A Haven for Vee

Thursday, February 25, 2021

Picture Soup


It has been awhile. If anyone is still reading, it's a wonder. ツ To make things easier for me, I've tossed in a bunch of photos that I want to keep; each one will give me the push to say a word or two. In truth, I no longer feel that I have anything of great worth or note to say. Things are so strange these days and people are so easily offended one way or the other. Okay, let's get on and see how this goes. To avoid whiplash, I'll separate each picture with a divider. 


Earlier in the month, Mrs. T of Across My Kitchen Table got in touch with me to say that she and Mr. T were planning a trip to my corner. I had no idea why when their own corner is so lovely until I saw their adorable home away from home: Pebble Cottage. My sister Kim offered to drive me there and so the four of us enjoyed a delicious breakfast made by Mr. and Mrs. T. Mrs. T has shared the recipe *here.* My sister made it the following weekend to rave reviews. I haven't made it yet because it would be dangerous. Thanks to both the cooks. We enjoyed our time with you very much! It's a blessing to talk with the like-minded. 

For Mrs.T's side of the story and more look *here.*

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One day in January, Mrs. Rabe of Creekside Cottage asked if I had a Civil War soldier to look up. She and Mr. Rabe were visiting Gettysburg and they could look up his regiment and visit the memorial for it. As I had my ancestor's grave on file with his regiment prominently displayed, I knew that he fought with the 32nd Massachusetts Regiment. 

I was so surprised when they found the memorial and shared many pictures with me. I believe I must credit this one to Mr. Rabe. Can you tell what it is? It took me awhile. Mrs. Rabe shared that it is a tent and that the water canteen is hanging there. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Rabe for discovering this site.

It was wonderful to see this as I will probably never visit Gettysburg nor see this memorial. It is quite moving to think of my ancestor—a three times great-grandfather there fighting for the preservation of the Union and the abolishment of slavery. I do not know much about Hezekiah other than that he was born in Portland, Maine, that he was wounded during the war, and that he died at age 39. 

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When Tim Horton's Coffee Shop closed down a few years ago, I was very upset. It was one of John's and my favorite haunts. So I was very excited to see some updating and activity at the old shop recently. Soon enough Holy Donut came on the scene. They kinda look holy, but it turns out they are not as holy as we had hoped. Beyond that, they are terribly expensive, but pretty! 

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Abby's been at it again. Thank you, friend!




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Those blue eyes get me every time! Such a doll baby. She looks a lot like her grandmother when she was that age.

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Sitting on the dock of the bay long years past.

Our daughter Laurel who is apparently cleaning up her yard. This is for those who have mentioned that Laurel looks a lot like me. She may be a combination child as most children are, but she certainly favors her dad's side of the family.


Speaking of which...a wonderful, unexpected gift from Laurel today. 
What fun!

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Okay, my ramblings are nearly done. It has been a long difficult year. Let us be gentle with ourselves and each other. 

Love,
Vee

 

50 comments:


  1. My apologies! I'm a novice these days and forgot to turn off my severe comment moderation. Thanks to those who wrote letting me know! 💕

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  2. What a fun post! I like that you were able to meet up with Mrs.T and Mr.T and have breakfast together! Your sister is sweet to drive with you.
    Tim and I were so happy to find that memorial. It's a unique one, looks just like a soldiers tent.
    Those baby blues are something else, and am I to assume that the donuts look more amazing than they taste? I'm finding that a lot lately.
    Laurel is such a nice daughter to bring you treats, and yes, she does look like you.
    I like when you post!

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    1. Yes, you can safely assume that! Our favorite, though, was the chocolate with sea salt.

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  3. So nice to see your post. Yes, this pandemic has changed us all and then of course, each has it's own personal trials so don't worry about not having anything to say. I enjoyed your post... what a find for your ancestor!! And, those donuts! Boy, they look yummy. Take care, dear friend. Hugs a bunch!

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  4. Always a nice surprise to see a post from you.
    Hope you will be back soon. Blessings, Sharon D.

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  5. (Before I officially begin my comment, let me just say "exactly!" to your first paragraph.)

    What a delightful surprise this morning to see a post from you! It doesn't matter how long you go between posts, I will still follow and read and enjoy each one.

    Mrs T's cottage is indeed charming and I'm sure that the four of you had a lovely time together . . . what a treat! The Rabes are so kind to search out the memorial of your ancestor; I'm sure it was a thrill for you to see it! Abby is so thoughtful! Is that design with that beautiful verse of Scripture also from Abby? I love it! That sweet baby niece is darling! So is Laurel (who, I think, does look like you, although I do not know her father's family) and she is also very thoughtful. You are blessed with many wonderful, giving people in your life!

