who is knee deep in the history of this area. He lives in a beautiful red brick home across from the courthouse. It used to belong to the town doctor in the late 1800’s, I believe. I was sure if there was anyone who would know about the cannons, it would be Richard.
I sent him the first picture. I had no idea what the GAR was or why they would have the cannons on cement pedestals. Turns out, GAR stands for Grand Army of the Republic. The GAR was a Fraternal Brotherhood who provided a social network and support system to veterans of the Civil War who had survived the trauma and injuries. Its purpose was to help these soldiers bond and heal from the ravages of war.
The GAR successfully campaigned for expanded pensions for disabled veterans, widows, and orphans helping to establish the framework for modern American Veteran entitlements.
The two cannons once stood on their field carriages however, the inclement West Virginia weather soon rotted the wood away. Those ugly cement bases replaced the original field carriages somewhere along the way.
Here’s a little known fact. If these are indeed authentic Revere Copper Company bronze Napoleons, the barrels alone could fetch between $40,000 and $75,000…each…if sold at a high end historic arms auction. If the barrel was paired with a fully restored, period accurate wooden field carriage and limber chest, the value could easily soar past $100,000 to $150,000+ per unit. And there they sit.
The GAR formally dissolved in 1956 following the death of its last member, Albert Woolson.
I love learning more about our little hole-in-the-wall town. It is rich in history…some of it quite colorful.
Picture 1: The GAR has permanently loaned these two cannons to the citizens of our county.
Picture 2: A photo of the courthouse during an event, likely taken in 1915. You can see the same cannon on the left is still mounted on its field carriage. The original of this photo hangs in my friend’s living room.
Pictures 3, 4, and 5: These were all taken inside the bell tower by our friend, Richard. I love being in town when the bells chime the hour.
Picture 6: This was taken at the courthouse during the Centennial celebrations.
We talked about the long history of oil and gas exploration and development in our area the other day. I have really come to love and appreciate this little burg!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.”
Proverbs 16:1 NLT
#grandarmyoftherevolution #civil #war #civilwar #history
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Time for a Break
I told Mr. FixIt last night that it doesn’t matter HOW long I clean the kitchen…
IT. IS. NEVER. DONE!
Granted, it looked a lot better by the end of the day. But during all that cleaning, I cut up a huge boneless pork shoulder, rubbed it with yummy herbs and spices, seared it in the Dutch Oven, and put it in to bake slowly for about five hours. When that got cleaned up, I made a batch of Corn Meal Mush. I packaged some to take to Mrs. FixIt 1.0 today, cleaned the kitchen for a third time.
By that time, the pork was ready and we had BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwiches. Once the leftovers were put away, I said “Time Out!” I was done for the day!
In between all this cooking, I went out for a little walkabout. I keep checking that web where Mr. Fixit saw a spider just like “Backdoor Charlotte.” I got close enough to see the zigzag pattern on the web and I knew it was a Black and Yellow Garden Spider. I looked around for any other sign and there it was. A spider nest tucked under the eaves of the attic above the family room window. I was SO excited! I can’t get up that high to move the nest so we’ll just have to watch for the babies in the spring. (I still haven’t moved Charlotte’s nest!)
While I was cleaning in the living room, I looked up at one of the bird feeders stuck on the outside of the picture window. There was a “cup and saucer” web like the ones I saw in the pollinator fields a couple of weeks ago. The only difference was, The little spider was there that created this amazing little architectural edifice. What a perfect spot! Protected from the elements AND gives us a “bird’s eye view,” so to speak.
Mand finally, there is the REAL Wooly Bear Caterpillar. He has a pretty wide brown band so, according folklore, we’re going to have a mild winter. Let’s wait and see!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“I have given them to you for food, just as I have given you grain and vegetables.”
Genesis 9:3 NLT
#garden #spider #gardenspider #cookingathome #cooking #DutchOven #pulled #pork
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Frosty Fall
We’re having frost every morning right now. The highs during the days are in the 60’s and it’s SWEATER WEATHER!
Mr. FixIt had to go to town yesterday to work on his buddy’s bathroom. Again…I had big plans at home but something came up and I had to run to town. As I’m sure you know by now, we live about twenty miles out of town. So you don’t just go for one little thing. I make a day of it and nothing much gets checked off my list.
