Slow Poke Time

The Slow Living post resounded with some of you; it seems we all have a need to slow down, even those of us whose lives are already out of step, seemingly, with the rest of this ole world. Our steps, Dave and I, are in step with the natural world and that lends a measure of roundness, fullness and sweetness to our lives that a lot of people may never know. We live our lives by the seasons, enjoying each as they come and, generally, are patient for the next appointed time. Even as full as this winter has been, we've enjoyed the weather and have prepared for it as best we could. We've been snowed in on the farm for a couple of weeks at a time, have managed to escape now and again and are now safely ensconced a few hours away.

Dave and I have an older Acer laptop that doesn't have photo download capability; this is such a shame because the blizzard photos are incredible, especially here at the Greenbrier. We've come to the Greenbrier Clinic for a physical for me and find having one location to complete all those pesky tests is far better than driving to first one doctor, then another and to yet another for some other test. Under one roof everything is accomplished and all in a period of about a day and half. If only medicine could be the same across country, just think of the time, energy and emotional expenditure that could be saved! Even so, not all tests can be done here and I'll have to go to another facility in a couple of weeks.

As much as I'd like to worry, it's such a waste of time. My times are in God's, quite capable, hands and I'm doing what I need to do in order to maintain this body, a temple for His Holy Spirit. That sounds so strange and mystical to me...my body a temple. Sometimes, I'm sorry to say, I treat it more like a tent and, as time comes to us all in some degree or other, we are called upon to account for our treatment of our bodies.

But, what better place to have a doctor visit than at this lovely Greenbrier. Since 1778 the Greenbrier has been welcoming guests from around the world. This area, as much of West Virginia, is known for it's healing waters, in this case, sulphur waters. In times past, humans and animals alike would visit to drink and relax in the warm, healing waters and many have attributed cures from arthritis and other ailments. Folks still come for the sulphur waters but also for the world class golf course, restaurants and other wonderful attractions.

I've learned so much while here...Dorothy Draper designed and decorated this beautiful resort in a period of eighteen months! I have loved wandering around this period building, still dressed as Miss Draper left it, her signature flowers of rhododendrons and roses, the carpets, window dressings, furniture and accessories in  colors of green, blue, yellow, red and pink. Trust me, when we're able to return home and I download some photos, you'll be amazed!

There's a long hallway where photos from early days showcase Princess Grace, Prince Rainier, many men who went on to be President -Clinton, Bush Sr. and Jr., JFK...the list goes on. President Eisenhower was the last sitting President to actually stay at the Greenbrier and since, Presidents have not stayed here due to the threat of terrorism. The Greenbrier is a national treasurer and best to keep it safe. James C. Justice II just had an old fashioned "shoot-out" with the Marriott chain in both their quest to own the Greenbrier. I'm happy to say, Mr. Justice won, and now holds title as Chairman and CEO. That means a lot to me as Mr. Justice is a WV boy and heritage, tradition and the like is important to him. It's more than money although money is important; money is what makes the Greenbrier, indeed any business, stay in business and I wish Mr. Justice and his company a hundred successful years as owners of the Greenbrier. Yes, it's true his white hat has a few smudges but then, are you able to show me any white hat that totally sparkles?

This recent blizzard has us staying here a day or two longer than expected. We could, probably, leave in relative safety but once we got home, we'd be stuck. Our driveway has snow drifts to the tops of fence posts...again..., Cove Road is impassable save for tractors and our farm sitter says, "stay where it's safe and warm". So, here we sit. Hopefully, I'll be able to swim in the heated, indoor pool, perhaps take in a movie in the theatre and, definitely, walk around and take more photos. What a terrific place to recuperate!

Until next time,

Blessings ~ good health ~ the Greenbrier ~ warm and cozy ~ farm sitter ~ a temple that's functioning well and happy ~

Thanks for visiting Thistle Cove Farm,
Sandra