Running Errands........

First of all, let me apologize for being so late in getting today's post up. Blogger was simply refusing to cooperate, then a thunderstorm came through my area. I have satellite internet access, so was down while the thunderstorm passed.

Now, let's get started....we have many errands to accomplish in today's journey! Miss Scarf and I are ready to go!


We had to take a brief moment to take her picture with my beautiful hydrangea bush! I know, I know, I'm no gardener and the bush needs trimming! The blossoms are still lovely though, don't you think?!

We're well on our way to 'town' (our county seat, Bolivar....named after famed South American patriot and liberator Simon Bolivar, but not pronounced that way!) now and I just had to snap this shot of the 'drag bridge'! It is the spot where every young man ( and many young women!) test their cars to see who's will run faster! I cannot count the number of times Terry raced across this bridge, at once scaring me to death and thrilling me equally as much! I would be standing on the sidelines with everyone else, squealing and cheering him on! I understand from my nephews it's still 'the' place to be on a Saturday night!

As we enter Bolivar, we pass by the Polk Cemetery. The land for the cemetery was acquired by James K. Polk, Jr. and others on October 23, 1845 to be used as a cemetery for the descendants of Ezekiel Polk. Colonel Polk, the patriarch of the Polk family in Tennessee, was the grandfather of President James Knox Polk. Colonel Polk was a veteran of the Revolutionary War and was instrumental in framing the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence. He lived in Maury Co., TN prior to settling in Hardeman County.

This is the town square. The current Hardeman County Courthouse was erected in 1868 and was designed by the firm of Willis, Sloan and Trigg. It is one of three courthouses designed by the firm which remain standing. The other two are located in Holly Springs and Oxford, MS. The original building was the center portion only, topped with the clock tower. In later years, wings were added on each end to accommodate growing office needs.

Our first stop was the Post Office. Why do I spend so much time at the Post Office? I wish I knew! It seems I make at stop at the PO every time I go to town! Today, I had to mail a package for a Home Town Swap I'm participating in from my blog. My package arrived from a town just outside Boston, MA and I just shipped my offering off to Boulder City, NV. It was so much fun!

This is the St. James Episcopal Church, erected in 1869. Almost the entire town of Bolivar was burned to the ground during the Civil War. Therefore, most architecture within the town is post-Civil War. There are, however, wonderful examples of pre-Civil War ear architecture found within the out-laying areas.

Our almost brand new Farmer's Market in the downtown district. This building was erected over portions of 2007-2008 and was officially opened with last year's harvest season. There wasn't much activity there today, so I chose not to stop. I hope to stop the next time I'm in town. They have some wonderful offerings and very reasonable prices for fresh goods. It is much appreciated both by local farmers and shoppers.

The Columns, a Greek Revival antebellum home, was built in 1860 and was used as a makeshift hospital for sick and wounded soldiers during the Civil War. It is not used for events such as weddings, receptions, balls, etc. There are extensive grounds and gardens which are currently under restoration.

The Luez Theater has been a fixture in Bolivar since anyone I have known has been able to remember. It was been in a couple of different locations, coming to live in this building in the 1940's. It has been known by other names, but took the name "Luez" from the lady who purchased it and moved it into this building. Others have owned it, but none have changed the name. You can see that it is now in much need of restoration. Kids still line the sidewalks on Friday and Saturday evenings, waiting for the 'show' to start. Everything old is new again!

The Kahn brothers established their dry goods business in Bolivar in 1844. The built a store on the town square, which remains until this day and houses the law offices of Cathy Armstrong. This cute little house was built around the turn of the century by one of the Kahn descendants, which lived in Bolivar and ran their business until the mid-1970's. I love the Victorian look of this little cottage with the gingerbread trim.

The Mitchell House has a distinctly Craftsman style and was built during the 'heyday' of that architectural style. It has been lovingly restored to it's original beauty over several years by the current owners. I love the porches on this house! When it was last up for sale, Terry and I seriously considered buying it, but he decided he didn't want to live in town.

