Georgia on my mind.....part 2

Newnan is located in Coweta County, One of the original counties of Georgia. These are pictures I took while visiting the Male Academy Museum, which was the first male school in the area. To the right in this shot is a great wheel, a spinning wheel used for spinning cotton fiber into yarn.

On the left is a swift. This is used to wind the yarn into skeins. It was made so that 45 turns equaled a skein. A skein is the term used for an amount of yarn. Like the skeins you see at your local yarn store.

This is a collage of hand carders, used to align the fibers in the raw cotton to make it easier to spin. (center) A basket of cotton bolls and a small sample of what a bale of cotton would look like.

Ahhhhhh my favorite. This is a Biscuit Block- 1840-1860. It was used prior to the civil war through the early 1900's. Biscuits were usually made for every meal. The dough was rolled out on the block and the lid was closed to help the dough to rise. Once a year it was taken out into the sun and washed thoroughly and left to dry. Up close you can see the outline of where the biscuits actually were. Way cool.

Dr. Ira Ellis Smith was the first settler to arrive in Newnan, Coweta County. He brought his family from Virginia in 1828. These are some of the furnishings he brought along in his covered wagon. I love the sampler above the bed. I wanted to get up close but everything was blocked off. Not that this has stopped me in the past,(remember the White house in Gettysburg, hee hee) But I had allison and carlye and matt were with me and I need to be a good example at least some of the time......Back to the sampler. Not much info on it but it was beyond lovely.

I wish I remembered more about this quilt. It was beautifully hand crafted (yes I peeked at the seams) and all of the same fabric, which must has been a luxury.

Some of the china and silverware. Again beautiful. I don't know about you but when I think of carting things around in a covered wagon, china and silver didn't used to come to mind.

This Hutch was lovingly handmade by the husband of some really blessed wife for a wedding gift.

Again, the Settee, not a covered wagon kind of item.........

This is a typical 1890's classroom.

Are these not the coolest little desks. I loved the book, and looked in the museum gift shop for a copy with no luck. I did however get a few really nice books.

This was before Allison got her horse and I thought she would like this little poem. I think if you click on the picture you will be able to read it.

And guess who is from Newnan???? None other than Alan Jackson, and so being the "mom" I made "her" pose for this picture. She loves Alan Jackson.... isn't she beautiful??????? You've heard his song , Way down yonder on the Chatahoochee. Real river, We saw it.
I loved this museum. it's very small and put together with care and love. I left out the civil war uniforms and the weapons, and the medical implements. That room honestly gave me the creeps. Interesting but sad.

I hope you enjoyed our time together. Come back soon for part 3.
If I have given any wrong information I'm sorry. I tried to be as accurate as possible. And as always I'd love to hear from you!!!!!! Blessings, Sue

Georgia on my mind....

I'm longing, and remembering... and pondering........
This was our trip to Newnan, Georgia this last July. I'll set the scene by telling you that I have been fortunate in my life to have been raised in California...Grew up in Central on the coast and lived my adult life, until now in San Diego... I've studied California history not only as required, in all the years of school I've been through here, but also on my own....(Kind of a history freak!!!!) I believe I am ready to spend the second half of my life on the East coast , the South, more specifically, to enjoy and learn even more. All of these pictures were taken out of a moving car, back window..... Sorry for the quality but you get the idea. This is a pause,or bump in the road... and I clicked quickly as we bumped over this train track on our way to see the plantation homes. Ok, I'm used to California, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA... the fact that there was not only, no fence, no guard rails ,not to mention big painted on the road white lines, flashing red lights and bells going off

There was a calm peace as we paused on the tracks and GREEN around these rails. Ok this shot is for effect only.... I want to reiterate that it is GREEN there. I'm not used to this. San Diego is after all desert, at least in the east county. Now I will remind myself that it was also very HOT and VERY HUMID but it was also green and green is my favorite color in the whole weird world.

First off forgive me... these homes all have names... and there is a printed guide you can use to find out the history of each and every one. I, however, was stuck in the back seat, juggling my camera and the pamphlet.... guess which one got tossed..... so we will just enjoy the houses and Ill try to share what I can remember...

Newnan, Georgia was a major hospital sight during the Civil War. Men from both the North and the South were treated and housed here. They used every home and facility to house the wounded soldiers and the hospital staff that came from all over to care for them. Family members also came to take care of their wounded husbands, brothers and etc.

This is a "widows walk". It is what it implies. It brings tears to my eyes..... Woman used to walk here to watch for their family members to come home..... I can't imagine..... actually I can but I don't want to.

Double porches... Can you not see yourself sitting there, drinking some fresh squeezed lemonade or sweet tea.
Don't mind the antennae going through the middle of this one heehee

I'm in love......

Same house different angle.

Columns.... ahhhhhh I think the reason these pictures look so misty is because it is so humid.....I'm not kidding, I have the dryest skin on the planet and I didn't even have to use lotion the whole time I was there, ( I used it since I'm addicted, but I didn't have to)

Ok then I guess this is it..... I had a good time, how about you? I think I may have to do a part 2.....I've got a lot more to tell you.... We haven't even been to Sonia ( think I spelled that wrong) .....
So until then, Blessings Sue

Diaper Bag/ Knitting Bag

I've been wanting to show you this for quite awhile. I made this for Molly before her baby Paige was born. I had the brilliant idea to start selling them, as they can be co-ordinated to match your baby theme or just your personal style. I've watched her use it now for three months and it is holding up REALLY well. Bonus. She loves it as well which makes my heart soar. I would feel comfortable selling this to anyone, if your interested just leave me a comment and I'll get in touch with you. I am making one for myself to use as a knitting bag/purse. This is the front, it has a front pocket large enough for your phone. etc. A magnetic snap hold the strap in place.

