Country Store

St Helens, Kentucky
Friends bought this old country store and renamed it Sue's Pantry. They serve a great hot breakfast and lunch each day at this little village crossroads and confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the Kentucky River. You'll not find many of these types of stores left as folk drive to the bigger towns and stores like Walmart with the large variety and lower prices, but which lack character and the
personal touch.
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Zetta's Baby

This Pin Oak was just a little thing when we moved into Southfork in 1999 nearly 10 years ago, tied with support strings and probably one inch thick and four or so feet tall. Now she has grown to be a beautiful tall tree and a visual delight off of our back deck and sun patio. Zetta says, "That's my baby!"
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Creeping Kentucky Kudzu

Sergeant William Glen Bowling Memorial Bridge, Beattyville, Ky.
Looking north up Broadway (Hwy 11) one observes a kudzu vine that creeps over the rail of this bridge. When I left Kentucky in 1972 I was not aware of any kudzu in Kentucky. It has followed waterways like the Northfork of the Kentucky River to cover banks and surrounding trees. This is a true case of biological environmental infestation by an alien plant. Originally brought to the US to feed cattle (which did not work) it is now good for nothing except hiding the trash that litters the banks
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Buffalo Burgers

Lexington, Ky.
Great meal at Ted Turner's Montana Grill here with family. Brother Zack told me of the Great Buffalo Trace through Kentucky the great grandfather Daniel Boone found here which went through the Blue Licks. I mused that the coming of the horse in the 1500 enabled the plains Indians to proliferate as they became the efficient hunters of this mighty (delicious) beast. I'll bet that the infamous PETA gang is not too happy about Ted's little venture. The other day I came across a PETA that I can appreciate; I recall it was called People Eating Tasty Animals.
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Alive at Five

Carroll Creek Promenade
Every fortnight here there is entertainment and beer (my dinner tonight). Tonight was band music from the early 50s by the Natty Beaux, which style I remember as a kid. The more senior were cuttin' the rug with some mighty good jitterbug, continental, and swing. A beautiful evening in Frederick
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Angels on Church Street

Market & Church, Frederick
Have you ever felt like you have been visited by another. I read tonight that climbers have often reported the experience of a third other. Tonight I read on Stand Firm in Faith a witness by many of the readers. Zetta has told of three specific encounters. I have never come close to such.

An angel watching over the folk here on this busy corner in Frederick was perhaps the theme of this bit of realistic mural art. I accept angels not based on experience but rather solely on the inerrant word of God in holy scripture. I doubt they are winged creature, but think more in terms of those described in scripture: men, often armed and extremely lethal as agents of God-his ministering host.

In about a month the church remembers the militant Michael and all angels - see more here
http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/michael.html

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Master of Musings

Frederick, Md.

I am reading a book called "CS Lewis: Images of His World." In it there are excerpts of musings from this master of thought and expression. It is comforting to know that the sort of thing I've undertaken here with "Mark's Musings" in journalling was an important part of the life of Lewis. He loved walking, observing, and musing. I could have no better model than this most remarkable man. I am fortunate in this age to be able to capture the images of my travels to instantly publish with the musings--even the very simple images like this city garden where the low rays of the evening sun shine upon the tall Monkey Grass.

I should like to record just a few of Lewis' musings here in his pursuit of Joy:

"No one can describe the delight ... and the old never hackneyed romance of travelling"

"Any patch of sunlight in a wood will show you something about the sun which you could never get from ... books. These pure and spontaneous pleasures are 'patches of Godlight' in the woods of our experience"

O Lord, who created and sustains this beautiful natural world; grant that we, like Jack Lewis, might find in your creation those gems that open the windows of heaven to us and provide to us a foretaste of your delightful Joys; through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen.
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Ballenger Creek Trail

Wild, hilly and in the summer mosquitoes! Put the Off ON!
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Jane Austen

"Jane lies in Winchester --
blessed be her shade!

Praise the Lord for making her, and her for all she made!

And while the stones of Winchester, or Milsom Street, remain,

Glory, love, and honor unto England's Jane!

