My Path

Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.

Wonderful Quotes

”The man who removes a mountain
begins by carrying away small stones.”
~ William Faulkner


Simple living is not about living in poverty or self-inflicted deprivation.
Rather, it is about living an examined life — one in which you have determined
what is important.


Epicuros: “We shall seek temperance and a simple life, real wealth and freedom consists in a minimum of needs.”

Creative thinking may mean simply the realization that there's no particular virtue in doing things the way they always have been done.
Rudolf Flesch

Wolf Creek Dam

I wanted to post some pictures of a natural arch located close to my home. It is located below this dam on the river. I thought I would post some about the Dam before hand. I live about 5 miles from this dam. It is currently being reconstructed because there is severe leakage.

In late January 2007, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers placed the dam under a 'high risk' for failure designation, along with Center Hill Dam in Tennessee, both of which are two major dams upstream from Nashville, Tennessee. A new long-term solution has been proposed to solve, or control, the current seepage problem. A grout curtain and a new concrete diaphragm wall of greater dimensions will be constructed with newer technologies.[2] To reduce the current stresses on Wolf Creek Dam, and thus the risk, the Corps believes they should lower Lake Cumberland to 640 feet (195 m), 83 feet (25 m) lower than normal summer levels.[3] However, this will affect up to 200,000 area citizens' water supply and has also met resistance from marina owners, so the water level has remained at 40 feet (12 m) below its normal level. This lowered lake level is to be held for an indefinite amount of time and will be subject to frequent review.[2]. Wolf Creek Dam is also currently undergoing significant remediation measures to control the current seepage problem that has forced the high risk designation.

Phase one remedial work began in March 2006. Phase two, which includes grouting the dam's foundation, began in January 2007. Remediation is expected to be complete in 2014 and cost an estimated $309 million.[2] A risk-benefit analysis indicates that the benefit to cost ratio is 7 to 1.[1]

If Wolf Creek Dam fails, the estimated loss of life is 100 individuals and three billion dollars.[4]

In October 2007, warning sirens were installed in the Dam's surrounding counties[5][6], and Popular Mechanics cited Wolf Creek Dam as one of the top five disasters waiting to happen in the United States.[7]

Rock House Bottom Kentucky

This is the natural arch located below the Wolf Creek Dam in Kentucky.

Another stone erected at the sight of the natural arch. These people really believe in preserving the natural beauty of the sight.

Creelsboro Natural Bridge (more commonly referred to as Rock House or Rockhouse or Rockhouse Bottom) is a natural bridge in Western Russell County, Kentucky, USA (36°53'5.97"N 85°14'11.13"W). It is located near the town of Creelsboro, approximately seven miles from the Wolf Creek Dam and Lake Cumberland. Rockhouse is classified as a meander natural bridge because Jim Creek flows through it before merging into the Cumberland River. With a span of 104 feet, it is the seventh largest natural bridge in the USA.

Rockhouse strata is over 440 million years old (Upper Ordovician Period, Cumberland Formation, Silty Dolomite). Unlike most natural bridges it is made of dolostone rather than sandstone. First discovered in 1770 by a group of hunters, Rockhouse is a popular site for camping. It was designated a national landmark by the U.S. National Park Service in 1987.

Rock House Bottom

This is the history of the Arch. You can click on the picture to make it larger. But I will type what is on the stone.

Creelsboro Arch
Unpublicized and uncommercialized
300,000,000 years old
Danger falling rock and snake area
History of Area
Used by indians fishing and hunting
here in summer burying dead on top
Rediscovered by long hunters in 1792
Named the Rock House in 1812
when the settlers used it for
meeting and as picnic area
Chapel built from
natural materials
Canopy of heaven is the roof
The good earth is the floor
The void between heaven
and earth is the walls.

Rock House Bottom

The people that own the land where the natural arch is located bought the land to keep it from becoming commercialized. The established signs explaining the history of the land and how they felt about the land. They also used their land as a testament and witness of their faith.

This is hard to read. You can click on it to enlarge. But I will write what is on it.

