July began with a get-together of our sons and their families to celebrate two birthdays plus the two we missed in the Spring when the babies were born. While Olivia June was here I showed her the new bridge in the Enchanted Woods leading to the Faerie door. . . .
My sister came up from Florida for a two-week visit. I took her downtown Frederick to see the Carroll Creek Linear Park. The water- lilies were in full bloom and the new fountains was up and running. . . .
In the middle of her visit we visited Old Bedford Village where we met up with our brother who was taking her back to his home in Pittsburgh. I've put together another slide show. Be sure to make it full screen. . . .
Before we parted we lunched at the very quaint Jean Bonnet Tavern. . . .
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I made a slideshow of Old Bedford Village when we visited last winter. You can watch it again HERE.
While my sister was in Pittsburgh we had Olivia June for a few days. Granddaddy took her to see our neighbors' sheep. . . .
It has been hotter here than it was in Florida during my sister's visit so we sought out indoor activities. When she returned we took her to see the Snallygaster Summer exhibit at the Hagerstown Museum of Fine Arts in City Park. . . .
I wanted to see this exhibit because the paintings were of the valley my mountain overlooks. . . .
Then we took the tour of Linganore Winecellars where we saw their winemaking process and had a wine tasting. There are quite a few vineyards here in Maryland. This one was started in the 1970s. I am not a wine drinker, but I do like the dessert wines! I found one called "Indulgence" that will go great with a chocolate chip cheesecake. . . .
We ended the month with the devastating news that Olivia June's and August's Poppi (our daughter-in-law's father) has been diagnosed with pancreatic and liver cancer. The doctors say it cannot be cured, but I am praying that through Faith, Hope and Love that Pete will be healed despite the prognosis.
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Take Joy!
Always wonderful to celebrate an occasion with family. The food certainly looked amazing. Tragic health news for your family, I am a great believer in the power of prayer so know that he will be in my prayers. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorraine, for your prayers for Pete.
DeleteIt sounds like you have had a very busy month! I love the idea of the faerie home, and the bridge leading to it makes it even more special. I think Olivia will have many wonderful memories of playing there as she grows up! I'm very sorry to hear the news about your daughter-in-law's father. So sad for everyone in your family.
ReplyDeleteYes, everyone is still processing the news. It's hard to believe it when he feels just fine and hard to remain hopeful in light of the doctor's prognosis, but am not giving up on asking for a miracle.
DeleteI so enjoyed making happy memories with you Sis. Thank you for making it a fun & interesting vacation. Thank you to Ken for all the delicious gourmet dishes. I especially loved meeting your precious Grandchildren. I will continue to pray for Pete. Love, Sandy
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DeleteI loved reading about all the special places you visited. Old Bedford Village sounds like s fantastic destination. Olivia June is adorable in that picture. So sorry to hear about her Poppi; miracles can happen. Enjoy your day, Pat xx
ReplyDeleteDear Pat, I was thinking of you during the coup in Turkey and hoping you weren't there at the time! But also of your son who probably would be. I just went to your Blog and read up on it and am glad all is well with you and your family. I believe in miracles, too, and still praying for one.
DeleteCathy, You do get around to visit some wonderful places. The stonewalled tavern looks so similar to the tavern in Shaker Village, I thought it was. Your lilly pads, like ours, are devouring your pond, but very pretty!
ReplyDeleteI wish mine would bloom! These are in the Creek in the Carroll Creek Linear Park.
DeleteEnjoyed the slide show and music to go with it. Always love the window views! You find so many interesting things to do. the dinner looks and sounds delicious … empanadas with the sauce and mushrooms over them --yum.
ReplyDeleteThank you , Dotsie. I love looking in and out of windows so am drawn to photograph them.
DeleteYou are the cruise director for your family, Cathy - no kidding. You always have great ideas and plans for visitors & company, your Tasha Tudor group etc. I'm guessing your sister can't wait until her next visit. As I've said, I'm keeping your DIL's dad in my thoughts and prayers, and as I always say, may the Force be with him. So glad that he's not feeling ill at least. That must make everything even a little more surreal than it already is for him. Being told you're very ill when you don't feel poorly. PS - you probably already know this, but there have been scientific studies done on the benefits of prayer for patients. And many of them have shown significant evidence that patients who pray/are prayed for actually do better. Plus doctors have been wrong before, AND miracles DO happen. So there's every good reason for hope. I'll send one of my favorite quotes along for good measure. It's the one I always try to remember when I'm facing something daunting. Maybe in some small way it might help... ❤️
ReplyDeleteWhat lies behind us,
And what lies before us
Are tiny matters compared to what lies WITHIN us...
Ralph Waldo Emerson
You are exactly right, Janet, about the surreal part. Thank you again for your prayers, your way with words, and the Emerson quote. ❤️
DeleteSo sorry to hear about Pete it must be such a shock to you all, I am thinking of you all. Your slide show was quite magical with the lovely music, do you use special software to create it? Sarah x
ReplyDeleteYes, it has been a shock and I appreciate your concern. As for the slide show, I have an Apple computer. The photo application that comes with it very simply puts the slideshow together. I just choose the style from several choices, select the music from their choices or my own iTunes library, tell it to fit the length of the music and export it to YouTube. Voila!
DeleteI loved the visit to Bedford Village and the slideshow, Cathy. Olivia looks darling enjoying the sweet bridge to the enchanted woods. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. ♥
ReplyDeleteThank you Martha Ellen. The little bridge was just the thing my Enchanted Woods needed.
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