Greetings from The Hill,
It rained today and it got me thinking about other times it rained. It rained the day they buried Daddy. That made me feel good because I heard somewhere once that the angels cry with joy when a good person dies. Therefore I am always comforted when it rains when someone I know dies.
When I was young I helped my parents work in the garden. One time a storm came up. There was thunder and lightening and it was sprinkling rain. Mom was in the garden gathering something and wanted to get it done before the hard rain came. I was so scared. I just knew she was going to get hit by lightening. Of course she didn't.
There was a big tree on the hill above our house. When a storm came up Mom was always afraid the tree would fall. We would go to the other side of the house and lay down on the bed until the storm was over. Can't count how many times we did that during my childhood.
It also rained on our wedding day. Actually it was a downpour. We were married in the sanctuary of the church but folks had to go outside, up some stairs and across the road to the fellowship hall where we had our reception. Folks were running and sharing umbrellas, it was a site. Somewhere along the way I heard that it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day. I don't know about luck but we have been together over 28 years.
Then when we built our house Ran wanted a metal roof. Of course I was all for it. I liked the look and the durability. The very night we moved in it rained and we discovered the joys of rain on a metal roof. It lulled our son to sleep for years. And when it comes a hard rain it is so loud it roars. You can't get that with shingles.
Later ...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Kidnapped to Anderson, SC
Greetings from The Hill,
My Sweetie works hard for a living. So this weekend I decided to do something out of the ordinary for him. Thursday I told him to pack an overnight bag because we were leaving for an adventure on Saturday and I didn't tell him anything about the plans. In the meantime I went to work laying out my plans for the weekend.
I found a place to stay. I chose a place to have lunch and dinner. I learned there were lots of antique stores on main street and then found out there was a large flea market nearby. Plans done. But we all know what happens to the best laid plans....
We left Saturday morning right on time and had a lovely drive up. Fortunately Mother Nature decided to bless us with a sunny, warm weekend. We arrived in downtown right at lunchtime and found the restaurant I had chosen only to learn that they don't serve lunch on Saturday. WHAT !??!!?!!! Disappointment No. 1. OK plan B - we walked up the street to a restaurant called J Peters Grill and Bar.
While this wasn't a fine dining experience turns out the food was very good. And the best part were the honey butter croissants. I have never bitten into any food that literally made me close my eyes and sink into the experience. It was pure heaven. I ate mine, half of Ran's and asked our server if she could bring me one more before we left. As good as all the other food was, the croissants were the most satisfying. LOVED IT! Disappointment averted.
After we ate we decided to do a little shopping up and down main street to walk off our lunch. As it turns out downtown Anderson is a town in the middle of a major renovation. There were more storefronts that were empty than full. We did find one antique store. On unusual thing about downtown was the fish. Every so often we saw fish on a stick. Very interesting.
We left downtown headed toward our hotel to check in. On the way of course we had to stop by the local Walmart. (I know, it's a redneck thing but we always do it.) We had several gift cards from Christmas so we spent them on a netbook case for me and a camera part for Ran.
We got to the hotel, walked in and saw the following "Welcome" sign.
I've never had a hotel do that before. That's me, Rhonda Lindsey.
We spent the evening relaxing and getting ready for a big day of flea marketing today. The desk clerk told us about a huge flea market not far from where we were staying. So we got up early this morning, had a quick breakfast and checked out so as to be at the flea market shortly after it opened at 8:00am.
We arrived at Jockey Lot, parked and started walking the buildings. Jockey Lot is the biggest flea market in the South and covers 65 acres. It is HUGE. Trouble is, we got there so early that not all the vendors were there yet and it was cold. I had left my coat in the car but we finally found a vendor selling jackets made from Indian blanket material. I picked out a blue stripe and put that puppy on. We walked and walked and walked but because the place was so empty and things were so spread out we weren't having a great time and decided to leave. Trouble is, we had not really paid attention to where we parked the car. And when we came out to our surprise we found a huge yard sale kind of atmosphere with rows and rows of folks, and cars and booths. Where did all this come from?????? I was turned around and scared we were not going to be able to find the car. Well Ran to the rescue. He remembered a few landmarks and was able to get us to the car.
We did have one really fun experience while there. One vendor had the most unusual thing for kids to do that I have ever seen. He had these big plastic balls the kids got into and the balls floated on water. We watched the kids running and falling inside these big clear balls. It was hilarious. Don't worry there was a 5 minute limit per child so they didn't suffocate.