I received a certified package over the weekend and it turned out to be a proposal to lease some mineral rights I had no idea I, along with about a hundred or more distant relatives, inherited from a great uncle. He and his wife had no children. His wife’s family owned some mineral rights she had inherited that went to him when she passed away. He didn’t have a will, and with no children, the mineral rights just hung around in a record book at the County Clerk’s Office all these years. Then, a large oil and gas production company hired a land man to search for all the heirs to these rights because they want to drill. And I am one of them, apparently.
Some may not approve of drilling but here in WV, minerals and timber are our richest inheritance. Oil was originally discovered in this area in the late 1700’s. Many people dug saltwater wells in the early 1800’s to produce salt. When they hit oil instead, they switched to oil production. The first intentional commercial oil well was drilled just about five miles from me. I remember when I was a little girl, the well tender would travel the hills around Grandma’s house and kick on the hit-and-miss engines for the wells about once a week. It’s a very distinctive sound. CRACK CRACK CRACK!
It was fun when the land man and I spoke on the phone. I was looking at my Ancestry tree and helping the guy connect the dots that led to me. Fascinating!
Consequently, I had to run to town to get a certified copy of a paper I needed. There went my plans out the window. Since I was in town anyway, I went to the grocery store for a big stock up.
As I perused the meat cases, I ran different meal plans through my head. There was a nice boneless pork shoulder. You rarely see them boneless so I grabbed that. There was a pot roast with some veggies to put in the crockpot. Upon inspection, the best by date was October 20th. I asked customer service if they could knock something off for me, but instead, they took it away and said they couldn’t sell it at all since it was beyond the date.
I asked the lady what they were going to do with it and she dropped her gaze.
“You’re going to throw it away, aren’t you?”
She nodded yes. “We can’t sell it for legal reasons.”
“I’m not worried about the legal reasons. I’m worried about the MORALITY of throwing away perfectly good food when there are folks who are starving…right here in our own community. I know there are programs that work with stores to put these groceries into the hands of those who need them. I’m going to have to check into that because this is ridiculous.
On my way home, I stopped at our favorite ice cream parlor for a big scoop in a waffle cone. This is their second season and they’ve decided to stay open all winter!
Yay for ice cream!!!
I’ll try again today to knock some more stuff off my to do list. Who knows what will get in my way this time!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him.”
Psalms 24:1 NLT
#frost #todo #list #todolist #icecream
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Y’all…I had my whole day planned out. I really did. Then this and that took over and before I knew it, it was 9:00! I had very little to show for it, save for a quick trip to the grocery store. Then I had to clean out the fridge to make room for the stuff. Then I had to empty the science experiments so I could put the containers in with dishes that needed doing. I ran hot water over them.
Then the phone call that took me away from all that. Something about Mineral Rights. I’m following up on that…maybe I had a long lost rich uncle somewhere!
No sooner done till my old friend, The Cowboy called to catch up. Forever larger than life, an opinionated man with a quick wit and a sharp mind, but he had a pretty profound stroke a couple of years ago and he works so hard to talk and do his daily routine. If he calls, I get a cup of coffee and patiently listen to stories of his days as a Marine and how proud he is of his children and grandchildren. He says the “Old Man” hasn’t ushered him to the door yet so he’s doing ok for the shape he’s in.
I had hardly hung up till my cousin called to catch me up with a health scare they’re dealing with. Please keep AH & TH in your prayers.
By the time that was all done, it was nearly 6:00 and the groceries still weren’t put away! Mr FixIt came home and I apologized profusely that I didn’t get more done. Then I thought to myself…the dishes will be there tomorrow. The Cowboy and my cousin needed me right then.
Priorities.
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
#groceries #shopping #family #friends #priorities #prioritize #people #prioritizepeople
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Foggy Bottom, Sunny Sky
I awoke early enough to catch the frost. The sun creeping up the far hill spread liquid gold on every changing leaf. The sky, a cerulean blue. A crisp 36° had me reaching for a sweater and long fleece-lined leggings.
