Live From Pleasant Chapel

Bill's Botanical is doing its magic!

2011-06-07T03:28:00.000-04:00

Plants are growing...water is flowing...guests are coming...We are enjoying the garden and the friends that come by for visits. Lots of catching up to do.....

Maybe I should get back to blogging!!

2011-06-06T17:34:00.000-04:00

It's been a long time since I blogged. Facebook and other things took over my life. I need to slow down...sit on the porch a bit and write about my life adventure more. Such is what I did when Shelly came over to visit yesterday.... what fun... I'll post this and see what happens!

Tonight I am overwhelmed with the gift of life and love.....particularly my life of love with Pat.

2010-04-13T23:42:00.003-04:00

Day 2 Sunrise Shots

2010-03-29T10:02:00.001-04:00

Enjoyed watching this osprey enjoy his breakfast!

More Shots From Our First Day

2010-03-28T16:50:00.001-04:00

Sunday Walk on the Beach

2010-03-28T11:02:00.003-04:00

I love getting up before daybreak to catch the first break of dawn....... Here are some shotss from my morning walk.........

Fun With Family

2010-03-01T21:21:00.002-05:00

Great fun with the Grandkids!

I love this shot!

Family Food and Fun Night

2010-02-28T19:05:00.002-05:00

Valley Heritage Society plans for new museum | newarkadvocate.com | The Newark Advocate

2010-02-15T15:46:00.001-05:00

Valley Heritage Society plans for new museum newarkadvocate.com The Newark Advocate

Birthday Surprise

2010-02-06T21:31:00.002-05:00

Seth and Heather surprised us with a 65th birthday party. Chocolate ice cream cake was delicious.

This Morning's Birding Adventure

2010-02-06T18:36:00.002-05:00

I got up and out early this morning to get to a Central Ohio birding trail. It paid off in some rare beauty. I was able to get within 10 feet of along the lake.

I loved seeing this Egret having it's feathers blow in the breeze!

Bald Eagle Bonanza!

2010-02-06T17:36:00.003-05:00

I saw 17 Sand Hill Cranes among these Brhama cattle.

...and the highlight of the morning was seeing 9 Bald Eagles!

Here one casing away a buzzard.

Father/Son Bonding

2010-02-05T18:35:00.002-05:00

As you sit up there in the snow....we were down here in 75 degree weather with Tornado warnings out. As soon as the danger passed but still pouring rain, Seth and I took off for the hot tub for some Father/Son bonding time. While Heather was off in the car at a friends in Tampa and Pat was fixing supper we engaged in some man to man conversation.....in the near tub below.

A Visit with Zack and Liz

2010-02-04T08:39:00.001-05:00

When we arrived and told them we were interested in seeing some birds....we see this Sandhill Crane in their neighbors yard!

We enjoyed some time at the beach....

........and finished the evening fixing chicken alfredo pizza.

Sunset Over the Bay....

2010-02-04T07:56:00.003-05:00

These shots were taken on the Patric Air Force Base where Zack is an MP......

...and then....on our way back to Zack and Liz's we came upon this accident. Zack jumped into action checking on the drivers (they were OK) and directing traffic while I comforted the drivers.

Around the Resort

2010-02-02T17:46:00.002-05:00

Although it's been rainy....we enjoyed a break in the cloouds this evening.

Heather spends time away from the emergency room on the porch with a bok.

Our abode for the week......

Beauty Around the Resort

2010-02-02T16:58:00.002-05:00

Azelias outside our front door......

...and Ibis probes for grubs....

The Hooded Merganzer is a fairly rare sighting.........

It's great to see some different flora and fauna in the middle of winter......

Seth and Heather's Supper

2010-02-01T18:05:00.002-05:00

It is a family tradition when we vacation that we rotate supper preparation. Tonight Seth and Heather concocted Italian Shepards pie.....delicious!

Nature Walk Around the Resort

2010-02-01T13:20:00.003-05:00

Early this morning I took a guided nature walk around our resort and took these shots. I love observing a new environment with flora different than Ohio's.

This interesting tall palm is called a "Bird of PAradise Palm. God must have liked the idea for the flower on the shrub (which Stan has in his front yard!) and used it for the tall palm as well.

