Dayville - Celebration in Small Town America

We return to Dayville where they continued to celebrate their 100th Birthday Celebration as a city over the July 4th weekend.    I wrote an article about Dayville back in October with their centennial  kickoff  last October...
Link: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013_10_01_archive.html
Many facts are presented about Dayville that are written in the above post, so you can catch up on the  historical aspect of this great little town as well as their unique scarecrow display fitting for the Fall event last October.

By the time this is posted, July 4th is now a memory for this year.  However, I wanted to bring to you, my readers, the festive events held in celebration of  Dayville's 100th birthday and a tribute to Independence Day as only small town America can do.  The parade is a highlight every year on this day and I include a few photos which show the community and national spirit generated by July 4th...

(click on photos to enlarge for viewing)

Bringing the wild west to life, Rudio Riders Revenge Play was a spoof featuring a store robbery at a mock western town located at the local mercantile store.  The play came complete with the good guys/gals and the bad guys/gals.  A regular shoot-em-up horse riding entertainment complete with a red hatted sheriff, salon gal, preacher, bride and groom, just to name a few...

Dayville hosted a community breakfast, barbeque and hamburger stands, dance, live music - just to name a few of the weekend events available for the public to enjoy.  Of course, there was the traditional fireworks on Saturday evening to mesmerize the gathered crowd.  

In my last post, I wrote about celebrating July 4th in Ireland at an ancient castle.  Today's post covers a July 4th spent in Dayville, which is the Eastern Gateway to the John Day Fossil Beds.  Before castles were built, fossils existed and there is quite a history telling the story of ancient Oregon right in our own back yard. 

Join me on Monday, August 4 for the next post on The Turn-Up Patch.  Until then, here is a freedom reminder for you... "Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refresh - else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die." - Dwight D. Eisenhower

 

Ireland - A Village, A Castle Home & 4th of July

Continuing with more of my Ireland travels, I'd like to introduce you to a quaint town where our tour group stopped for an overnight stay.   Ballyvaughn is a fishing and farming village located in County Clare on the south shores of Galway Bay.  According to the 2011 census, the population of Ballyvaughn is 258.  Considering such a small population, the below photo shows many varied and colorful direction signs on the town street.  The village was clean, colorful and typically Irish in cottage design.  The last photo shows the view from the Bed & Breakfast we stayed in.  Flower planters were stationed at most windows, adding floral beauty that says 'welcome'.

What a GPS signpost - no excuse to get lost!

Ballyvaughn street

Window view

The village is within driving distance to archaeologist treasures of medieval origin that is rich in history in ancient Ireland.  Among these is Gleningh Castle built in the late 1500's for the O'Loughlin family.  They disposed of it in the mid 1600's but later regained ownership and were its last inhabitants when it was abandoned around 1840.  This well preserved tower house looks down from a hillside across the wide expanse of Galway Bay.  It has a distinctive L-shaped plan comprising an oblong tower of four stories with a projected turret containing a spiral stair.

Overlooking Galway Bay

Once a castle home

It was at Gleningh Castle that our tour guides Phil and Carolyn, surprised us all with a July 4th Celebration with champagne and apple turnovers.  The group were all Americans... some from South Carolina, California, Ohio and of course, Oregon.  It was a most wonderful surprise and a July 4th that I will never forget.  Imagine celebrating USA Independence Day by a medieval castle.  Such a young country in comparison to ancient Ireland.

  July 4th Remembrance

To reach the castle from the parked tour bus, we walked down a country path and enjoyed viewing the surrounding countryside.  An Irish cow just happened to be curious enough to take a look over the hedge and gaze at all the two-legged critters walking by.....

Until my next post at The Turn-Up Patch, here is a beautiful Irish blessing that I leave with you:

                                                     May flowers always line your path

                                                     and sunshine light your day,

                                                     May songbirds serenade you

                                                     every step along your way,

                                                     May a rainbow run beside you

                                                     and may the skies be always blue,

                                                     And may happiness fill your heart

                                                     each day your whole life through.

See you on Monday, July 21!