Just a look at the streets of our little rural town. A major state highway intersects us from East to West. Otherwise, we're just a sleepy little southern town where everybody know all your business and makes up what they don't know!

Miss Scarf and I were getting tired and thirsty, so we stopped by the local Sonic for refreshment. Even Mickey Mouse was happy to get a drink!!! :)

We are now leaving Bolivar and heading back out into the country. I am now on my way out to the farm where I grew up to visit with my Dad for a while. It is also South of Bolivar, but more southeasterly and where I live is southwesterly.

I love day lilies and saw these just growing alongside the country road on the way to the farm. It is a common sight in this area to find flowers of all sorts just growing in odd places. Momma and Daddy always said they were growing where old homesteads once stood.

This is the farm I grew up on. It has changed a lot over the years, but this is home to me. My youngest sister and BIL bought the farm from Daddy after Momma went home. Daddy still lives there with them. His family (my McDonald grandparents) bought this farm in 1941 and Daddy has lived on it since. When my Paw McDonald passed away, Maw divided the farm and passed it on the Daddy and my uncles. She continued to live on the farm until she died.

When I was growing up, the area you see here was nothing but a pine forest. Daddy and Momma worked long and hard days to clear the land and turn it into pasture for the cows and horses. On the other side of the house, there were clay gullies that were transformed into lots for hogs. Later, after Daddy decided he didn't want to deal in hogs, he transformed it into more pasture land and added a pond.

After leaving Daddy, I drove on down the road to the church where I grew up. Obviously, this building isn't that old. This building was built in 1987, with the first service being the first Sunday of January, 1988. Terry and I and every other member of the church and many people from the community volunteered many long hours to build this building. It was a labor of love that still holds many precious memories for me. Terry and I were married in the old building, which was later torn down. I cried the day they buried the remains.

Well, that's it for today's outing. Miss Scarf and I got all our errands done and managed a small tour as well. We were tired, but so blessed to have had such a lovely day for our outing. We were so thankful to get home in the late afternoon and rest!

A Quiet Day At Home

Since I was still not feeling very well, Miss Scarf and I decided to have a quiet day at home on Monday. Not that there wasn't plenty for us to do, just that I was so nauseated I just didn't feel like riding in the car.

We woke early, before dawn, and headed to the kitchen for breakfast. I wasn't very hungry, but Miss Scarf seemed ravenous, so I thought it best to start her day off right!

She stopped in the little hallway between my living room and kitchen to ponder some family photographs I have displayed there. That's me and Terry at our wedding, Terry's senior picture from high school, my senior picture, a picture of my 'grands' (nieces and nephew, that is!) and a picture of Momma and Daddy with us girls.




After gazing at the pictures, Miss Scarf decided to hang out on the counter while I decided what to prepare for breakfast. She became quite well acquainted with the fruit compote and the cinnamon sticks!

Tired of languishing on the counter, Miss Scarf took a leap and landed on the fridge! I suppose she enjoys family photos, cause she was hanging out there and looking at more family photos! Soon breakfast was prepared and we settled down to eat. No pictures of eating ladies! It's just not quoth!!! :)

As with anything in life, you have to clean up after yourself. While I did the dishes, Miss Scarf took a seat in my kitchen window and enjoyed the early morning rising in my back yard. If you pay close attention to the clock you will notice it is now 5:05 a.m. and we've already had our breakfast! It's a nice morning out, nearly 65 degrees, but already a little muggy with a humidity of 48%. It was just above 90 before the day was done! Ahhhhh, late spring in Tennessee!!!!

After the dishes were done and put away, Miss Scarf and I headed out to my front porch to sit a while and enjoy the early morning birds singing. My grass was just cut yesterday afternoon, so it was a good time for Miss Scarf to see my yard! We sat quietly in the rocking chairs and listened while the birds entertained us. I love the sounds of the early morning, but rarely get to enjoy them because I am such a night owl!