Heather, Pat and I enjoyed hanging out in the lower hot tub and talking about life!

Florida's State Palm. It's neat that birds carry fern spores into the crown of the palm creating a beautiful double crown effect.

Orlando ...Here we come!

2010-01-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

.............even though I don't expect to visit Mickey! (Or Minnie!)

Blog Status

2010-01-18T08:40:00.002-05:00

For those who have followed this blog and still check in on occassion I want to give you an update. I've had to make tough choices on time allocation. PAt and I are busier than ever with family, friends and particularly working in our area of calling of ministering to people with relational issues in their lives. (Not to mention that for some crazy reason I can't easily blog picture up to blogspot!) I have been using facebook as the medium through which I communicate the adventure of our lives. Do be in touch with us by email of join faccebook and search me out as a friend. MAybe at some point we'll return to blogspot active status.
Bill and Pat

Shot Me A Barrrr !

2009-10-22T10:20:00.002-04:00

.............With a camera of course! This guy (or gal!) wandered in front of the car as Pat was driving. We pulled offf the oad and I got these shots.....even though it was dusk and the camera speed was slow.... they turned out pretty good!

Pat and I have totally enjoyed our trip to this point..

2009-10-20T09:15:00.002-04:00

"The mountains are calling and I must go." John Muir

Pat tests out here new knees on a Smoky Mountain hike...

2009-10-20T09:02:00.003-04:00

Turn your computer sideways!

2009-10-19T22:54:00.002-04:00

Snow in the mountains

2009-10-17T23:27:00.000-04:00

Mountain Beauty

2009-10-17T23:21:00.002-04:00

At about 3000 feet we saw the beauty of snow on th mountain top...

It was a beautiful day on the parkway...

2009-10-16T20:44:00.002-04:00

The clouds and mist made for some amazing scenes!

The fog was rising up out of the valleys creating surrealistic views.

....as Pat looked on.....

.......and I enjoyed a pause on the trail...... What a wonderful day!

A lunch stop along the way...

2009-10-16T17:21:00.001-04:00

Delicious cheese and crackers.....

...while I take some shots across the parkway.....

Tamarac Art

2009-10-16T05:24:00.003-04:00

We love the amazing work of the mountain people displayed at Tamarac...

......and some of the worlk of the Master Creator....

You Know It's Fall When......

2009-09-30T13:02:00.003-04:00

The white pine next to the back porch suddenly sheds its oldest needless to make way for spring growth......

.....it's pine cones creating unique patterns as they fall......

Free for the asking....these "Pancake Plants" were started from one plant given to us as a gift from Brian Redman. They need to be wintered inside and I'm looking to give them to anyone who will come after them. They are a gorgeous foliaged plants and a member of the Kalanchoe family. Give us a call to arrange pick up or delivery!

Family Matters

2009-09-30T12:20:00.002-04:00

Hailey lost her first tooth! She proudly showed it to me and has put it in the tin Mel, Sam and Eloise gave her from France for just this occasion. I'll update you on how the tooth ferry came through especially since the note to the fairy on the top of the tin was in French!

My sister Ruth just had an opeation to remove cancer from he nose. Here is the resultant "nose job"....

....and here is the Ruth I observed on my visit of yesterday.

GET WELL SOON, SIS!!

Preparing for Another Visit to One of America's National Parks

2009-09-28T08:01:00.004-04:00

After watching last night's first episode of "Our National Parks" on PBS I came in to look at pictures I took on our 2007 trip to Yellowstone National Park. There is a grandeur that when experienced replenishes our spirits.

I suggest you look at the next 5 episodes to see and learn the history of what's been called "America's greatest idea"....our National Parks. What could be more American than owning together the most magnificent places on this continent!

John Muir said, "Keep close to Nature's heart... and break clear away once in awhile and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean." Pat and I are totally looking forward to getting away to America's most visited National Park, The Great Smoky mountains. There we will reconnect with God through nature and with each other....TOGETHER.

We leave Oct 15th to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway at the very highth of fall foliage season. There we will find time to sit in a lodge, hike trails through the leaves to waterfalls and listen to water flow. We will take you with us via this blog and facebook. It can be your fall getaway too!

