Monday, April 30, 2007
Trekking around Charlottesville
As part of our training to walk 250 miles of the Camino to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, we went to Charlottesville, Virginia in order to hike on more rugged terrain. A trail now stretches approximately 20 miles around the city.
We can't imagine that the Camino will be more challenging than the Rivanna Trail. It is up and down rocky trails, full of tree roots.
We hiked today for five hours, my husband and I each carried packs weighing 19 lbs. Sometimes it was tough going.
We passed the remains of a poorhouse built in 1806. It made me glad I didn't live in the early years of the nineteenth century.
Charlottesville is the home the University of Virginia. Above is the rotunda of the University, designed by Thomas Jefferson who founded the university.
We hiked alongside many babbling brooks.
We saw many wild flowers like the flocks above. The woods were full of the scent of mountain laurel and we were awed by the variety and delicacy of the flowers.
My husband, the trail blazer!
You would think that hiking and carrying a heavy pack might lead to philosophical or theological speculation. In fact, I find the trekking all consuming. I must be attentive, watching the trail and stepping carefully. When my attention strays from the trail, it is to drink in the beauty around us.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Rediscovering Williamsburg
In the 22 years we have lived in Williamsburg, we have driven the three miles from our house to the historic area probably on average once a day. When I taught at William and Mary and when our son was in the Colonial Williamsburg fife and drum corps, we traveled the route so often that we joked that our car automatically went that way.
Yesterday as part of our training for our pilgrimage in Spain, we walked to the historic area along the route we had so often driven. My husband spotted prehistoric scallop shells in a deep ravine. Traveling the route by car, we had never seen them.
The sea once covered Williamsburg, and the shells are about five million years old, give or take a few million years. We were especially delighted to collect a few shells since the scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrims who travel the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims today, as they have for 12 centuries, wear a scallop shell.
Every year we enjoy seeing the azaleas that festoon the homes in Williamsburg. This year we didn't zip by them as we usually do. Rather we were able to experience their lushness as we walked.
Yesterday as part of our training for our pilgrimage in Spain, we walked to the historic area along the route we had so often driven. My husband spotted prehistoric scallop shells in a deep ravine. Traveling the route by car, we had never seen them.
The sea once covered Williamsburg, and the shells are about five million years old, give or take a few million years. We were especially delighted to collect a few shells since the scallop shell is the symbol of pilgrims who travel the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims today, as they have for 12 centuries, wear a scallop shell.
Every year we enjoy seeing the azaleas that festoon the homes in Williamsburg. This year we didn't zip by them as we usually do. Rather we were able to experience their lushness as we walked.
Monday, April 23, 2007
For Laurel
Great to hear from you! I'll be delighted for you to interview me. Please send a message to:
phyllis.haislip@gmail.com I have tried to answer your query, but it has returned to me.
phyllis.haislip@gmail.com I have tried to answer your query, but it has returned to me.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
In Training for the Camino
In order to be able to walk for 250 miles on our pilgrimage beginning May 23, we have been walking various trails in our area. Today we visited the Powhatan Watershed Natural Area about three miles from our house. One of the surprise benefits of our training has been that we have rediscovered our local area. Another benefit is that the additional walking we have been doing has made us feel great.
Our son, Alex, visiting from California, joined his mom and dad on today's hike. Shown here is a natural arch that resulted from a tree damaged during an ice storm.
Our son, Alex, visiting from California, joined his mom and dad on today's hike. Shown here is a natural arch that resulted from a tree damaged during an ice storm.
Alex photographed this butterfly so we could identify it. I have searched through our Audubon guide to butterflies and I haven't found it. Does anyone know what it is?
I snapped a picture of a wild iris. Can you find it in the picture above? It is near the center of the picture.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Turning Memories into Memoirs
This morning, I spoke to a group of 38 seniors at a local Lutheran church about writing their memoirs. The fun began after my program was over. The clean-up crew is taking a break and illustrating the finer points of dipping while dancing.
