Yellow Hill Farm and Remembrance Day 9/11

Take a magical journey to Yellow Hill Farm...

Today is such an emotional day for everyone and there isn't much one can put into words that doesn't sound cliche. My kids are becoming young adults and I struggle with how to mark this anniversary. We will say prayers and reflect. I'll look back and think about how much has changed since that awful day and be thankful for this wonderful place we call home and being able to enjoy so many things that so many have sacrificed their lives for. And, of course, we will want to "do something" because that is how one heals, by moving forward and trying to help each other. It is a solemn day, but also a day to celebrate how wonderful America is, and how fortunate we are to have men and women who love this country so much, that they gave their lives for it, including those that woke up on September 11, 2001 and headed off to the airport or work in New York, and D.C.

I am reminded of this every day at my job, where I have the privilege of working in a place that spans over two and a half centuries and has quietly stood through many struggles for freedom and was here twenty years before the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787.
George Washington wrote in his farewell speech "...profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual; that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue; than, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire to them the glory of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation, which is yet a stranger to it." What powerful words to read;it's inspiration for all of us.

Don't you feel sometimes like you are just one person who deeply cares but as one indivual, how can you possibly make a difference? Even the smallest gestures can make a big impact. Today, the girls and I plan on going over to Yellow Hill Farm in Biglerville to pick raspberries, cut some gorgeous flowers from their beautiful garden and enjoy a homemade sundae. The farm will then make a donation to the fire department on our behalf to thank them for their continued service.

This will be the way we show support for the unselfish sacrifice of so many. Thank you, America.

A Photo Essay of My Drive to Work One Morning

It was such a beautful morning I thought it would be fun to take some pics of my drive in to Fairfield. Forgive the blurriness as I was driving and shooting at the same time. It wasn't always the best picture, but nontheless, it gives you a sense of the beauty I am fortunate to experience.
Here's the Historic Round Barn....

the sunflower garden across the road from the barn...
a gorgeous old farm ...
and the breathtaking countryside with a view of the mountains in the background....

at the intersection in Cashtown...

the fog lifting off the mountains as the sun rises...

I realized how much I take for granted every day and thought it would be nice to capture the beauty of something as simple as a routine morning drive. I am truly blessed.

Only in Gettysburg....

Putting It All In Perspective

As much as I try to make each moment count, there are those times where I allow frustration to take over and I begin to sink into self pity. God has a great way of timing things, and as I was feeling sorry for myself about having to head off to work,(among other things), there was a piece that came on the radio. It was about young soldiers in Afghanistan coming home and the difficulties they were facing adjusting back to the routines of daily living. "I try to listen to my friends talk about their daily frustrations with car problems and what-not," he says," and I think to myself, you have no idea how lucky you are to be dealing with these things-I just had to pick up my buddy's body parts from a mine blast."

I'm not trying to minimalize what each of us is dealing with in our lives, but I thought it would be good to put it out there that we have alot to be thankful for, including these brave men and women that help to keep this country free.

On the way home the other night, I was lucky enough to pick up a broadcast from Paul Harvey about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. I highly recommend listening to this if you can find it-I managed to locate the piece in print-it is yet another overlooked sacrifice that so many have made for people like me so I can have all those wonderful choices and privileges I take advantage of every day. You can read it here.I suppose, as I write this, that I have it pretty good. God Bless America!
xxx Andi

What I'm Listening To This Evening....

While this has nothing to do with history, family or Gettysburg, I think it is still noteworthy to share. This girl has an amazing, powerful voice and the song lingers long after it's over. I've taken to listening to more NPR sorts of things, but every once in a while its refreshing to get caught up in a tune like this just for the sheer enjoyment. I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.

Thought for the Day....

From someone I admire intensely:

"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." - Anne Frank

Every time I feel like I just can't handle one more thing, I always think of her and what an incredible inspiration she is. My girls and I always say to each other when we are feeling down, "I bet Anne Frank would have given anything to be in our shoes."

Yesterday the girls and I attended the funeral of my dear Uncle Al. This was their first time attending such an event. I was conflicted about if I should bring them or not, but after praying about it, I knew it was the right decision. While these things are always very sad and difficult, they are also part of life.

While they had only met their great uncle a couple of times, they were able to hear first-hand about how generous and kind he was from various family members who were eager to share their stories during this time.

These events are always bittersweet and the service was heartbreaking; it was a wonderful tribute to a man who was larger than life and a wonderful role model for everyone who knew him.

I am so thankful that I had the privilege of knowing him and I look forward to when I will see him again.

"Adieu dear comrade
Your mission is fulfill'd."

Adieu to a Soldier, Walt Whitman
Leaves of Grass, 1892