Rock House Bottom Chapel

All Denominational
Dedicated to Jesus Christ
In memory of
John and Pearl Goff
Welcome sinners but beware
The devil blesses you with
Worldly goods and desires and
is stealing your soul
for the wages of sin is death,
but the gift of God is eternal life.
through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Behold today is the day of salvation
Jesus is here with you now.
Accept him as your savior
and ask for faith and guidance
while you are here
Become a born again Christian
Courtesy of Thomas and Loren Goff

Rock House Bottom

This is a local natural landmark near my house. I will post a series of pictures and the history that goes along with it.The first three are just pictures of it. It is huge and is hard to grasp the size from the pictures. It is located several miles down the river from the Wolf Creek Dam. When we get a lot of rain the natural arch is sometimes full of water and cannot be entered on foot.

The fog is beautiful. It doesn't matter how hot and humid it is. When you get closer to the river it is about 20 degrees cooler.

Budapest at Night

Budapest is the capital of Hungary with a population of 1.8 million citizens, it is by far the largest city in the country. The twin cities of Buda and Pest, unified in 1873, face each other across the famous Danube River, linked by the graceful spans of several bridges. The “gateway to Eastern Europe”, Budapest is renowned as a warm-hearted city, with a rich artistic, architectural and cultural legacy, of which its citizens are justly proud. Incredible architecture and rich cultural heritage, Hungary’s capital deserves its reputation as the “Paris of Central Europe”. The picturesque setting on two sides of the Danube, the nine connecting bridges, and the villas and public buildings, make Budapest one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe. The city straddles a gentle curve in the Danube. It has broad avenues, leafy parks and elaborate bathhouses.

Jacob took a ride down the Danube River Saturday night. He emailed and said it was the most beautiful city he had ever seen.

Four Leaf Clover

The four-leaf clover is an uncommon variation of the common, three-leaved clover. According to tradition, such leaves bring good luck to their finders, especially if found accidentally.[1] According to legend, each leaflet represents something: the first is for hope, the second is for faith, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck.

Found in my backyard.

Clouds over Europe

Pause for a moment for all the passengers of the France jet that went down over the Atlantic. Say a prayer for the families left grieving. My heart is so heavy for these people. My son will be flying back this month. Of course my thoughts are on his flight, especially after this unfortunate accident.

Thumper Cooling Out

Pictures from my Son in Czech Republic

Wringer Washer

When we first got married I had a wringer washer almost like this one. At the time I thought it was such a chore. But now I wish so much that I had one. I even mentioned to my husband that I would like to build a small wash shed close to my clothes line and buy one of these and use it during the summer. It does take a little more time to use it, but I would really like to have one. If you do it in stages there is such a water savings. Not to mention if it was situated close to my clothes line I wouldn't have to carry the clothes up the stairs and out the back door to my line. Of course it would only be good for summer, but that's fine with me.

http://countrylife.lehmans.com/2009/05/14/wringer-washer/

This is a link to explain a little about how laundry was done with these washers.

I remember growing up on wash day. My mom would roll the wringer washer to the back door and fill it with water with 5 gallon buckets. Then the galvanised tub was filled to rinse with. I never gave a second thought to how other people washed their clothes. I just thought this was normal. Little did I know that I would have one when I got married. My mom actually found a used one and bought it for me. Memories are so wonderful as you get older. I even remember my grandmother doing her laundry. She rolled hers to the back door and filled with water. The hot water came from her wood cook stove. Yes I said wood cook stove. She cooked everything on that stove winter and summer. There was a reservoir that held water. She dipped it out for the white clothes. Then she threw in a bar of lye soap that she also made homemade, to clean the weeks clothes. Times were hard for them, but actually very simple. If only we could realize that in this day and age.

Today in Czech Republic

A couple of place's Jacob will be visiting today.

The first picture is St. Moritz.
The second picture is St. Wenceslas.

He made it. Czech Republic

I finally heard from Jacob, our youngest son. He got to his hotel yesterday at about 4 pm. They are 7 hours ahead of us here. So he arrived at his hotel about 9:00 a. m. yesterday. He emailed me on face book today and said he was having alot of fun. Above is a picture of the Hotel Gol he is staying at. They slept late today to help get over the jet lag. This was his second plane ride ever. He doesn't remember the first. He was only 5 months old. He is 21 now. He is suppose to post some pictures soon and I will be putting them on here. Adventure, just makes you wonder how it would be to get out and see the world. Although I was so glad to just get home from the airport Thursday. I guess I'm just a stay at home person. I will get my adventure from the internet.

