JP and I had a little time to do some sight-seeing in NC - not much, but what we saw was beautiful - and memorable. First, St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church in Flat Rock - here is a history. Built in the 1800's, it is rather small but full of relics and artifacts including a cemetery where the slaves and their children were buried - apart from the Caucasian church members.
The Slaves Cemetery - the original graves were marked with rocks, but those were later replaced by these simple crosses.
Some stained glass windows in the church.
Joe giving a sermon from the pulpit.
Taken at the church entrance. A beautiful, tree-filled setting. Next, we went to the home of Poet Laureate Carl Sandburg. Again, another beautiful setting set off of the highway with water, goats and plenty of solitude.
One of the tour directors told the story of the typist that Sandburg hired. She had a manual typewriter and did all of his typing while he dictated -- for 20 years. Imagine having that job and being the first to hear and capture the famous works he published!Back at the ranch, or in this case, The Carolina Village in Hendersonville, I took some pics of things that make Ruth and Joe extra special:
Ruth is undoubtedly one of the most talented artists I know - you remember the blog about the horse she painted. She also does china painting - there were dozens of these eggs around their cottage as well as vases, dishes, serving pieces -- all hand painted. She also does needlepoint, embroidery, makes exquisite clothing for her (self-painted) porcelain dolls...and that's just the beginning. There are so many exquisitely crafted items that are changed according to time of year and occasion. All this still being done at 84 years old! It is amazing. 
Joe knew from the time that he was young that he likes to build things - and he graduated from Virginia Tech with his degree in Mechanical Engineering. After a very successful career as part of the original teams at NASA who sent men to the moon (more stories on a future blog), he found he loves woodworking. He built 30 - yes THIRTY - of these benches that now surround Carolina Village. The walkers are thankful.
He also makes a delicious pot of homemade oatmeal!!
Since JP and I dated in high school, I knew Ruth and Joe back in the '70's. It has been wonderful to be reacquainted with them again. The best way to get to know a person is to get to know their parents -- it was an awesome trip!
How can you remember all of that stuff? Were you writing notes on your hand? A secret tape recorder that you were whispering in to?
ReplyDeleteI am glad you visited NC again as Ruth and Joe enjoy seeing you. We will have to go back again soon as there is much to explore.