When our friend was in town a few months ago from out of town we headed up to Ft. McHenry to take in the sights. Here are a few of my favorite shots from that visit.
Beautiful bunting
Glorious Water Taxi ride
The Fort, a national shrine
The Bombs Bursting in Air
Old Glory
Bunks
Rampart
Gun Powder
Mary Moran
Orpheus, the god of music
Flat Stanley, the god of teaching history through tourism!
Wishing everyone a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend. It is the kickoff of summer but also a time we thank and remember all of those who have fought for our freedom. God Bless America!
One of the best parts about visiting Memphis is that the majority of my family lives there. It was fabulous visiting some of my baby cousins after being in the old folks home all day. It was also wonderful to be down south where gentleman hold doors for ladies and are taught the importance of yes ma'am and no sir young.
We tried to get my baby cousin to send a message to my Momma, Kaye. I love how he pronounces my name as if it is spelled "nail". Reminds me of the Poisonwood Bible where the mother would call her children and say, come here "rot nail" for right now. He was too excited to show me his Christmas present.
Kreider not only held the door for me but entertained me for hours with his precious sister Hampton and their daddy Trip, my first cousin in their bouncy house. It was the best time watching the joy on their faces and hearing their laughter.
I have never laughed so hard as you can hear in the video.
It was wonderful having some snuggle time with these precious creatures.
I love this photo of me and my cousin Trip in my uncle Robert and aunt Nina's wedding. This is one of my all time favorite photos. Trip and I have always been close and we've loved having him visit in Baltimore during his business adventures. Happy Birthday buddy!
There have been times when I question God's plan. I think I have all the answers and then something happens and I am caught off guard. I lost my job a few months ago. It was a shock and I honestly questioned God's plan in that moment. But now I am realizing that this time "off" allowed me to spend some of the most precious time with my ailing grandmother, cousins and family who I missed so dearly. God is so, so good. Fear not.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
In my human suffering it is hard not to worry, but I felt such a purpose in Memphis while I was visiting. It was wonderful to be helpful to my grandmother cleaning up her apartment while she would, "rest her eyes a bit." It was such a gift to stay with my aunt Louise and Uncle Chip, having them all to myself. I've never had dinner with just the two of them. Same for Robert and Nina. They also took me out to dinner one night and I realized I had never had time with them all to myself either. It was wonderful reconnecting with my family who we don't see nearly enough and just being there for Mary Frances. God does have a plan and I just have to remind myself of this again and again.
Being with family always brings great fun and photo flipping. Louise loves photos as much as my mother and I do. I had never seen these photos of Momma and Chip. Baby Nephew has the "Tayloe gap" in between his front teeth that Mom and I also had. It's so fun to put together these family pieces and giggle about what we looked like as children. Louise had extras made for me in the sweetest care package on my way back home!
Momma and Chip
Chip, who looks so much like my Granddaddy in this shot.
Every time I come back to Memphis, we head to the Memphis Country Club for dinner. It's wonderful running into family and friends there. I've had people stop me and shriek, "Kaye Tayloe as I live and breath"...because I guess I look so much like Mom when she was younger. The club recently celebrated it's Centennial and I loved thumbing through the coffee table book in its honor. My granddaddy, Francie's husband, worked for Firestone. I didn't realize they used the club in its advertising. It reminds me of Mad Men.
My aunt has a wonderful woman in Memphis who does custom smocking. Is there nothing more adorable and southern as smocked baby clothes? She was getting some things ready for her grand-babies and a trip to the Gulf Coast.
One night during my week stay, Chip helped me cure my BBQ fix with a casual dinner at home. Cole Slaw on pulled pork sandwiches is a must down here. After dinner we all headed to the garage to dig up grandfather. Dig him out of his crate that is.
Poor Grandfather was stuck in the garage with Uncle Chip's prized stuffed turkey for the past few years. I told my aunt and uncle the significance of the artist and told them we must unearth the painting. It was such a fun caper and felt like Christmas!
Chip greeted Grandfather with the most humble hello.
Taken with Instagram
My great grandfather was 62 in this painting. Chip is 65.
We have Grandmother and they were both painted from 1935-1936 by Charles Frederick Naegele. This artist's works are part of a few exceptional collections including the Renwick Gallery, National Gallery of Art and the Portrait Gallery to name a few. It's amazing to think how special these works of art are and the details that went in to painting and sitting for them. Mr Naegle would have been 78 when he painted them. He was born in 1857 and died ten years after they were painted in 1944. Momma says that Grandfather went portrait crazy and we are so lucky he did. We will treasure them and keep them in the family for generations!
