February 14, 2025~Naturalization Day

 "You can go to live in France, but you cannot become a Frenchman. You can go to live in Germany or Turkey or Japan, but you cannot become a German, a Turk, or a Japanese. But anyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American."~Ronald Reagan

A Valentines Day to be remembered❣️! Forty new citizens participated in the Naturalization Ceremony at the United States District Court Western District of Virginia. The Honorable Robert S. Ballou presided.

Special music (Star Spangled Banner,  and America The Beautiful), was performed by the Carilion Clinic Hospice Choir.

The presentation of applicants was read by Coleman Adams, Assistant U.S. Attorney, Western District of Virginia.

With their right hands raised, Elizabeth Cox, Jury Specialist, administered the 'Oath of Allegiance' to the new 40 United States Citizens. 

The courtroom was filled with friends, family, distinguished guests, teachers, and co-workers, cheering on the successful accomplishments of the applicants. *I'm always amazed at the different countries from whence they came:

For me, one of the many profound highlights of the ceremony was witnessing Judge Ballou present the certificates to the new citizens. 

Cards and American flags were given out by the General James Breckinridge Chapter DAR.

***The General James Breckinridge Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution has been an active part of the Naturalization Ceremony since 1979, including a reception following the ceremony. Today marks my 5th participation in this event. What an honor and privilege! 

The remarks to the new citizens, given by Judge Ballou were inspiring, bold, and challenging. Indeed, they felt proud, honored, and welcomed to their new community. His words left a lasting impression on everyone in the room, including ME!

As with each of the ceremonies, all new citizens were encouraged to stand and make their gratitude known. Their smiles were BIG, BROAD, AND SINCERE. 

These brave, determined, and resilient individuals sought a better life in this great nation. They are now part of a vibrant tapestry, woven from threads of diverse cultures, traditions, and experiences.

 

The ceremony concluded with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Anna McLean, Registrar, General Breckinridge Chapter DAR.

"I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

 

"Remember that the more freedom you give to others, the more you will have for yourself. Remember that without law there can be no liberty. and remember, as well, the rich treasures you brought from whence you came, and let us share your pride in them. This is the way that we keep our independence as exciting as the day it was declared."~Gerald Ford 

I am proud to be an American.

"E Pluribus Unum" is the Latin phrase meaning "out of many, one" and has been the United States' official motto since 1782. It first appeared in a 1776 sketch for the Great Seal and is now featured on the seal and several US coins. The motto symbolizes the country's formation from the 13 original colonies and the belief that the nation should work together as one.

January 24, 2025~Line Dancing #NewToMeAt76

Three classes under my belt, and who knows where this will lead. I have my doubts that I'll be heading to Nashville to strut my stuff anytime soon, but I would at least like to learn to moves to the beat of "Achy Breaky Heart", and "Boot Scootin' Boogie". 

After the first 2 Beginning Line Dancing Classes, honestly, I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself into😗! The concept of line dancing(for me) sounded exciting. How hard could it be, right?  The reality of learning the steps, and gyrating my body to make me look like I knew what I was doing, without a face-plant on the floor........ made me question my sanity! I missed the third class. Before returning to the fourth session, I diligently practiced the foot work at home. Talk about 2 left feet!!!! I was able to remember the steps to ONE DANCE(The Bar Song). I watched a few YOUTUBE videos, and watched the video that my instructor had graciously put on facebook. REPETITION, REPETITION, REPETITION. My 'achy breaky' knees hurt. My 'boot scootin' lower back muscles twinged. 

The instructor, Anela Ferris Lancaster, is FABULOUS. She knows her stuff. And she has been successful in encouraging and instructing everyone in the class. 

So far the 3 hardest parts of learning to line dance for me: 1. KEEPING UP WITH THE BEAT OF THE MUSIC, especially with the faster songs. Yes, it was impossible to step-ball-change, weave and rock step that fast!😂 2. REMEMBERING THE STEPS, especially keeping track of all of the counts, and turns. 3. KEEPING MY BALANCE (I do not want to fall and get hurt!). 4. CONFIDENCE ON THE DANCE FLOOR (a little intimidating in front of others at first). I've turned the wrong way more than once. Thankfully the person behind me didn't give me THE LOOK!  

***I'm assuming my 2025 goals will eventually be accomplished, especially adding a few gyrating moves. Somehow, everyone's hips are swiveling smoothly while mine are either completely locked or going rogue like a washing machine on spin cycle😎. I wonder, if I will come close to doing this?

Admittedly, I am jealous............. of those cute young humanoids  that can move, shake, jump, and twist their bodies ALL AT THE SAME TIME. There are a few of us 'senior citizens' that look at each other and shake our heads. Thus far, though, we are laughing at ourselves😂. I've come to realize in 2 short weeks how important it is to have a rock solid balance stability. And with each week, I AM getting better and better!The third class was the FIRST time that the steps, the sequence, keeping up with the music, and keeping my balance encouraged me to KEEP ON KEEPING ON. 