Time now to head back indoors and get about the chores of the day! I must say Miss Scarf was quite the little lady, offering even to open my own door for me!

Miss Scarf rested on the coat rack with my dear Terry's jacket and cap. Even though he's been with Jesus for over 4 months now, I still cannot bring myself to remove his jacket and cap. He always stopped by the coat rack to get his cap, and jacket if needed, before he headed out to sit on the porch and smoke a cigar every morning and then again before he settled in for the night.

After doing some chores, both Miss Scarf and I were tired and ready for a nap. I tried to sneak in a picture of her napping, but she was too smart for me! The day passed in a hurry and soon it was nearing dinner time.

Miss Scarf, being who she is, so wanted a nice fire in the fireplace! It took quite some convincing to get her to understand that it was just too warm for fires in Tennessee! She hung there longingly until she finally decided her cause was lost!

After dinner, she settled down in front of my laptop to browse the Internet and check up on all the 'Sisters'. I also caught her browsing a travel sight! I believe Miss Scarf has become spoiled!!!!

Ahhhhhhhhhh, it's been a long day, but so quiet and peaceful. Now ready to settle in for the evening, Miss Scarf settled down with a good book to relax herself before bed. She chose one of my favorites, '"The God I Love" by Joni Eareckson Tada.

Miss Scarf was soon fast asleep and tucked in for the night. Dreams of what lay ahead for Tuesday no doubt dancing in her head!!!!

For Updates On Baby Chatten

Sorry to interrupt the latest adventure of the scarf, but I wanted you all to see this, in case you didn't see it on my blog. We had another busy day in Toronto on Friday...to read updates, I will now be posting them on my care page through Mount Sinai.

The link is www.carepages.com/carepages/journeyofbabyc and hopefully that link works. Let me know if it doesn't. When you go to that page, you will need to create a user id and password to be able to see the page.

Since I know some of the readers on here have shared our prayer requests with their church, etc., if you know of anyone who would like to have access to this page, feel free to give them the weblink.

Thank you!

Miss Scarf Goes To The Museum!

Our journey begins from my farm home in rural Hardeman County, TN. This is the country lane that runs in front of my home. Miss Scarf was eager and so took a set on the dash of the car, riding comfortably with Mickey Mouse who always rides on my rear view mirror!

From my country lane, we merge onto the larger and busier country road! Farmers in this area are now cutting and baling their hay. This was a small field, but looked as though the yield was good. I am so thankful. Farmers in this area have had a rough several years and a year of good harvest would be a great blessing.

Scarf and I have now reached my sister's house where the kiddos are gettin anxious to get on the road! Before we leave, Allyson gets a call from her Daddy. Jared had telephone privileges from jail and calls every night during the week and both day and night on weekends. Charlotte usually has Allyson on weekends so Jared can talk to her. You can see by the look on her face that she loves talking to her Daddy! She also LOVED the scarf and didn't want to give it back after the photo op!!!!

We have now left Charlotte's house and are on our way! This was taken on the state highway, although it is still a very rural area. You will notice that Scarf has how managed to crawl right up into the windshield! She is one eager scarf!!!! The yellow car is my nephew, Jake's, car. He and Caleb took all three of the little kids with them so the 'girls', my sisters, my niece and I and Scarf, could enjoy some time alone! Are they good guys, or what?!

The is picture of the Pink Palace. It is an old mansion in Memphis, TN that was donated to the city and has been converted into a museum. In recent years, they have added a planetarium and an IMAX theater. Scarf showed her 'girlie' side, as she enjoyed the pink bricks! :)

Our gang---minus me, of course! They are Debra, Katie holding Allyson, Jaden wearing our Scarf, Alix, Charlotte and they guys, Caleb and Jake! We're just about to enter the museum.