"Rudyard Kipling Epigraph to "The Janeites"

Last year I had the pleasure of viewing on PBS three wonderful renditions of Jane Austen's works: Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, and Mansfield Place. This morning I read that my favorite author, C S Lewis (Oxford professor of Literature) held Ms Austen and her works in the highest esteem. He wrote

"... It is perhaps worth emphasizing what may be called the hardness - at least the firmness - of Jane Austen's thought exhibited in all these undeceptions. The great abstract nouns of the classical English Moralists are unblushingly and uncompromisingly used; good sense, courage, contentment, fortitude, 'some duty neglected, some failing indulged', impropriety, indelicacy, generous candor, blamable trust, just humiliation, vanity, folly, ignorance, reason. These are the concepts by which Jane Austen grasps the world. ... All is hard, clear, definable; by some modern standards, even naively so. The hardness is, of course, for oneself, not for one's neighbors. ... Contrasted with the world of modern fiction, Jane Austen's is at once less soft and less cruel. ... It remains to defend what I have been saying against a possible charge. Have I been treating the novels as though I had forgotten that they are, after all, comedies? I trust not. The hard core of morality and even of religion seems to me to be just what makes good comedy possible. 'Principles' or 'seriousness' are essential to Jane Austen's art. Where there is no norm, nothing can be ridiculous, except for a brief moment of unbalanced provincialism in which we may laugh at the merely unfamiliar. Unless there is something about which the author is never ironical, there can be no true irony in the work. 'Total irony' - irony about everything - frustrates itself and becomes insipid. ... If charity is the poetry of conduct and honor the rhetoric of conduct, then Jane Austen's 'principles' might be described as the grammar of conduct. Now grammar is something that anyone can learn; it is also something that everyone must learn. ... She is described by someone in Kipling's worst story as the mother of Henry James. I feel much more sure that she is the daughter of Dr. Johnson: she inherits his common sense, his morality, even much of his style. ..."C.S. Lewis A Note On Jane Austen In Essays in Criticism (Oct. 1954)
Bio
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Austen
Views of men on Jane as quoted from above
MSC

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ANV River Crossing

Williamsport Md.
Lee crossed here in mid June en route to Pennsylvania, the Army walking across the Potomac. His mission included a victory on Union soil in hopes of international recognition of the CSA, food, and bringing the North to sue for peace. He crossed again in his withdrawal completed 14 July after failing to win at Gettysburg. Meade and the Army of the Potomac pressured the ANV and captured 1500 CSA soldiers in this last chapter of the failed campaign. Heavy rains and a swollen river stalled Lee here, and the river crossing was conducted by ferryboats across the river in a lane marked by strong, tall Confederates standing two deep in the strong current and the hasty construction of a wooden bridge.
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Meade's Dilemma

July 10, 1865. Attack an entrenched Lee at Williamsport quickly as Lincoln encouraged or wait as Halleck and your Corps Commander's caution? Meade waited. Lee escaped as Meade began his infantry attack with relative minor losses. What would I have done? The war would have no doubt ended here in Maryland with the destruction of the ANV, because the swift and swollen Potomac was impassable on 10 July and Lee could not pass over. But Lee was not whipped after Gettysburg. The losses there were close on both sides. The Union Cavalry had been stopped in several rear guard and screening engagements, plus Bufford's raid to take Williamsport early failed. Vicksburg had finally fallen in the West. If Meade had gambled and sustained a loss at Williamsport, Lee's overall objectives might have been realized, the Gettysburg "victory" negated, and Lincoln voted out resulting in peace by treaty. His corps commander had often tasted the lash of Longsteet and Ewell and knew of the dash of Stewart. I came across a paper by a student of the Army War College on the www that was critical of Meade here, but I remain unconvinced that he did not act wisely. The next two years witnessed the bloody overland campaign too Petersburg with horrendous losses for the North and irreplaceable attrition for the South
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C&O Canal Park

Williamsport Md.
A great little park along the C&O Canal by the USNPS. They had a 1917 silent movie of the canal that is a real gem. I am thinking of making the 186 mile canal trip from Cumberland to Washington. Son Tyson might make it in a day as he is used to such long rides as an Ironman. At nearly 60 and with a bum foot I recognized those days are behind me... but maybe three days???
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Keller Home