Scooter, the new truck, has an incredible defrost function. Within a minute or so, the windshield began to clear enough that the wipers cleared away the frost. And that heated seat was most welcome! It works a lot better than Freda the 2013 Ford did.
I climbed the hill into the sun. As I crested the top, I could see the river basin filled with low lying clouds. AKA fog. What an incredible vista. I looked in the rearview mirror and there was no one behind me so I pulled over and turned on the emergency flashers. I HAD to catch a photo of this incredible view. To think these things happen all the time, but only a lucky few get to capture it!
Knitting was fun. All four of us were there for the first time in what feels like ages. Loretta showed us her bow tie quilt top she’s nearly finished piecing. It’s so pretty! Colleen was doing needle punch and Sandy was crocheting a basket. I worked on the pretty pastel green sweater I’m making for my sister in Florida. I’m about halfway through the first sleeve. Then I’ll only have the other sleeve and the collar/placket up the front, around the neck, and down the other side. This is why I don’t knit something big with little needles and yarn.
It. Takes. For-ev-er!
I can’t wait to get back to socks or something else quick.
Mr. FixIt goes to town today to do some finishing touches on his buddy’s shower that he tiled. That gives me the day to get some serious work done around here. We’re out of bread so that’s a must!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.”
Proverbs 27:9 NLT
#knitting #sweater #cleaning #baking #freshmilledflour
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Nothing’s Too Small
Mr. Virgo bought me diamond earrings for our first married Christmas. I’ve worn them just about every day since. One of the studs has a tendency to unwind and hang precipitously and I’ve caught it just in time. As a matter of fact, Ive actually lost it twice and prayed for Jesus to come help me find it. He always has.
I’ve made it a habit to check every morning. I tightened it yesterday morning and never thought a thing about it. Last night, I took my evening pills and went to lay down when I heard something drop on the sheet. I thought maybe I’d dropped a pill, but…
It was the earring that works loose!
I decided to just take both of them out and see about getting new backs on them rather than risk really losing one.
It got down to 33° Saturday with more of the same for the coming days. I took a nap in the camper yesterday afternoon, then decided enough was enough. I’ll sleep in the house now unless there is a fluke in the temperature.
This is always a bit of a sad day for me. I love that little camper and we really didn’t get to use it much this year. I’ll get her all cleaned up and winterized and put her to bed till spring.
Mr. Fixit wanted sausage gravy and biscuits yesterday. I don’t know why, but it seemed like it took forever! I’ve never been good at keeping the dishes washed as I cook and the kitchen looked like a bomb went off! It feels like cooking and washing dishes is all I get done.
This morning is knitting group. We haven’t met regularly this fall so I’m hoping this is the beginning of some good “girl time!”
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“Praise the Lord; praise God our savior! For each day he carries us in his arms. Interlude”
Psalms 68:19 NLT
#diamond #DiamondEarrings #frost #fallvibes
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Sunday Evening Prayer Circle
Please pray for:
Those in the path of violence, shootings, arson, etc. Is world getting more violent or has it always been this way and the spotlight has focused on evil?
Everyone in the path of severe weather. And those who are hungry and need shelter.
The people of Ukraine as they prepare to enter a bitter winter. Hopefully it is not without helpers.
Pray for all the helpers who run to these tragedies and help wherever they can.
Also, please pray for:
Debbie in the early stages of Alzheimer’s.
P.B.S. for her recent eye surgery and glaucoma.
GB’s continued recovery from her elbow injury. (Prayers answered but still needs improvement)
DM and BM for his broken ankle and her broken leg. (Prayers answered)
BB’s cancer treatments to be effective.
Pray these wicked storms slow down.
Pray for peace, wisdom, strength and courage for us all. You all are loved!
Please feel free to add your own prayers in the comments so we can pray for you, as well.
🙏
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”
Mark 11:24 ESV
#prayer #prayers #prayer #circle #prayercircle
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It’s Time
Frost. There, I said it…the F-word! Freeze. TWO F-words!
sigh
Mr. FixIt and I put the mums under the deck. He says that will protect them from frost. Hmmm…I’m skeptical but I trust him. We also scrounged up some old sheets to cover the roses with because they’re still blooming.
