“Perserverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages.” General George Washington

Horse racing became a passion in the early days of America. I suppose the wealthier men began the sport early on. Horses had to be bred for the sport, as they are now. In Virginia the quarter horse was the favorite racing horses.

Our grandkids were here last week. The cabin was full of running kids and lots of laughter. It was great. Many adventures were put into their memories, I am sure! One of our oldest son Steves’ girl Kirsten LOVES horses..It is her passion. She thought she could present us with a great deal…”do you have $7000 to buy me a horse, Grandma?” Of course,I was a little shocked and then went along with great interest, what a joy youth is!!…She then assured me that it was a good deal, as the other horses were well over $20,000 to buy…she will go far, we are sure! She had her horse encyclopedia tucked away in her luggage and let me also take a view of other breeds she had her “sights” set for.

I recall an old story of my husbands’ grandfather, Leander. He was a very social man, he loved to invite families over for “lunch” after church, so I am sure his wife was usually prepared for the food fair also. But on the way home, he would regularly invite a man or two to a few buggy races, making sure his steed was in tip-top shape. What simple fun!

Sleighing was a regular event in the winter also, cozy under the horsehair blankets. The snows were deeper so the sleighs would just glide over fence rows where in the spring the posts would show and birds would build their summer nests safely in the short bushes left for the wildlife and hares. Where have all these good times gone?!

We did have our good times this past week. We swam, visited the zoo, ran through the Amish area. The kids were overjoyed when we past an Amish school where a big family picnic on Saturday night…the kids were swinging and playing baseball and the babies were being cradled. Their own grandpa took them on taxi rides in his new gyrocopter, that he is learning how to fly. So recreation is a good thing for families and cousins to do together in all walks of life and also can be traced through our history.

Relax! Enjoy! God is so good!

Pray you are able to see your family during the warm and fun summer months and that you are making some great memories..I assure you that we will be quilting again soon!!

Quilted Blessings! Karen