Madison School Renovation

2009-09-25T10:47:00.002-04:00

The church that bought Madison Elementary School building is turning the gym/auditorium into a worship center. This shot is taken toward the back wall looking into what was the office. The balcony used many years ago for watching basketball games has been reopened.

The stage has been lowered considerably......

........and these two views are from the balcony. This shot facing northwest......

....and this one northeast.

You Know You're Growing Old When Your Son Turns 40!

2009-09-25T10:21:00.002-04:00

An evening of fun, food and birthday greetings for Wes........

It was just yesterday that he was walking out to the bus for hs first day of school with his Evil Knevel lunch box!

......and now his girls are growing and celebrating their Dad's big 40!

Heath Bulldogs - Welcome to Hanover!

2009-09-18T12:30:00.003-04:00

As many of you following the local news scene know the city of Heath has instituted new traffic violation cameras at major intersections. This has resulted in the city of Heath netting $130,000 in traffic fines in just its first month. Tonight the Heath Bulldogs play the Licking Valley Panthers in what is a huge interleague rival game. As the citizens of Heath approach the Hamlet of Hanover....the following signs await them........

.....needless to say the Mayor and town Fathers of Hanover in an effort to recoup some of the revenue drained from the Licking Valley Citizenry have erected somewhat of a "speed trap" of their own.....

........going "High Tech" for the first time themselves (note the satelite communication for instant violator identification) the hope is to replentish the Village coffers with Heath Bulldog cash! Licking Valley Citizens have each been mailed a Free - "Get Out of Jail" card!!! (Click on the picture above to enlarge for viewing technical details)

Good Morning Hanover!

2009-09-10T04:57:00.002-04:00

This scene greeted me last week traveling into the little Hamlit of Hanover. I love this place!

So Just What Is A "Knap In?"

2009-09-07T06:50:00.002-04:00

A Knap In is an event held at Flint Ridge State Memorial that brings together people from all over the country who are skilled in the ancient craft of making tools and weapons from flint and other stone materials. There is a large selection of flint products for sale and flint knapping and other ancient skill technology demonstrations are held throughout the event.

Here is an example of the kinds of points knappers hand craft from Ohio's gemstone.

They work together sharing interest and techniques as they produce their products using the same methods as native Americans for thousands of years.

Roy Miller who has discovered and quarried the colorful flint on his property adjacent to the State Memorial site is known for his beautifully crafted "dovetail" spear points.

2009-09-07T06:18:00.002-04:00

It's Bill Pickard, Ohio Historical Society Archeologist, and Royal Mapes, OU Geology College Professor, identifying artifacts and rocks people bring to them....

.....it's picking out a knapped arrowhead or pretty stone from the Museum/Gift shop...

......it's learning with your sons how to use an atl atl as the ancient people did to obtain food.....

.....it's showing your grandson how Indians used pump drills to make ornate flint necklaces and start fires....

An Evening of Work, Family and Food

2009-09-01T07:41:00.002-04:00

After sawing down a big cherry tree in Meg's yard...hunger prevailed which lead to Pat breaking out some steaks, corn on the cob and fresh tomatoes from the garden. Food, laughter and stories was the order of the spontaneous feast.

....and the girlies enjoyed the fire on what felt like a cool fall evening.

At The End of a Beautiful Day....

2009-08-29T20:46:00.001-04:00

....a trip to Dawes to where I asked her to marry me...

Beautiful End to Our Day

2009-08-29T20:41:00.001-04:00

Zoe's First Middle School Cross Country Meet

2009-08-29T16:24:00.002-04:00

Zoe in solitary preparation for her cross country debut....

This is the field of competition. About a hundred 7th and 8th graders at Bryn Du Mansion in Granville. Zoe is a 7th grader.

Zoe Passes the Competition...

2009-08-29T16:15:00.000-04:00

2 Miles Under 16 Minutes

2009-08-29T16:02:00.002-04:00

The 8th Place finisher gets her first medallion.

I Grow Um...She Cans Um!

2009-08-29T07:42:00.002-04:00

Would you believe 58 jars of tomatoes in a day!

This will provide good eating in soups, stuffed peppers and tacos through the winter.

