Thursday, March 28, 2013

Milk Run with the Milk Maid

My daughter, Cassie, is part of a milk co-op that purchases milk from several Amish families in Ethridge, TN.  To be a part of the co-op requires taking your turn driving to Ethridge to pick up the co-op's eggs, milk and other dairy products and this past Wednesday was Cassie's turn.  I asked if I could come along on her run to Amish country so at 7:15 am we were off to Ethridge.  In the past, Cassie had to drive to five different farms in the area but now she only has to visit one farm for the entire pickup.  After the truck was loaded and money exchanged, she texted all the co-op members with a time to meet in Brentwood and then received confirmation texts that they would be there.   The system worked great and all was distributed by 10:30 am.  It was a blessing to have some one-on-one time with a very busy mother of six children and also to interact with the Amish, a very interesting people group.

 The farm where we picked up the milk and other items.  The Amish don't like to have their pictures taken so I respected their privacy.  It was interesting in that all the males of the family dressed exactly alike, even the smalls boys.  It may also be the case with the females, but we only saw one teenage girl while at the farm.
 The area around Ethridge is flat compared to the Nashville area
 This is a one room Amish school house with an outhouse.  Cassie normally sees children playing outside but none today.
 We stopped at a small store while Cassie sent out the text messages to the co-op members
 The Milk Maid herself.
 Another Amish farm that we passed

 The local Ethridge economy tries to capitalize on the Amish community in the area

Cassie distributing the milk to her co-op members in Brentwood.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Dinner with the Fish Family

In February, Cassie invited Becky and I over for an outstanding dinner with her family.  I brought my new camera and captured part of a great evening.  Thanks Cassie.





Old Coronado and more

Several weeks ago the Grant's asked for the addresses of the three houses that my family lived in while in Coronado.  They were planning to visit their son, Trevor and his family in Coronado and wanted to try and take pictures of houses to share with mom.  I found several pictures and thought I would share with you all.   Also, some of you Duck Dynasty fans might also enjoy one of the pictures that has nothing to do with Coronado but thought I would add it.

 937 Alameda Blvd, Coronado, CA 1960
 The typical American family in 1960
The "typical" American family in 2013

Visit to See Mom

Last week I drove to Charlottesville, VA to visit my mom and also to take her to a doctor's appointment.  I enjoyed visiting with her and taking her out to dinner after her appointment.  

 I stayed at the Grant's home while they were visiting family in California and woke up after my drive to VA to find a light dusting of snow on the first full day of spring.
 Mom at the Tip Top Restaurant.  I ordered a pizza for us after she insisted that she only wanted a small slice but I had to fight her for the last slice and she almost won.  I think her appetite is back.  Note to self:  Tip Top has great pizza.
 Visited my Dad's grave at South Plains Presbyterian Church.  I sure do miss him.
 I have always loved this little chapel.
My beautiful mom at 97.  I hated to leave her but will be back for a visit in May with Becky after the P.E.O. State Convention.