“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
Psalm 36:7 ESV
Hello October! With less than 3 months until Christmas I thought, why not start today with the photo we took a couple of weeks ago of the Silent-Night-Chapel. This church is in Oberndorf, Austria and stands at the site of a former church that was destroyed by flooding. This is the church where Franz Gruber, schoolmaster and organist, first performed a song for which he had written a melody for a poem by Joseph Mohr. He sang Silent Night here, for the first time ever, on Christmas Eve, 1818. Amazingly, he was called on to do music that night and used his guitar because the organ had been damaged by flooding. Floods wreaked havoc on the organ and later the church, yet such calamity brought about the most beloved and probably most sung Christmas song ever, worldwide!
I decided to name this one “mixed emotions”. Sometimes I really want to hang on to summer…the flowers, outdoor activities that warm days provide, and even mowing grass (yes, I enjoy mowing). But autumn has arrived and what a wonderful month is October! So, I thought I would combine a little of both seasons.
Not really attempting to hang on to summer so much here, but the sweet potato vine was moved from the other side of the garden and joined by pumpkins for a fall look that should last until frost!
We shared several barn quilts in previous posts after a recent trip along the Alabama Barn Quilt Trail. This one has a story. The barn was not easily photographed without pulling up the drive to the owners house. Seeing a lady outside, Pam and I decided to stop, introduce ourselves, and ask to make photos. She introduced herself and welcomed us. When I heard her last name, which is not very common, I mentioned my years as a manager in the steel industry quite some time ago, and a fellow employee by that name. She was his widow. I was able to share stories from our work together and the fact that he was so helpful to me as a young inexperienced manager, and was a hard working, highly respected employee. The visit meant a lot to her and to us. Small world!
Another colorful quilt pattern that we have not previously featured. I did not find anyone to talk with at this location but folks who display these patterns welcome photos.
A replica of the Pinta, part of the trio of vessels used by Christopher Columbus on his first transatlantic voyage in 1492. I had seen the ship several years ago here on Lake Guntersville. The ship is on tour again and provides a fine educational opportunity for adults, but especially for children and school groups…
…so… Pam and I happened to be invited to join this group and their Mom for an outing. We accepted the invitation, as you could’ve easily guessed!
Spotting these barges being tugged slowly along on the Tennessee River also gave me an opportunity to explain to EM how goods and materials are transported in these long, strange looking boats. She is old enough to understand in a simple way the importance of shipping things on the water. I was glad she asked questions.
While Pam and I are not currently interested in a street legal electric vehicle, we found a place to purchase one if we ever become needy. Moke America has taken what was originally invented as a military vehicle in the late 1950’s, and transformed it into a 21st century vehicle available exclusively in the U.S.A. While the Moke didn’t last too long in the military, fans in the private sector in the 20th century loved the open-air car. It has appeared in 4 James Bond films and you can buy a 60 Years James Bond 007 edition if you so desire…for a small fee!
A Taste of Germany was the chef’s tasting platter one evening as we cruised along the Danube River last month. Also, beer is to folks in this region as iced tea is to me here in Alabama. It seems more common than water! Discovering this fact helped me understand the vast number of fields scattered across the German countryside with tall plants growing in a similar manner as our pole beans, but much taller.
I had no idea what this was, but found myself intrigued by the way this crop was grown as we passed these fields between Munich and Regensburg. The farmland in this region was beautiful and immaculately groomed and cared for. I learned this was hops. Now it all made sense. I enjoyed the 2 hour ride through this German farm country as much as anything on our recent trip!! I know, but it’s just who I am!
In our travel post from last week, we mentioned The Sausage Kitchen in Regensburg, Germany. This is the famous historic restaurant that boasts as being Germany’s oldest bratwurst restaurant. Right on the Danube, it attracts locals and tourists alike, as it has for 700 years or more! The serving area and outdoor dining are on the other side facing the river. So, why am I showing the back? Part of this wall is original, and the sign in the middle in the edge of the sunlight has a date of 1320. (If you missed last weeks travel post, click here)
I always thought cranberries only grew in a bog. I had never seen any except in a bog on Nantucket. These tasty cranberries were on a shrub, or European Cranberry bush. I found these while walking in a park by the Danube River.
