The folding of the American Flag

Not every one knows that the folding of the American flag has special meaning, each fold represents a special reason.I have no idea if thsi is true or not but it tells a nice story.

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decaur, "Our Country", in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust."

Another Birthday

There is something comforting in thoughts of the old cemetery. So many of my family slumbers here with huge trees, tall grasses & where the wind blows free. The old angels stand guard, dressed in their flowing gowns of granite, the cherubs & their woolly lambs...some have been here as far back as my memory goes.

Today would have been my darling's birthday, another year has passed by. I left him there, to the welcoming arms of my family, one year & 28 days ago. What a long year it has been!

Summer days

Today has been bearable in the temperature dept. The humidity was down some & that is always a plus in making a summer day in Texas.

Two great- granddaughters came over today(they brought their Mommy.. :) ) to spend a play day with Nonnie(that's me) We have had such a good day of playing with all the babies(dolls) that currently live with me. We have fed, burped, diapered,& napped a host of them today. The little ones have gone home & it has returned again to the quietness of an empty house.

A few more blocks worked on for Sylvia's Bridal Sampler this late evening, not much time today with the short guests here for most of the day. There is no hurry on the piecing.

Goofing around

I have been outside working in the flower beds. I really need to find an online place that sells gills. The air is pea soup thick with humidity today & breathing with lungs is a difficult procedure today.
I am not sure where this humidity comes from as we are as dry as always.

The flower beds, once my pride & joy, have gotten out of control. Sweetie was sick so long & they lost importance in comparison to seeing after him. But it has been a year now since he left us & slowly, a few things are coming into focus again.... on some days anyway.

It is said the journey of a million miles begins with the first step. One foot in front of the other one.

I am letting joints rest from the vigorous hand quilting taking place on 'The Journey of Jane Stickle" . I like lots of things going on & switch from one to the other. Takes longer to finish something but I like it that way. I always finish what I begin eventually.

I am beginning to piece Sylvia's Bridal Sampler from the stash heap. Scraps are like wire coat hangers, when you turn out the lights, they must reproduce in the darkness? Especially the ugly scraps that you wonder why you bought to begin with?

I am still sticking & stabbing (what I refer to hand quilting as) the Jane Stickle Journey. I've completed 1 whole side of the border, 2 partial sides & I am back up in the body of the quilt working on blocks.

Because my joints are getting bad, I usually have something I am piecing to take a break from the strain of quilting. I have decided to make Sylvia's BridalQuilt.

A truth

Better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. - Chinese Proverb

Jane Stickle's Journey

I've been working on a Jane Stickle quilt for a very long time. In actual hours, not that long but seems that something comes along & detours me. So, I finally finished piecing her & now I am in the process of hand quilting her.

My picture taking is quite bad. The quilt is much
more bright than this!

Chapters in the Book

I have been doing some thinking(always dangerous) & have come to the conclusion that life is something like a book with many chapters contained inside. You can purchase books in many forms, hard back, soft back, etc. But the pages pretty much read the same whatever form you choose.

Some books are better than others,holding your attention almost from page one. Others seem to drag along for a chapter or two, then they pick up & hold your interest once again. But there are also some books that you cast aside & never finish.

The cover of my book (life) is well worn. It has served as an interesting container for the many years that I have been privileged to be on earth. I have seen many changes, most for the good of mankind and a few not so good. It has been an interesting journey to say the least. I have met some wonderful & precious people in my travels through time...and some... well, not so great. More good than bad though, proving that good always wins in the end.

Occasionally , I ear marked a page so I can come back & look at it again, someday. It really is damaging to a book to fold that page down & we all know better than to do that. But again, the information was too important to not make note of. I marked it so I could find it again.

Chapter after chapter of my life was folded down & ear marked by being married to a good man for over 50 years. That marriage produced two beautiful daughters. I am still looking at those chapters & finding what was important to remember & there is a lot! There is so much good written there that it may take forever to read through those chapters again. Most pages contain happy memories but some are marked with tears. The chapter that holds the past year with out him by my side has held many tears. I have had to come to terms with many things in the past year, and not just his passing.

I know someday I will get to the point that I will begin to turn those ear marks up. Someday... but not today....and not tomorrow...and probably not really ever? But I do think there are still chapters to read or perhaps .......even to be written.

Someday....