    Thanks for popping in today! ♥

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    1. Yes, that is Abby's design. A perfect graphic for the times. Thank you for stopping in!

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  6. What a blessing it is to visit with you here! I loved seeing your pictures and reading your words. You are much loved in the blogging community! I’m going to go check out that soup recipe now! Thank you for sharing it!
    And Vee, you always have something to say and we always want to hear it!
    I’m sorry if you get ugly comments. But please don’t let them steal your joy!

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    1. You'll be surprised to find the recipe as it is not soup! But I think it would be a great recipe for you because you feed so many at a time. Ideal and it is sooooo yummy! Thanks for popping in, Linda.

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  7. So happy to see your photos and read that you got to visit Mr. and Mrs. T. It was so thoughtful of the Rabes to take the picture of your ancestor's Civil War monument. Our blogging community is really something special!

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  8. Loving your post Vee! I printed off that recipe and can't wait to try it! What great blogging buddies you have. You are truly blessed and we love hearing from you!

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  9. That cottage is adorable and those blue eyes!! I am off to check out the recipe.

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  10. Vee, I always enjoy seeing photos from your part of the country. New England is truly beautiful, no matter what the season, and you tend to photograph subjects I like to see.

    Your daughter is beautiful and I'm sure she does indeed favor you a lot. Your granddaughter is, indeed, a doll baby, which is a term I use a lot, too.

    In agreement with you, we have to be quite careful what we say any more (in any medium).

    Blessings to you.

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    1. Little Anneke is my sister's granddaughter.

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  11. So enjoyable reading your post. What a lovely yellow cottage.
    That's my brand and flavor of gum!
    I've been to Gettysburg a few times.
    Yes, what beautiful blue eyes.

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  12. Oh my! this was well worth waiting for! How much fun that Mr. and Mrs. T came to see you and you met at Pebble Cottage. I don't know where that is exactly, but it certainly looks like a lovely place to visit! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Oh my, your granddaughter is a charmer...and your daughter is lovely, no matter who she looks like! Those donuts look really good too! I haven't had a "real" donut in a long time, real, meaning, not dunkin' or krispy creme, or any other name brand. I haven't even had any of those either...how wonderful of your friends to send you that picture from Gettysburg. I never knew about those special monuments. We went there many years ago, but maybe we weren't in the right spot to find those. How very special. Wow. That brings tears to my eyes. Love the "sitting on the dock of the bay" photo too. Very sweet. And the goodies, etc., this was a great post. Thank you for coming back among us to bring a smile to our faces today! So wonderful to hear from you and from Maine...

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  13. I'm so happy to read about you and your happenings, Vee. How lovely to meet up with your blogging friend and enjoy a breakfast with them. The photo of the cottage is so lovely. And the fact another blogging friend found your ancestor's memorial in Gettysburg is wonderful! Your daughter has such a beautiful smile. Her gift must be quite tasty. Have a cozy afternoon. We are now having quite a spring tease with snow still in shady spots and mud in other spots.

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  14. You have just made my day, Vee. It is just so wonderful to hear from you. I totally agree with you on how easily people are offended these days. I like to think we old time bloggers are above that and, instead, strive to be kind and compassionate :).
    Oh, that yellow cottage in the snow is charming. Your breakfast visit sounds delightful. I have checked out the recipe. Sounds scrumptious. I have torn a recipe for sheet pan pancakes out of a magazine with good intentions of trying it. With your high praise for this one, I think I'll make it a higher priority.
    Your little blue eyed baby is adorable.
    Lovely gifts from your lovely girl.
    Take good care.

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  15. Thank you for telling me about Chateau Diaries on YouTube. I have watched her channel, as well as some other "chateau" channels such as "Doing it Ourselves," "The Pethericks," "Life of Ryan," and "Sadie in France." Great fun! Great distraction from the negatives in the world. Blessings, Beth

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  16. Good to see you in blogdom today! I am not on very often either these days and often wonder if I should just call it quits! I must say, this Covid thing has all but defeated me but am trying to hang on! Thoughts of Spring help me survive! Your daughter is beautiful just like you. Take care dear Vee!

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  17. A delightful post with pictures. That cottage looks charming. I'm glad you were able to visit it and see your friend. Love all the family pictures. The little baby is growing. The donuts look particularly good. Oh happy day my friend. Look for the joys of the day. Today, your post brought me joy because it's about you and your people. Which I guess turns out that I'm one of them, ha! ~ Abby

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  18. It's so lovely to see a post from you today, Vee. I'm sorry for the hard stuff people say. I'm learning more and more to just click away and stay silent. The world is indeed a perilous place, but there is always hope because of Christ, and for that I am so thankful.
    I enjoyed the hopscotch of topics in this post, from family likenesses to donuts, to snowy scenes and sweet friends who think of you. (And a daughter who gives lovely treats)
    blessings,
    Lorrie

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  19. How wonderful to see a post pop up from you and your corner. Ahh...it is so good to sit around and yak with like minded people with no fears of saying the wrong thing. More and more I cherish that. You are blessed with good friends who reach out and do the nicest things. Mrs. T's cottage is so cute! I'll have to click over and check out that breakfast treat. I hope the rest of February treats you well!

