Faith, Folklore, and Friends

                                *Image from the National Archives This resolution was passed by Congress June 4, 1919, which was ninety-five years ago yesterday.  It was ratified on August 18, 1920.  The 19th amendment guarantees all American women the right to vote. This amendment was first introduced in 1878, after fifty years of struggle by women who were tired of having no political voice. The proposed amendment was debated forty more years before it became law. The service of women during World War I finally resulted in the adoption of the amendment. Women like Susan P. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, Julia Ward Howe, and many others worked without ceasing to insure women the right to vote. Ninety-five years later, American women cannot imagine a world where they wouldn't have the same rights as men. On Tuesday of this week, our state had primary elections. Voter turnout...

We found it in some woods near the river, this old abandoned cemetery that doesn't have a name. The owner of the property where it is located told us about it.  He said he bought the land without knowing the cemetery was there.  He just happened upon it one day while he was hunting. The owner gave us permission to visit, as long as we promised not to be digging for treasure. I'm thinking this ivy was planted to decorate the grave of a loved one.  Now it covers a large area, having had almost two hundred years to spread. The people buried here never saw the Civil War, never had electric lights, or never owned a car.   Obviously, they were loved.  Some graves have tombstones that must have been elaborate and expensive during the 1820s.  All that remains of some other graves is a sunken, rectangular depression. Some cedar trees that were planted have fallen and decomposed, leaving only...

The Natchez Trace Parkway is the most beautiful road I have traveled.  Many years ago, our  government  had the insight to make this road a national parkway, and for that I am truly thankful. A small part of it runs through Lauderdale County, Alabama, where we live. Last Saturday, which may have been the most perfect fall day ever, Hub and I and some people we love drove to the northern terminus of the Trace near Nashville, Tennessee, with scenes like these around every curve. For my friends who live too far away to drive the Trace, I hope you enjoy these photos of the color we experienced.  More tomorrow.