Although July 4th has come and gone, you are welcome to check out my post written in 2013 entitled "Identity of the American Flag", a tribute to the flag of the United States of America in honor of the Declaration of Independence...
Link:  http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/07/identity-of-american-flag.html

The Horse & Idioms

There have been posts scattered throughout my blog with horse photos taken of these amazing animals.  Some folks object to the horse being referred to as an animal as many have formed an intuitive friendship that goes beyond the boundary of human experience with the noble horse.  I know some of these people who trust a four legged equine over a two legged humankind in the experience of friendship.  I love to take pictures of the horse but I am not a rider.  I appreciate their beauty from afar. I realized long ago that my trust factor was broken when I first got on a horse and immediately found myself laying in the dirt trying to catch my breath.  It not only knocked out my breath but any desire in perseverance to try to become a horse rider.  You either have it or you don't and a horse is smart enough to tell the difference.  

I thought about all the references to a horse through the use of idioms. The definition of an idiom are words, phrases or expressions that cannot be taken literally.  In other words, when used in everyday language, each has a meaning other than the basic one you would find in the dictionary.  There are many idioms mentioning the horse -  here are just a few examples, both in word and in photos....

- You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.  How true this is!  In other words, you can give someone the opportunity to do something but you cannot force him or her to do it if they do not want to.  This phrase dates from the 12th century and was in John Heywood's proverb collection of 1546. 

... depends on the thirst

- Straight from the horses' mouth.  Something heard directly from the person who said it and is regarded as trustworthy.  It is derived from the 1920's meaning in getting information directly from a person or place, direct from the source or origin.

... I'm telling you the way it is

- Horse sense.  Common sense, practical thinking to everyday problems in life situations.  People with horse sense are smart and practical and can be counted on to make good decisions.   It is a familiar phrase from the late 1800's and still often used today.

... I can help you with some advice

 - Lock the barn door after the horse is gone. Trying to prevent something that has already happened.  Precautions to do the right thing after it is too late.  This popular proverb was first used by the French in the 1100's and later appeared in English.

... you'll have to catch me first

- Horsing around.  Just playing and being active in a silly way.  This kind of play tends to be improvised and spontaneous and may be engaged in by people of all ages, from young children to mischievous adults.  The term "horseplay" was first used in the late 1500's and linked to the concept of young horses at play.

... I can jump higher than you

- Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.  (Even if he does have icicle whiskers!)  To complain if a gift is not perfect.  It means that you should appreciate the thought and feeling behind it - don't judge a gift by the value of the item or the money put into it.  It is the thought that counts!  This idiom dates back to at least the 16th Century.

...I'm thinking of spring

These are just a few of the idioms regarding the horse.  I looked for a corresponding phrase that would fit the below photograph, but could not find a suitable idiom.  However, the essence of this picture speaks of peace, harmony and love - or a group hug as only horses can do!  I had to conclude today's post with this picture that reflects God's attitude on love, which brings about satisfaction and contentment.

... to know is to be

I wrote a post in April of 2013 entitled "Horse Magic, a Camera & Ray Hunt".  It has more information about horses and those who love them....
Link: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-magic-of-horse-camera-ray-hunt.html


You are invited to come back and visit The Turn-Up Patch on Monday, July 7th.  See you then!

 

 

Mount Vernon - Part 2

Mt. Vernon is a town of many signs, it doesn't matter which side of the street you are on.  Yes, you are now at the intersection of Highways 26 and 395 that carries the distinction of having three megaloads make a turn at this particular crossroad.  I wrote a post in January entitled "The Megaload", including photos of this epic corner maneuver.
Link: http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-megaload.html

 

This particular intersection is a great showcase to introduce you to several unique  establishments. Mount Vernon is home to a great little restaurant 
called "The Silver Spur".  You not only get good meals but lively camaraderie is dished out as well!  If you remember the popular sit-com of the '80s and early '90s, Cheers, it has that familiar atmosphere of good humor and playful conversation exhibited in Cheers...only in a restaurant and not in a bar.  Dale Finley is owner and operator of this western style diner and she and her staff can serve up a tasty meal from a delicious hamburger to a steak and lobster cuisine delight.  Since word travels about where to go to for a good restaurant meal, The Silver Spur is on the list of motorcycle and bicycle enthusiasts, with tourists and locals alike who stop by and enjoy.