Scarf is hanging out with the colored bottles! All these were found while excavating the site for the new FedEx Forum in Memphis several years back. Wonderful in-tact examples of pottery were also found. I love this stuff! Scarf seemed to enjoy it as well!

The tour begins! I don't know where Debra was when the shot was taken? Probably shooting with her own camera!

Debra and Katie are admiring an amethyst geode. I love these. The purple color mesmerizes me. Scarf was hanging out with me and didn't want to be in the picture! :(

Allyson, Jaden and Alix kneeling at the bottom of one the display cases. I tried to get Scarf to pose too, but I think the kiddos were a bit rambunctious for her!!!

Apparently Scarf like it slow and easy! She models beautifully with Charlotte before this stagecoach, which deliver mail between Memphis and Nashville, TN. Me thinks Miss Scarf is a bit old-fashioned!

This is a letter written by Mr. Paul T. Jones of Bolivar, TN, which is the County Seat of Hardeman County (where I live). It was written on August 8, 1844 to his father who was residing in England. It tells about the health and welfare of the family, the crops and the status of life in general. Mr. Jones was one of children of Calvin Jones, born in MA, who purchased several thousand acres of land in Hardeman County and built his plantation, Pontine. A large section of the plantation was bought by the state in 1885 in order to build Western Psychiatric Hospital, which remains open until this day. It is now known as Western Mental Health Institute. Calvin Jones was a medical doctor and was most likely traveling in England for an extended period at the time of the letter writing.

Caleb is in the Piggly Wiggly exhibit. Piggly Wiggly was founded in 1916 by American entrepreneur Clarence Saunders in Memphis, TN. It was the first true self-service grocery in the United States and was patented as such by Mr. Saunders in 1917. It was quite a new concept for the customer to walk into the store and help themselves to the items on the shelf.

Alix and Jaden in front of the log cabin interior exhibit. They were quite fascinated by how people once lived their lives and couldn't believe they didn't have a T.V. or video games!!!

Jake and Allyson inside the Old Country Store exhibit. Allyson was trying to persuade Uncle Jake to let her 'walk over there' and was using her 'wiles' on him! About the time I snapped the camera, she said "Cheese!"!!!!

A widow's habit of the mid-19th century in America. A grieving widow was expected to wear a garment much like this for a minimum of two years after her loss. I love my Terry and miss him terrible, but am I ever happy I don't have to wear this getup every day!

Scarf decided to pose with Alix in front of the circus exhibit. As well as old-fashioned, I believe Miss Scarf loved children! This exhibit is wonderful for kids of all ages. The 'works' are exposed so the adults can enjoy the mechanics of what makes the exhibit work. Frankly, I didn't care at all for the 'works', I was enjoying watching the circus performers too much!

The tour is now ending. It was a wonderful day for one and all. The kids were so good, the adults had a great time and we were all tired when it was time to go home. Miss Scarf had a great time and was also tired and wanted to rest and be left alone for the remainder of the day! So, I put her to bed and followed soon afterwards myself.

I won't be making a post for our Sunday together. I was so tired and not well so Scarf and I spent the day resting and relaxing. No pictures for us on Sunday! We'll be out and about again on Monday and I'm sure there'll be pictures to document our doings!

Family Affair

I thought I would begin my journey with the Scarf by introducing you to MOST of my family. There are two things that make life worth living to me. The first is my relationship with my loving Savior. The second is my family. Without Jesus Christ, I neither would nor could be a person worth "the salt in my bread", as Momma used to say. He makes me worthy. Without my family, I would not be the person I am today. They have loved me and stood by all of my life, through good and bad, right and wrong, thick or thin.

So, I would like all of you to meet them. We gathered at my sister, Charlotte's, house on Friday evening for a cookout. You might notice there are no pictures of the food. It doesn't last long enough around all these men to allow time for pictures!!!


