October 4, 2024~Naturalization Ceremony

Witnessing the Naturalization Ceremony is perhaps one of the most heart-warming events that I have been honored to attend. Today was my THIRD experience. With each program, I gain a stronger sense of pride, appreciation, and gratefulness, knowing that I am an American Citizen. Oh, the freedoms that we take for granted! 

Behind these doors, the Naturalization Ceremony transpires. The Honorable Robert S. Ballou, United States District Judge, presided.

Every year, The United States welcomes nearly 1 million new citizens through naturalization ceremonies, all of who must pass the American citizenship exam. Today's ceremony was celebrated by 39 applicants, all who were eager to finally say: I AM AN AMERICAN! 23 different countries were represented. 

Special music (The Star Spangled Banner) was performed by VIrginia Blend. 

Presentation of Applicants was led by Kenneth Parrella, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Virginia.

What a pleasure to see the new applicants raise their hand and quote the Oath of Allegiance.......spoken in the English language!

Once Judge Ballou presented the official certificates, the new citizens were greeted by flags, handshakes, copies of the Pledge of Allegiance, hugs, and folders of pertinent information. 

The Certificate of Naturalization (form N-550) is proof of a person having obtained U.S. citizenship through the legal process of obtaining a new nationality. This is a copy:  

My heart soared. I beamed with pride. THE NEW CITIZENS beamed with pride. Their smiles were big, broad, and sincere. It was an honor to firmly shake each person's hand. Some of the applicants drove 3-4 hours to make the 11:00 AM opening court. Many stood, after their oath, with remarks of gratitude, for the opportunity to become a citizen of the United States. 
Judge Ballou spoke to the New Citizens. In his remarks he quoted Ronald Reagan: 

"You can live in Germany, Turkey, or Japan, but you can't become a German, a Turk, or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the earth, can come live in America and become an American." 

The program concluded with special music, God Bless America, and the Pledge of Allegiance.

As members of the General James Breckinridge Chapter DAR, we have the distinct privilege of being a part of the program. We also provide a reception for the new citizens.  

Today, was my first occasion for personally meeting The Honorable Robert S. Ballou. After many of the new citizens had their 'photo session' with him, I was honored to have mine done as well! 

Federal Judges conduct the ceremonies, which are open to the public, including students. If you have never attended one, it is an experience that you will not forget. The next scheduled Naturalization Ceremony is listed in this link: www.vawd.uscourts.gov 

An additional link is also included to provide YOU with 100 Civics questions which are a part of the Naturalization process. How many can you answer? https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/100q.pdf
I'm proud to be an American! 

I'm equally proud to have the opportunity to vote!

Sept 16, 2024~Wharton Garden, Bedford, VA

 

What a treasure, and an unexpected pleasure to stumble upon the Wharton Garden in Bedford, Va. The secret garden is "located in the town of Bedford, Virginia between the Bedford Central Library and The Bower Center for the Arts. 

Included in the area: The Children's Literacy Garden, made up of several vignettes with an Alice in Wonderland theme, the Reading Walk, the Pollinator Garden, the Playhouse, a pergola and performance stage. 

What a magical place! 

"The Wharton Memorial Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) organization whose mission is to honor and continue the gardening legacies of Mrs. Louise Bibb Wharton and Mrs. Eloise Gregory, to encourage interest in horticulture through the creation and maintenance of public gardens, and to promote the development of North Bridge Street as a cultural and historic area through gardening, restoring historic structures and supporting the programs of the Bedford Central Library, the Bedford Historic Society and other neighboring institutions."

***** In my quest of learning/doing/seeing 76 new things this year, the Wharton Garden was #10!

JULY 28, 2024 NewToMeAt76

Today is the beginning of the rest of my life! 

It’s the beginning of a new day, and a new chapter. 

For me, my birthday represents a chance to be more/see more/learn more……… just like last year (with ONE MORE ‘add-on’). Last year’s self challenge (experience 75 new things) was beyond successful! I jotted down a running list as I experienced them.   A whopping 90+ items! I traveled some, tried new activities, attended first time events, ate new foods, and learned  many new computer skills. There is magic is learning new things!

You know that bucket list we all seem to have? What are you waiting for? Getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things has given me the opportunity to grow and discover new interests and hobbies. Some of the things that I did, ended up not really being my thing…but I gave it a shot. Some experiences were minuscule and almost insignificant(but for me, they were new things). Other experiences were painful, involving illnesses and minor surgery.  

Here’s MY LIST! 🥳🤩🤔. Starting was the hard part. Stopping was even harder! 

“God has given me this day to use as I will. I can waste it or use it for good. What will I do today, that I  can look back on to tomorrow, knowing I made a difference. What I do today is very important because I am exchanging a day of my life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place. “

GO FORTH AND CONQUER. DON’T WASTE YOUR LIFE. 

One of the most valuable ways you can keep your life exciting is to continue learning new things. Give your mind something new to absorb and think about. So cheers to another year! And cheers to making “New To Me at 76” a reality of taking on 76 new things! 😍😍😍

July 27, 2024~ Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve

 Take me back to country roads🎶

Rt 221 to Floyd, va to Willis, Va this morning, was a pleasant drive in preparation for our destination: Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve.

Cheers to the last #newtomeat75 hoorah experience, coming in at #90! 

Oh what a treat! Cool temps at noon: 66 degrees...perfect for our short hike. Although the walking path to the top was merely .9 miles, many sections were rocky and steep, which kept our eyes glued to the ground. "Generally considered a moderately challenging route", we huffed and puffed our way up the last .3 miles😁😂😃

The 4670' elevation at the summit was stunning. In fact, the magnificent views (imho) were comparable to McAfee Knob, without the crowds! 😉

Although a bit hazy, while standing at the top of the rock, we could look in the distance and spot Pilot Mountain in Pinnacle, NC( about 60 miles away by road). The almost 360 degree aerial vistas were breathtaking! 

The last photo in this series was taken on our way home, from the road(rt.799, Conner's Grove Rd in Willis, Va). The mountain in the far distance is Buffalo Mountain! 

What a day well spent!💓💓💓

July 19, 2024~ CampPaPaKK with WPH and Salem Red Sox Game

 

The day started out early at Camp PapaKK with rounds of cap gun shooting, bows and arrow target practice, and drive by visits from friends. 

A few hours later, and our camper remains in the driveway.....waiting on tomato thieves!😂😂😂

The evening ended with dinner before attending the Salem Red Sox game!

You know, baseball is as American as apple pie! And oh that song.........🎶Take Me Out To The Ballgame🎶. Friday night's game was the ideal excuse to get outside(after such a grueling hot week). 

****some of the photos were 'borrowed' from family****

Hurray for the big win⚾⚾⚾, the fabulous fireworks, people watching, pretzel and popcorn consumption, and spending time with FAMILY!

Let's Play Ball!