Mount Vernon also features David Hamilton Winery, an establishment specializing in fruit wine.  The winery is located near this same intersection on Oregon Scenic Byway, "Journey Through Time" on Highway 26.  David makes and bottles the wine on site and has a variety of flavors to choose from.  You can purchase fruit wines such as Cranberry, Huckleberry, Gravenstein Apple, Wild Plum, Kiwi, Elderberry, Pomegrante - to name a few.  My favorite is called "Rugosa Rose".   It is made from rose petals and tastes similar to an ice wine liqueur, simply exquisite!  
For a complete list of wines, check out his website at: http://davidhamiltonwinery.com/
The wine that David makes is processed from organic fruits and contain no sulfites.  The fruits are either hand-picked or obtained at organic fruit farms.  David told me that he began being tutored by his grandfather in the fine art of making fruit wine when he was 9 years old. 

Also at the intersection is a quilt shop, motel and post office.  The post office was established in 1877 and has undergone several renovations since that time.  Of course it is another gathering place for visiting... note the bench in front of the building to accommodate such socializing.  Mt. Vernon City Hall is located along Main Street on Highway 26, complete with the black stallion motif on the building.  
Because space is limited in today's post,  I can't feature all that Mount Vernon and surrounding area offers, but for a little town, you have all the amenities and then some.

 

About a mile east of Mount Vernon on Highway 26 is a lovely recreational site, called "Clyde Holliday State Park". Set up for campgrounds, it is excellent for Recreational Vehicles in beautiful tree-shaded scenery with barbeque pits.  What is unique are several tee-pees that can be reserved for a camp out.  The park has designated picnic areas, restrooms and a paved path close to the John Day River where you may take a walk and enjoy country solitude.

I hope you have enjoyed the 'tour' of Mount Vernon in Parts 1 and 2.  There is much more history to explore and more local talent to share but that will be at a future time.  

Join me in two weeks on Monday, June 23 for another adventure at The Turn-Up Patch.  Until then may your days be sweet and your burdens light.  Here is another great Irish Blessing, which I pass on to you....  

"May God in His Wisdom and infinite Love

Look down on you always from Heaven above.

May He send you good fortune, contentment and peace,

And may all your blessings forever increase."

 

Mount Vernon, A Stallion & Cinnabar - Part 1

Today's post is a little closer to home than Ireland, which I wrote about two weeks ago.  This time, we learn a little history about the town of Mount Vernon, which is located in the high desert country of Eastern Oregon.  Nestled in the John Day Valley, Mount Vernon is a city of  527 people, according to 2013 statistics.  Mount Vernon or Mt. Vernon,  is situated at the crossroads of Highways 26 and 395, in the heart of Grant County.  

Mount Vernon, Oregon

The town is uniquely named not after a mountain, but rather a black stallion.  A racing horse, Mount Vernon was considered so valuable that his owner built a stone fort or stable for him in 1879.  This was done to protect the stallion from marauding Indians, who were known to be on the lookout for good quality horse-flesh to sell or trade.  Aware of this, and not wanting to lose the prize-winning horse, two stonemasons were called upon to build the fort.  

With his excellent bloodline, Mount Vernon was prominently known as a high-class racing stallion.   His safety was assured with his high-class stone stable and he went on to live out 42 years in his retirement home.

Mount Vernon Fort

This fort is still standing on the north side of Highway 26 - about 3 miles east of Mount Vernon.  A fence was built around it to preserve the structure from elements of nature, which can include frequenting wild-life and grazing cattle.

Mount Vernon is situated in the scenic Aldrich Mountains that is part of the larger Blue Mountains range, one of which is called "Cinnabar Mountain".   Located close to the town, this mountain contained an ore called cinnabar which was used in mining.  It is a primary ore of mercury and utilized by placer miners in nearby Canyon City and vicinity in the gold rush of the 1860's in recovering gold from stream sediments.  Like several other red materials in nature, cinnabar was often known as "dragons blood" in earlier times because of its' vibrant red color. The mine has been abandoned for many years following the decline of gold-mining operations in the early 1900's.  

