Celebrating Birthdays

My sister and her husband share their birthday with the United States of America...July 4th. It was my privilege to have them here for an Independence Day picnic and birthday celebration.

A few days later my side of the family had a reunion...the annual Bruce reunion in Johnstown, PA. I've been attending that reunion for most of my 59 years. I may have missed a few of those family gatherings throughout all those years, but truly, not many...two maybe three. Family gatherings were so important to my Grandma Bruce, so her kids made family reunions happen. The venue, always the same. Dad's brother, Uncle Jim had a cottage with a picnic pavillion and pool. Perfect.

Years later, the cottage is now a big house where my cousin, Jimmy lives and where he raised his family. The pool has been rebuilt over the years. Long ago it was converted from cement to a more climate tolerant vinyl-lined pool. The pavillion still serves us well and has picnic tables to seat 70 people or so. Grandma has been gone since 1972, Pap passed in 1975. Aunt Carol and my dad are the only ones remaining of Gram and Pap's six children. We still say we're to going to Uncle Jim's when we talk about and head for the reunion. In reality, it's Aunt Marion's or cousin Jim's place, but no, it was and always will be (at least until our generation passes) Uncle Jim's.

The reunion is a great time to catch up with aunts and uncles and cousins and cousin's kids. My cousins and I -- we used to be the kids. Then we were the parents. Now, we're the one's answering to "Grandma, Pappy, watch this!" And time marches on.

The following day the Dick Bruce family met in Bedford at the "Nancy House". I don't know if Nancy is a sur name or a first name...but...it's the house where my Grandma (Ruth Allison) Bruce was born back in...let's see, real close to 1900 (it may have been 1898 or 1899). The log cabin home is still used as a hunting camp. It's rustic. It's off the beaten path.

The afternoon was spent reminiscing about family roots and trying to figure out the extended family tree, a delightful day long history session.

Oh, and my dear family tried to make me turn 60! Three full months before my 60th birthday is here. I'm smiling, but I'm not having it. Still, thank you Mom and Dad and all my sibs and their families, for making my 59 and 3/4 birthday celebration so very special. I love you all!!!

Just the girls. (back)Anne, Joan, Ali, Kathy, Chloe, (front) Rebecca, Luann, Mom/Oma/Glor, and me, with the birthday tiara. Four sisters, one sis-in-law, 3 granddaughters and the matriarch. (I hope you laughed, Mom!)

And Dad/Pop/Dick -- Thanks for a great pre-birthday event chock full of family past and present!

My funniest birthday gift was a check for $59.75. My brother the comedian says he'll mail me a quarter on October 4th. Gotta love this family.

Family Fun on French Creek

A couple of days with family from as far away as Paris, France: Kathy, Bernard, and Pierre, and as close by as Cleveland, Ohio: Luann, Jerry, and Rebecca and our own Adam and Alica from Butler, Pennsylvania. Yesterday... tractor riding, canoeing, skipping stones off the creek bank.

It seemed appropriate for the visiting French boy to have a canoe ride on French Creek. And as it turns out, he's quite good at skipping stones.

Not everyone made the trip to the creek and back.

But to clarify... everyone who went to the creek, did come back.

Home again, home again jiggety jog. And then they were off to Cleveland. All but Adam and Alica who were off to Butler. And we had our home to ourselves again. Peaceful and serene...our sanctuary.

And that calls for a swim by the light of the moon.

Good night friends. Good night moon.

Tres Chaud

The weather is warm. The pool is cool. My sister from France is here with her husband. Let the lazy, hazy dayz of summer begin! Oh, and you? Come on over!

Look at all these kids! And not one of 'em's a grand...just pretty near.

Let Freedom Ring

This morning Tom and I enjoyed a church service with our friends, Gary and Nadine, and later in the afternoon a concert -- all at Chautauqua Institute in New York. It was an absolutely delightful, inspiring, uplifting and refreshing day. The speaker for church was the Reverend Dr. Alan Jones, who is not only a wonderful preacher, but apparently a prolific writer. The music was led by a phenomenal choir director, organist, pianist, and a special number was performed by Todd Thomas, who along with his wife wrote words to the familiar tune "Bless this House O Lord We Pray" specifically for the Chautauqua Institute's worship service:

From each corner of these grounds, echoe your creative sounds.

From the Mystic Heart at dawn to Music on the starlit lawn

From our porches night and day, bless our discourse, bless our play.

Sun drenched pathways, moonlit lake-- your wonder giv'n for us to take.

Bless all those assembled here; open hearts and minds and ears.

All our creeds, we here unite -- diversity will flame our light.

Black or white, or gay or straight, all are welcome in this gate.

From bell tow'r we hear ring, with one voice now let us sing:

Bless Chautauqua, Lord, as we... strive to live and love like Thee.

After church, a delicious chicken barbeque dinner down by the lake and a stroll around the grounds, we returned to the amphitheater for a concert by the U.S. Army Field Band & Soldiers’ Chorus. Stirring marches, a selection from Les Mis, patriotic medleys, choral numbers, and both vocal and instrumental soloists entertained and moved the crowd...including us!







