Week 41

19 May

My morning walk took me south of the campus today; in the middle of town I saw this chicken coop next to a large, well-tended garden.

20 May

On our way to and from campus we pass this log, which has been partially sawed through many times. I’m not sure what function it fulfills.

21 May

Today we drove up to Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. We discovered that this huge National Historical Park is a favorite spot for hikers and cyclists. This sample cabin is similar to what the soldiers would have built to shelter them from the cold and elements.

22 May

Our kitchen table in our apartment is adequate for two, but no more.

23 May

This sign announcing the population of Buena Vista greets one on the road to SVU. The current population is just under 6,500. The LDS population accounts for 12%, which is one of the highest LDS percentages east of the Rockies.

24 May

Stephen and I ordered hot dogs at the local establishment, Frank’s for the Memories (never mind that superfluous apostrophe, which seems to pop up unbidden). We were offered our choices from among 35 possible toppings. The establishment closes at 5 pm every night, so it doesn’t really cater to the night crowd.

25 May

Stephen and I enjoyed our dinner at the Edelweiss Restaurant in Staunton. (We tried to go on Monday, but it was closed.) The warm brötchen were perfect! In addition to our delicious Wienerschnitzel and cod, we had rotkohl, Bavarian cabbage, spaetzle, and green beans. Ah, southern German cooking!

Week 40

12 May

These beautiful yellow flowers on the SVU campus drew my attention because each petal has a fluted shape—maybe I can find out what they are. That was pretty quick—a google search for “yellow flowers with fluted petals” came up with the Jethro Tull flower (a cross of Early Sunrise and Zamfir, introduced in 2006), commonly known as tickweed or coreopsis.

13 May

Stephen and I availed ourselves of a free walking tour of Lexington, Virginia. Some famous individuals associated with Lexington are Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee, and Cyrus McCormick. We were privileged to see a rehearsal of Virginia Military Institute (VMI) cadets for their annual New Market day ceremony.

The famous Lexington brick design in the sidewalks is echoed . . .

. . . in the town garbage towns.

14 May

The McLean home (now rebuilt) in Appomattox Court House, Virginia, was used for the surrender meeting between General Robert E. Lee and General Ulysses S. Grant on 9 April 1865.

15 May

We’re having fun getting to know other volunteer couples here at SVU: Allen and Jerri, Vivien and Clayne, and Bruce and Sharon (in front).

16 May

This remarkable statue of a knight on a horse in front of Main Hall at SVU is entitled “The Whole Armour of God.” The statue was a gift to the university from Glade Knight, chairman of the board of trustees.

17 May

Many days here in Buena Vista have brought rain with them. The rain is dripping down in front of our neighbors’ window and is splashing in the parking lot.

18 May

This cast bronze sculpture of the first vision by Kraig Varner (2001) shows the Father and the Son atop a great and soaring pillar as they appeared to the boy Joseph Smith.

Week 39

5 May

The ten-minute walk from our housing up to the SVU campus includes these uneven rock stairs or the path beside them—take your pick. I usually go up the stairs while Stephen strides up the path.

6 May

Stephen and I kind of stumbled on this campus-wide meeting (with sandwiches and brownies) at which President Rodney Smith of Southern Virginia University announced that he will resign his position in late August after about seven years here.

7 May

Double-picture day again (I just can’t get it all in). Stephen and I drove through gorgeous horse country (think Secretariat) to arrive at the Fredericksburg Civil War battlefield—the monuments and graves we saw were for the Union side, which ultimately came off victorious.

And then we were able to meet Robert and Nancy at the Washington DC Temple and stay at their home for the evening.

8 May

A big hooray for beautiful pink Mother’s Day roses from Robert and Nancy and a somewhat more subdued hooray for the potted super Olympia white begonia plant from the ward—sigh!

9 May

We didn’t realize that one of the perks for teaching at SVU would be a meal a day at the cafeteria for each of us. I could get used to not cooking a noon meal Monday through Friday. And I often spoil myself by drinking the chocolate milk. And there is always an ice cream cone to end with, if one wishes.