This is Daddy, Van McDonald. He looks a bit sheepish here; that's because the flash always makes him close his eyes. Daddy has C.O.P.D. and isn't in the best of health, but he's still full of life and 'devilment', as Momma would say! Momma went home to be with Jesus in April, 2006 and Daddy hasn't been the same since. Daddy didn't start his family as a Christian, but once he met Jesus, there has been no turning back. One of my most precious childhood memories of is Daddy saying grace at the table before meals. Three times daily for every day of my life since he accepted Jesus, he has stopped to give thanks before eating. He sat in his chair each morning and read the Word and prayed. He ended each day by sitting there again, reading the Word and praying. He still does.

Charlotte is the 'middle sister'. She is 17 months younger than me and, since Terry went home, my best friend in the world. As a child, she was so rebellious and just a real brat to live with. When we reached our teens, we began to develop a friendship that has only gotten better with the years. I have watched Charlotte over the years and have seen her metamorphosis from a very rebellious and angry girl to a loving, warm, forgiving woman who loves Jesus and who serves with a spirit of peace and contentment alongside her husband. I am proud and blessed to call her my sister.

Charlotte is married to a wonderful man, Ricky, who is a pastor and is currently in Ecuador with a Mission Team. I didn't get to photograph Scarf with him, but hope to before my days with Scarf come to an end.


This is my youngest living sister, Debra. She is only 13 months younger than Charlotte. Debra and I haven't had an easy relationship. However, I can honestly say that we have come to a place in our lives where we have real respect and admiration for each other. We still have our differences, but I love her with whole heart and I know she feels the same about me. She loves Jesus with her all and is a very 'Martha' type personality. She makes it her business and responsibility to make sure things are done right. I am so very thankful to be able to call her my sister and my friend.



This is one of my brothers-in-love, Dwade. Dwade is married to Debra. I cannot tell you how many times over the years he and I have butted heads over various issues. As much as I find myself in disagreement with him, I admire him because you always know exactly where Dwade stands on an issue. He has learned, over the years, to express himself in a much more loving fashion without compromising his position. I have watched him grow in the Lord and can say without hesitation that I am thankful his is my brother-in-love.



Adam is my oldest nephew and the son of Debra and Dwade....their only child. Adam has struggled to find his way with the Lord. Over the past several months, I have witnessed what I believe to be a genuine yearning for the Lord in him and a real desire to walk in the ways that please the Lord. Adam's heart is so tender and he has a wonderfully generous spirit. He was married to a girl we all loved dearly. Unfortunately, she chose to end the marriage. It left Adam devastated, angry and bitter. It has taken him a few years to find forgiveness in his heart for her. I am so thankful he has finally found that place. He so desires to be married again and to have a family.



This is Jake. Well actually, it's Jacob, but he's always been just 'Jake' to us! Jake is Charlotte and Ricky's second son, their third child. Jake has to most gentle spirit I believe I have ever seen in a young man of his early twenties. He is single but will tell you readily that he's praying for a wife and a family! He has a nephew and two nieces that he absolutely adores! He has the patience of Job with the kids and they think he is wonderful! They're right! Jake is a very dedicated Christian young man and is deeply involved in his church. If you think he looks a bit shady in this picture, it's because he hasn't had sleep in nearly 48 hours! He left his job, came to his Mom's to spend time with his family and hasn't taken the time to sleep yet!



This is Caleb. Caleb is Charlotte and Ricky's youngest child, my fourth nephew. He is so impatient, but I suppose that has a lot to do with his age! He graduated from high school in May and plans to go to college in the fall. He is so into computers and can solve almost any problem I've ever had with my electronics. He's considering a major in programming, but hasn't completely decided as yet. Caleb is a truly unique young man. He is so committed to Jesus and to serving in his church. He is not, by nature, a leader type. However, he has slipped into that role among the young people of his age at his church. My sister is amazed to see it and is in prayerful anticipation to see where the Lord is going to take him in this role.