Seth's Birthday Party

2009-08-26T04:30:00.002-04:00

The family gathered for the celebration of #3 son's 33rd birthday last evening.

Heather the Cake Baker fired up the candles as the Licking Valley Soccer team sang to him...

...and he awaited the cake delivery while playing with nephew, Asa. A good time was had by all!

2009-08-26T04:03:00.001-04:00

Hailey's First Day as a Panther

2009-08-26T03:31:00.002-04:00

It's been to long since I've blogged...these pictures are in reverse.... Here she is getting on the bus for official first day at licking Valley.....

........after having some adjustments made to her back pack by her sister....

.....heading to the bus stop for Hailey's first day of school.

Getting Ready for The Big Event

2009-08-26T02:57:00.002-04:00

Pat and I having taken on major roles for the Licking Valley Heritage Society are preparing for the big upcoming Knap In event. Yes....that's correct....it is KNAP and not NAP for those who know me best!

Youth Group Reunion

2009-08-06T20:36:00.002-04:00

Last Saturday members of the Youth Groups we served in the late 70's and early 80's honored us at an event at Licking Valley. It was an opportunity to reminisce and share memories of their days growing up and our days serving. Here Dan and I broke into a song we used to sing together.

Stan Eng, a young man who became one of our extended family members and is a professional videogapher interviewed us seperately and showed the edited version as part of the tribute. I love hearing Pat describe life as the wife of the Youth Leader and stories from her stint in the girls dormatory.

...and here a group shot of those who attended. A wonderful evening it was!

Pictures from my walk this morning at Put In Bay

2009-07-28T21:46:00.000-04:00

Zoombezie Bay

2009-07-25T07:44:00.002-04:00

We spent yesterday with Wes's family and Sandra at Zoombiezie Bay... Yes I ZOOOMMMED down the highest, fastest, swirlingest, twistingest everything the kids did (Including that straight down dark blue shoot second from the left) !

It was a fun day for Zoe........

....and Addy.....and ALL!

"Most Trusted Man In America"

2009-07-19T21:30:00.002-04:00

I found myself mesmorized in front of the TV screen tonight watching the account of Walter Cronkite's life. The "personification of integrity"..... and statements like this caused me to reflect on my own life and those people in it that I consider the emodyment of honesty, integrity and influence in my life. They are those who by virtue of their virtue of honesty and sincerity and ability to be real with me...... have served as both friend and inspiration. I thank God to have been connected to quite a few people like this......in steady flow....for many years. They are as beloved to me as I heard many describe Walter was to them.

The Latest From Around Pleasant Chapel

2009-07-11T18:27:00.002-04:00

You know you live in the wild when a WILD turkey walks her young right up between our houses into the woods.......

Megan learning to can beans from her Mother.

.......a meal from the bounty of the garden.

Woops....

2009-07-03T23:31:00.002-04:00

.....not only does this look like a clash of cultures....LOL...but I posted tonight's pictures on Meg's blog! Sorry about that but here is a link to their whereabouts....http://virginianbeauty2727.blogspot.com/

Sorry about that!

Go Karting..

2009-07-01T07:19:00.001-04:00

And Sssoooo ...We Arrive Camping at Mohican...

2009-06-30T14:48:00.002-04:00

....and Mel jumps right in to the action to help loose the load. I wanted Sam (who is not here because of his booming Paris Bike Company business in Paris!) to see the active role his wife is playing....as is mine!!

2009-06-30T14:40:00.001-04:00

2009-06-30T14:33:00.001-04:00

2009-06-30T14:29:00.000-04:00

2009-06-30T14:23:00.001-04:00

Shots From Mohican Camp

2009-06-30T14:15:00.001-04:00

Scenes Around The House

2009-06-28T22:46:00.002-04:00

.....like her Grandpa.....a Master Napper!

Reading the kids favorite book, Drummer Hoff Fired It Off." (One of the characters wears a patch!)

....enjoying corn on the cob with the fam....

Eloise's first ear of corn on the cob!

Gathering Together for the Hanover Fireworks

2009-06-28T22:26:00.002-04:00

Seth....the kid magnet!

...everyone poised across the street from Wes's house for the Red, White and Kaboom.....

........and as usual.....we were not disapointed!

Welcome to America!

