The ennui of last week has thankfully passed and Saturday past was spent doing farm work. Late that afternoon, Rebekah called and said, “Let’s go to the Grange rib dinner and then to Seussical the Musical.
Both sounded good to me so off we went, first to the Grange where Miss Lightweight had the half rack
and the Farm Hand, me, had the full rack. We both did justice, leaving only bones and the roll to bring home for our respective hounds. The National Grange is a voice for Rural America, giving full membership rights to those 14 years of age and older. More than a decade prior to the women receiving the vote in the USA, women were voting on important legislation, etc. in the Grange.
The Primary School children did a WONDERFUL job in Seussical the Musical…WONDERFUL!
These munchkins played monkeys and were cuter than buttons!
I think everyone wanted to take Horton the Elephant home…he was AAAdorable!
Sunday, November 11 at 11:00 a.m. folks gathered to honour and remember those fallen in World War I and other wars and conflicts. The brass bell was tapped for those Nottoway County WWI men who gave the ultimate sacrifice, their life and all the names read.
When I thanked this gentleman for his service, it took him a moment to compose himself. His name is Hermon, he served from August 1966 to September 1967.
Pastor Mat Brown, left, Blackstone Baptist Church, and Joe McMillian, Joseph McMillian Funeral Home, both served in the US Air Force. Pastor Mat gave the last prayer and Joe did a great job singing the National Anthem.
My two favorite veterans are Jim Bennett, my Dad, and Dave B. both of whom served in the US Army. Daddy is 90 but doesn’t look much over 60!
For the last quarter century I’ve lived in rural areas and wouldn’t have it any other way. Like Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor in Green Acres, country living is the life for me! I’ve been blessed to live in beautiful parts of Virginia; if you’re interested in moving to the country, click here and here and you’ll find a good representation of homes and farms in southside VA.
The first sign and this one are posters in the Primary School; aren’t they great?!
If this post seems a bit stilted, it’s because I did a great job on the first one but somehow deleted it…AAARRRGGGHHHHHHH. Like Abe Lincoln said, “If I’d had more time, I’ve have written a shorter letter.” I’m going to write a post on moving to the country…how to make a good decision about where to move, what to expect, what you NEED when you move to the country, etc. There are a few simple things that will make your decision and move sooooo much easier on you and your family. For example, when Dave and I moved to the Appy Mtns he asked, “What are you NOT willing to compromise?” My response: “HEAT and EAT! We have to be able to feed ourselves and keep ourselves warm!” Little did I know just how important that would be; in January 1996 Tazewell County had the worst blizzard they’d had in decades and our back porch thermometer read 35 degrees BELOW ZERO F! We were all right though because we had a propane cook stove and a wood stove for heat. We did, however, leave the water to drip, drip, drip at night so it wouldn’t freeze in the lines.
HEAT and EAT, BABY! HEAT AND EAT!
I’m working on the giveaway; stay tuned and remember…you’re blessed to be a blessing. Share the love this Holiday Season!
Love reading your words…and reading about your country life. I soak in every word and am inspired by your hard work and faith.
I live NW of Los Angeles, far from a country life! Yet, when my Japanese grandparents settled (100 yrs ago) near here, there was land for flower farms. They helped initiate the successful Los Angeles Flower Market. I have memories of their farm, outhouse, horses, chickens, and space to run and play hide n’ seek!
I try to keep some connection to the earth via a veggie garden and making sure we eat from it. I try to do “from scratch”. I believe that we must have certain survival skills…especially in earthquake country! Unfortunately, current events have added fires and shootings, too.
Thank you, Sandra, for sharing the beauty of your country life!
Charlene H
Hi Charlene – you’ve visited before and thanks for coming back. California people and animals have been on the prayer list…those fires are horrible! I heard a report that said “someone” decided it would be against the law to thin the dead wood. WHAT?!!! That idiot needs to be found and put in a firefighter’s suit and made to fight a fire. Y’all have enough to worry about without being put at risk by your elected “officials”.
Oh wait. Now I’m preaching to the choir…haha, wry smile.
What a great heritage you have…lovely memories! Make sure to write them down for the next generations and do keep making from scratch; a friend asked me to put together a TCF cookbook. I’m not sure that’s a good idea…I don’t measure and it might annoy folks…lol!
What a great dinner and show! Love it. Your Remembrance day gathering was good to see and hear about. Hope your week has gone well.
It was FUN! The company was great and I want to do it all over again. lol
Heat and eat is right! I’m with you on the country living. The ribs look fabulous. I hate when I accidentally delete things. 🙂
especially when hours and hours and hours have been spent writing the original! I wanted to cry but that would have taken precious time better spent re-doing. LOL
What a great time you had and the food looks scrumptious.
We used to talk about moving to the country. So peaceful, beautiful scenery. I’m afraid I’ve been living down here in tropical se FL too long to be able to live where it snows!!! I will enjoy it through you. 😉
Happy November ~ FlowerLady
country life is TOUGH but it’s also GRAND!
We love living in the country, it’s been part of our lives since birth.
I think ‘heat and eat’ are important wherever you are. It’s unlikely here that we will ahve temperatures below zero but we are always prepared with torches, candles, blankets and food!
it’s good to be prepared…never know when the electricity will go off.
ah now this post sounds more like my friend Sandra – wise choice to get out and indulge in good Grange feed and adorable kids in a musical! We have to give ourselves some healing treatments and that evening was a big pill of good! Yes – when one lives in the country – staying physically comfortable (for us at the farm in Texas – it was air conditioning and way to get cleaned up) . Folks who move to the country thinking A – everything will be cheaper – NOT TRUE
B – so easy and no stresses – FALSE and C – your family and friends will applaud your choice
BUT – done with the right heart and some physical strength – it is heaven!
Grief comes and grief goes but it’s getting easier. at least I’m not slayed by it, down for years; now it’s just weeks. Thank God!
Dave had a generator put in and that was life saving; this new place had one before I moved in…it’s been used several times.
George Washington said, “I’d rather be on my farm than emperor of the world.”
I agree.
Heat and Eat! That makes me laugh, because it could be my motto on these days going into winter. And when one is extra stressed, it’s even more fundamental to keep warm and fed. Something primal in me tells me that deeper than words.
I’m afraid there are fewer and fewer people who appreciate the country life. Many of the ones who don’t think it boring or deprived or too much work. I like that you are a ready spokesperson for it, and I hope you’re not just preaching to the choir….
It’s a hard life, as you well know Gretchen, but it’s a great life. I understand why people don’t want the work but it’s the work keeping us active, busy, healthy. I’m really good at keeping warm, it’s the keeping myself fed part that’s difficult. By the time I feed and take care of everyone else, I’m generally too tired to fix food for me. I’ve got to get out the crock pot and put it to use. Heck, I need to finish unpacking so all the kitchen can be put to right!
For those who don’t want to live in the country, small town/village life is good.