Peace Like a River

The weather has been absolutely perfect for canoeing and fishing...even if very few fish are biting, and the ones that do bite are too small. Still -- good times playing catch and release.



Reeling one in.

A pike. But...

He's not a keeper.

Other than the kerplunk of a fishing lure hitting the water and an occasional quiet comment from one of us humans, we're surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature. Pleasant sounds, tweets, chirps, croaks, and the ga-lump of bull frogs... rustling of leaves and skittering noises of small critters in the brush along the creekbank -- calming, soothing, peaceful.

Peace like a river. I've got peace like a river...in my soul.

One of my favorite old preachers, long since gone to glory, had a favorite hymn, which I took on as my own favorite. I don't know if it's the words of the song or the tune that make it special to me. Or is it because of the dear gentleman who claimed it as his favorite -- and I want to love what he loved? I can still recall him pacing back and forth on the platform preaching his heart out. Those were the days before wireless mics. No matter, his voice boomed throughout the sanctuary. But his booming voice spoke words of knowledge, kind encouragement, gentle rebuke. And -- he called us beloved.

It warmed my heart then, it warms my heart now...as do the words of the hymn Like a River Glorious...

Like a river glorious is God's perfect peace.
Over all victorious in its bright increase.
Perfect yet it floweth, fuller every day;
Perfect yet it groweth deeper all the way.

Stayed upon Jehovah hearts are fully blest,
Finding as he promised,
Perfect peace and rest.

Perfect peace and rest.

Happiness is to be shared.
   

Pleased to Meet You

I was sitting on the porch swing contemplating the worries of the world, which is code for trying to pray, when a frisky little fawn ran from the safety of the thicket into the clearing of our yard. She darted around making circles and then looked up at me. I asked her where her mama was. She didn't answer. I told her she needed to stick close to mama...the world isn't safe, it is a dangerous place for little ones. She tilted her head, then kicked up her heels, and did another little happy dance. But I said, "No really, sweetie, where is your mother?" And to answer my question, Mama Doe gracefully hopped from the overgrown edge into the clear space. I suppose she was right there watching all the time. I greeted her, said hello and thanked her for stopping by. She looked at me and flicked her ears. She was introducing me to her baby. What an honor. I'm a mom too, I get that. We love to show off our little ones. I thanked her for the bit of joy their presence, she and her offspring, brought to my day. I enjoyed their company for only a few more minutes before Mama Doe slipped back into the wooded area and baby scampered after.

It was such a pleasure. A beautiful surprise.

And I thought of David's song, The Beginning of You -- the title song of his CD.

It was not by chance when you first opened your eyes.

And it was no mistake your face shined like the sun.

To this world you may have been a beautiful surprise

But it was known even before then, the treasure you'd become...

And some day I hope you see

That day was meant to be.

It was more than just the start of something beautiful

It was more than just a gift to the world

It was more than just a masterpiece or dream coming true

It was... the beginning of you.

Surely the Lord knit us together in our mother's womb. He makes no mistakes, he is never surprised. By His design we are fearfully and wonderfully made, and all of the days of our lives are ordained by Him. Not by chance, but often, a beautiful surprise...to the world.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Ps. 139:23-24

Friends Indeed!

A couple of my little friends...

Playing together, eating together, sharing a tray...

Trouble...a tree came down, blocked the driveway, took out the electric line, and trapped friends at our house. Penelec arrived in less than an hour. More friends arrived in less time than that.

Friends helping

These guys are all second generation friends (i.e. our friends' kids -- friends our kids' ages)

And bonus helpers...their kids!

Wildlife!

Of all the wildlife I've seen here at the farm: turkeys, geese and goslings, ducks, songbirds, turtles, deer, squirrels, woodchucks, chippies, rabbits, fox, and bear, Mr. Bear takes the cake! I mean, bear trump all other species of wildlife observed...in our yard...close up. Right?

Paying a visit to the Hennings -- Thursday evening (May 24th)

I've only seen one other black bear on our property.  A few years ago Tom and I were in the car and we saw him at the entrance to our Christmas tree field. He was only 15-20 yards away and looking as curious about us as we were about him. Not the least bit scary that time. Did I mention we were in the car? 

This time I'm on the porch watching Tom take pictures of a bear lumbering our way through the field behind our barn, crossing the driveway, heading toward...us. Tom snapped away while this huge creature mosied closer. Twenty-five yards, nothing between them but a vinyl fence. Twenty-two yards. Like that vinyl fence could offer any protection. Twenty yards and still on the move, but thankfully, now heading away. Tom, camera in hand, makes like to follow. That's it for me! Heart in throat I squeak out an insistent, no, no, no. And wonder of wonders, Tom listens and joins me up on the porch where we can get inside in a big hurry if need be. There was no need, so we watched until the magnificent animal walked off into the woods. (Headed for your old favorite campsite, Nate. If you're reading this, make note.)