This is my only niece, Katie. She is Charlotte and Ricky's oldest child. I cannot begin to tell you how much I admire Katie. She has always been so independent and adventuresome. She went to El Salvador on a Youth Missions Trip with a group of young people she had never met when she was only 15. She flew from the Memphis International Airport to Atlanta, changed planes and headed on to Miami to meet up with her group. Mind you, this was in 1985 and she had never flown before in her life! She spent the next month in El Salvador, turning 16 while there. After high school, she interned with Teen Mania Ministries in Garden Valley, TX for one year before coming back to TN to college. Teen Mania is where she met her future husband, Brian. She is an Army wife, a Mommy and an absolutely precious human being!



And, here is Katie with the love of her life, Brian, my nephew-in-love! As I said Katie and Brian met at Teen Mania Ministries in TX. He was also from TN, but from a different area of the state than she. They were married the summer following their internship. Brian is a wonderful young man. He is an Army Medic with the Iowa National Guard. Before going to Iowa, he was with the Army Reserve and completed a year's Tour of Duty in Iraq while Katie stayed home and raised their babies, who were then 2 and 4. Brian is such a sweet young man and he loves our Katie and their babies so deeply. Because of job requirements, he hasn't been able to attend Sunday worship with his family for quite some time. He was just saying to me yesterday how much he missed that and how much he was praying for something to change so he could lead his family in their worship experience again.

Alix Joy is the daughter of Katie and Brian. I can tell you, they named her appropriately, for sure! She is and always has been a source of pure joy to all of us! She has a real rebellious streak in her and has been diagnosed with ADHD, which can be difficult to handle at times. However, she has the best little heart of any little girl I know. Just over these past few hours with her, I can already see how much she has matured even since my visit with them in February. She loves animals of any and all descriptions. Her desire is to grow up to be the girl who trains Shamu! Katie says she'll take a Marine Biologist!!!

And here we have Brian with his son, Jaden. Would have guessed that without me saying so? We all think Jaden is the 'spitting image' of his Daddy! Jaden, like most little 6 year old boys, is full of 'vime and vigor'!! He loves anything that has to do with hockey, skateboarding, swimming, Star Wars or video games! He is developing quite an independent attitude of late, which is a challenge to his parents, to say the least!

Well, there you have MOST of my family. As I said, Charlotte's husband, Ricky wasn't there. Neither was her youngest grandchild, Allyson, nor Allyson's Daddy, Jared, who is Charlotte and Ricky's oldest son and second child. I'll have pictures of Allyson in tomorrow's post. Unfortunately, I won't be able to post pictures of Jared. Jared has made some really bad choices for a very long time. We have been through some hard times with Jared, praying all along that the Lord would bring Jared back to Him. We think that final process is in the works.

Jared is currently serving a 7 month jail sentence for D.U.I. convictions. Being in jail, being separated from his daughter and his family has opened Jared's heart to the Holy Spirit. He has written us and told us he has asked the Lord for forgiveness and asked each of us individually for forgiveness. He has started a small jail ministry and has requested that his parents provide him with Bibles to give to his fellow inmates.

He asks for prayer for wisdom every time he writes me or any of us, for that matter. He has asked us to send him Scripture references to help him witness to those he is serving with. I cannot tell you how sad it makes us to know he is there. However, as sad as we are, we are overjoyed with the fruit of the experience in him! Please pray for Jared and for his parents. His time will be up just before Thanksgiving. It will be a hallelujah time at our family Thanksgiving this year!

So, that's my family. Of course, I didn't include pictures of Terry, Momma or my baby sister, who was stillborn. We are by no means a perfect family. We have our shady side just like any other family. However, as a family, we love Jesus Christ and we trust Him with our lives. We have determined that we will serve Jesus and know He will provide for us and accept His will for our lives.

I am so thankful for my family. Did you notice that each one posed with Scarf? That's the kind of family they are........always there for me!