Pictures!

We left home on Sunday afternoon, May 25, heading to Fredericksburg VA so that Danny and RG could attend the Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy, sponsored by Vision Forum.

Danny told me, "come on and go with us!" So I did! My dear mother heard me talking about it and said she had always wanted to go to Washington and never had the opportunity. So I said, "come on and go with us!" So she did! Then daugher Molly said she and her children wanted to go, too, and her husband would fly up and join us for the trip home. So we said, "come on and go with us!" And they did!



What a great (though exhausting) trip it has been. Of course, Danny and RG have been in classes the whole time, and we have met up only a couple times a day to sneak a hug. But they say it has been a tremendous event, impacting them greatly for the near and far future. This has been our prayer, and the Lord is answering it.



Meanwhile, we girls (with CJ and William) have been ridin' the rails (Metro) and hiking (or hobbling) around Washington big-time. Here are some random pictures (hopefully in chronological order!) of the trip so far. We will leave for home tomorrow afternoon, the Lord willing, after the "graduation" from the "school".



Faithful RG, Aunt Molly's substitute driver when she had to take care of Wills. I think he prefers driving anyway!
Granddaddy and RG walking the streets of Richmond, looking at Confederate monuments.

Sweet Grandmother Harris and sweet Molly in front of the battle flag at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond. What a wonderful place to get a little different perspective on history!

Everyone at the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond. Even CJ and Margaret Anne were impressed by the history they learned.

Here we are waiting for the Metro. We got pretty good at playing "mole people" -- underground tunneling, with no hope of ever seeing the sun again! Reminded me of the old song about Charlie and the MTA -- "He never returned, no he never returned, and his fate is still unlearned. He may ride forever neath the streets of Boston, he's the man who never returned!" -- and all because of the lack of one more nickel! (Hang onto those day passes, children!)

William "The Scowler" Stricklen, disgruntled Metro rider. "Hey, get that camera away from me! I have been looking cute and smiling at strangers all day long, and I have had it!"

Always touching and impressive -- the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns

Everyone at the front of the Lee-Custis house at Arlington. The view is amazing. It looks out over Arlington Cemetary and across the Potomac to Washington. You can see most of the monuments from here (see the Washington Monument over Abby's shoulder.) R to L: Abby, Mary, Callie, CJ, Grandmother (me), Margaret Anne, Grandmother Harris, Molly holding little Wills.

The story of how the United States came to own the Arlington property is sad and enlightening. The property had been in the Lee-Custis family for generations when the War between the States began. The law at the time stated that property owners must appear in person to pay property taxes. Of course, Robert E. Lee was behind enemy lines at the time. His wife was crippled with arthritis and tried to send a proxy with approximately $90 to pay the taxes. The money was rejected, and by default the US government took possession.

Later, a bureaucrat, whose son fought and died on the Union side, was assigned the task of finding more burial space. He immediately remembered the Lee-Custis land, and his spite motivated him to assure that the Lees would never return. The sad story of its origin is fitting for the somber nature of the Arlington Cemetary. What a good place for reflection and respect!

Mother at the Iwo Jima Monument near Arlington. What an impressive memorial! As you can see from the size of people nearby, it is huge and imposing. It is a strong visual reminder of the place where my father received major injuries that sent him home from the war. The story, as he told it from his perspective, has always inspired our family. Tales of such sacrifice and honor must be passed on to each succeeding generation. How thankful we are that someone felt strongly enough to honor those who gave so much with this reminder. More coming . . .

On the road . . .

We are in Richmond, Virginia tonight. What, you say?? The last time we heard from you, you were watching grandchildren ride the wind in Alturas?? Well, yes, sadly I have let many things slip through my mind without posting them. But, here we go . . .

RG flew back home a couple days ago because he and Danny are attending the Witherspoon School of Law and Public Policy sponsored by Vision Forum. He came in a couple days early, and we had a big to-do at our house on Saturday evening for his friends to get to say hi. (Pictures upcoming -- I am on my mother's computer, since mine is not co-operating on this trip!!!)

Then on Sunday, we had Brother Terry Donahue of the New Life Children's Homes come and update us on the orphanages in Burma/Myanmar. He has a visa to go over shortly and bring back a report for all those who love and support the children there. God has been merciful, both to Brother Donahue regarding his health and to the children in Burma. They lost most of their buildings but the dear ones there were saved.