I have to say that while I am in class, nothing else occupies my thoughts....my worries, my to-do-list, the news, ......nothing. What a stress reliever! Combining infectious energy and rhythms......that's what the dances and songs below do⬇️⬇️⬇️ . They are guaranteed to get you on your feet!  

The first four dances have ALMOST been learned.That "WOBBLE" is something else! OH MY GOODNESS! That may be icing on the cake for me! If/when I feel confident doing this particular dance, I MAY consider the cowboy boots. Thank goodness for my tennis shoes! No doubt, the leather soles let you smoothly glide across a dance floor, but for now stability and comfort are the better options for me.

Just for fun, I asked ChatGPT to create an image of a 76 yr old woman, with brown hair and bangs, wearing cowboy boots, trying to learn line dancing........ HAHAHA I should totally rock this look!

The line-dancing classes are held at the YMCA Tanglewood, Roanoke, VA. For me, as a member of the YMCA, the lessons are free. Each week, my confidence grows. Line dancing has been a new fun form of exercise for me. It gets my heart pumping and my brain working, all while being part of a social activity. 

The 5th class was.........well, let's just say my head was not cooperating with my feet😂😂😂. I was, however, successful at creating a new dance(THE FORGETFUL SHUFFLE). We learned a few new steps, and it threw me "off", which doesn't take much!

Determination is the key. Stay tuned for more line dancing in February! 

 


 

January 1, 2025~ Zachariah Wheat Family Cemetery and Ash Spring

ASH SPRING, located on Wheats Valley Road, Bedford, VA

Happy New Year! 

Ron and I recently revisited the Zachariah Wheat Family Cemetery, and Ash Spring in Bedford County, Virginia. It was a treat to be back for the second time (after I had the opportunity to learn more about the family's history). My goal for 2025 is to complete all of the necessary documentation to prove that Ron and I are fifth cousins! That's right! 5th cousins😉😃😁:

With the help of a friend, who is the archivist/deputy clerk at the Bedford County Circuit Court, WILLS were located for Zachariah Wheat, and his son, Hazael.  WHAT A FASCINATING READ! Zachariah's will, dated 1853, listed his sons, Forrest, Hazael, and Zachariah J, as well as his daughters, Nancy Watson, Polly Watson, Elizabeth Jennings, Lydia Sharp. His deceased children(Lucy Everett, and Edith Rebecca Logwood) were also mentioned. Zachariah's Will was 3 pages long(Will Book #15; pages 81, 82, 83):

    

Hazael Wheat's(one of Zachariah's sons) Will was not as extensive as Zachariah's; (Will Book #31, Page 16, 17). The Will was written in 1889. His daughters mentioned were: Mary Eliza Wheat, Mildred Edith Watson, Lucy Davis McClintock( LUCY DAVIS WHEAT WHITE MCCLINTOCK). His son Joseph Fletcher Wheat and Othy W Wheat were mentioned. 

"THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING", so to speak.These 2 WILLS PROVE the lineage relationship between Ron and me! Thanks again to my friend Karen, who helped me locate these wills!

OK......back to the cemetery! The path to the family cemetery started here:

To the lower right of this photo, began a narrow path, loaded with briers, twisted vines, and gnarly dense thicket, to the top of the hill. We knew we had located the cemetery when we spotted the stone walls! 

We made our way to the opening of the cemetery, but not without a few scratches! Hiking boots, gloves and hand clippers were part of our attire! 

Here is the entrance to the cemetery! 

 

Many of the graves mentioned in Zachariah and Hazael's WILLS were located. Many grave sites were not found. Below is a list of known graves in the family cemetery:

Numerous headstones were mere rocks, covered with moss, and revealed no name. Sadly, we were unable to locate Hazael's wife's marker. Her name was Eliza Mildred Tinsley Wheat. IT COULD HAVE BEEN THIS STONE.........OR NOT. 

Or it could have been this stone!!!

January 1st temperatures were FRIGID, and we were on a mini-mission to 'clean up' and photograph a few major tombstones. The first being the double headstones of Zachariah and Edith Chastain Wheat:

We carried some of the supplies with us that were needed to clean......... not an easy job.

Did I mention that this was not an easy job???? and did I mention that it was late in the day, and the sun was going to be setting soon, and we still had to walk back down the not-so-clear-path to the car🤪?

I suspect that we will return soon to finish the job that we started..... I want to be able to read the bottom lines ..... I THINK IT SAYS: "RESTING IN HOPE OF A GLORIOUS RESURRECTION"

Last headstone was easy to find and was located near the entrance. Hazael Wheat, son of  Zachariah and Edith Chastain Wheat. Easy to find, yes........but not as easy to navigate to get to the headstone!

Ash Spring was our last destination. It is located on Wheats Valley Road near the intersection of  Wheats Valley Road, and Overstreet Creek Rd, Bedford, VA

We will return to Ash Spring again! The family cemetery is located within a mile of the old house!

Onion Mountain is seen at the back of the house!

***********  HAZAEL AND ELIZABETH WERE SIBLINGS. Their father and mother were Zachariah and Edith Chastain Wheat.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️