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  20. LOVE LOVE LOVE this post...I have missed your blogging, Vee. smiles

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  21. Like others have previously commented, Vee, it was a wonderful surprise to find a new post from you as I have been checking and you were missed! Lately, I only comment on blogs weekly but try to read many daily. You are so right about how hard it can be for topics that will not offend or even incense people. Steering clear of politics and (most) current events seems "safer." Nice that you had a lovely visit and delightful breakfast. We have sampled some of those Holy Donuts as friends brought some when they visited a couple of years ago. They were good, but pricey we did hear. Unexpected gifts are the best type, especially ones of cocoa and marshmallows...would have been great with a donut too :-)

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  22. Such a fun post, and I enjoyed every single ingredient in the "picture soup'!

    Our time with you and Kim was pure joy ... we are so very, very happy that it worked out. So glad the pumpkin pancakes got raves with her family! I hope to blog about our getaway soon (have started a post).

    And all of the other lovely happenings and photos were so much fun. Such sweet unexpected gifts from Laurel and Abby! I still think Laurel looks a lot like you. And I love that graphic of Abby's. She is so talented as well as thoughtful.

    That memorial that the Rabes found is absolutely wonderful! So unique. I've never been to Gettysburg (yet) and had no idea that there were specific memorials for the various regiments.

    That blue-eyed baby is so sweet and her eyes are a lot like Kim's. Thanks for sharing all of this -- it was a joy to read!

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  23. I certainly loved reading a post from you, Vee! How nice to get together with Mr. and Mrs. T! That yellow cottage is adorable. It also was nice of Mrs. Rabe to send photos of Gettysburg. I was there years upon years ago. The baby is a doll and so is Laurel and her sweet gifts to you. Happy weekend!

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  24. Loved catching up with this post, dear lady. And yes, those blue eyes are beautiful. ♥

    I haven't posted at all- just no extra energy or patience for it. I miss it but it is a huge commitment. We have been very busy painting and organizing. Tackled the pantry today and could do cartwheels with joy finally getting it behind me. Lots more to do.

    Stay well. Hugs.

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    1. Oh there are many things more important than blogging! Sounds as if you are busy doing them. Course, when things calm down, we'd all like a peek. ☺️

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  25. So good to see a post from you Vee....what a lovely daughter you have...I did love our visits to Tim Horton's when living in Maine....hugs from Texas!

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  26. And here I was just telling Elmer how I missed your posts! How nice to see a newsflash from your corner! Lots of good things here...from meeting up with friends (pretty rare these days), to surprise packages, and friends who looked up your ancestral memorial. Oh...and those donuts! We were at Tim Horton’s today...in case you wanted to know that :). Take care, Vee! I’ll be checking back soon.

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  27. I'm glad I could catch a post from you..I have missed stopping by all my blogger friends these past few months. Hopefully I can get back in the swing. Have a lovely Sunday.

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  28. Dear Vee, I enjoyed reading a post from you. Sounds like you've had a fun time and I love all the pictures. Especially that beautiful baby. My year has not started off to a good start but girl, my word has been JOY and that I have been choosing. It's been one thing after another so yes you are so right dear lady. We need to be gentle with ourselves and one another. Hope your New Week will be wonderful to you sweet lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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  29. I'm so glad to see your comments are turned back on. I've wanted to leave comments on some recent posts - and felt kind of sad I couldn't let you know I'd stopped by. What wonderful blogging buddies you have. Mrs. T and her Mr. inviting you to Pebble Cottage. What a treat! And The Rabes taking pictures for you. What an interesting monument. And that is one sweet baby - with beautiful blue yes. :)

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  30. Hi Vee~

    It really has been a long year! I love that you, and Deanna, found your ancestors monument, that is so winderful! I didn't think I had any ancestor who was in America during that time. But I recently found a great, great, great grandfather who fought in the civil war. Most of my ancestors were all immigrants.

    Your dayghter does look like you! She's really beautiful, just like you ❤ Whatva darling little one! Those blue eyes...oh my...just gorgeous! Have a wonderful rest of the week Vee!

    Hugs and Love,
    Barb

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  31. So happy to see a post from you. Please never feel that you dont have anything of worth to say. Poats from you are always so uplifting and positive. :) Thank you for sharing the lovely pictures and yes your daughter does look like you. Hope you have a wonderful weekend and that this year is much better for all of us.

