Kentucky Families Were Larger Then



Kentucky Family of Seven, minus the Oldest Brother

   This is a picture of my brothers and sisters taken in the 1940's, in the hills of Eastern Kentucky.  At that time there were seven in our family besides, mom and dad, my oldest brother is not pictured.  About five years later, I came along, then three years later, my baby sister.  Families were much larger then.  Life was simpler, but sometimes hard.    Family was important back then; aunts, uncles, and cousins were visited often.
   Seems like a different lifetime, things have changed so much.  All of our aunts, and uncles have gone on, leaving only memories of the lives they'd lived.
    We have Hope to see them all again.  That Hope is Jesus Christ.  Blessings, Trisha

Don't Eat Pure Lard, It'll Kill Ya



My Husband's Great Grandpa,
 Tom lived into his '80's, and 
his gr. gr.  grandpa lived to be 104. 

   Tom lived in the mountains of McCreary County, Kentucky, in a time when country folk, pretty much raised, or caught what they ate, with the exception of a few staples, like coffee, flour, and lard. 
   When my husband's dad was growing up, he said he could remember his grandpa Tom opening up a 4 lb, box of lard, and slicing off a big slab and putting it between two crackers and eating it. 
   No doubt they were hard times, and folks did what they had to do to survive.
   When someone says, "Don't eat pure lard, it'll kill ya," my husband's dad replies, "It killed my great grandpa, but it took it 104 years to do it."
   Have a Blessed Day, Trisha

Korean Photo Art



Korean Photo Art

   My brother had this photo/painting of me, & my little sister done when he was stationed in Korea.
   It was customary for the soldier boys to have photos inserted into hand painted Asian art.
   This painting was done in 1957 and the colors are as brilliant as if it were painted yesterday. 
   Hope you have a bright and colorful day wherever you are.
                 
                                                                                                            Blessings, Trisha

Grandpa Jone's old Bible Footlights



  

    My mom gave me this old Bible commentary, probably back in the 1980's, it had belonged to my grandpa Jacob Jones.  It has been read so much that it is literally falling apart.  It was tied together with a handkerchief when mom gave it to me; it still has the same old handkerchief tied around it today.  It is one of my most prized possessions.

   I get it out often, and read through it again.  The similarities between it and some of the modern day books on prophecy is astounding.    

'The Revival of the Roman Empire'

The Revival of the Roman Empire
is taught in many Bible Prophecy
books today, as it was taught in 1907.  

Bible Footlights c/1907



   What would the publisher of this old book think, if they could see the events unfolding around our world today?  I believe they would say, it is time that people everywhere, repent and call upon the name of the Lord God, and His Son Jesus Christ.  And to that I say, Amen.



Grandpa Jacob Jones b. 1856
Grandpa was a God Fearing man,
who showed the love of God
through his deeds.

Grandma Jones in one of her many predicaments



Grandma Jones

  
   This is my grandma Margarett Jones, known to most folks as 'Aunt Maggie.'  Grandma was born in 1876 in a time when country folks worked hard and had little in the way of entertainment.  So when a new preacher came to town, it was quite an exciting event.  I can remember my mom telling me this story many years ago:
   One morning when my grandma was trying to start a fire in the stove, a knock came on the door; my grandma not expecting anyone that early in the morning; opened the door and was quite flustered to find the new young preacher greeting her, "Good morning Mrs. Jones, how are you?" Grandma was just beside herself, and said, "Oh, I'm just in here, trying to fart a star, oh laud, I'm just in here trying to fart a star." Trying to regain her composure, she finally got out, " I'm just in here trying to start a fire." My mom and the other children stood by taking everything in stride and snickering at Grandma's blunder.  How easily flustered we can become when we are caught off guard. 

Raising Our Daughter on the Farm



Cheering for the Chickens

   One thing I am thankful for is that we got to raise our daughter on a farm.  She was always outdoors riding her bike or pulling her wagon on pretty days.  She had her cats, a dog, her daddy's coon dogs, and chickens to keep her company. 
   We taught her how to raise a garden, strip tobacco, feed cattle and chickens, and everything else that went along with farm life.
   She loved every minute of it.  She loved to hunt and fish, as well.  She's not a farm girl now, but she got a good dose of it growing up.  I took her picture cheering for the chickens one bright sunny day. 
   Just reminiscing this Sunday evening.  Have a Blessed day.

Baptizing the Old Time Way



The Bible was Read

   A few Churches in South Eastern Kentucky still Baptize the old time way, when a New Convert asks for it.  The Preacher reads the scripture on the bank of the river, lake, creek, or pond.  Everyone Prays.  And the Congregation sings:  'Shall We Gather at the River,' and other Hymns, while the Preacher, or in this case Preachers lead the New Convert into the water. 
   It is a beautiful thing to watch someone following the Lord into Baptism.  It is a Holy thing. 








Baptizing in the Name of The Father,
and of The Son, and of The Holy Ghost

   This particular Baptism is special to me because, the Preacher is my Husband,

and the New Convert is my Little Sister. 