This is the back, It has a pocket larger than the front pocket, good for personal stuff since it's carried next to your body.

It comes with a personal sized pouch that you can use to keep your "mom" stuff in or knitting notions, or just whatever.

Two large side pockets in the front and back of inside of bag and two smaller pockets on each side, think lipstick, pens, lifesavers etc.

A special clip was added so you can easily find your keys, pacifier, scissors , or what have you.

And of course I added my label "Loveinterwoven" because whatever I make I like to interweave love and prayers into it.

Turned out pretty cool if I do say so myself. Blessings, Sue

A Host of Golden Daffodils

"Daffodils"
By William Wordsworth 1804

I wander'd lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretch'd in never-ending line
Along the margin of the bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance. The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay
In such a jocund company:
I gazed-- and gazed-- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills
And dances with the daffodils.




Spring..... Its just around the corner...
(not being a huge fan of poetry, so to speak, this is one that, since I had to memorize it in the 8th grade, never fails to pop into my head at this time of year)
I can't help but LOVE it!!!!!!!!!

Wow!!!! March First....Already......

Me: Sitting on couch, sipping hot coffee, squinting in the general direction of the calendar -"What day is it?"

Seth: Walking through the kitchen holding a steamy cup of same hot coffee " Uhhhh..Its March 1st"

WHAT!!!!!!!!! How did this happen... It must have creeped up on me slowly while all my energies where being spent on healing, through the haze of the vicodine mist that's been swirling around me the last month.........
Its a darn good thing to see that this world does in fact continue to spin without my direction.... I see that outside the clouds still remembered to drop their life giving droplets

so my beloved tree could once again begin to blossom and burst forth with her shade giving branches...... The chickens too, have been able produce these little gems without my encouragement.....They have been very busy too, I might add.

The Blood Orange tree didn't forget the time of year and has decided that now is the time for us to enjoy her juicy, sweet, fruit.....
Its good to be needed... yes... but its better to know that when I am weak, the people I love are strong, and that yes, even though I am important, there is someone who can do it alot better than I ever think I can.

Thank you Lord for giving me this wonderful life and this beautiful earth to share with people I love, and Thank you for making it all work without one little input from me.... I love you, Father..
And everyone says...Amen

Blessings, Sue

On the road to recovery.....

So yes..... It's been awhile. The road to recovery can be a long and sometimes tough one, but, I have learned some very important things this time around.... Laying on the couch gives you time to think, and really ponder on whats important in your life. We'll skip over the really basic ones like, getting to the toilet, having a clean towel in there after you wash you hands, getting your pants on, having fresh water to drink, having a shower........ etc.... You know the mundane but VERY necessary stuff...
I"m talking about the REALLY important spiritual get down to it stuff. I don't really NEED much to live......HAHAHA you say.... Well I'll be the first to admit that I am a teensy bit spoiled, ( this is not my fault...I'm so darn lovable that my family and friends just lavish me...what can I say) But seriously I can bring it down to a very small list.
My Faith...My Family...My friends.... and yes in that order. God really means it when He says He will never leave you or forsake you, He was there with me the whole time... My Family...What can i say..I have the most amazing, caring and loving family and my friends, well the ones who count, always count.............
I have missed writing on here. I made a determination in the beginning to only write uplifting or encouraging things to you, my dear readers, so I begin again...........
These are pictures from my point of view..... on the couch....since around January 15th or so...There are more and I may share them later, but this gives you an idea of just how BLESSED I truly am...

Blueberry Cake, made from scratch by Carlye with big, fat, juicy organic blueberries. The cake was from scratch and she drizzled it with lemon sauce and real whipped cream....OH YA!!!!! My son. The one God chose to be the husband of my first born. He is not only handsome, but truly a man of God, intelligent, funny, strong and gentle...in fact everything I prayed for and more!! I love you ,Matt.

There were discussions in the kitchen.......

And dinners made with love....

Of course there was knitting, and knitting and knitting....This is sleeve number one of a cardigan I'm making for myself. Since as soon as I recover from this surgery I'm having another one on the other knee. Total knee replacement this time... I thought a big project would be appropriate. This is being dubbed my recovery sweater.. Of course I devoured a few good books in between.

Oh yes and when would a day be complete without....weener dog snuggles.

And a weener dog blanket. Of course Thomas is right in there as well.

A get well package I received from Carlye and Matt before they arrived. This is Carlyes very first cross-stitch and with it she gave me a much loved Bible verse to ponder.

And of course more knitting. I did make a few hats that I'll show you later as well.

So that just about wraps it up. I'm still here, on the couch a lot, taking less pain medication, and getting antsy... But hopefully I won't be away from here again for awhile.

I'll close with a picture of one of the bouquets of flowers I received ...You see I am truly Blessed. Thanks for letting me share it with you and Come back again soon......Until then...I wish for you Many,Many Blessings, Sue

Sorry to have left you for so long......

I didn't mean to leave you hanging for so long. I had knee surgery on Friday the 15th. All is well, and I'm returning to the land of the living. I am being very well taken care of..... These are my beautiful flowers....

Carlye sent me this sweet little bird that she so lovingly stitched for me. I love it!!!! Its to remind me of a well loved verse she also sent for me to ponder during recovery.

Of course there are plenty of treats and goodies to occupy me.. even with the lack of appetite.

And my knitting is, as always, close at hand........

I finished this sweet little cupcake hat for Paige just in the nick of time. Didn't it turn out cute!!!!
I'll try to be on again soon... I'm healing and resting.. Blessings to you all, Sue