Old Country

 So much to see...feel....smell...touch....and learn.

Cathy McClanahan...my "Sister by Heart" didn't let us leave Virginia

without a ride through what her Daddy called "The Old Country."

 One spot we visited was Sherwood Forest...and yes, we were on Robin Hood Lane.

This was part of our journey to experience a swinging bridge...over the North fork of the Holston River.

I actually think we were in Tennessee...at this point.

Daniel Boon Country!

 Cathy loved to take me exploring.

We hiked mountains, climbed fences, filled our pockets with rocks,

and drank in peace only found in nature. 

Early settlers built log cabins...some still standing today.
This cabin is a little different, in that it has two front doors, side by side.
Cathy suggests one of these is what they call the "coffin door."
 During this time in history, funerals were held in the home.
The second door could be opened...allowing the coffin to be carried in and out
with room for pall bearers on each side.

In homes with two front doors that are not placed side by side,
one door was for good spirits to enter, and the second door for evil spirits to leave.

 Old churches with two front doors have a different history.
Originally one door was for white people and the second door for their slaves.

After slavery, one door was entry for men and one for women.

 This church was built in 1937...painted "That Green"

a term I learned referring to the green fabrics of the thirties.

Nested in the mountains....neighborhood churches are common.

Typical of Southern Women....beauty and grace adorns everything.

Even the front gate at the entrance of private property displays a seasonal wreath.

Rock formations

 From my years of  teaching rock formations for Science Olympiad

I knew sedimentary rocks formed near a water source.

However, I had no idea that water actually could seep through rock

and in winter become frozen water falls.

 Karl was particularly intrigued with this solution to keep rocks from falling into roadways.

Prop up the rocks with a steel pole!

 Rita and Nikki took me on a hike up Cedar Bluff outlook.

It was great to see the overview of the land...and how the roads and railroad would wind along the path of the Clinch River.  I certainly should have done this in summer...

but then...possibly we could not see the roadways.

Missing Richlands

 President McClure (left) was released from serving 18 years

as Richlands Branch President the Sunday after we left Virginia.
March 24, 2013

His lovely wife made this  friendship quilt to honor Paul and Cleo VanDyke

on their 50th wedding anniversary December 7th.

Jan also made a parting friendship "signature" quilt for Elder Hunt and I which we will treasure forever.

Certainly we will post a picture once we get one.

At our farewell party Jan also played her violin for us...a special arrangement

of one of my favorite hymns: "How Gentle God's Commands"

I especially like the stanza...."Cast your burdens on the Lord and bear a song away!"

We learned so much about faith, patience, and enduring trials from

the wonderful people in southwest Virginia...and especially those in Richlands Branch.

 Here is an ACOSTIC memory of dear Cassie

C = Caring

A = Always positive in her outlook

S =  Sensitive to the needs of others

S = Smiles for everyone

I = In tune with the Holy Spirit

E = Energetic

Although it was 90 degrees today for us in Arizona,

 our dear Virginia friends still have winter hanging around.

Suzanne lives in a winter wonderland. 

Her husband, Ron, is the new Branch President.  

We love them both....forever!