2009-06-28T07:13:00.004-04:00

One of the purposes of this blog is to keep my Son Sam in France informed of his wife and daughter's American adventure. Here Eloise is greeted at the airport after a l o n g flight fraught with delays and challenges.....but arrive they did......hungry..........so........what better place to get a taste of Ohio cusine than............

.......good ol Ohio born and bread......Bob Evans!

.....she lved the lemon......

.........eggs, sausage and biscuit! (Don't worry, Sam...she ate light portions!) Of course I could't help just looking at her and photographing her........so much better than Skypjng across the pond!

Eloise Is Welcomed to 3800!

2009-06-28T06:50:00.002-04:00

The cousins next door were excited to see Eloise........

....of course she was festuned with a buckeye necklace!

....and shown around the pond and taught to feed fish!

....and was greeted by this sign designed by Meg, Hailey and Elissa to welcome her!

The Hanover Parade

2009-06-28T06:21:00.003-04:00

What better way to introduce Eloise to America than to have her ride with her cousins in the 4th of July parade through "downtown" Hanover.

....picking up candy along the route.....

Dewey Wilfong and his restored Allis Chalmers....a symbol of the breadbasket of America!

And of course....the Mayor of Hanover, Duane Flowers, warns Kim Jong Il that Hanover is equiped to defend against his nuclear threats.

They're Here!

2009-06-27T19:10:00.001-04:00

DELAYED!

2009-06-27T06:09:00.002-04:00

Our two sweeties from France were due to arrive last evening....HOWEVER....due to a flight delay and missed connections....they are sleeping the night in Atlanta and will get to us later this morning.

Will they make it for the downtown Hanover (almost like Paris!) Red, White and Blue Kaboom festivities and fireworks???? Time will tell. Stay tuned for further developments....and pictures.

Pat is Back!

2009-06-26T06:21:00.002-04:00

In preparation for Mel and Eloise to come and stay in our extra bedroom....Pat has come back to sleep with me! Some long while ago we decided to sleep in separate rooms to accomodate our differences. She's a night owl.....me an early bird....I toss and turn....she's a sensitive sleeper...... later with her two knee replacements she needed special accomodations etc etc. Last night she came back! We hugged and talked. 42 years of togetherness....partnership...of loving each other through births and deaths....crises...and tranquility....through it all....TOGETHER.... I love this girl and life is good.

She Arrives Tomorrow.....

2009-06-25T21:19:00.004-04:00

Little Eloise will be arriving from France tomorrow evening. For those who may not know Sam, my second son, married Mel....a cute French biker/research Biologist.....and she and Sam now live in a suburb of Paris. They have a daughter, Eloise (seen here in Italy!) who is coming with her Mom to Pleasant Chapel tomorrow evening.

Part of her visit will be spent camping with her cousins at Mohican State PArk where her Dad spent many a week growing up. We will be biking, hiking, floating down the Mohican, swimming and eating around the campfire. As you can imagine....WE CANT WAIT!

Seth Takes Hailey A Ride on My New Father's Day Present

2009-06-24T07:50:00.003-04:00

Years ago Seth and I went in halvesies on a riding mower. The deal included keeping it stored at his house and he would maintain it. (Smart move on my part since he is the Maste Mechanic!) The downside has been that I have to go pick it up and return it in the truck when I have to mow. On Father's day Seth presented me with his half of trhe mower since he and Heather bought a new one. SSSOOOO here is Seth taking Hailey around 3800 on MY new whole mower!!

She did the steering of course......

....and finally.....

2009-06-21T17:14:00.002-04:00

......a graveside service was held for Daddy which provided an opportunity for Pat's family from up north to say last good byes to their Uncle Dave.....

....the Veterans Alliance of Licking County presented a 21 gun salute.....

.......Grandkids said their last fairwells......

........and Zoe read a poem she had written about her Grandpa.

Licking Valley Administrators Luncheon

2009-06-20T05:40:00.002-04:00

Since there are a number of former students who follow this blog/facebook I thought you might like to check out this picture of your old administrators. From the left and around the table are: Bob Tharp, Licking Valley Middle School; Dave Burger, Mary Ann Elementary School; Linda Myer, Madison Elementary School; Dan Montgomery, Licking Valley High School; Me; Don Urban, Licking Valley Superintendant; Jim Foster, Licking Valley Middle School and Licking County Service Center; and Bill Toothman, Licking Valley High School.