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  32. What a cute little yellow cottage! That is so neat that someone found your ancestor's monument and its design is meaningful.

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  33. I saw this post a few days ago but did not get a chance until today to write. I always seems that nothing is happening and then everything gets busy. It sounds the same in your life, Vee. It's nice you were able to have breakfast with blog friends and that Mrs. Rabe sent that photo of the unique memorial in Gettysburg where your fought in the Civil War. We visited Gettysburg many years ago when our children were young. There is a very interesting museum there that our children still remember quite well.
    I'm a fan of Dunkin Donuts as that is the brand we've had access to in NY. They were quite affordable. I was happy when a few outlets came to Colorado--one is in the airport cell phone waiting area, so we drop in whenever we pick up someone in the airport. which has obviously not happened this year. Your pretty daughter does resemble you and your grand niece is so sweet and adorable! I know they both bring you much joy!

    I get my second vaccine dose this week, and so feel more relieved that I can gather with family --grandchildren--again. Covid infections were all around us at one time with outbreaks in many local places, so we were being very cautious. Now I think we can celebrate Easter together safely. The young people did not worry as much as us oldies. I am also looking forward to spring, although we will be getting a big snowfall this weekend, if all the predictions are correct. We need the snow--it's been very dry!

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  34. Hi Vee, It has taken me forever to get by here for a visit, and I apologize for that. I'm always SO GLAD to see you posting, my friend. I enjoyed the pictures very much and the explanations/comments that go along with them. Pebble Cottage is just darling -- looks like such a charming place to stay for a visit. I'm sure your breakfast was delicious; it's always nice to be treated to a home-cooked meal! That is such an unusual war memorial and so good of Mrs. Rabe to find and photograph that for you. I've never been to Gettysburg either, but I have been to Valley Forge (different war, I realize). Daughter Laurel is just lovely, and little Abby is indeed a doll baby. :D Like you, I'm tired of having to tippy-toe around so many subjects on my own blog. People are ridiculously easy to offend these days and so angry about everything. Sigh. I think we all agree that you still have plenty to say, and we're glad to read/hear it. Thank you for all your visits and comments to my blog, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend, Vee!!

    Love and hugs,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  35. Hi Vee! It’s been a weird year ... longer I guess with the changes of life & then this virus. I thought of you recently with your beautiful pictures and thoughts on things & made the time to slow down for a visit. It was wonderful to see you had posted recently. My how time gets away from us! Hope you are doing well as the seasons are beginning to change and days are looking brighter.
    Jen
    Fiddle Dee Dee

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  36. Vee, I was so happy to find a post today. You still have a lot to share, I hope you'll continue. Some people *are* quick to take offense these days. I pretty much just say to myself "I meant no offense, don't have the energy to get sucked into someone's drama trying to explain what I had actually said but that they heard differently through their own "lens," so I'm just going to shake the dust off my feet and move on." So keep posting!

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  37. It's been some time since I last visited. I truly enjoyed the post. Got to return soon and catch up.

    Hope you're seeing signs of spring!

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  38. So much to love in this post Vee! I think you have lots to share, and I always find your posts so fun and interesting! Loved the hodgepodge with the picture soup - love it! How wonderful to visit with Mr. and Mrs. T! The cottage is just darling, and so wonderful for you both to enjoy the fellowship together! Blogging has indeed brought such wonderful friends into our lives! I love the blue eyes of your grandbaby, and of course I think Laurel does resemble you too! It is true that our kids are a bit of a mix of each parent! So sweet to enjoy happy mail, it is such a blessing! I love Abby's graphics, she is so talented. Wishing you many blessings, and lovely spring days ahead :)

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  39. Easter greetings dear Vee - can't leave a comment on your current post!
    Wishing you a beautiful springtime.
    Mary X

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  40. I hope that you are well, dear Vee, in this lovely time of year. I was just looking at a first flowers to come up in the garden, they looked so hopeful and brave and frightened, all at once.
    Amalia
    xo

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  41. Enjoyed this so much,Vee, think of you so often.
    Love,
    Sue

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  42. Hi Vee, it was so nice catching up with you tonight.....I got your link from Pamela down in Florida. Loved these photos and what you shared about each one, blessings to you. Mildred

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  43. Hi Vee, just stopped by on a whim, taking a break from a project I'm working on. You popped into my brain so here I am. Have thought of you often! I've been looking through some of your lovely family photos, enjoying your posts! Thought I would say hi! Glad to see you are back to blogging. I hope to one of these days too! Take good care, Linda

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  44. Hi Vee, I hope you are doing well... I enjoyed reading this post again! You always have good things to share, and I enjoy your posts. I trust you are doing well, sending hugs and love!

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