We often wonder what it is that gets the dog riled up at night. Well, there you have it. Of course she gets equally excited about rabbits and deer, so who knows.

Wild. Crazy. Serendipitous.

Front yard visitors



Great Blue Heron (down the road a piece)

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,
How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.

Cecil Frances Alexander

Hello Sunshine

"Hello sunshine, where have you been? Hello dry eyes, is this where we begin? 'Cause I thought that I had gone just a little too far, for a little too long, to ever get back to the road that leads me home."

Words from my boy Dave's first ever CD. This song, Castles, is the first one of the ten original songs on his brand-newly-produced CD The Beginning of You.

We're more than proud, his dad and I. And by more than proud I mean we've been ministered to through the encouraging, comforting, uplifting words and beautiful music. And as the last song, Yours, is playing I'm reminded that we were created by God for one primary purpose...to be His. I learned that in catechism class when I was seven years old. "What is the chief end of man? The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever." When I remember who I am in light of who He is -- I am his Beloved and He is my God -- how can I help but find great joy in that? How can I help but enjoy Him day in and day out forever!

I can't be taken from the hand of God

I belong to Him

He is mine and I am His

I won't be shaken by the voice of the enemy

My chains are broken and I am free

God,

 I am yours in every circumstance

I am yours right here right where I stand

And if ever I should question

What I was made for

I was made... to be yours

I am Yours right here, right where I stand.

If You're Going to San Francisco...

be sure to... go see Beach Blanket Babylon and let the show remind you... to wear some flowers in your hair. Wildly hilarious, oft poignant, only a wee bit risque. To sum it up in one word -- outrageous. Each singing, dancing, musical, comedic actor displayed more than anyone's fair share of talent. We were amused and amazed by the costumes and the hats, most of all the hats. We loved it. Can't thank our son, Nathan, enough for getting us tickets to a show in San Francisco about San Francisco.

Before the show we toured the Bay area, crossed the Golden Gate Bridge with the convertible top down. What a view! The day was gorgeous, sunny, warm and slightly breezy. Myriads of boats dotted the bay. Colorful sailboats sped along driven by wind. Kayaks, powered by the brute strength of paddlers, navigated the sea. And right out in the middle, jutting up through the watery space, stood the rocky island of Alcatraz, cold, severe, foreboding. Way over there, Fisherman's Wharf, a much happier place. You can't see everything from one spot...unless you're really high up...so we snaked our way up, up, up the mountain stopping at various lookout points.

Each view proving more incredible than the previous. (All this after the fabulous mountain top views in Colorado. Our senses were on overload, delightfully sated, but we kept drinking it in.)

Enough feasting the eyes, we had to find a place to fill our hungry stomachs, and then off to the show. After Beach Blanket Babylon we found our way to the top of Lombard Street and drove the serpentine roadway with all its hairpin turns back down to the city.

This picture isn't ours. It was dark when we were there, which added to the thrill of driving straight up and zig zagging down. After that we headed for San Jose where we spent the next 3 days sight-seeing, meeting Nathan's friends, going to his church, resting and relaxing at the pool of our hotel.

Here's the worship team practicing an anthem for special music. It's a big church, taking up a third of a city block, and there is a community center in the basement. Grace Baptist Church is a welcoming and affirming fellowship of believers. We felt right at home and enjoyed seeing Nate in his element welcoming the church family, reviewing the announcements, and leading the congregation in the song portion of worship.

Meeting Room

Our Hotel Pool -- refreshing, relaxing, offering time for regrouping,

On Sunday evening we went to Nathan's pastor's home for dinner. Pastor Daryl's lovely and beautiful wife, Tatiana, is from Russia. She served us a fabulous dinner complete with one authentic Russian dish that I can't remember the name of, but my tastebuds long to try again.

Monday was a drive along Highway 1 to the Monterey Bay and beyond. We stopped at a beach and ate our picnic lunch... which a couple of seagulls eagerly hoped we would share.

The Pacific Ocean, the left coast, with its rugged coastline, beautiful pieces of real estate, resort homes, rocky cliffs, beautiful bays...we got a glimpse of all that on our day trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.

The Mustang convertible touring car and our chauffeur.

And of course, the city of San Jose, which is much, much larger than San Francisco. Who knew?

And now we're back in our own little corner of the world. No skyscrapers, metros, city traffic -- home to us is a small town with a charm all its own. No dramatic coastlines, snow capped mountains or Red Rocke Park. The sky here isn't as blue as the Colorado sky, our little town lacks the glitz and cultural advantages of city life. But we have fields, a beaver pond, pastures and French Creek, which we love. And we are content with what we have. Even as we spent a week marveling at another world, a world different from our own, wonderfully diverse and fascinating, we are content to return home.  This is where we live, and breathe, and laugh and love...serving the God who made us and all people everywhere and lavishes his love upon us all. It isn't heaven. But it's a foretaste.

The beaver pond, over yonder in the south forty.