They Are Coming......

2009-06-18T06:57:00.001-04:00

A week from tomorrow......!!!!!

Final Thoughts....The text of my Eulogy Tribute To Dad

2009-06-17T22:34:00.003-04:00

This evening we gathered to celebrate a wonderful man.....Pat's Dad, David Williams JR.
attaced are my notes from the part of the Eulogy I delivered. Wes Humble, Pat, Claudia and Wesley also brought some wonderful recollections and stories.....

I. Introduction …
A. On behalf of the family we thank you for being here. Your love and support and friendship mean the world to us.
B. First know that Dad…quote… “didn’t want no funeral!”
C. …so..Dad…FOR THE RECORD…THIS IS NOT A FUNERAL!
D. …This is a memorial service to share with you and remind us… about a man that we as a family dearly love
E. This service is not for him…BUT FOR US….to learn from his life.

II. I can honestly say that I’ve made some significant life changes at funerals. They are a chance do some mid flight course correction to OUR flight plan! It’s our chance to change or adjust our course and say….. “I want to be more like…that!”

A. For Bob and I… this all started back in the 60’s when the Weaver brothers swooped in and married his two daughters…..
B. He was military….spit and polish…It took me 6 years to get up the nerve to ask him if I could marry Pat….. Talk about nervous!...Picture this…I approached him as he was repairing his Buick…. I would like your permission to marry Pat. “Yeah…hand me that 3/16 wrench there…!”

III. Pat described…. “He taught us to be self sufficient….to drive, read maps,…to take the road less traveled and find out where it came out!”
A. He was the driver’s ed instructor not only for the girls and Dave but for the whole neighborhood.

B. With his aviation background…DAD was a human GPS device. In any of our travels he keeps track of us and the routes we travel.
IV. In his subtle way Dad had an impact on each of our lives. I’d like to open this up for other to share their thoughts about Dad….
A. Claudia –
B. Pat….
C. His Grandson Wes

V. David Williams defined the words… LOYAL… FAITHFUL,…. DEVOTED.
A. Dad was faithful to his spouse…(s) He was faithful to Marge for 21 years…He stayed by her side through the ravages of cancer till her last breath. To him…. “Till death do us part” …. meant something!
B. He married Evelyn and as her health has declined he visits her at the nursing home 2 or 3 times a day ….EVERYDAY…even though as a results of Alzheimer’s …..she doesn’t even know his name.

C. Dad has taught us by his example to be FAITHFUL to each other….TO LOVE EACH OTHER…WITH OUT CONDITION.…

D. Dad was faithful to God. This is his copy of “My Dailey Bread” which he got us each year. Connecting with God is how he started each day…as maybe should we!

E. Dad was faithful to the United States of America
1. He served during WWII as a pilot instructor…he trained the pilots who flew the missions…..He was a member of what Tom Brokaw called “The Greatest Generation”

VI. DAD HAD A FLIGHT PLAN FOR EVERY TRIP……INCLUDING THIS ONE!
1. As Pat said…he loves storms…what you may not understand it that he loved flying into them…..

I close with this World War II story…
Flying fighter sweeps over France and air defense over England against the German Luftwaffe, World War II pilot, John Magee rose to the rank of Pilot Officer.
On 3 September 1941, Magee flew a high altitude 30,000 feet test flight in a Spitfire V. As he orbited and climbed upward, he was struck with the inspiration for a poem. Once back on the ground, he wrote a letter to his parents. In it he commented, "I am enclosing a verse I wrote the other day. It started at 30,000 feet, and was finished soon after I landed."
On the back of the letter, he jotted down his poem entitled, 'High Flight.' Just three months later, on December 11, 1941,…. Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee, Jr. was killed. This evening In honor of John and Daddy…I want to read his poem…..
High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of EarthAnd danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirthOf sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred thingsYou have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swungHigh in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,I've chased the shouting wind along, and flungMy eager craft through footless halls of air. . . .

