Memorial Day 2017

I had the opportunity to attend a Memorial Day service in Smyrna, Georgia this year.  The entire program was very meaningful.  

There was a twenty one gun salute to the fallen soldiers.

The speakers were wonderful and delivered very thought provoking speeches.  The army band was outstanding.  The music was perfect.  I'm so glad I was here.

stacked chairs

After the Memorial Day program, the chairs were quickly stacked.  I thought the columns of chairs looked very artistic.  They were stacked very high.  Tall people did this.

Biltmore

We had the opportunity to visit the Biltmore Estate near Asheville, North Carolina recently.  What a   magnificently magical place this is!!  Upon entering the formal entranceway, we immediately were drawn to the winter garden atrium.  It is filled with tropical plants and would be a very cozy place to spend some time reading a book or quietly meditating.

The grand staircase led to the upper bedroom area.  While we were there we were able to see theatrical costumes on display in the various rooms.  These were the actual costumes worn by well known actors in the films they were created for.

I liked the lighting in this room.  A large shadow appears on the wall behind the costumed mannikin and it gives off a somewhat foreboding (spooky) look to the room.

I loved the ceiling treatment in this room.  It is created by using yards and yards of rolled fabric.  It softens the hard corners of the ceiling and gives it a very feminine, romantic look.

We enjoyed our visit to Biltmore Estate.  The house, patterned after French chateau architecture,  was built between 1889 and 1895 and has hundreds of rooms.  In the basement you will find a bowling alley, a swimming pool, changing rooms and utility rooms such as the laundry.  The house, the stables, the gardens and the winery fill the day with things to see.  Go, if you can!

the gardens at Biltmore

The gardens at the Biltmore Estate were patterned after the formal landscaped gardens of Europe.

           Imagine looking out of these windows overlooking the beautiful gardens at Biltmore Estate.

Zebulon Vance birthplace

On a recent trip to North Carolina we stopped to see the birthplace of Zebulon Vance.  He came from a long line of public servants and military service from the Revolutionary War through the War of 1812 and the War between the States.  He later went on to become the governor of North Carolina.

The reconstructed log home was built around the original fireplaces.  The house is a large two story building which reflects the wealth and status of the family.  The home, with its many outbuildings is located in western North Carolina near the Asheville area.  The settlers in this region were known as mountain pioneers.

There is a loom housed in one of the outbuildings.  There were people living here that made all the clothes for the family, including the weaving of the cloth.  There was a beautiful baby's gown on display in one of the upper bed rooms.  The stitching was precise and very detailed.  If you are ever near Weaverville, North Carolina, please stop by and see this lovely farm built in the late 1700's.  History lives here.

Mt. Zion UMC

A week ago I attended this wonderful church near Hapeville.  What a lovely church!  The congregation is warm and welcoming and the music, wow, I can't say enough good things about the choir.  Powerful words and amazing harmonies!!!

The front of the sanctuary is very simple, yet beautiful.  The stained glass windows allow lots of sunlight to enter the sanctuary.  As you know, I love stained glass windows, especially when they are in a church.  The service is traditional and the congregation is friendly.  I hope to worship here again.

dogwoods and azaleas

I just thought this was such a lovely setting and I hope I captured the beauty of the flowers in this picture.  It was taken earlier this Spring when the azaleas and the dogwood trees were in full bloom.   Enjoy the gardens!!