Uncle Walter

Indeed, the world must be a little quieter, a little more peaceful for a moment tonight. The whole world knew Walter Cronkite, and the whole world knew that he would report to us Americans, the truth, the way he saw it. And he did. He saw it. He was one of the dying breed of news reporters who went where he reported. He didin't decide a side of the news, he lived it. People talk of the Kennedy assaniation-I lived it. They talk about his reporting of Nixon...I lived it. But I remember the Prudential News Hour, when we all learned the theme song for a little piece of the rock, and what was going on. It was sort of National Geographic, sort of news, sort of history.

Though my father was an American Historian of some worth, I looked to Walter Cronkite for the truth. If he didn't repeat dad's words, well then...how could dad, who had researched religiously for primary sources for some of the same information, be right. Fortunately there were seldom differences. We were allowed to watch the "Piece of the Rock" news, and that meant something in our house. It meant that dad believed in it, and so did mother; therefore did we.

As I look back on these times, I feel old. I still feel that "Uncle Walter" is an aging confident. I look to him for truth on the evening news. I forget my own age and the tumultuous years through which I have lived. Vietnam, Nixon, Kennedy, McCarthy, the Eisenhour years; Sleep well Walter.

Post Fourth Happiness in the Mountains

Happiness is Fishing with Friends. With hope in our hearts and knowledge that another fabulous evening with the Beaver-Whites was about to occur, John packed his fishing gear (as well as his new fab fishing vest) into the car and we headed for Trade. After Steve and John had taken a fly fishing lesson and had caught several small fish in various lovely settings around the mountains that we love, this was to be a crowning achievement. Alas, though the fish were biting, Quail was the lucky fisher, but ever the gentleman, we came home with two beautiful Rainbow trout, and an evening of wonderful memories. Since I personally don't mind being the observer, and photographer, this evening of friendship and fun with Pat, Quail and Susannah was just perfect. Friends!

Most of the people that I know truly think that I am insane for one reason or another. In this case, the hummingbird mania is quite real, and this summer has reminded me of one of the main reasons that I love living here, and being able to travel the mountains. The hummingbirds are out and they are happy. I sweeten the pot, and they eat, and they bring all their so-called friends. I saw a pair kissing yesterday though I would guess that it was more of a frontal attack. But they are all around and seem to have made a pact to drink and be merry. These pictures were taken without any zoom. Unfortunately with the camera at my eye, none of the little devils looked me squarely in the eye right at my fingertips like they do when I don't have the camera, but they were so close I could have touched them. I wish I could have.




One of the lesser known music festivals is 2 miles from our mountain cabin. The Sugar Grove Music Festival is a secret that we shouldn't hope to cherish, but it none-the-less is. Food from the 3 dirty old men, Sweet Tea and lemonade, crafts a plenty and good old Bluegrass. This music festival has been put on for some 12 years now to raise money for the old Cove Creek School. Elizabeth, Steve, John and I went, and we ate and drank (non-alcoholic beverages-yes thank you very much) watched children play with their daddies on the soft green grass, and listened to some good music. Our favorite group of the day (other than the Kruger Brothers of course) was a group called Southern Accent. They had a beautiful sound, close harmonies, and some great songs. Camping in Canaan's Land was our quick hit as we picked up on the words and chorus and were singing away (hopefully not to disturb the others around us). We bought CD's and really want to make a pitch for this group Southern Accent. They sing mostly gospel, but it is good, and the other's are good too. And the summer isn't over yet. So, stay tuned.

Families and the Fourth

The week of July 4th was loaded with family, friends and the beautiful granddaughter. Really, what more could you have wanted... Well it was really cold and no one was quite prepared for it. What happened to swimming, racing around the yard in shorts and barefeet? Windows open, fans on? No, there was little of that. The sun was out, sort of, but the wind was howling and the occasional rain reminded us that in Boone, you just wait a little while and the weather changes. In addition, the cold winds can come anytime. I guess it was better to be cool than to be boiling. Certainly, the flowers loved the weather, the hummingbirds were all out, and we had a full house. Katrina road with me (after having been traumatized by the dentist), and we found a wonderful consignment store where a great stroller, and hoodie amongst other cute baby items were found.

Michelle, Lexton and Lyriella were the first to arrive.

Grandma had to get her time in quickly because I knew that as soon as Auntie Chrissy arrived would be the end of my baby time.

Chrissy came on Wednesday night, John and Dagney on Thursday, and Jan and Andrea on Friday. Fun times with new drinks, cigars, babies and some insanity

Here, mommy allows Aunt Chrissy to Head butt her daughter.

Auntie Chrissy and Auntie Kate settle into their jobs.

Grandpa John gets his chance (Headbutting is popular)

Dagney's grandchildren are growing up; thus, she has to adopt more! Lyriella helps Kate play Rummikub.

At the end of the day-and weekend, a great time was had by all! Unfortunately, the kitties were not impressed.