Funkstown MD
FOR SALE. Buy a lottery ticket!
This is my second musing on this home which served as a treatment spot for HD McDaniel of the 11th Ga. Regt during the battle here on 10 July as Lee withdrew from Gettysburg. McDaniel later was the governor of Georgia I walked the property. It is quite large. Has a nice set of quarters in back. Would make a very nice Bed and Breakfast for someone who had a desire for hospitality. I have one in mind. The current owner described it for me (who owns the house across the street that served as the battle hospital). She has owned it since 1976. $374K. Main 27' x 24' with add on of 12 x 17'. Detached kitchen 15 x 15' w story (now joined)
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Bronze Calf.

Carroll Creek & Patrick Street
This pretty calf stands on a small grassy knoll looking out over Benz Street. My thoughts go back to the Exodus story and another calf. We might smirk at such but should recognize that folk still worship their sacred cows, in vain.
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Farewell to Greg

We met at the Casa Rico here in Frederick to wish our data architect a fond farewell. Old
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Salem Church Monument

Fredericksburg Virginia
The 23rd Regt NJ Vols fought here just below Salem Church on the Plank Road May 3rd 1863. The Federals had pushed the Confederate force out of Fredericksburg and were en route to attack Lee at Chancellorsville. The CSA blocked these column here, as Lee completed his work to route the Army of the Potomac for the last time in arguably his most successful engagement. This monument in Charity has a plaque on the east side that reads "To the brave Alabama boys our opponents on this field of Battle whose memory we honor, this tablet is dedicated." Two months later the tables would be turned. Amen
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Stonewall

Manassas.

Written yesterday but not posted here

"There stands Jackson like a stone wall".

This morning's appointed psalm was 18 by David. Jackson's courage and ability of leadership were directly related to his faith, and I've no doubt that this psalm was one very familiar to him. It opens with "The Lord is my stony rock, and my defense," and continues with an account of the mighty acts of God against his enemies. Along with the psalm today (Saturday after 9th Trinity) is the story of David and Goliath - fitting for this comming staffride of Second Manassas. Jackson praised God for ever victory and was well prepared when his hour came.
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Sunday Morning

Fredericksburg Virginia
I was delighted to find this large cluster flower this morning. Two weeks ago here I had seen many on the trees and bushes, but most had shriveled. While enjoying a cup of coffee I spied this one across the way illuminated by the early rising sun. With the sun to my back and from a low angle below the flower I got this shot. It does one's soul well to enjoy the beauty of nature and man's ingenuity and artistry in horticulture, but mainly to recognize the source for both. Last night I fell asleep reading Ladd's Theology in his section on the Fourth Gospel and Christology where he focused on the prologue of John, and thought the opening verses of it as I admired this flower:

"In the beginning was the Word...all things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made."

There is nothing new under the sun. As Nick, my friend at Holy Cross and retired professor of Physics pointed out two weeks ago, science discovers what God has created and may combine the elements in new ways but never creates those basic elements, only God
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"Praying Mantus"

This pretty fellow joined the interpretive tour at one of interpretive signs at Chinn's Ridge where Longstreet's assault saw considerable success. "Praying" for him is for seeking his prey. He is a mighty hunter and friend of farmer and gardener. I'll call him Nimrod.
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Groveton Confederate Cemetery

Manassas Battlefield.
Erected by the UDC
"dulce et decorum est pro patria morl"? X (Stars & Bars)
No flag flew on the fag pole, but small CSA flags were about the grounds. This cemetery has been taken over by the US Park Service. There are 14 state makers about the base. Two marked graves and 264 unmarked. The Federals all taken to Lee's old home at Arlington. May they rest peace.
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Mosby Disbands Partisan Ranger

Salem Village April 21, 1865. Twelve days after Lee's surrender Mosby says farewell to his cavalry battalion. This village was a central hub for Mosby's Raiders. The Gray Ghost was probably the best night fighter of the war. I stand before the home of Mrs John Marshall, daughter in law of the Supreme Court Chief Justice, where Lee spent the evening accompanying Longstreet's Corps. Jackson bivouacked here before Second Manassas on Aug 25th 1862, my next stop
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Rector's Crossing