As we were leaving Ran suggested that we drop by the Pendergrass flea market near Gainesville on the way home. We have been there before and really enjoyed it. On the way over we saw a billboard for a large electronics outlet. Well we couldn't resist. We hit that first and spent more money than we planned but got some cool stuff. My fav is the software program that teaches piano. It's been a few years since I took lessons and I'd really like to learn some new songs. I'm very excited.
Then we crossed over the expressway and it was on to Pendergrass. I really love this flea market. It is all indoor, warm in winter and cool in summer and every stall was packed with stuff. Even if we didn't buy anything I love to just walk around and look.
We ate lunch at the food court then decided we were tired and ready to go home. I took a risk at lunch and ate some Chinese food. It was really good but triggered a migraine on the way home that went full blown when we got home. I took a two hour nap and woke up feeling much better. It was good to be home.
All in all it was a very fun weekend. Some things went the way we planned and some didn't but we rolled with the punches and had a good time anyway. The best part was just being together and doing something different. We didn't go far from home but it was far enough away that we could put our day to day life behind us for a while and forget everything except just enjoying each others company. Ran is so much fun to travel with and after more than 28 years of marriage I love him more today than I did the day I married him.
Later ...
My Sweetie works hard for a living. So this weekend I decided to do something out of the ordinary for him. Thursday I told him to pack an overnight bag because we were leaving for an adventure on Saturday and I didn't tell him anything about the plans. In the meantime I went to work laying out my plans for the weekend.
I found a place to stay. I chose a place to have lunch and dinner. I learned there were lots of antique stores on main street and then found out there was a large flea market nearby. Plans done. But we all know what happens to the best laid plans....
We left Saturday morning right on time and had a lovely drive up. Fortunately Mother Nature decided to bless us with a sunny, warm weekend. We arrived in downtown right at lunchtime and found the restaurant I had chosen only to learn that they don't serve lunch on Saturday. WHAT !??!!?!!! Disappointment No. 1. OK plan B - we walked up the street to a restaurant called J Peters Grill and Bar.
While this wasn't a fine dining experience turns out the food was very good. And the best part were the honey butter croissants. I have never bitten into any food that literally made me close my eyes and sink into the experience. It was pure heaven. I ate mine, half of Ran's and asked our server if she could bring me one more before we left. As good as all the other food was, the croissants were the most satisfying. LOVED IT! Disappointment averted.
After we ate we decided to do a little shopping up and down main street to walk off our lunch. As it turns out downtown Anderson is a town in the middle of a major renovation. There were more storefronts that were empty than full. We did find one antique store. On unusual thing about downtown was the fish. Every so often we saw fish on a stick. Very interesting.
We left downtown headed toward our hotel to check in. On the way of course we had to stop by the local Walmart. (I know, it's a redneck thing but we always do it.) We had several gift cards from Christmas so we spent them on a netbook case for me and a camera part for Ran.
We got to the hotel, walked in and saw the following "Welcome" sign.
We spent the evening relaxing and getting ready for a big day of flea marketing today. The desk clerk told us about a huge flea market not far from where we were staying. So we got up early this morning, had a quick breakfast and checked out so as to be at the flea market shortly after it opened at 8:00am.
We arrived at Jockey Lot, parked and started walking the buildings. Jockey Lot is the biggest flea market in the South and covers 65 acres. It is HUGE. Trouble is, we got there so early that not all the vendors were there yet and it was cold. I had left my coat in the car but we finally found a vendor selling jackets made from Indian blanket material. I picked out a blue stripe and put that puppy on. We walked and walked and walked but because the place was so empty and things were so spread out we weren't having a great time and decided to leave. Trouble is, we had not really paid attention to where we parked the car. And when we came out to our surprise we found a huge yard sale kind of atmosphere with rows and rows of folks, and cars and booths. Where did all this come from?????? I was turned around and scared we were not going to be able to find the car. Well Ran to the rescue. He remembered a few landmarks and was able to get us to the car.
We did have one really fun experience while there. One vendor had the most unusual thing for kids to do that I have ever seen. He had these big plastic balls the kids got into and the balls floated on water. We watched the kids running and falling inside these big clear balls. It was hilarious. Don't worry there was a 5 minute limit per child so they didn't suffocate.
Then we crossed over the expressway and it was on to Pendergrass. I really love this flea market. It is all indoor, warm in winter and cool in summer and every stall was packed with stuff. Even if we didn't buy anything I love to just walk around and look.
We ate lunch at the food court then decided we were tired and ready to go home. I took a risk at lunch and ate some Chinese food. It was really good but triggered a migraine on the way home that went full blown when we got home. I took a two hour nap and woke up feeling much better. It was good to be home.