We had enough food left from the get-together the night before, so we all ate together Sunday afternoon. Then Danny and I, RG, my mother, Molly and her children all left for Virginia. It was just going to be Danny and RG, but it snowballed, and we are having a good time together. Tomorrow, we plan to visit several Confederate memorials RG has always wanted to see and then head on to Fredericksburg for the rest of the week.

My mother has not been to Washington and wanted to see it before"I walk through the pearly gates". What a joy to be able to bring her with us! Of course, we won't be sprinting around the city the way the youngin's do, but we'll savor every step.

Hoping to get some pictures up when I can -- and hoping to get back here while we are still on the road. Thank you, Lord, for traveling mercies and for sweet traveling companions!

I just had to add this . . .!

Beth sent me this picture of Markie and Baby Emma riding along by wind power! Sometimes, the wagon almost got airborne, and the children had a great time sailing along!

A Wonderful Trip and a Wonderful Mother's Day

Danny and I finally got on the Amtrak and made our way down to Ft. Lauderdale to visit Jason and his family Thursday through Saturday. They met us at the station, and, after lots of huggies, we went straight to the Bucca di Beppo (sp???) Italian Restaurant. I had never been there before, or even heard of it, and it was soooo good! I am not an Italian cuisine fan, but this was wonderful! Of course, the thing that made it so special was the sweet fellowship with our precious family! We miss them so much -- little Savannah used to come into the house every morning for a sweet kiss, and then help her granddaddy collect the "eggies" every night. We were so excited that she warmed up to us right away.

Friday, Granddaddy and I got some Savannah-time while her daddy was at work and her mama got a rare couple of hours to do some needed shopping alone. When Jason got home, we all went to Dania Beach pier, and watched the ocean for a while. It was so refreshing -- Danny loves to walk on the beach, and the breeze was perfect. Then Friday night, Ashley fixed us a wonderful roast beef dinner, with mashed potatoes, green beans, and salad, and of course, chocolate cake for dessert! Oh my! It was delicious!
Savannah and Grandmama "posing" -- when she was a baby, Savannah loved to pose when her daddy said "pose". She isn't quite the camera hog these days.
On the way to the train station Saturday, we stopped at a huge western store (yes, in S. Florida! It was, after all, Davie, which has a huge rodeo every year, believe it or not!) Granddaddy found these flashy cowgirl boots on sale for $5 for Savannah that light up when you click the heels together. She had to put them right on and wear them to the station.
Here are Jason and Savannah waiting with us for our train. It was a fairly pleasant ride home, and Molly and some of her children were waiting to bring us home. Ah, my own little beddie-bye! Thank you, Jason and Ashley, for a wonderful time together. We hope it won't be long before someone goes either north or south on that old Amtrak!

Then today, after a good time in the Lord's house, we went to Molly's house for Mother's Day dinner. Eddie smoked chicken in his smoker, and everyone else pitched in for a yummy cookout. It was unusually windy today (as you can see from little Willie's hair and the palm trees in the background), so it was fairly pleasant outside.

Here are the mothers who were honored, in Molly's kitchen cutting up: My precious mother, Molly, Susan (Chris' mother), me, and Beth.
After dinner, we ladies set up the croquet game on the Stricklen's nice new lawn and had a good time in the wind (Kitty is about to fly away!)
Kitty exhibited dead-eye aim, while poor Grandmother struggled to clobber the ball and get it lined up with the wicket!
Molly and Beth were pretty good at it, too.
Little Emma Jane decided she wanted to play, too!

The refreshing time in the fresh air was invigorating! The other children made a "kite", as in parasailing, had the wind pulling the wagon with real force and speed! Hopefully, one of the girls will send me a picture of it that I can post -- it was strange to see the wagon scurrying across the yard under wind power. What a great science practicum for the children! But the sweet fellowship with precious family was the most wonderful part of the last few days. No deep spiritual profundity in this post -- just simple gratitude to the faithful Heavenly Father for the sweetness of these days.

Cowgirls to the Rescue! (and cowboys, of course!)