Up, up the long, delirious burning blueI've topped the wind-swept heights with easy graceWhere never lark, or ever eagle flew —And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trodThe high untrespassed sanctity of space,Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.
— John Gillespie Magee, Jr

Coming To America!

2009-06-17T12:14:00.002-04:00

In just over a week Daughter-in-law Melanie.........

........and Granddaughter Eloise will be arriving from France to land on these American shores!

We just can hardly wait to have Eloise peering out the window here on to the Botanical Gardens, camping with her cousins, sliding down the slip-n-slide with her Grandpa and reading "Drummer Hoff Fired It Off" with her Grandmama! We will be helping her practice her English!!!!

A Wonderful Dad and Grandpa Was He

2009-06-14T18:57:00.004-04:00

Pat's Dad, David Tressler Williams Jr's life ended on this planet Saturday evening. I picked this picture because it reflects the kind of affection we all have for him. He will be sadly missed by all of us. His memorial Service will be Wednesday evening at the Henderson-VanAtta-Stickle funeral home. Visiting hours will be 5 to 7 PM with a celebration service at 7 PM. He is already sadly missed.

What a Way to Go!

2009-06-09T07:40:00.002-04:00

This is the first picture of the Weaver/Williams clan taken in some while (Kim had to work.) It was taken at the funeral of Daddy's sister and Pat and Claudia's Aunt Mary. In recent weeks her health had failed to the extent that in the last days she was sustained only through wearing an oxygon mask. She was however "with it" right to the end. She wanted to see all of her family who, including Pat, Daddy and Claudia made their way to her bedside for last good byes. One by one she said good by to kids grandkids and friends, picked out her dress, songs and scriptures for her funeral..... As we learned even more vividly in the eulogies at the funeral...she had a tremendous connection with God and great faith. Not wanting to be "sustained" by a machine she elected to check out of this life and into the awaiting next by asking to have the mask removed. She died shortly after in the loving presence of her children. The pictures below are of other family members. She is now "adsent with us...but present with God!"

Zoe Plus Camera Plus Garden Equals Beauty!

2009-06-07T07:13:00.001-04:00

Zoe....Nature Photographer

2009-06-06T20:37:00.001-04:00

While Zoe's Mom was in the hospital she spent some time at our house with my camera around the garden.......here are some of the results......

A Portion of Wes's Speech....SIDEWAYS! (Sorry about that!)

2009-05-25T22:13:00.004-04:00

Today Wes Spoke at the Hanover Cemetary Memorial Day Ceremony

2009-05-25T22:00:00.002-04:00

He did a great job personalizing what those who have spent their lives for freedom mean to him.

THE GRAVE OF THE MOST INFLUENCIAL MAN IN MY LIFE!

2009-05-25T21:52:00.001-04:00

The Shots I Took This Memorial Day Morning

2009-05-25T07:32:00.001-04:00

Flint Ridge State Memorial

2009-05-23T20:55:00.002-04:00

With State funding for historic sites dwindling The Licking Valley Heritage Society has stepped up to take on the operation of this ancient and significant flint quarry.

....native Americans would come to these flint pits to quarry this beautiful and useful stone to be napped into arrowheads and tools.

The transition from the Ohio Historical Society to our Licking Valley Heritage Society was accompolished at this meeting of OHS reps George Kane and Vickie Branson and LVHS reps Duane Flowers, Dave Hile and me.

Activity at the Nap In

2009-05-23T20:25:00.003-04:00

Roy Miller, the Guru of flint napping demonstrated is technique of taking a chunk of flint and shaping it into an arrowhead or blade.......

.........as he's being watched by interested onlookers.....

This is Jim, our first paying customer to the museum.

Miller Meal and Reunion

2009-05-20T03:58:00.002-04:00

It's always a good time when we get together with Mom's side of the family for food and "catch up" conversation. I love picking Elizabeth's brain since it's so full of information on a wide variety of subjects!

Spring Has Sprung

2009-05-13T00:17:00.002-04:00

To those who have followed this blog I need to explain why the lack of posts.... I would use this forum to track our life adventure here at Pleasant Chapel. Two things have occured that have contributed to the infrequency of posts. I have been using Facebook social networking site to post to. ....primarily I have been unable to post from Picassa to blogspot. I am posting these shots from the garden for those who enjoy the beauty of nature.