Cinnabar Mountain

Every year, Mount Vernon hosts a weekend event called the "Cinnabar Mountain Rendezvous", deriving its name from this particular mountain.  It is a community celebration complete with parade, competitive activities, potluck, dancing, even a toy duck race in the John Day River.  A patriotic city, it is held over Memorial weekend and is festive with displays of the American flag.  The two photos below were taken on Saturday, May 24...

Flag Raising

Cinnabar Mountain Rendezvous Parade

Be sure to 'tune in' to Part 2 of another segment on Mount Vernon.  We will explore more history including showcasing local talent from cuisine to wine and let's not forget the beautiful surrounding scenery!  Join me on Monday, June 9  for the rest of the story...

Mount Vernon Sunrise

Please Note
Since today is Memorial Day, check out this post that I wrote last year entitled, "The Rite of Remembrance" in honor of the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  The link is:
 http://www.turn-uppatch.blogspot.com/2013_05_01_archive.html

"To Make Men Free" by Norman Rockwell

A lyric from "Taps"

Falling light... falling night...

Trumpet calls the sun sinks in flight

Sleep in peace, comrades dear...

God is near.

Ireland - Duiske Abby & Graignamanagh

I wrote about "Ireland and St. Patrick" on March 17 of this year... the first of a series that I will publish about my travels in Ireland.  Today, we revisit Ireland to an unspoiled haven of Craignamanagh, known as 'the Village of the Monks' and also 'the Valley of the Holy Savior'.  It is a medieval village in County Kilkenny in Barrow valley. They call it Ireland's best kept secret because of its' treasure in scenery and ancient buildings. 

One such ancient building is Duiske Abby, which was founded in 1204 by monks from England and was completed 40 years later.  The largest Cistercian Abbey in Ireland accommodated 60 monks and some hundreds of lay brothers and served as a hostel, hospital, school and farm.  The monks were suppressed at the time of the reformation in 1536, its' community dispersed and later went into ruin.  In 1728, a thatched "Mass House" was erected and in 1812, converted to parish status.  In 1974, a major restoration was commenced and six years later, the Abby church was rededicated.

Duiske Abbey - Roman Catholic

Walled portion of Duiske Abby

Processional Door

 It is always an amazement to me to be in in such places of ancient history.  If only the grounds and structures could talk!  What stories they would tell.  One such story that is incomplete is about the Knight of Duiske found in the Abbey.  This figure is a cross-legged, sword-seizing knight on a limestone base and dates from about 1300 and is one of the finest medieval effigies in Ireland.  Carved in Ireland from local stone, it reflects a style of profound knowledge of contemporary English fashion according to history "trivia".

Knight of Duiske

Who is he, this Knight of Duiske?  No one knows.  What is certain is that he was a 13th century knight of stature and most likely a benefactor, since benefactors were often buried inside the church.  The effigy is known locally as the "Crusader".

Duiske Abbey is also home to exquisite stained glass windows.  Since I am a fan of stained glass windows, my camera was always 'set to go' whenever the opportunity came about to take photos of these wonders in transparent color.  The following photos are a just a few that show off the artistic beauty, which leaves the viewer in awe of designs in a colored spectrum that floods the sanctuary and inspires the soul...  (click on the photos for enlargement to see greater detail)

Duiske Abby Altar

It is interesting to note that at the time of dispersion in 1536,  Abbot Charles O'Kavanagh sent some of his younger monks to the Celtic monastery of Regensburg in Germany.  There they perpetuated the Irish traditional form of singing "Gregorian Chant".   The Craignamanagh people, after the struggle of successive generations, have determined to maintain the continuity of worship in the Abbey bequeathed to them over the centuries by their fore-bearers in the faith.

We will return to Ireland in a future post about more of my travels in discovery of the history and timeless beauty in this ancient land.  

Until we meet again (Monday, May 26).... here's a bit of Irish wisdom, "May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far."