Signs of Spring

The signs of spring are everywhere.

From dandelions popping up overnight.

To splashes of color from wild violets

To the riotous color of tulips

To elegant dogwoods and signs of the primary election

To performing that weekly ritual

Spring is finally here!

Only Memories Remain

Memories keep both people and places alive. Without memories, our families and the places they lived would cease to exist.

In the 1940s my grandfather bought a house in Salem, Kentucky. He also owned the Salem Feed Mill, just up the alley from the house. Both of my grandparents died in that house. After their deaths, my parents bought it, remodeled it and moved in. I was grown by then and never lived in the house, but spent vacations there. Going to Salem and visiting the grandparents were favorite times for my children. We lived in the metropolitan area of a large city with all of its dangers of traffic and crime so the only time my children were free to run and play with no supervision was in Salem.

This house in Salem had been around for a long time. Mother believed the house was the former home of "Old Doc Elder," who had lived there in the 1890s. I suspect it was older with its wide baseboards and tall ceilings.

My parent's home in 1987

And from the back yard in 1980:

Several years after my father died in 1975, Mother decided it was time to downsize and leave the maintenance of an old house to someone else. The house became home to another family, but we all kept an eye on it as former residents tend to do.

The house was bought and sold several times and eventually ended up as a rental property. Windows weren't as shiny, flower beds weren't tended and it took on a forlorn appearance. Then came the ice storm of January 2009. A large tree branch fell through the roof. When no attempts were made to remove the branch or repair the damage, we knew the old house was doomed.

This winter the old fireplace, doors and window frames were removed, then the hardwood flooring was taken out. Finally, the house was demolished and became nothing more than a pile of rubble.

All that remained 20 March 2010

The house was located just one block off US 60, the main road through Salem, and easily seen as you head south toward Burna, Smithland and Paducah. While I know the house is no longer there, it remains forever in my memories.

South Carolina Ramblings

My excursion last weekend was a bit farther that normal. On Thursday, I flew to Charleston, South Carolina to visit the other half of my family. Charleston is one of my favorite places and has so many places of interest.

On Friday we visited downtown Charleston. I love the color of the City Market on Meeting Street against the bright blue sky. The United Daughters of the Confederacy operate the Confederate Museum on the upper level of the Market.



The mode of transportation varies from automobile to bicycle to horse and carriage. A carriage ride offers a great view at a pace slow enough to absorb the sights and smells.



On Saturday morning we visit the ruins of Biggin Church in Berkley County, near Moncks Corner. The first church was constructed in 1711, but was burned three times. The ruins are from the church built in 1761. The church was used as a depot by British troops during the Revolutionary War. As they retreated, the church was burned and later rebuilt. The church was used up to the Civil war and the cemetery is still used today. Francis Marion, the Swamp Fox of Revolutionary War fame, was born near here.



It takes me a while to get used to seeing the Confederate flag.



After all that history, it was time to take a break and enjoy the sun.

Saturday Morning Excursion - Again

A little excursion this morning took us to the far west side of the city. We had lunch at Wilson's General Store, where this menu was posted outside the door. Thank you, no, I did not order this delicacy. Click on the photos for enlarged views.





A drive down the highway and then off onto a lonely road found us in front of this old school. Could this be the old Darnell School? Directly behind it is an old, empty house. What memories these two buildings must hold!

Rolling On the River

One of the things I miss most about living right on the river is watching all the traffic. This morning I took a drive down my old street and watched a barge pushing its load of coal. While I miss the activity on the river, I do not miss the wind that always seems present.

For an enlarged view, click on the photograph.

Saturday Morning Excursion

A Saturday morning excursion resulted in a view of the past. The old barn is still stately, even with part of its roof gone.

The door swings freely, revealing hints of former use.

No, it isn't Kansas. It's a corn field in Posey County, Indiana.

Click on each photo for an enlarged view.

No Spring In Sight

A couple of bright, sunny days the middle of last week fooled me into thinking maybe, just maybe, spring was on the horizon. Not so, it seems. Mother Nature isn't about to let us off easy - we had about 6 inches of snow dumped on us Friday night and Saturday morning.

This photo was taken along the riverfront in downtown Newburgh, Indiana on the 27th of January 2010.



What a difference a few days make. The following photo was taken in the same place this morning, the 31st of January 2010. Notice the river is high with quite a lot of debris.




I'm not giving up, though. Surely Spring is just around the bend. Isn't it?