November 28, 2017 An Evening with the stars, and the ISS.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Tonight we enjoyed getting outside, walking downtown, and taking a few nighttime photographs.

The sky was clear, and the moon was shining over the Wells Fargo bank, in downtown Roanoke, Va.
We stood on the MLK Bridge. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. MEMORIAL BRIDGE

What a view of the new AMTRAK STATION and the train tracks.

The ISS (International Space Station) flew over where we were standing at 6:24pm.
We knew the arrival time, based on a link sent to my email.
SPOT THE STATION. It's always exciting to see this, but the sky has to be dark
.......... and clear!

It was a fun Monday evening!.... we are easily entertained!

November 23, 2017 Thanksgiving Number Two

Happy Thanksgiving-------- AGAIN!
Beyond Blessed and Thankful.
Thanksgiving should be everyday.
We have so much to be thankful for.
One day a year hardly seems adequate.
Planning a get-to-gather seems more and more complicated each year, but somehow we manage to set aside time!
THANK YOU GOD.
and thank you adult children for making this a priority!
I seriously need to photoshop 2 more people into this photo.... Ethan and Carson.

Hooray for the selfie-stick

For obvious reasons, this crew does not stand still very long.
Pre-lunch exercise/warm-up is a must.
Check out the HAND MADE BOWS made by Robin Hood  Ron.

Future hunters of the world unite!

Athletes as well as hunters!

The women folk just kinda stand around and talk!

Aren't we cute!

So much for the warmup/exercise..... Onward to the table!
(Not quite the traditional Thanksgiving feast, but not much was left behind!)

Laughter, hugs, peace, love, joy....... a few words to describe this family when we are together.

Did I say that we all conversed at the same time at the table?
Ha!
We also celebrated 3 birthdays for 3 people who have December birthdays!
Andrew 33, Stephanie 40, and Walter 43.
HOW COULD THIS BE?????

The cousins had a fabulous time together....... We REALLY needed Carson and Ethan here to help with the supervision.(SMH). These 3 have discovered playing in closets, and hid in just about all of them.

Thanks again to our 3, for making this time HAPPEN ♥!

Lauren, Walter, Sarah

GRATEFUL, BLESSED, THANKFUL

November 19, 2017 Pennsylvania Thanksgiving, Part 2

November 19, 2017
On our return trip to Roanoke, from York, Pa, we stopped in Biglerville, Pa. (Famous of course, for the Historic Round Barn). If you are near the area, this is a MUST STOP AND SEE!.
Enjoy the pics.

November 16, 2017 Thanksgiving Cactus

One week from today is THANKSGIVING, 2017.
I hope you and your family have a thankful-grateful day.
"For the wonder of each hour,
Of the day and of the night,
Hill and vale and tree and flower,
Sun and moon and stars of light."

As I was doing my usual Cinderella duties today, I peeked out the window to our greenhouse.
This Thanksgiving Cactus is in FULL BLOOM. We have propagated this from stem cuttings, and have managed to save it for many years. It's a good thing they are easy to grow, because summer neglect was its only care.

The magnificent Schlumbergera truncate is known for its November Brilliance!
Yes, there is a distinct difference in the November Cactus, and a Christmas Cactus.
Take some time to read this link, and impress your friends with your tidbits of knowledge.,
Hint: Look closely at the edges of the leaf segments. Click here to read →  DIFFERENCE .

"For the beauty of the earth,
For the glory of the skies,
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies"

Today, I am thankful for my Thanksgiving Cactus.

November 12, 2017 Kids Square Museum

A dream come true!

15,000 square-feet of entertainment, educational, and multi-sensory activities, all centered around ADULTS CHILDREN! (from toddler to age 10).

Wouldn't you LOVE to know what he is thinking? 

The KIDS SQUARE, in downtown Roanoke,Virginia, officially opened in mid-August. 

The Don and Barbara Smith Children's Museum is located on the 3rd floor of the  CENTER IN THE SQUARE 

Saturday, Nov 11, 2017 was my second visit.

I will go again, 

and again, 

and again.

The ADULTS CHILDREN, can be entertained for hours.

He is ready to enter the museum. Can you tell?

Mom's excited as well!

There is an annual membership, or pay at the door.

I was so impressed that I  joined ..... for the GRANNY CARD!!! (which allows as many visits as I can possibly use within a year)
"Many of the exhibits are connected by a miniature road, making its way through the museum" ...beep beep..

Go Fast, Go Fast. Go Fast.

WATCH OUT for the traffic!

Stopping long enough to some gasoline.

Check HERE to see more about the museum.
One can shop for groceries...

ADULTS CHILDREN can pay for the food and prepare a quick dinner.

The world is waiting for you to explore, imagine, build, climb, and enjoy!

Kids Square is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Check it out to see how much fun the ADULTS CHILDREN are having!
There is a communication center, a party room for rent, an enchanted forest and more.

Are you tired yet??
HA!

Hungry?
Next to the museum is the Roanoke Weiner Stand... best hot dogs in America.
The hot dog king was established in 1916.
If you know......... you go!

It didn't take long for  2 ADULTS  this CHILD to look like this!

I'd say our trip to the Kids Square Museum was 100% successful.

November 11, 2017 Veterans Day, Saturday

My favorite Veteran, my Dad ♥ my hero ♥
Today I thank him for instilling in me a keen sense of patriotism.

Carl Cannaday Hamilton (1917-2001)

We gathered in downtown Roanoke, Virginia for Virginia's Veterans Parade, honoring our military service personnel. The parade began at 11:00AM.
What a treat!
A time was held to personally meet and greet our Veterans.
I was honored.
I was humbled.
I was filled with pride.This, my fellow Americans, is PRIDE.
↓↓↓↓↓

Opening ceremonies....

Military cadets.....

Flag waving, and curiosity....

 

Speeches, tributes, and salutations....

High school marching bands...

Flags, flags, more flags, and people watching from many vantage points.

It has been a sobering, thought-provoking week for me. 

From a flag in the Walmart parking lot,

to a near-by cemetery, I've stopped to give thanks.

I am proud to be an American.

I am grateful for all who have made it possible to be here today.

Thank You!

Tomorrow will be another day.

But you can still...... HUG A VET