Mystery Guests Revealed!

In my last post I mentioned my incoming Mystery Guests. Well, the secret is out-- in fact the visit is history. And a grand visit it was, though brief.

Our guests were my Dad and brother, Buddy (known to a few of my readers as Ellis). Though we've been together frequently, they had not been able to visit the Sandhills for at least a dozen years.

They arrived in time Sunday to attend evening church at Beulah Hill. Daddy had enjoyed Pastor Max Gilmore years ago and wanted to meet Pastor Curtis Barbery. My musical accomplices, Harold and Delores, helped me supply some of Daddy's favorite songs: "In the Garden," "Power in the Blood," "When the Roll is Called Up Yonder," and "The Little Brown Church in the Wildwood." We had a relaxed late-night snack at Panera Bread and all got a good night's sleep.

Monday's packed visitation schedule began at Jennifer and Matt's house where Claire was awake and ready to meet Great Grandpa Loyd and Great Uncle Buddy. This was our first opportunity to get a Four Generation picture on the Loyd side of the family.
Daddy was as proud as he could be, and Claire was very patient with all of us.

Buddy showed that his prior experience with Jennifer and Amanda and Brantley and Lindsey (our Georgia nieces) had prepared him for this historic moment.

Claire was on her best behavior. And so was Great Grandpa!

Grandpa Ken says, "I'm willing to share, but I get to hold her a while, too."

We toured some houses built by Kirby Construction en route to a visit to J.B. Short Carpet One. Daddy was eager to see Tim and Renee and Jack in the workplace. Daddy had last been there when the business first located in Skyline, and really enjoyed this return visit and the five-star tour he was given.

Then we headed toward Amanda and Stephen's house near Pinebluff. Brianna was primed to be our hostess. She took to Great Grandpa like a duck to water.

Likewise with Buddy. Fortunately, Bri took an instant liking to her Georgia relatives.

Says Brianna, "Ya know, I kinda dig these South-of-the-Border dudes."

Here is our next treasured Four Generations picture.

Still no objections from Brianna. She figures if Great Grandpa has been around 95 years, he must be doing something right. A good guy to hang out with.

"Now Buddy, I hope you'll tell me the truth about my parents and grandparents. They give me a bunch of propaganda."

Along with all the other excitement, Brianna decides to demonstrate her brand new prowess at sitting up!

After leaving Amanda's, we visited a very dear lady, widow of one of Daddy's WW II Air Force pals. Then we did a little more scenic touring before getting a late afternoon rest.

The whole crew, including Jack and Thelma, reconvened at Golden Corral for dinner. Brianna almost got away with trying some "solid" food. It won't be long.

Most of us headed back to the Loyd house for a little more family time.

The cousins appear quite curious about seeing someone close to their own size--finally. They actually do get together quite a bit, but are beginning to interact more and more.

Brianna says, "Claire, that's quite a muscle you're developing there. You work out?"

Claire says, "Ya know, just because nobody else is dancing doesn't mean we can't."

Our little get-together was a heap of fun.

And it should hold us till the next time we all get together again. Will Great Grandpa and Buddy even recognize these babies by Christmas? We think so!

Picture This-- NO Pictures!

No, my camera's not broken. And I am accumulating some pictures for upcoming blog posts. But today, in view of the fact that I haven't posted in a week, I thought I'd better scramble to give you folks an update on what's been keeping me off the Internet. I just hope I can remember it all!

Sunday, Sept. 27

• Attended church with Judy
• Went to Claire's baptism at Matt and Jennifer's church--LOVELY!
• Cookout at Matt and Jenn's
• Pinehurst Rehab afternoon church service
• Evening church "meeting" at Beulah Hill
• Watched first episode of Ken Burns series on National Parks

Monday, Sept. 28

• Indoor chores
• Light outdoor chores
• Afternoon singalong at Manor Care with Ray
• Recorded (Mon-Fri) rest of National Parks specials

Tuesday, Sept. 29

• Cut grass and did other yardwork all morning
• Located a long-lost cousin, retired missionary to Nigeria
• Indoor stuff
• Volunteered (piano) at hospital
• Ate supper on the porch--not too many nights will be warm enough now!

Wednesday, Sept. 30

• Composed a long letter to my missionary cousin
• Enjoyed hosting Amanda and Brianna for lunch
• Judy and I visited a dear friend at Penick Home, sang some songs
• Children's Choir, indoor baseball, books for prizes

Thursday, Oct. 1

• Forgot to say "Rabbit" for good luck (old Scottish custom)
• Judy remembered to say "Rabbit"
• Judy finds a lucky penny : )
• Finished cutting all grass and did other outdoor "fall chores"
• Enjoyed hosting Thelma for lunch and sharing computer photos, etc.
• Kept Claire during the afternoon-- played, strolled, partied-- a BLAST

Friday, Oct. 2

• Indoor and Outdoor chores--like cleaning out stovepipe of woodstove
• Lunch of tomato sandwiches--not many more!
• Went to Jack and Thelma's where we kept Brianna during the afternoon--more playing, strolling, and partying-- BLAST II!
• Found a NICKEL while walking Bri--I still possess an uncommon amount of "luck"
• Had an evening fire in the chiminea--fun to watch the flames shoot into the dark sky
• Finished looking at some 1950's and 1960's photos of the Loyd family
• Finished a good book Amanda had passed along

Saturday, Oct. 3 (Today)

• CATCH UP ON BLOG
• Anything else time permits

There is something else Judy and I are doing today-- waiting for our MYSTERY GUESTS! They'll be arriving late Sunday. And THAT is what my next blog post will probably be about!