All in all it was a very fun weekend. Some things went the way we planned and some didn't but we rolled with the punches and had a good time anyway. The best part was just being together and doing something different. We didn't go far from home but it was far enough away that we could put our day to day life behind us for a while and forget everything except just enjoying each others company. Ran is so much fun to travel with and after more than 28 years of marriage I love him more today than I did the day I married him.
Later ...
Friday, January 28, 2011
The Story of The Hill
I added a tag line to my blog yesterday and thought I'd share the story behind "The Hill".
When I was a child Grandmother and Grandad owned 200 acres of land four miles up the road from where I grew up. Their homeplace was there. The homeplace consisted of their house, a garage with a loft, a corn crib, chicken pen for the house chickens, a chicken house for the chickens they raised to sell and a wood working shop where Grandad built things.
Later when a big development was being constructed up the road my Grandad was asked if they could build a lake on his land. And they did. I remember visiting the lake in progress. They moved earth to create the depth and piled the excess dirt up to form the dam. At the dam was a sort of earthen dock that jutted out very high above the dry lake bed. One day we all went down to take a look at the progress. My brother and I went out onto the "dirt dock" and started throwing rocks below. It must have rained because when our rocks hit the bottom they sank into the mud. I remember being so amazed at how high up we were and I couldn't imagine what it would look like when it was finished.
As it turned out the lake became a huge source of entertainment for the family. We spent weekends camping there. Daddy bought a power boat and pulled skiers behind. We swam and had marshmallow roasts. It was great.
There were other things about the homeplace I remember. Often after church Grandmother invited us over for Sunday dinner (lunch) and after we ate Grandad pulled out the cards and we'd play Rummy or Rook for hours. Then we'd pick sun warmed grapes from the arbor and eat them while sitting on the porch. The game was to see how far one could spit the hull after sucking out the sweet, warm pulp.
At some point Grandad sold 100 acres and the remaining acreage began to be divided among the children and grandchildren. Through the years many of us started to build our homes here. My brother was first, then my cousins, we were next, then Mother and Daddy moved here and finally my sister's family. At this moment my entire immediate family lives within a short walking distance from each other. We like it like that.
When we built our house DH wanted to give it a name. He kicked around a few things but nothing stuck. Then when our son moved away to go to college he often brought his friends up for the weekend. Those were such good times having a house full of guests all the time. It was during this period that someone - I can't even remember who or how it stared - began to refer to coming to visit us as "going to The Hill". And it stuck. Then over time "going to The Hill" came to refer to visiting anyone from our immediate family.
So if you're ever in the neighborhood drop by "The Hill". You'll get a hearty hello, a glass full of ice water and the peace and comfort that everyone who has visited knows and returns for.
Later....
When I was a child Grandmother and Grandad owned 200 acres of land four miles up the road from where I grew up. Their homeplace was there. The homeplace consisted of their house, a garage with a loft, a corn crib, chicken pen for the house chickens, a chicken house for the chickens they raised to sell and a wood working shop where Grandad built things.
Later when a big development was being constructed up the road my Grandad was asked if they could build a lake on his land. And they did. I remember visiting the lake in progress. They moved earth to create the depth and piled the excess dirt up to form the dam. At the dam was a sort of earthen dock that jutted out very high above the dry lake bed. One day we all went down to take a look at the progress. My brother and I went out onto the "dirt dock" and started throwing rocks below. It must have rained because when our rocks hit the bottom they sank into the mud. I remember being so amazed at how high up we were and I couldn't imagine what it would look like when it was finished.
As it turned out the lake became a huge source of entertainment for the family. We spent weekends camping there. Daddy bought a power boat and pulled skiers behind. We swam and had marshmallow roasts. It was great.
There were other things about the homeplace I remember. Often after church Grandmother invited us over for Sunday dinner (lunch) and after we ate Grandad pulled out the cards and we'd play Rummy or Rook for hours. Then we'd pick sun warmed grapes from the arbor and eat them while sitting on the porch. The game was to see how far one could spit the hull after sucking out the sweet, warm pulp.
At some point Grandad sold 100 acres and the remaining acreage began to be divided among the children and grandchildren. Through the years many of us started to build our homes here. My brother was first, then my cousins, we were next, then Mother and Daddy moved here and finally my sister's family. At this moment my entire immediate family lives within a short walking distance from each other. We like it like that.
When we built our house DH wanted to give it a name. He kicked around a few things but nothing stuck. Then when our son moved away to go to college he often brought his friends up for the weekend. Those were such good times having a house full of guests all the time. It was during this period that someone - I can't even remember who or how it stared - began to refer to coming to visit us as "going to The Hill". And it stuck. Then over time "going to The Hill" came to refer to visiting anyone from our immediate family.
