Arkasouri Trip Part 6: Rockbridge

Another installment of the "trip that never ends!!" On one Monday, all the "girls" piled in together and headed for a place we found in one of our scouting trips to Missouri. It's the Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch in Rockbridge, MO. (Actually, it IS Rockbridge MO!)
http://www.rockbridgemo.com/ It is a wonderful "resort" or hunting lodge hidden in a hollow on a beautiful creek. It is the home of an old grist mill that has been restored, and a wonderful restaurant whose premier dish is rainbow trout caught there on the property.

The whole bunch of ladies awaiting a wonderful lunch in the lodge. Oh, sorry, baby Paul! We did have a gentleman escort!

Me, Katie, and my mother enjoying the meal. I went with their yummy angus burger, but several of the ladies tried and enjoyed the trout.

Emma Jane, Gracie, and Markie enjoy the view while waiting for dinner. In the fall, they say the view from these windows is spectacular! It is lovely in the summer, too!

Our gentleman escort got a little bored with girl-talk and decided to take a nap, in spite of all the goodies!

Two little sweeties having fun -- they didn't coordinate their outfits, but they ended up coordinated. What a good time!

If you zoom in, you can see that the original mill was built in the middle 1800's. It was burned down during the War Between the States (by the Yankees) and rebuilt in 1863. The lodge, which was originally a general store, is still the post office for the area.

Heading over to check out the mill -- no, Rosie and Rachel! This way! Adventurous girls always want to explore!

A nice gentleman took our picture in front of the old mill, just before the rain hit. There is a cafe/pub in the mill but it wasn't open when we were there. Someday we would like to go inside and look around.

Deciding whether to venture under the mill to see the baby trout.

Better not! sounds like rain is coming soon! Back to the vehicles.

Rachel did do a little exploring and brought Grandmother a handful of sweet wildflowers.

Another portrait of everyone in front of the lodge. The rain was already starting, so we were heading home!

Back in Florida, we decided to try and duplicate the WONDERFUL deep fried squash like we had at the Rainbow Trout and Game Ranch. Here, Markie helps me batter slices while Gracie patiently watches them cook in wonderful palm oil shortening.

Not quite the same, but a pretty good substitute! Yummy!!

Well, there is still more to come from our trip to Arkasouri! Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful time of sweet fellowship with the ladies we love!

Arkasouri Trip Part 5: Ahhh, Millerland!

On to the Arkansas region of "Arkasouri" . . . Everyone loaded up and headed from the property in Missouri to Yellville and Millerland. We planned to stay Saturday night and attend church the next day with the Millers. Here we enter the "compound" . . .

Settling in for some ladies' fellowship in the "kitchen" cabin. What a good time getting caught up and setting the example for the young ladies: cooking, serving, nursing babies, talking over things of God and families. I am blessed -- four generations were there, with my dear godly mother at the centerpiece of the conversation.

In our family, there is no such thing as "age segregation" when it comes to fellowship. Here older sister/cousin Sarah shares a laugh with sister Markie and cousins Andrew and Benny, while helping prepare dinner. (Caught you smiling, Andrew!)

Katie gets to enjoy some rare time with her grandmother. I think dinner was well underway at this point.

Gracie musters her picking troops to finish up the crowder pea crop. Gracie is an artist when it comes to inspiring the younger children. She is full of enthusiasm and imagination, telling tales and making up "stories" to get them involved. When she was little, she would make up the elaborate plots and her older sisters and cousins would follow right along -- Grace, the Story Mistress!

Little Sam, Joey, and Markie toil on diligently -- the reward will be on the table!

Bagsful of good, healthful peas! What a good lesson the grandchildren are learning now -- God has given us the ability to produce wonderful, whole foods. It is such a comfort to know the source of your food in these times, and to know you had a part in providing for your family is a wonderful example of biblical sowing and reaping.

More cherished conversation -- the ladies pitch in to shell the peas as the sun goes down.

Most of the Country Cousins were back together for a short while (we really missed the Stricklen girls!!) and they took this opportunity to not only delight their parents and grandparents but to practice for the following Tuesday evening, when they would have an experience they had never had before!! (coming soon!) We first went outside to use the porch for a stage. Here RG and Sarah play "dueling fiddles" in Red Haired Boy and Old Joe Clark. This is one of my mother's favorites.
Matthew handles the upright bass, while "Banjo Man" Peter plays . . . what else? Gracie on the right on the mandolin. I think the camera was not set for low light!! See, Sarah and Mary, I am
not being modest when I say I am NOT a photographer! Thank God for today's easy cameras!

Gracie adds the "bow-ron" to one of the Celtic-inspired songs. (Actually bodhran) Everyone loves how much it adds to the music!