  The pictures were taken a few years ago at

Laurel Lake in Whitley County, Kentucky. 



   This Baptism took place April 29, 2007.  The congregation of Asile Baptist Church, along with relatives, and friends were on the bank, but do not show in these pictures. 
   No one seemed to mind the cold water. 
We thank God for this Blessed event.

Twins, Grace and Bertha around 1916



Twin Sisters, One Left Behind

  This is my mom Grace and her twin sister Bertha.  Mom is the one on the left with the bandage on her leg.  Mom had hurt her leg and didn't want her picture taken.  
   Though they were twins, mom always said, that Bertha tried to take care of her.  She said once she had gotten into a bean kettle and had gotten them all over her face, and little Bertha came with a wash cloth and said, "Grace, let me clean you up, you look like a little pig," and she washed mom's face. 
   Little Bertha only lived to be four years old, dying in the winter of 1918.  My mom spoke of her often, and always with love.  Mom lived until 1991, another 73 years without her twin.  I can only imagine the reunion they had, when mom got to Heaven.  It's a wonderful thing to know we will see our loved ones again.

The Littlest Yarn Spinner




Jenny, The Littlest Yarn Spinner

This is my husband's neice, Jenny.  When she was about three year old she loved to make up stories.  And that was right up my alley.
    We called it Yarn Spinning.  She would climb up in my lap and say, " Aunt Pat, let's pin some yarn." (She couldn't sound her S's out and always sounded so cute.)  Then she would tell me the biggest yarns, you've ever heard, and I in turn  would try to top it.  It was never easy to top one of Jenny's stories, but, I had fun trying.

    Jenny is all grown up now and lives somewhere in the North West, I think.  I hope she is still as enthusiastic about her story telling as she was when she was a child.  I would just like to say 
                                                                                Merry Christmas to my Little Yarn Spinner!    

Lone Streets Cloud, his wife Meda, with Friends and Family



Waiting at the Train Depot

  
  













   
 
    This is our step grandparents Pappaw and Mammo Cloud.  They are pictured from left to right, with friends and relatives, the one on the end is Meda's Dad.
    Pappaw was born around 1889 and Mammo was born around 1900. 
    I don't know if this is their wedding picture or not, but, they were really dressed up for some reason.   
    Things change so quickly it seems; when we were growing up we never imagined a time when Mammo and Pappaw wouldn't be around.  We were Bessed to have had them as long as we did.  And we thank God for them.

Meet my Mom



My Beautiful Mommy

   Mom was born in 1914 in Harogate, Tennessee.  Life was much harder then.  I recall the stories she told of having to clear fields with oxen; and when they didn't have oxen, she and her older sister had to pull the plow themselves.
    She told of the many times they had little to eat, but, God always provided and they didn't have to go to bed hungry.
She told of seeing a car for the first time and hidding behind a tree. 
    Mom was full of life, and, a bit of a spitfire.  She had a good sense of humor; she and Dad was always playing tricks on one another.  
    Mom was not one to reckon with either; though only pint size she packed a considerable whallop.  She wasn't afraid of anyone or anything, and she made that plain. 
    But, when she cooked a big meal she made sure we took a plate to an elderly neighbor.  The neighbor wasn't in need and had lots of family living near her, but, mom always said you take it on out to her, she might like some of this.  She was a woman of grit, but, had a heart of compassion.  

Aunt Dema's Pearls



Aunt Dema's Pearls

   After Aunt Dema passed, her brother's wife sent Aunt Dema's jewelry box to me, they had talked it over and wanted me to have it.  I opened it and almost cried to see Aunt Dema's treasures.  The little cedar box was filled with costume jewelry and little tid bits that was special to her.  There was a small celluloid doll that may have belonged to her daughter.  Tie clips that probably belonged to her husband, and these pearls.  They are not real, but, she treasured them.
   Aunt Dema received mail at the nursing home for a long time after she passed.  She got many letters from places like March of Dimes, Save the Children and many other charities.  It seemed that even on her limited income, she shared what God had blessed her with, even to the end.
   So, in my book.......Aunt Dema was the Pearl!

Aunt Dema was the Pearl



She was a Pearl of Great Price

  This is Aunt Dema, one of the most precious ladies I have ever known.  She is my Dad's sister.  We lost her several years ago, but, know that she waits on us in her new home. 
   Aunt Dema lost her only daughter, when her daughter was just a young woman; she lost her husband early in life, she lost three of her brothers when they were still young men, and then a sister who probably lived to be in her 70's.  She had one brother left, who lived away from here.  Aunt Dema was nearly blind and carried a white cane.  She was one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever known.  She spent her last years in a nursing home.  We went to see her often.  I worked near the nursing home, so it was easy for me to stop by on my way home. Aunt Dema was all smiles, no matter how bad she felt.  I feel blessed to have known such a precious soul.

Big Sisters, Little Sisters, Forever Friends.

