Garden Joy

 The garden is a peaceful and calming place.  Masses of yellow and orange lilies and  purple echinacea are about to be joined by floods of black-eyed Susans.  Somehow the aged brick walk still harbors soft green moss even with the staggering July heat.  Though I've yet to spot a monarch, I have seen many Viceroy and tiger swallowtail butterflies.  The milkweed has a sweet smell even to this human nose.  I can only imagine how the aroma must entice lepidoptera.  

A garden is a blessing from the Creator as pleasing to me as music.

Several weeks ago, I entered an online competition for the Creation Festival Art Gallery sponsored by White Stone Gallery, Philadelphia.  My painting, The Way, was accepted.  It symbolizes the many paths that life can take for each of us.  However, the way to eternal salvation is only through Jesus. I was so happy to meet Gallery owners, Susan and Darrel and to share this amazing experience with my dear sister.  Thank you so much to Creation Festival for having this show and to Susan and Darrel for their kindness and support!!

 

Fulton County girls do well!!  

Check this out:

Fulton County News Article 

At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. Ephesians 5: 20

Best of Show, Franklin County Art Alliance Show, June 16, 2013

The Glens Natural Area

 Even with the rain of the last week, Ricketts Glen was still awe inspiring.  Thank you to my dear daughter for helping me camp through the rain.  We had a memorable time.

Lake Jean

Waterfall Trail

Fellow Hiker

History of Ricketts Glen

Colonel Robert Bruce Ricketts enlisted as a private in the U.S. Army at the beginning of the Civil War.  He bravely led Battery F during the Battle of Gettysburg.  Young Ricketts moved up through the ranks and was discharged as a Colonel.  At one time Col. Ricketts owned over 80,000 acres of land.  Through the 20's, 30's, and 40's the family sold land to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for a state park.  The 13,050 acre state park which is in Luzerne, Sullivan, and Columbia Counties first opened in 1944.  Today the Glens Natural Area encompasses two branches of Kitchen Creek where 22 majestic waterfalls flow among ancient trees, many over 300 years old. Fishing, boating, and swimming on Lake Jean provide tranquil rest after a full day of hiking the 7.2 mile Falls Trail.