Site of another Cavalry Battle. Stewart successfully delayed here, withdrew his forces across Goose Creek Stone Bridge, and held Federals away from Lee on 10 June. Two weeks later in this house Stewart laid his plans and issued his orders for his fateful portion of the march north to Pennsylvania. Colonel Mosby met with Stewart here and advised him on the situation and river crossings. After the war Mosby came here and asked Mrs Rector if he might have a moment alone in the room where he wrote his first orders to his battalion. She found him there weeping. Mosby never surrendered but disbanded the 43rd Battalion, Partisan Rangers at the end of the war. Years later, young Georgie Patton sat on Mosby's lap and listened to the adventures of the ANV, and then as a captain and aid to Pershing and the Tank Battalion commander in WWI and Lt Gen Army commander in WWII put the lessons to practical use. One must wonder if it was not Destiny playing out its mysterious Will in all these things.

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Middleburg Crest

Middleburg, Virginia
Hunt Country, Vineyards, Steeplechase Racing, beautiful antebellum architecture. I walked through this lovely village wondering what photo might best capture its essence. It is populated with tack shops fine restaurants, art galleries, and antique store with beautiful Chippendale and Queen Ann style furniture. A delightful place to visit and relax in one of the restaurants as I do now as I post this. The Red Fox is found throughout the village. This crest at the police department caught my eye as best expressing the sense of Middleburg. Semel et Semper: Once and Always-and so may it be-today and forever-a delightful village in rural Virginia.
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Aldie Mill 1807

This is a wonderful old mill so well preserved. I placed my hands upon the older stones of the mill house that set next to it constucted apparently at the same time. I mused, " If only these stones could talk"
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Battle of Aldie Mill

Aldie, Virginia
Pictured are Col. Thomas T Munford, CSA and Gen. H Judson Kilpatrick, USA. These two calvary commanders had a meeting engagement here at the crossroads near Aldie at this beautiful old mill that was in operation from 1809 until 1971. Munford, as part of Stewart' Cavalry Corps, successfully screened the Army of Northern Virginia as it marched through the Valley to the west to invade Pennsylvania. Unfortunately for the South, Stewart took it upon himself to conduct a raid in Pennsylvania and did not maintain an effective screen as the ANV approached the little town of Gettysburg.... hmmm a lesson here in the importance of remembering foremost the Commander's Intent mission of the operations order.
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City Fountain

7th & Market
This beautiful old fountain in a lovely little city park graces the cityscape with a place of rest and reflection. Just now, however, with the heavy traffic on Market it is a bit busy. Around the base are images of Neptune. There are Seabeasts of some sort that form the base of the fountain. Beyond the fountain along 7th are very old grape vines supported by a lattice over the curved sidewalk from Market to 7th. The garden has a variety of flowers and plants. I see no name for this little park, but it is worth a visit.
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Carrollton

Just about five miles from my house is this highway marker for my famous cousins settlement here. The highest hill around, Sugarloaf Mountain, is located in the grant south of here
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Swan's Castle

Loudoun County Virginia
Just north of Leesburg. Training Camp for the confederacy early in the war. Doug Smith, local Son of the SCV Camp took me for a tour of the cabins they had built like those of several companies that encamped here in the winter of 1862. Last night Doug said the paranormal team encountered 15 or so spirits of veterans-some of whom were assisted to "cross over" May they rest in peace.
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Harley Hawg's Saloon

Leesburg.
Downtown Saloon - Paynes Biker Bar.
Across the street is the courthouse. Note the neon sign in the window and the little Harley Hawgs in the window. True Americana. The Rebel spirit continues in the Biker culture, and for that we ought to be thankful
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Leesburg Memorial