Leaving on a jet plane

Jacob, our youngest son, heading out to Czech Republic. Well actually this plane took him to Detroit. From there to Amsterdam, and then an 8 hour bus ride to Czech Republic. By the time I posted these pictures he was already half way there. I'm missing him so much already.

Emma and Thumper

Our little Thumper has been sick all day. He just lays around and doesn't play at all. I'm going to call the vet tomorrow. We think he may have an ear infection. He's had this before and he's acting the same this time. We came home from work and my husband covered him up on the couch with a large quilt. A little while later we noticed that Emma our tabby cat had laid on top of him. It was like she didn't even see him. My husband said that's okay, she's just keeping him warm.

Recycled Bike Rack

I love this. A great way to save the earth. How many of these old frames go to the landfill everyday? Then a company makes new bike racks from new steel. The old ones are so much better. Colleges use a lot of these racks for the students to chain their bikes to. The students could donate their old frames and leave a part of their history there when they leave.

Vintage Signs

I know there are a lot of these all over the United Stated, but these two are right here in our little town. They are just so unique.

Thumper

This is our little dog Thumper. He is adopted and we can't believe how well he fits in. It's like he has always been here. His owner passed away and we were asked if we would take him. He is such a happy little dog. We Love him.

The first picture was taken with his baby. He loves this bean bag toy.

The second picture almost looks like he is saying look at me I'm so cute.

Mowing Our Yard the Easy Way

You have to understand we live way out in the country. It's a wonderful peaceful place. Every so often we simply sit on the deck and watch our goats mow our grass. Have you ever seen anyone with an ice cold cola in hand, sitting on their deck while their grass is cutting itself. Priceless!

Emma Lou

Ordinary Beautiful Things

Sustainable Living

I found this article on Stumble. I love the idea. Although I know we can't all do this, I still love the idea. The article follows.

We came across this house on Anemone, and thought we needed to share! Simple and un-flashy, the owners moved out into the New Zealand woods to build their house with recycled lumber, windows and doors. An organic vegetable garden and a wood-burning stove are just a few of the ways they intend to live as simply and sustainably as possible...


The owner bought the lumber from a mill with unused logged trees that had been sitting there for years. All the windows and doors were sourced from thrift stores, dumps, and the side of the road. The wood-burning stove provides all the necessary heat for the home: it warms the rooms, heats all the water, and of course, it cooks as well. Rainwater is collected in tanks and then run through the home's plumbing system. Right now the bathroom is outside (!), but there are plans to complete an indoor bathroom soon, and to make it a sawdust composting toilet.

It's inspiring to see people taking this life so seriously, and it can be a little overwhelming as well. Clearly moving out to the bush is not an option for many of us, even if we wanted it. That's why Kimberlee of Anemone reminds us that there are still things we can do, however small, that help "lighten the load." Try to use less. Less space, less resources, less waste. Shop locally. Support small businesses. Try not to commute too far, or at least carpool or ride the subway. Share your resources, like public transportation, parks and libraries.

It might not be a house in the woods, but it's something.

Art at Its Finest

http://mwhitley.com/profile.html

If you get a chance take a look at the link above. This link leads to a page about a guy named Mark Whitley that makes handmade furniture. He works out of his home. The picture above is one of his pieces. I saw a show about him on KET, Our local educational channel. He is currently attending an art gallery at the Capital Arts Center in Bowling Green Ky. My son attends university there, so I'm hoping he can see his work in person. His pieces are amazing.

Rust in My Garden

I love the look of rusty, rugged things in my flower garden. I have a few pieces, but I'm always looking for more. These are a few of the pieces I have so far. It's such a beautiful day here today. The sun is shining and the birds are singing.

What is a Cat?

"She is a presence, in bed. She snores: soft little wheezings. She talks in her sleep: closed-mouth little mutterings full of expression and complaint and observation. And she is an opportunist, settling her weight against the nearest body and pushing ever closer as the chance arises." Ellen Perry Berkeley

Yellow Gate

I love my rustic yellow gate.

Color

I love color. In my garden that is. I love bright colors like green, yellow, red, and blue mostly. I have a yellow gate going into my backyard. Actually I built the gate myself. I also have lots of green and blue bottles and vases. It's a way of making your garden come to life without anything blooming.