2009-05-13T00:09:00.000-04:00

We Had a Great Time When The Kids Came Over to Honor Their Mother on Mother's Day

2009-05-10T22:37:00.002-04:00

Easter Weekend Execution Dilema

2009-04-14T08:26:00.001-04:00

On a weekend I have since 1967 spent celebrating the resurrection of an executed man, I found myself in a courtroom in Miami at the center of a case to determine if a former student would be executed. He had already in 1976 admitted to the brutal murder and was sentenced to die. So why 33 years later is he still on death row. At the center of the dilemma are two key issues in Florida…
Who gets put to death for murder and who doesn’t. (Yesterday Phil Spector after a pattern of threatening women with guns was found guilty of firing a shot into the head of Lana Clarkson and murdering her. His sentence is 18 years in prison.) The issue in Bill’s case has been….Is mental retardation a mitigating circumstance in determining life verses death sentences and is Bill Thompson “retarded.” (That’s the word the US and Florida Supreme Courts use.) Bill was a reasonably good kid in school but in IQ tests administered numerous times over his elementary and middle school years was consistently around 73. In Ohio at the time…that made him eligible for EMR (Educatable Mentally Retarded) classes. The dilemma was that there were very few of those classes available so Bill ended up being retained several times. (He was 18 years old when I had him in the 8th grade and he quit the year after.) A fuller description of my testimony about Bill, his scores and demeanor, can be found in the Miami Herald article about the sentencing hearing at:
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/998578.html

So…..SOME OF MY THOUGHTS ON IT ALL……

As I walked into the court room I immediately made eye contact with Bill. Shackled, grey haired and having been brought from his maximum security cell he looked at me with the same goofy grin I remember from the 8th grade… his face lit up and he blurted out, “Hi, Mr. Weaver!”
Over the judges head was a large quote, “We who labor here seek only the truth…”
As I testified I tried to paint as truthful a picture of Bill as I could.
I couldn’t help but wonder if the victim of the murder’s Mother was in the courtroom.
The prosecutor asked me probing questions about Bill’s capabilities, hearing loss and other things. At the end of her questions….she asked this question, “Do you think if Bill had continued school into some vocational program and with someone motivating him…he could have been successful? ….AFTER A LONG PAUSE AND SOME DEEP EMOTION WELLING UP IN MY HEART AND REACHING VERY CLOSE TO MY EYES…I SAID, I believe he could have….I only wish I could have been the one to provide the inspiration.”

I was dismissed from the witness stand and walked by Bill as he smiled.

In my seat I found myself “wrung out” and praying for the judge who, having heard “the truth” as presented from both sides of the issue, will be making the ultimate decision ….will Bill be put to death???

I WELCOME YOUR QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS……..

LV Alumni Tournament

2009-04-02T21:57:00.002-04:00

A rose between two combatents!

Pat's first outing since the last knee replacement...

Licking Valley Alumni Tournament

2009-03-29T07:41:00.002-04:00

Zoe's Play

2009-03-21T06:58:00.001-04:00

The LAtest...

2009-03-10T09:40:00.002-04:00

Alyssa helps me do the clothes drying while Pat ....

...continues to heal. Doctor's visit tomorrow.....

Guess Who Got Into Grandma's Make Up?

2009-03-01T04:57:00.001-05:00

Pleasant Chapel Update

2009-02-20T16:23:00.002-05:00

I was reminded today by faithful blogwatcher Lil that I have not posted for a while. There are two factors that have resulted in fewer posts:

1. I have had recent trouble with blogger. I cannot get pictures into my files as easily for some reason.

2. I have been spending more time on the social networking site, facebook. http://www.new.facebook.com/ It is much more interactive and I have been enjoying reconnecting with old frineds, students, basketball team members, church youth group members etc. I suggest you try it as well.
In the meantime....here is a picture of Pat the day after she had knee replacement surgery. She is doing well and enjoyed a visit from friends Tim and Carrie Luden.

After a Long and Eventful Birthday With Lots of Greetings...

2009-02-09T22:38:00.001-05:00

..........I got a skype call from friends Chris and Sonia to cap off my day..... LOVE YOU ALL!!!