So if you're ever in the neighborhood drop by "The Hill". You'll get a hearty hello, a glass full of ice water and the peace and comfort that everyone who has visited knows and returns for.
Later....
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Gett'in Better
After a rough start it seems things are beginning to get better for me in 2011. I have new migraine meds and after a few weeks they are finally kicking in. Only bad side effect is they make me sleepy if I take a whole pill.
I'm beginning to enjoy things again - shopping for instance. I know this may sound heartless but shopping for others is not one of my favorite things to do. Don't get me wrong, I like doing things for others but shopping for them makes me have anxiety attacks. I'm really not very good at picking out presents, except for family members. If I have to buy for someone outside the family I look, look and look until time runs out and then I just have to grab whatever I'm close to. I wrap it up but always feel that it is not a good gift. I know it is just the thought but it's just a thing with me. When someone gives me a present it is always something sweet or kool and I always think "Why didn't I think of that?"
Oh well, I digress. Let's get back to my recent purchase. I love collecting things - salt and pepper shakers, cut paper pictures, old beaded items, little boots and more recently novelty cigarette lighters. For a while now I have wanted to have a collection of pink glassware. But not just any old glass. Pale pink and with an interesting shape or design.
This week, I began that collection. I didn't want to spend much so I first went to the thrift store. They had several pink items but they were too dark or not really interesting enough. So I next went to the antique store (across from what was the old hospital). I just felt I would find something here. I walked around and saw several pieces but they were a little more than I wanted to pay. And then I spotted it, a small vase of pink and white with a gold rim. I picked it up and walked through the rest of the store to see if anything else caught my eye. Sure enough, in one of the last stalls I found a perfume bottle - so delicate, intricate with a swirl pattern and a spun stopper. I just had to have it. So I wound up getting both pieces. Thing is once I got home the first piece just didn't seem as lovely as the perfume bottle.
My purchase made me happy - like buying new purse.
Another good thing is that work seems to make me happier these days. I literally walk around with a smile on my face.
DH and I also seem to be getting along better. Matter of fact I told him to pack an overnight bag cause I'm kidnapping him Saturday for a short trip out of town. DH & DD will hold down the fort at home. I am not telling where we are going but I have a lovely weekend planned. Lunch at a nice restaurant, an afternoon of exploring the town to include an antique mall, then dinner at a true Irish pub. Complementary breakfast at the hotel then a leisurely morning before heading home.
Later......
RL
I'm beginning to enjoy things again - shopping for instance. I know this may sound heartless but shopping for others is not one of my favorite things to do. Don't get me wrong, I like doing things for others but shopping for them makes me have anxiety attacks. I'm really not very good at picking out presents, except for family members. If I have to buy for someone outside the family I look, look and look until time runs out and then I just have to grab whatever I'm close to. I wrap it up but always feel that it is not a good gift. I know it is just the thought but it's just a thing with me. When someone gives me a present it is always something sweet or kool and I always think "Why didn't I think of that?"
Oh well, I digress. Let's get back to my recent purchase. I love collecting things - salt and pepper shakers, cut paper pictures, old beaded items, little boots and more recently novelty cigarette lighters. For a while now I have wanted to have a collection of pink glassware. But not just any old glass. Pale pink and with an interesting shape or design.
This week, I began that collection. I didn't want to spend much so I first went to the thrift store. They had several pink items but they were too dark or not really interesting enough. So I next went to the antique store (across from what was the old hospital). I just felt I would find something here. I walked around and saw several pieces but they were a little more than I wanted to pay. And then I spotted it, a small vase of pink and white with a gold rim. I picked it up and walked through the rest of the store to see if anything else caught my eye. Sure enough, in one of the last stalls I found a perfume bottle - so delicate, intricate with a swirl pattern and a spun stopper. I just had to have it. So I wound up getting both pieces. Thing is once I got home the first piece just didn't seem as lovely as the perfume bottle.
My purchase made me happy - like buying new purse.
Another good thing is that work seems to make me happier these days. I literally walk around with a smile on my face.
DH and I also seem to be getting along better. Matter of fact I told him to pack an overnight bag cause I'm kidnapping him Saturday for a short trip out of town. DH & DD will hold down the fort at home. I am not telling where we are going but I have a lovely weekend planned. Lunch at a nice restaurant, an afternoon of exploring the town to include an antique mall, then dinner at a true Irish pub. Complementary breakfast at the hotel then a leisurely morning before heading home.
Later......
RL
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