I just read an article about “30 Things to Get Rid of Before the Holidays.” Old sheets that don’t match any of your beds? If we did that, what would we cover the flowers with when there are late spring frosts and early fall ones? Nope, I’ll keep those sheets. And the pillow cases that are mismatched. Who am I…a gazillionaire?
“Get rid of kitchen gadget you don’t use.”
clutches heart
You take that back right now! You’ll have to pry my milk frother and French press out of my cold, dead fingers!
Pens that don’t work.
Yeah, ok…might as well take them all. I think I have a crayon around here somewhere.
Seriously, who thinks these things up? Gen-X Barbie? I have news for her, I have a set of plastic storage containers that once held fake butter that I use for leftovers. They’re older than she is. That’s WV Tupperware, sweetheart!
Ok, I will confess we have WAY too much junk in this house and it’s getting out of hand. I thought I’d tackle one room yesterday, but…..football! C’mon…WV beat Cincinnati 45-42 yesterday! Go ‘eers!
I made homemade pizza for the game and when it was done, I was thinking about going out to the camper. I have an electric blanket out there, too. I’d be fine. Then Mr. FixIt reminded me the power will be out from 1am to 5am for system upgrades. Yeah, I’m tough, but… I just brought my things in here. Which brings me to what I accomplished yesterday.
I put the blankets on my bed.
There!
dusts off hands
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Romans 8:28 NLT
#frost #freezing #winterize
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Storing Grains
I’m almost finished putting the grains to bed for goodness knows how long.
It was a long day so I’ll just share the photos since I’ve talked about this I. Other posts.
Picture 1:
Lining a clean five gallon food safe bucket with a 14ml Mylar bag.
Picture 2:
You can see how it has a flat bottom to use all the space.
Picture 3:
Brown rice. I poured it in a clean bucket first to visually check for contaminates.
Picture 4:
Here you see the rice in the bag.
Picture 5:
Deoxygenator packets kill bugs or eggs of any little critters that hitched a ride from the farm.
Picture 6:
Zip the Mylar bag closed.
Picture 7:
Seal the opening with shot hair straightener. Fold a piece of parchment paper over the edge to keep the plastics from sticking to your straightener.
Picture 8:
Fold sealed bag over to tuck into bucket completely.
Picture 9:
Spin the gamma lid into the ring on the bucket rim and tighten
Be sure to label the buckets with the contents, the origin, and the date you packaged them. Then store in a cool, dark, and dry place. They should last up to 20 years or so.
This has been a bit of a chore but I’ve only worked on it sporadically over the last month. Restocking will be much easier to handle because I won’t run out of everything at once.
I’m hoping to bake today!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
#whole #grains #wholegrains #bulk #storage #BulkStorage
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Night Reading
I’m making a concerted effort to cut my screen time and information overload. I’m going to have to stop watching the news again. The elementary school shooting and the errant driver who accidentally drove through a day care yesterday just broke me. I get hundreds of political texts and emails. I get notifications about weather and accidents in my area not to mention social media. I need to do a better job of policing this inflow of info. It’s too much.
I’ve decided to replace all this doom and gloom with love and light. I know, I know…I’ve said that before. But addictions are hard to let go of and the compulsive need to know and the fear of missing out are monkeys on my back. I’ve quit other addictions. I can do this, too.
When we were on our camping trip last week, I stepped into a thrift shop. As I checked out, I found this book on the counter.
“Hmmmm, what’s this?”
“Oh, someone was going to buy this and decided not to.”
Max Lucado. I haven’t read much of his writing, but I would like to read more. And for 50¢? This book came home with me!
We went to appointments yesterday and I wore my new sweatshirt.
“Can’t throw stones while washing feet.”
True words, indeed.
Several women stopped me and smiled and told me they liked my sweatshirt.
Sometimes the quiet testaments deliver the message better than pounding on a pulpit with a megaphone.
If you’ve read this, or any really compelling books lately…drop the info in the comments. We need to get our winter reading lined up!
Till tomorrow, dear ones…
Ginny
“When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.””
John 8:7 NIV
“After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
John 13:5 NIV
MaxLucado #MaxLucado #ChristianEncouragement #FilterTheNoise #faith
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