Back at home a more familiar fruit is taking on its fall color and will soon be dropping to the ground. The persimmon looks much better than it tastes unless your are an opossum, raccoon, or maybe a deer. I guess birds love ’em too?? Do you?
I’ve been observing some jeep enthusiasts with lines of rubber ducks in their vehicle windows for quite a while. I finally began to wonder, “what’s the deal”? So, Pam, my researcher, checked it out. Seems it’s a part of a cultural phenomenon where jeep owners leave rubber ducks on each other’s jeeps as a surprise and as an act of kindness. You can order rubber duckies on Amazon or fly to Budapest and purchase some at this shop! I don’t recall seeing a jeep in Budapest, but maybe the duckie thing has spread beyond just jeeps??
A final evening sky from September as another month has slipped away.
Have a blessed first week of October!
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 ESV
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch, Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
Good morning! What an incredible story about the barn quilt. Have you read any of the God Wink books? That was definitely a God Wink. And so kind of you to tell his widow all those glowing attributes. Finally a fellow mowing enthusiast!! Riding my mower is my zen place, just a girl and her thoughts. I’m surprised the Queen and the Princess didn’t want that Barbie pink Moke! Whenever you come to Greenville for a visit, we will have lunch on the Reedy River where they launch thousands of rubber duckies down the waterfalls in a charity race! Thoroughly enjoyed starting my day with this post.
Thank you, Roxanne. You and RM should discuss the art of lawn mower riding 😀 The duckies event sounds like fun. Happy October 🧡
Rubber duckies indeed! Didn’t know about the Jeep phenomenon. I owned a Jeep at one time. I too used to love to mow but in all my days of mowing it was a push mower and in the south it was a hot undertaking. Your sweet potato vine is lovely with the pumpkin. That’s Sweet EK holding her little brothers hand. So precious! I love persimmon pudding but not eating the persimmon. And finding a persimmon tree that still has its fruit that hasn’t been found by the critters is rare. I’m not fond of beer but am a true lover of bourbon. My long time girlfriend is visiting from NC and we’ve even ordered and received candied red cherries to make my bourbon pecan cake for Christmas. It needs to soak for at least a month before slicing. My first undertaking of making that cake was 1970 and I’m still making it. Best cake ever. Hope your week is the best ever!
Thank you, Alice. Your recipe sounds fabulous. I hope you will share it with me. I am happy that your friend is visiting with you, how fun that must be. Mowing with a push mower in the summer heat and humidity is miserable. Happy October 🧡
About two months ago we found a duck on the door handle of our Jeep! Our sweet daughter-in-law ordered us some and now we occasionally put one on someone’s nice “ride”! Your visit must have made that lady’s day!
Thank you, JoAnn for sharing your duck story! Happy first day of October 🧡
Pam
That is such a heartwarming story about your connection to the widow with the barn quilt. It is amazing to experience these unexpected connections! I enjoyed the stories about your recent trip that you wove through today’s post Butch, do the Germans serve their beer warm or cold? As for the rubber duckies, that is funny, I will have to try to spot a jeep with duckies! My favorite weekly photo is always your grands, adorable!