This Confederate memorial stands square in front of the Loudoun County Courthouse of 1898. It was erected on May 28, 1908. Tis early this Sunday morning and the suns strikes the Rebel's side while the lighting makes the statue dark against the old courthouse. As observed yesterday the 8th Virginia was largely from Loudoun County. It fought first just south of here at 1st Manassass and last surrendered with Lee, having only three men of the original regiment in its ranks. That is persistence in the face of overwhelming adversity. That is the spirit that America must engender to maintain her freedom. Persistence was no less shown in those regiments which faced the 8th such as the 15th and 20th Mass.
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Battle of Ball's Bluff

Federal Cemetery, Ball's Bluff, Leesburg Virginia
Here on 21 October in 1861 a Federal raiding force including the 15th and 20th Mass, 42nd NY, were attacked by Louden County's own 8th Va and 17th Miss. In a very uneven battle the South pushed the Federals off the bluff. All four of the Union boats were sunk precluding an effective evacuation. A debacle. General Baker US Senator of Oregon, fell here. 553 prisoners, killed about 223, 226 Wounded. Congressional investigation and the unfair arrest for the Union General Stone followed. One known and 54 unknown Union soldiers rest here in one of the smallest US National Cemeteries. May they rest in peace
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Bongo Beat Boogie

Next to the Mural Bridge on Carroll Creek. Eight bongo players with drums of various sizes and types. Got me a dancin' tried to send photo and short recording
Cool Cats, Daddio. As they used say when I was a kid
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Jackson at Cedar Mountain

Cedar Mountain, Virginia
1862 -- Here Jackson stood against a smaller Bank's Corps of Pope's Army on an extremely hot day 9 August. Pope had threatened the civilians and Lee ordered Jackson to suppress him. When the Confederate lines were shattered in an assault by Crawford, Jackson road into the midst of the fight waving is sword (which had rusted to the scabbard and which he used on the heads a few) and shouting "Jackson is with you". He stabilized the line, reinforcement arrived (AP Hill), and Jackson drove the Federals north. However, when Banks was reinforced with McDowell's Corps, Jackson retired and later joined with the Army of Northern Virginia to defeat the Army of the Potomac at 2nd Manassas 28-30 August
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Culpeper Confederate

Courthouse, Culpeper, Virginia.
The was one battle here in September 1863 in which Geo. Custer was wounded. This statue, like so many throughout the south dedicated by the Confederate Veterans, before of our CSV, reminds one of the sacrifices of Culpeper's sons the defend their homes against the "War of Northern Aggression" Not visible are two seals below the cannon ball: Virginia (thus so to tyrants) and the Confederacy (God vindicates). Virginia is an awesome looking warrior in this version: no less so than her namesake. Elizabeth I. There are around the base six circular slabs that likely held other forms at some time. The camp was AP Hill Camp whose boyhood home site is only 75 meters east and who distinguished himself in many engagements
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Gallant Pelham Falls

Wheatly's Ford, Rappahannock River Virginia
One of the first BB posts I made here was where in Fredericksburg in December Major John Pelham earned the respect of his commanders and men as he delayed the advance of Federal Infantry in the opening of that great battle. Here at the cavalry battle of Kelly's Ford Pelham falls of mortal shrapnel wounds on St Patrick's Day, 1863, 8/10ths of a mile north of Kelly's Ford at a gap in the stone wall that the Confederates attempted to exploit. Pelham, charging, fell mortally wounded. May he rest in peace -- a faithful warrior
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Evening Prayer

Brandy Station Virginia
Visited the old site of the St James Church that was the center of the cavalry duel on 10 June 1863. The church did not survive. The site is still used for an occasional service as I did this day with the 1789 Prayer Book that JEB Stewart, a faithful churchman, likely said in this same church
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/1789/EP_1789.htm
Ps 6, Gen 22, Romans 8

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Graffiti House

Brandy Station
The walls of this old house are covered with the names and drawings of soldiers from both sides over the course of the war. The battlefield foundation provides a good 10 min video and tour of the room and has a small book store. Much appreciated and I hope it will be preserved as a war relic
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Brandy Station

The great campaign begins
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Banjo Evangelist

City Hall Leesburg Virginia
Brother Don Jackson plays his banjo in the courtyard. We spent about and hour talking afterwards. Don's ministry is one-on-one of love of neighbor with an invitation to taste and see how good the Lord is (Ps 34). Laus Deo
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