The old Mill

The old Mill
Oak Ridge, North Carolina

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Greensboro, North Carolina, United States
Proud Grandparents of eleven and growing - from California to Florida

Thursday, July 22, 2021




Pisgah Covered Bridge

I like to go back to places where we went together and discovered something magical and special. Out on a land photography expedition 60 miles south of Greensboro a few years back, Cheryl and I saw a sign that read , "Pisgah Covered Bridge Ahead". I looked at her, and she at me, and we both smiled because we knew we could work a stop there enroute back from our destination. We took the photos of the land and as we retraced our path we turned in the direction of the bridge. It was a beautiful early Fall day and the temperature was quite pleasant.

After a couple of miles, we turned into the visitor parking area and were immediately transformed into an idylic refuge of tall hardwood trees and a sparkling brook racing 'neath the century old covered bridge. We stopped and the world seemed to stop with us, all the struggles, the anxieties, the outright fears just dropped off behind us as we entered the serenity offered in this magical place. We had much on our minds and we felt an unseen arm wrap around us and tell us that everything was going to be allright.

You can walk through the bridge and then follow a trail that goes a few hundred yards alongside the creek and then crosses over and leads you back toward the parking area on the other side of the creek. It was a refreshing half hour communal with the creator and and his creation. I will never forget the first visit, and everytime I am reminded of it, my heart smiles with great joy. We parted with a bit of sadness because it had been such a delightful interlude in the midst of our storm.

Dakota was with me on another photographic expedition when I realized that we were close to the bridge South of Asheboro. I took him there and I think he enjoyed it also. as there is much nature to be discovered and admired.  He borrowed my camera and snapped a few of his own.

Imagine my surprise last week when I looked up and saw the same sign as I was headed for another photo opportunity South of Asheboro. Naturally, I routed myself home with the covered bridge enroute. It's not large, only a single wagon  wide a century ago and then a single auto when they were introduced in the early 20's. It hasn't been used for anything but a footbridge for many years, and juveniles have sprayed graffiti all over the inside walls, but it still offers a sanctuary from all the hustle and bustle and the cares of this world. It has been almost a year since we lost Cheryl, but reliving that special little moment in time lifted my spirits with sweet memories of her.


































 

Thursday, July 8, 2021

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TO WHERE YOU ARE

Who can say for certain
Maybe you're still here
I feel you all around me
Your memories so clear
Deep in the stillness
I can hear you speak
You're still an inspiration
Can it be
That you are my
Forever love
And you are watching over me
From up above.
Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for a while
To know you're there
A breath away's not far to where you are.
Are you gently sleeping
Here inside my dream?
And isn't faith believing
All power can't be seen
As my heart holds you
Just one beat away
I cherish all you gave me
Everyday
Cause you are my
Forever love
Watching me
From up above
And I believe
That angels breathe
And that love will live on
And never leave
Fly me up to where you are
Beyond the distant star
I wish upon tonight
To see you smile
If only for a while
To know you're there
A breath away's not far to where you are.
I know you're there
A breath away's not far to where you are


Still takes my breath away







as sung by Josh Groban