Thank you, Jenna. Butch was so glad we stopped and he had an opportunity to meet this sweet lady. The beer served on the longboat was cold, I think. Happy first day of October 🧡
This post is packed with awesome! Love the story of the lady and the barn and the former employee of where you worked. What a beautiful story how Silent Night came into this world. Always love seeing the littles. Really fun post this morning. Hugs. Kris
Thanks so much, Kris. Happy October, my friend 🧡
Pam
The Silent Night chapel is so picturesque. Seeing the countryside while someone else is driving is always fun on a trip. You can really enjoy the scenery. Can you imagine crossing the ocean in those small ships? Our forefathers were very brave! They are such a good teaching tool. They look big as a child, but compared to ships today, they’re tiny. Barge traffic on the Mississippi River is suffering because of extremely low water. Glad to see the Tennessee River is not impacted as badly. We’re ready for fall temps! It’s been over 90 all week and the fall decor on the porch just doesn’t match the heat we’re experiencing. Love the quilt barns! It was nice to visit with the coworker’s widow. She appreciated the memories we’re certain. Enjoyed the post as usual. Have a great Sunday! Clara❤️
Thank you, Clara. I was unaware of the low water levels on the mighty Mississippi. We haven’t been back in the 90’s and I hope we won’t. Surely we will have cooler weather to enjoy October. Happy Sunday and October ♥️
Precious post with beautiful photos. Happy Sunday!
Thank you dear one!
What a delightful post…. There are no coincidences and the quilt barn story points up the interconnection we all share and will one day understand when the whole story is laid before us in the end. Butch, what a gift of goodness you left with that gracious widow. Just love the Viking tour photos and their stories. The Pinta visitors look happily impressed by the experience. Yours is such a warm and welcoming place to visit…Blessings to you both +
Thank you, Mary. I believe there are no coincidences, but I think there are definitely divine appointments. Happy first day of October dear one!
Butch, I first learned about “Ducking a Jeep” from my friend Debbie in upstate NY. Seems like a fun, positive way to spread some goodwill and joy. Enjoyed your post as always.
Thanks so much, Sarah!
Pam
Happy Sunday, Butch and Pam! I enjoyed seeing all of your photos from your trip. I really enjoyed reading about Silent Night. It was my grandfather’s favorite Christmas carol. He always had us sing it at Christmas dinner. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing as my mom played the piano. I can’t wait to read more about your trip! Have a wonderful week!
Thank you, Shannon. I think we all love Silent Night. I am sure your grandfather singing was a great blessing and a sweet memory. Happy October!
Pam
Hello Friends! I enjoyed seeing and learning about the Silent Night Church! How wonderful that you were able to see it! And to learn of how Silent Night came to us!
The Barn Quilt story was incredible and so heartwarming. God brought you both together for a reason. The lady must have been delighted to hear the stories from long ago.
What a fun field trip with your grandchildren and seeing the neat ships!
I giggled about Butch seeing the Hops fields. We have several fields of Hops close to us here in Pennsylvania. At the field location is a Brewery. So I recognized the hops in Butch’s picture.
I enjoyed seeing the pumpkins in your yard! Fall is here!
Happy October!
Thank you, Nancy. We always
enjoy a field trip with the grands. I love the story of Silent Night! Happy October!
Pam
How special is the Silent Night Church, and thanks for sharing the history of it!!! And I have been enjoying your barn quilt travels too! Hugs to those sweet grands!
Thank you, Mary. Your comments are heartwarming!
Carole of Carolina Home is in a group that drives minis and they do the rubber duck thing too. I really lovd seeing the Silent Night church!
Thank you, Jeanie. I read Carole’s blog and I love her minis posts. Happy Tuesday!
Such a great post and loved every minute of it!! The quilted barn story is fantastic and what are the odds? The Pinta is beyond cool and what an education for the grands. The hops and beer is so funny – I’ve actually never seen them so this was a first for me too. I love the story of the cathedral and Silent Night which is my absolute favorite Christmas Carol (I’ve been know to play it in the middle of summer). The sky shot is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful photos and happy favorite month of October to you both!
How nice that what started out as a photo op turned into something so special. I didn’t know about the rubber ducks in Jeeps. Our granddaughter has a Jeep, I’ll have to find out if she has any duckies.
Yes, the duckies are a big deal!
The story of the barn and meeting the widow of the man you used to work with was so moving. Wow! What are the chances? I can’t imagine how much your visit meant to her as you shared glimpses into her late husband’s working years that she may never have known about otherwise. God knew what she needed that day, and He sent you by to provide it. He is so faithful! Such a neat story!
Thank you, Cheryl. You are always so encouraging!
Pam