Well, not being a good photographer, I forgot to take the camera to church, so I didn't get pictures of the dear folks there who have made the Millers a part of their "family". Thank the Lord for good solid teaching and the fellowship of believers.

After Sunday dinner, the children broke out the instruments again and made Uncle Robert's day. He is on the road so much of the time, but he loves to hear the children play. When RG is on the fiddle, sometimes Sarah takes over on the bass. Actually, all of the children can play most of the instruments -- I am blessed and impressed at the musical ability that has come out of their hearts and fingers!!

Banjo Man found the premium spot -- in front of the A/C!

This is a great picture! Look long and hard, because it is rare! Eddie sings The Minstrel Boy along with Beth (the rarity is Eddie singing on "stage" -- Beth is an old hand at it). We found the lyrics on my phone online, so that excuse was gone. Actually, Eddie has a wonderful voice, he just doesn't think so! Thank you for blessing us, Ed!

Well, the time ended all too soon, and we were back to Missouri. Next, Ladies' Day at the Rainbow Trout Ranch! Thank you, Lord, for your mercy in allowing the sweet times with family!

Arkasouri Part 4: New Friends, "Old" Fellowship

During the two weeks we were in Arkasouri, we were blessed to meet new friends and renew old friendships. One family we had been looking forward to meeting was the Niednagels. The Dischers had come to know them through the Thomases of Massachusetts, whom we met at the Jamestown 400 celebration in 2007. Melissa Thomas married Jordan Niednagel in 2008, and we were excited to find that they live less than an hour from the Missouri property on a property shared by the extended Niednagel family.

One Friday evening, we all took off to a Bible study held in the home of the Jeremy Niednagels. What a blessing to find new friends and share in the old, old fellowship of the Word! We studied in the book of Acts and sang beautiful old hymns a capella together. Above is the home built by Jeremy for his family. It is beautifully constructed of wood, some of it from their property and some from local sources. It is a wonderfully welcoming home, and we enjoyed the time at the home of Jeremy and Danielle.

After the Bible study, we went a little further into the woods to Jordan and Melissa's beautiful new home. It is open and "wood" also, though not quite as rustic in style as Jeremy and Danielle's. We had a good time of getting to know them a little better and touring their home.

Kitty and Sarah talking with Melissa, as Sarah enjoys little William Niednagel resting on her shoulder. The open kitchen is lovely.

Here Jordan is vigorously explaining something to Beth and Eddie. Probably about the intricacies of building a large house on a secluded property!

Danny, Eddie, Beth, and baby Paul do the Canadian thing and leave shoes at the door. The beautiful hardwood floors last longer that way! I was admiring the built-in bookcases in the background.

Jason and Ashley made it up for a little while (Jason had worked very late) and got to know their "neighbors". It is a wonder to me how God brings His people together in the most unexpected places!

My camera was befuddling me that night, so I didn't get many good pictures. We did get to meet another family at the Bible study who turned out to be related to another family we were scheduled to meet on the following Monday! We found, about a half-hour away, a family who produces and sells raw milk and free range eggs! What providential provision!

Continuing on soon . . .

Rabbit Trail . . .

Okay, this is a rabbit trail off to the side of our trip to Arkasouri.

See this "sweet facie"? This is Katie. Katie Miller. She questioned why her sweet facie and her husband Robert's were not on the last post. Well, Robert was not there. We didn't see him yet for several days. He will be prominently pictured in the upcoming post on our visit to the Millers'. And here is Katie's. I had this picture ready to post with her children's, but somehow, it did not get grouped with the ones I was going to post. Just a simple, honest mistake. No conspiracy, no sinister plot, no evil conspiracy.

Now . . . in the future, if I make an honest mistake and your picture (or that of one of your children) does not appear in this space, I will not carry a twinge of guilt or even regret, not for even a moment. It will be a MISTAKE! Your mother is not perfect. Your mother is becoming aged. If you want to benevolently do my posts for me and include everyone on your "sweet facie" list, you may be my guest! Otherwise, this is it!!

(I love you, Katie. I love this picture! That's why I had it picked out to post. I am truly sorry for missing it. Oh, no! there goes that twinge of guilt!)

Now, on to the rabbit trail. Today being Labor Day, dear sweet labor-addicted Danny decided it was time to . . . (drum roll) . . . (ominous music) . . . put some chickens in the freezer! He had plans for about 15 of the older ones, but Sarah Beth pleaded the cause of 6 hens. She wants to take them to the S. Elisabeth Home for Aging Hens and try to nurse them into better condition, hoping they will start laying with more regularity. So, we were down to 9 chickens whose fate was sealed. Some Dischers, some Stricklens, and one Amanda Sunshine came over early today to help do the deed.