  This picture was taken in the early '60's.  My two older sisters have us younger ones on their shoulders.  Looks like quite a load, to me.  Throughout our childhood, when there were good times, there was my two older sisters somewhere in the background, making it happen.  We've all been blessed to live in the same small Kentucky town for a number of years now. 
   Just knowing that either sister is just a phone call away is comforting. 
   I don't want to leave our brothers out either.  We have five of them.  We have been blessed to have them in our lives as well.  They always helped out when we were growing up.  When we were little, we didn't call them Brothers, we called them Buddies.

Mom and Dad; So Many Years Ago.

Mom and Dad

   This picture of Mom and Dad was taken many years ago. They were still young in this picture, probablly in their 30's or 40's.  Dad worked in the coal mines and mom raised the kids.  Times were hard back then and it shows in their wearied faces.   
   We lost Dad when he was only 50 years old.  Then lost mom in 1991.  We still miss them, but, know that we can see them again someday.  For that; we are thankful.  
   So many memories cross my mind when I look at this picture.  Dad's sense of humor, and how easy going he was, mom's spunk, the games she taught us, like Club Fist, I Got Some Bread and Cheese, and others, the Haint stories she told us, and what a good cook she was.  
    The Christmas Season is near again, and I am reminded of the simple Christmas's long ago.  When I was around five, I can remember getting a rubber doll for Christmas, a rubber doll with molded hair, no clothes, no wrapping paper, it was in a clear plastic sack.  My little sister got one, too.  We were so tickled when we awoke and found them on our pillows.  We got little, but, it mean't a lot.  The best gift I could think of today, would be to know that I would see my whole family again in Heaven someday.

A Tall Cedar grows high in the sky on Goodin Ridge.

Most things change with time, landscapes, buildings, and people.  In McCreary County, Kentucky a few things remain the same through generations and seem an endless reminder of the past.  A few years ago we went hiking in McCreary County along with my husband's dad, who was around 80 years old at the time, and his wife.  We could see this tall cedar tree from the road.  His dad insisted that we walk through briars, sage grass and undergrowth to get to it.  You see, it held fond memories for him from his childhood.  It stands in the midst of his grandpa, Tom Goodin's old homeplace; this Tom was my husband's great grandpa.  My husband's dad was named after him.  We hiked over to it, and it was breathtaking.  I couldn't take a picture of the whole tree because of it's height, but, I got a nice shot of the upper portion.  The old house was gone, no trace of the smokehouse, hen house, hog lot, or anything else that left evidence the old homeplace existed, except for this tall cedar.  No aged trees stood around it, only a few saplings and younger trees.  I don't know exactly how long this tree has been standing on the old Tom Goodin homeplace on Goodin Ridge, but, Tom's generation comes down like this, Tom Goodin, his son Wess, his son Tom, his son Bob, his daughter Selina, her son Timothy.  That is six generations.  Whether it stood before that,  I don't know.  I thank God a few things remain to remind us of those that came before us.  We all go.  They went.  So will we.  Will there be anything still standing to remind those that come after us that we were here?  Only God knows.

Caught acting like sisters.

I Didn't Tangle them up, You Did.

A few years ago, we were getting ready to have a Holiday dinner at our house and we had so many guests coming that we had to set tables up in the garage,  living room, and kitchen.  When we celebrate the Holidays at our house, I like to decorate every room, so my two sisters came to help.  While I was working on something else, they were busy decorating the garage.  I heard a lot of laughing and grabbed my camera and took their picture acting like sisters.  It is fun to look back at.  Christmas brings out a little bit of kid in all of us.  Oh, how we thank God for Christmas!

Farm Life, Beauty in all it's Simplicity.

Living on a farm is one of God's richest blessings.  We were blessed to have raised our daughter on a farm where she could run, play, ride her bike, have pets, enjoy nature and learn how to work a farm.  She's pictured her; so very much a little lady, yet she learned how to grow a garden, clean out barn stalls, strip tobacco, and how to feed cattle.  She hauled her cat in her wagon, and her little dog trailed behind her wherever she went.  She learned to fish and shoot a gun, and did them well.  She learned compassion from caring for birds that had fallen from nests, to feeding a baby fox that had been left behind by it's mother when dad's hunting dogs spooked them.  Farm life is beauty, in all it's simplicity.  And we thank God for it.

Helping Papaw put in his Fall crops.

A farmers work is never done.  Just after the Summer crops have been harvested, the Fall crops have to go into the ground.  One proud Papaw shows his grandson how to rake turnip and mustard seed into the ground.  His mother looks on, wearing her dad's army boots.  Ah!  Life on the farm is good.  Another one of God's many blessings.  Time goes on and years pass by, seemingly in the blink of an eye.  So, if you are blessed to get to spend time with your family and grandchildren, cherish every moment.

The Two Prettiest Flowers in the Garden

   Two very precious ladies, my Mother-in-law and Mammo Cloud stand among the beautiful flowers in mammo's flower garden.  They did everything together for as long as I can remember.  They picked wild greens, and strawberries, and shared a love for gardening and preserving food.  They milked the cows, churned butter and made buttermilk.  They loved God, beautiful flowers, family, friends, and one another.  They have gone on before us, and I know they walk among flowers so pretty, that one cannot even imagine.