10 May

This is the grand, southern Main Hall that houses the administrative offices at Southern Virginia University (and still has some dorms on upper floors, I believe).

11 May

These dancing butterflies paused long enough for me to get a shot of them (you’ll have to ignore the cigarette butts that I didn’t notice earlier).

Week 38

28 April

In this small town of Akron, Colorado, Stephen had to go to the Cornerstone Coffeehouse to use the Internet and finish his grade submissions before the noon deadline. The cost?—buying a cookie (for $1.75).

29 April

This brick home in Nauvoo has a plaque recognizing my ancestor Jeremiah Hatch as a Revolutionary War veteran. Jeremiah joined at the age of 15 as a fifer. When he applied for his war pension to be transferred to Illinois, he wrote, “My son, Hezekiah, upon whom I lean for comfort in an old age, has removed to this place, Nauvoo, and I am moved by the Spirit of God and my love to be with the Saints to gather to this place.” We discovered that the Hatch home and its modern extension are now housing 14 sister missionaries—what a great use of the home!

30 April

Jonathan and Tine were able to join us in Ohio—here they are on our traditional visit to our favorite frozen custard and yogurt place.

1 May

This is a pretty good picture of Marc and Sarah’s growing family on Benjamin’s blessing day (given the natural liveliness of their young boys). They are such great parents!

2 May

Today is one of those days when I just have to include more than one picture: Gabe is at his best when he is holding and calming Benjamin.

Elijah’s grin just about matches Woody’s.

David John is a precious, lovable cuddler.

3 May

Stephen is in the doorway of our condo in Buena Vista, Virginia, where we have come for him to teach a May course entitled “From Temple to Meetinghouse.”

4 May

It didn’t take long for me to be drafted for a volunteer assignment here at SVU. I will sit at the desk in the main lobby and answer phones and help people two afternoons a week.

Week 37

21 April

I am thrilled that the pansies I planted in the fall survived into our cool spring. In my Beehive years I selected the pansy for my personal symbol because it was hardy, colorful, and cheerful (or, as the Beehive handbook itself indicates, because it represents thoughtfulness and loyalty).

22 April

Lynette and I are calling it quits—we are ready to burn the CDs for our family project on our paternal grandparents, their posterity, and their ancestors.

23 April

Ah, this is worth noting—a clean, dirt-free street after several months of seeing a wet, frozen pile of dirt in the street by our home.

24 April

Since I will be gone for several weeks this summer, the bishop let me call another counselor. Here is my new presidency with the addition of Mindy.

25 April

The neighbors behind us are building a fence to match the rest of our backyard. That will look terrific when it is done.

26 April

Shh—I’m cheating and using a picture from tomorrow. I was very impressed with Michael’s mural in the auxiliary building at the Denver Temple. The creative swirls are very tastefully done.

27 April

Marcus, Kaleb, Rebecca, Camden, and Meagan (with a new short haircut!) are each busy doing his or her own thing.

Week 36

14 April

Here are Marc’s four boys (Gabriel, Elijah, Benjamin, and David John). These are four of our seven grandsons. What joy grandchildren bring!

15 April

The twins Elijah and Gabe are full of giggles—one of their well-behaved moments.

16 April

Here I am holding baby Benjamin—he seems to like this position.

17 April

It seems that there is always laundry to do, especially after a trip.

18 April

While I was gone, my brother-in-law Chuck passed away on April 13. Here are the five sisters gathered at the viewing—LaRae, Lynette, Shirley, Jeanine, and Junola.

19 April

Here are the beautiful flowers at Chuck’s graveside—death is, after all, a part of life, although that doesn’t necessarily make it easier in the moment.

20 April

While Jeanine and Stan were in town, we gathered for a quarterly dinner at Rib City Grill. As it turned out, it was also our 37th wedding anniversary.