Cowgirl Markie sees that all the bad cows are safely back in the pasture, contentedly munching hay.
Gracie helps secure the gates and make sure the rovers do not get out again!
Granddaddy and the wranglers on his cowpony, the Polaris Ranger. Spencer (the golden retriever) wouldn't miss the excitement for anything!
Heading back after a job well done, followed by Grandmother, bringing up the rear in her cowpony, the faithful Dodge Durango!

We are getting ready to board the Amtrak for Ft. Lauderdale in just a couple of hours, looking forward to spending a day or two with Jason and his family. So trip preparations are in full swing. BUT . . .

There is always a hitch! The pastures are so lacking since we have had little rain this year. So this morning, Danny put up a temporary electric fence across part of the yard, where the grass is thick and juicy. He let all the cows into the yard and went upstairs to do some work. Then the electrician, working on the addition, says, "hey, Mrs. Frodge, cows are running around the end of the house!"

Off we go. I run get the Cowgirls (Discher sisters -- Pete is on the property working with his daddy, so he is here already), and off we go in the 4-wheeler and Durango, our cow ponies. The children know just what to do, herding and cutting them off, and it doesn't take too long to get them back in. Some fruit pickers in the next grove over tell us where the littlest calves are (proving to Pete, who was with me, that Grandmother is right when she says our Spanish classes will come in handy in Florida!)

All is well, and trip prep continues, althought somewhat speeded up! I couldn't help thinking about our relationship with our Heavenly Father as I was maneuvering around this morning. All those people placing strategic road blocks, some even unknown to the cows; rows of trees blocking the way; vehicles set at the end of rows; anticipating their every move. How the Lord must chuckle at us sometimes in our attempts to thwart His sovereignty and providential hand! Thank you, Lord, that You don't let your little self-willed calves have their own way! And thank You for another "clearly seen" lesson! Now off to squeeze little Savannah!

Looking at Land.. .

The Pollocks just got home from their marathon trip out to help the Millers get settled in Arkansas (read their adventures here: http://www.tenswampdogies.blogspot.com/ ) and they called to let us know they had some exciting information for us. We met them at Bob Evans for supper, and they proceeded to tell us and show us a 207 acre farm in southern Missouri. It has real potential and is priced very reasonably, so Danny is thinking of flying out to look at it next week. Hmmm, maybe the Lord's timing is about to be revealed! Oh, Lord, I am so conflicted! My heart is hesitant to call anywhere but the "Southland" my home, but it wouldn't be the first time! God may have something very different in mind -- Danny has spoken about spending time in both places, should a good opportunity arise. We will see! Excitement is just around the next corner . . . .!!

Excited Grandparents

Danny and I a scheduled to go down to Ft. Lauderdale on the train Thursday and see this little princess. Savannah has been gone from right next door for over a month, and it has been a little toooo quiet around here! We won't be able to take any of her favorites, the chickies, with us, but we can hardly wait for those sweet little arms to give us a big hug!

"Heart"

Wonderful, wild blackberries from our "Enchanted Forest", picked by Mary and Gracie. Oh, how juicy and good they were! We will have to make another trek out to get enough for pie or fillo! I hear they are "heart-healthy" (that expression always makes me cringe grammatically -- foods are not healthy! They are healthFUL!!) so maybe that's what my "heart" needs today! Thank you, Lord, for free, wonderful berries!

"Heart" . . . not much today. Not even to write out the word "heart". But I determined to come here and communicate (after all, we are instructed to forget not -- Hebrews 13:16), and wait on the Lord to work "heart" into it! I know, and you know, what it's all about. Nothing has consoled my "heart" since the Millers left. The hole in my "heart" is not mending at all. When your "heart" is full of your family, there is something horribly missing when someone is missing!

Well, isn't that a little self-centered?! Yes, it is, and I know it. God is having to bring my focus back around to Himself and His goodness. What a precious family I have here -- just around the corner and down the road! What wonderful weather we are having (maybe a little rain, Lord??) What sweet friends and fellowship we are blessed with! And what a sovereign, gracious, grace-filled, and grace-bestowing heavenly Father we have. His grace -- His divine enabling -- is all-sufficient. Behaving as if it isn't is truly an insult to His grace. Thank you, Lord, for Your long-suffering with this pitiful child of Yours! God is so good.