The scalding pot over the fire. Danny mistakenly got out my wonderful 35 year old pressure canner -- oh, well, I was wanting a new one anyway!

Danny and Peter take the "whiz-bang wonder plucker" off the truck. This amazing machine belongs to friends of ours, the Waldmans, who raise yummy-tasting chickens. We are so thankful they lend it to us -- it plucks 4 chickens at a time and saves ladies' fingers!

Danny is "Head Eviscerater", although several of the older children are pretty good at it, too. A perfect time for a basic Biology lesson for the little ones!

Mary checks for any leftover pin feathers.

Mary, Sarah, and Amanda check, chill, and package in the wonderful, new mudroom. Thank you, Lord, for my mudroom!

CJ handles "Ice Patrol". Since we like to chill the chickens before they go in the freezer, the Stricklens' commercial ice machine is a blessing!

Chickens ready for the freezer! Yes, William was an official "chicken processsor" today!

After the children went home, Danny (well, let's say after a nice nap!) got inspired by the word "Labor" in "Labor Day" and planted the raised bed on the kitchen patio.

Then he headed out into the old chicken yard, and planted another one! Thanks, Sweetie!

Well, so much for the rabbit trail! Soon, I'll be back on the Arkasouri trip -- or Kitty ( http://www.thedischerfamily.blogspot.com/ ) is going to catch up and pass me on Insterstate 65 in Alabama! Thanks for all your help, sweet grandchildren! Thank you, Lord, for the ability to put food in the freezer that we trust!

Arkasouri Part 3: Sweet Facies

So, after a wonderful, comfortable night at the Whiddons and a delightful visit over breakfast, we were back on the road to Arkasouri. (Oh, BTW, can you imagine graciously throwing your home open to 13 road weary travelers?? The Whiddons always make us feel welcome and bless our hearts!!) Now we look forward to the "sweet facies" waiting for us!


Here is sweet facie Beth taking care of business on the road. What a blessing to have the whole Discher family along this time!

Emma Jane is going to get comfortable if she's going to be on the road a few more hours!!

This sweet facie was waiting in the driveway when she heard the RV coming up the drive!

We were just waiting to hear that husky little chuckle -- and when she saw her buddy, Emma, she was full of chuckles!

Sweet facie Ashley, our "favorite" daughter-in-law! Baby Clay is doing fine and expected to make his appearance in December. Ashley is glowing!

How good it is to see father and son fellowship together, sharing important things with each other, and portraying godly manhood for the younger boys.

Jason didn't let all those strong arms go idle for long! He needed to get the firewood moved, and they all pitched in.

Sweet Miller facies:
(Grandsons, please don't be upset with me! I still see you through Grandmother eyes! You will never "not" be a sweet facie to me!)

RG, oldest grandson. What a strong man of God he is! What great things God will do through him in the future years!

Matthew: Oh, the stories I could tell! What a blessing to see him grow and strengthen in his convictions -- and how nice to get a great smile out of him! Makes me happy, Matthew!

Daniel: He was "Bo" when he was little. He is still Bo to me and Mary. We could not believe how much he had changed into a man like his big brothers this time! He is starting to develop some real gifts and talents, and we are looking forward to seeing how the Lord uses them.

Benny: Benny, the grandparent-pleaser! He shows his love by the way he willingly helps. He is considerate and thoughtful -- and he loves baby Paul! (Oh, if you catch him doing his sneaky-eyebrow face, you will crack up!)

Andrew: Need to know anything? Need an intellectual discussion? Andrew will keep you occupied for hours! At the present time, woolly mammoths are a favorite topic! Andrew is already a competent defender of the faith. What a blessing to get him talking!

Rachel: Her mama's constant companion and blessing to her daddy and brothers. Rachel is a true woman of God, working willingly with her hands. Since I have been somewhat incapacitated, Rachel looks for ways to help when she is with me, even when nothing has been said. She is quiet, but quite competent!

Joey, here with Granddaddy: Joey the character! How we miss his mischievous ways! He loves to shock you with his version of ''the story"! But he is a lover, too! He wants to be with us for fellowship, and we love that!

Little Sam: Samuel opened up this visit, and we were so blessed to hear him sharing his take on life. He is a charmer! God spared him from serious problems at birth to use him for His glory! Samuel, "For this child I prayed"!

Well, our hearts were rewarded for the long miles of travel! It is so precious to see sweet facies and get to catch up on "life" after being apart so long. (Of course, it would have been perfect if the Stricklens could have been with us. Another time . . .) Thank you, Lord, for the wherewithal to visit loved ones who have moved away. More coming . . .