My friend Ruth and I mugged for the camera. Note the scallop shell I am wearing. It is the symbol of a pilgrim on the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. I am also wearing scallop shell earring. After telling the group about my upcoming pilgrimage, an acquaintance, Diane, gave me her earrings. Now I have a matching set. What a lovely gesture. Thank you Diane!Saturday, April 07, 2007
The Value of Education
This snowy morning,
my husband, Otis,
and I
were asked to speak to a youth group about the value of education.
Otis talked about education as a means to achieve life goals and I discussed the joy of learning.
We had a terrific, attentive audience who made their way to the program in spite of the unseasonable weather.
Thanks to Martin Billups for setting up the program and to everyone who attended.
Snow on Easter Saturday in Williamsburg?
It is hard to believe, but it is actually snowing in Williamsburg on April 7, Easter Saturday!
Poor St. Francis must have very cold feet this morning.
Friday, April 06, 2007
My Riches Amaze Me!
From time to time my riches truly amaze me. As you can see I am ready for Easter. I have just received this lovely bouquet of flowers from my cousin, Charlene.
I have never been a "collector." But I've never been able to resist colorful, decorated Easter eggs. For me, they symbolize the joy and hope of the Easter season.
Today my friend Ruth brought me two beautiful new eggs.
My friend, Anja, sent me two special eggs a while ago. When I posted them on my site, it gave Ruth the idea to give me eggs too.
I have to be one of the world's richest people to have such dear friends
and such wonderful eggs!
Happy Easter Everyone!!!!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
My Easter Outfit
Here I am in my Easter outfit at Waller Mill Park in Williamsburg. This year instead of an Easter bonnet, I have a sun hat, instead of a new purse, I have a backpack, and instead of patent leather shoes, I have hiking shoes. My Easter finery includes special moisture wicking clothes. All this is in preparation for our upcoming trek in Spain.
Shown here is my super backpack. During our pilgrimage to Santiago, I'll be carrying about 15 pounds. Yesterday, I walked 4 miles carrying 14 pounds. We are hoping to walk about 12 miles a day. So I have a way to go yet in my training.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Congratulations Battle Winners!
Congratulations to Nelson Elementary School in Newport News, their Battle of the Books team recently won the regional championship for grades four and five.
Congratulations also to Poquoson Middle School, their Battle of the Books team won the regional championship for grades six through eight.
Congratulations to all the participants in the Battle of the Books program. You read 20 great books, learned a lot, and had fun. I'm proud of you all. Readers are leaders!
Congratulations also to Poquoson Middle School, their Battle of the Books team won the regional championship for grades six through eight.
Congratulations to all the participants in the Battle of the Books program. You read 20 great books, learned a lot, and had fun. I'm proud of you all. Readers are leaders!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Colonial Period Comes Alive in Missouri
Readers of Divided Loyalties in Missouri, brought the Revolutionary War period to life with a recent all-day event attended by over 600 people. What a great way to learn about our past. Fifth grade teacher Lois Marian sent me the following to post on my website:
With a horse pawing the ground outside the front door, a rooster crowing nearby and "citizens" in long dresses or tri-cornered hats milling around, Pond Elementary School was transported March 14 from the 21st to the 18th century. Students in teacher Lois Mariam's fifth-grade class - with help from parents and staff at the school - presented a simulation of the era of the American Revolution during a "Colonial Period Comes Alive" event. For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://westcountyjournal.stltoday.com/articles/2007/03/20/news/education/sj2tn20070320-0321prj_pioneer1.ii1.txt
With a horse pawing the ground outside the front door, a rooster crowing nearby and "citizens" in long dresses or tri-cornered hats milling around, Pond Elementary School was transported March 14 from the 21st to the 18th century. Students in teacher Lois Mariam's fifth-grade class - with help from parents and staff at the school - presented a simulation of the era of the American Revolution during a "Colonial Period Comes Alive" event. For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
http://westcountyjournal.stltoday.com/articles/2007/03/20/news/education/sj2tn20070320-0321prj_pioneer1.ii1.txt