I love visiting the Bible Belt where faith is celebrated.When we were at my grandmother's cardiologist the front desk had this message posted. It was such a good reminder for me in this time of unknowing.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they niether sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? Matthew 6:25-28
But strive first for the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
I have so many other photos from my trip and hope to upload them soon. Thank you Chip and Louise for the wonderful stay! Robert and Nina for the fun dinner and great night with your grand-babies. Trip and Jana for dinner and bouncy house laughter!!! Kimberly and William I have more shots of you and will wait for approvals to post. Blessings and love to our newest cousin, Grace, who was born yesterday! Sorry to miss you Lindsay, Rob and Jay. Thank you Lord for your comforting words and great guidance in these times of unknowing.
Francie is still in the hospital and your prayers are still appreciated. Thank you for all the kind comments and emails. Her new glasses arrived yesterday which I know she was thrilled about. Enjoy this video of her story about my Uncle John watching my grandparents dance in New York for the first time. "His eyes were out on sticks!"
I have just returned from a week long visit with my precious, wonderful, beautiful, joyful and wise grandmother. She has been in and out of the hospital in the last few weeks and is going back tomorrow due to heart conditions and an infection that won't seem to clear up. I know so many of you are prayerful people. May I ask you to pray for my sweet Francie? This video shows how funny and smart she is even at 93 years old!
As we waited in the doctor's office I realized I had the perfect opportunity to interview her. I took so many of her but this one is my favorite because she talks about her cooking classes at Forty Carrots and meeting Julia Child. Her poor face is so puffy. She would simply die if she knew I posted this for the world to view, but I can't help myself. I'm so proud of her and love her stories so much that I have to share them with you. Enjoy and please pray for Mary Frances.
We went to the 110th Running of the Grand National last weekend. It was a glorious day filled with sunshine and friendship. Is there anything more beautiful than a warm spring day in the Maryland Hunt Country?
Our dear friend and award winning tailgate host SDM and his friend Craig had the party. Craig owns the Quinntessential Gentleman in Baltimore where their slogan is "Bmore handsome!"
Scott was as dapper as ever putting the final touches on the tailgate. He is the preppiest man alive and came in second last year for his tailgate.
The tent was stocked full with essentials to get through the long day.
Fried chicken and lots and lots of bourbon, naturally.
They served a specialty cocktail called "Off the Rails" and another called, "Bmore Handsome". I have no idea what was in it as I was sipping a finger of Bourbon on the rocks. I'm a purist.
Justin brought his divine handmade sourdough bread and Emily made my Pear Chutney as a perfect compliment her husband's manna of the Gods.
Can you hear the angel choir singing? My father used to bake bread and Justin's reminds me so much of Daddy's recipe.
Everyone was dressed to the nines and ready for betting.
Preppy fist pumps (PFP) for the rebirth of the monogram necklace! Emily received this from the Easter bunny a few weeks ago.
Not sure who this guy was but loved his red, white and light blue combo.
Sandi donned gold horse accents for the perfect touch.
I wish I had a vintage Thunderbird for just such an occasion! It is the perfect accessory.
I really couldn't keep my eyes off of My Charlie! He made sure my drink was cold all day.
Katiecakes was in town bringing friends from Philly.
The jockeys always look so smart in their silks too.
There were babies and puppies to snuggle with all day.
Games of chase and kickball.
Daddies were chasing the kids as well.
In between races everyone just visited.
EAS, the fantastic author of Let the Tide Pull Your Dreams Ashore, even stopped by wearing her adorable J. McGlaughlin dress! We finally met last week at the pre-opening of Kettle Hill with our mutual friends John and Alyssa. It's funny how after two years of "talking" via the internet you feel like you know someone. Please check out her blog if you haven't already. It is a daily read of mine with my morning tea! Cheers to you EAS and our camera toting ways.
John and Alyssa's besties were in town too. Katie and Todd had fun news to share with us! We all ended up back at Kettle Hill for dinner.
And we also met EAS's bestie Lawyer Liz! Oh Smalltimore, how I love thee!
While the tailgate judges were making their final rounds we were all SHOCKED when the announcer said "Second Runner Up." What? They dropped down one level from last year and I can't understand it. They had china, glass and silver julep cups!
The judging didn't dampen our spirits however.
We had such a lovely time.
After the races our group relocated to the Worthington Tavern for pool and pizza.
The skies opened up and rained buckets. We were so lucky the weather held out.
Thank you Scott and Craig for such a great afternoon with delicious food and drinks! Emily for taking such beautiful photos and Katie for coming down from Philly. EAS, it has been a joy getting to know you in person. I look forward to our next adventures! It was so great to see so many of our dear friends. Click here for more details on the Maryland Steeplechasing schedule.