Grandbaby-Fest

In the past 10 days, Judy and I have blessed with even more time with Brianna and Claire than usual. This blog post features some of our favorite moments with the two of them, some when they were together.

Brianna says, "To think, this was out of my reach a few days ago. I must be growing."


Brianna is also beginning to enjoy "Peekaboo."

"Here, Grandma, let me show you how this works."

"Okay, Grandma, here's the deal: I won't put you to sleep if you won't put me to sleep."

"Grandpa, if I can chew on this, I'll never need a nose-ring."

Grandpa searches in vain for a ticklish spot.

Amanda says, "Keep your eyes closed, Brianna. In a second you'll get a big surprise."

"Oh my GOODNESS! It's Cousin Claire!"

"And Claire's just as soft and cuddly as I am!"

"Honestly, Claire, you look good enough to eat!"

Amanda is as happy as can be to share her lap with Claire. And Brianna doesn't seem to care.


This marvelous little seat is called a Bumbo. And Claire is quite content to sit in it for extended periods. When she wants to.

"Oh--this is such a sad book! Is this real fur?"

"Maybe this one will suit you better. No violence in Veggie Tales."

"Uh--Grandma--looks who's playing with the camera again."

"Hmm. Nice material. I think I had a blanket like this once. . . Hey, this is my blanket!"

"Grandma, my newest trick is smiling. So I challenge you to a smiling contest."

"Nice try, Grandma, but try to beat this."

"Okay, let's raise the bar a little. Can you smile this big?"

"The winner and still champion. But don't worry, Grandma. At least you came in second."

Great Grandma likes to check on Claire every chance she gets, too.

"Claire, I remember when you were just a little baby!"

"Claire, you'll find out pretty fast, when you need something, just come to Great Grandaddy."
As soon as you have four teeth we'll start you on corn-on-the-cob. But we can go to the fish house sooner than that.

You have certainly figured this out by now: Claire and Brianna bring great joy wherever they appear. So the more often they 'appear', the happier I am!

Labor Day Gypsy Trip

Chances are, you won't recognize this sign or this old bridge, even though they are less than a one-hour drive from our house in Moore County, NC, and less than a mile off heavily traveled Highway 15-501.

You're looking at the OLD bridge which spans the Haw River at the town of Bynum, just north of Pittsboro. Bynum was once a thriving mill town, but is now the quietest of tiny residential communities.

A dedicated group of recreational and environmental advocates gained state park status for the Haw River several years ago. This sign neatly summarizes their philosophy.

No signs of the former commerce exist in Bynum today. But the Haw River flows serenely by, with shallow pools, islands, and rock clusters dotting its path.

We don't know how long this old bridge has been closed to vehicles, but it is now part of a pleasant and scenic walk.

A few hundred yards upriver is the new bridge, with cars and trucks zooming toward Chapel Hill, or back toward Pittsboro, Sanford, or other points south (like Moore County).

The bridge is so wide, our view changed dramatically as we ambled leisurely across.

This photo doesn't even look like the same river, but it is.

Two-thirds of the way across the river, we saw that our intrusion, however quiet, had been noted by one of the community's "permanent residents."

The deer watched us intently but calmly as we proceeded on in its direction. When we were quite close, I happened to look down. A fawn looked up at me trustingly. So that's why Mama Deer was checking me and Judy out so closely!

As the deer headed downriver, we noticed this old wooden bridge. Even if it hadn't had a NO Trespassing sign, I'm not sure I would have tested it.

Once we were across, we followed some old broken pavement which led to the now burnt-out mill. This brick wall was covered with graffiti, but not gang-like, more "artsy." It figures, this close to Chapel Hill.

This blackened wall of brick looked to me like one of "Sherman's Sentinels." Bonus points to any of you who know what I'm referring to. It looked as if one good push would send the whole wall crashing down.

This was the main building of the old mill.

Past the mill we found a trail that led to the river. As we followed the winding trail we were delighted with the splendor of wildflowers on every hand.

Heading back, our curiosity was aroused by the apparent sound of a waterfall. Following a side path we arrived at the back side of the mill, where water had once been diverted for use in the factory.

Truthfully, even with the beautiful surroundings, the thundering current and the desolate ruin of a building made me think of Frankenstein's castle! A strange association.

I would have a lot more pictures, but my camera battery said that was all for the day. But our adventure was far from over. We drove to the new parking area at the new Haw River bridge. There we consumed the PBJ's, bananas, and snacks Judy had packed for us. Then we began hiking the Haw River Trail which follows the river's north bank. Of course, our piedmont rivers are nothing like the mountain rivers of North Carolina. But they are the lifeblood of our land, and strolling beside a mighty river with the lush undergrowth all around is inspiring.

There were many families fishing and picnicking. We saw some canoeists paddling slowly along. There was an old dam that was a little fearsome. We'll make another trip sometime and I'll get photos of the things I missed. Our little gypsy trip confirmed for us once again that in North Carolina it's very easy to create your own little outing and have a wonderful, relaxing break from the ordinary.

How long has it been since you pulled out a state map, or maybe even a county map and ventured off on a gypsy trip? Judy and I heartily recommend it.