Monday, May 30, 2011

Memorial Day, 2011


 OBIE Chapter 85    AN IMPASSIONED CHARGE

The final day of this event proved to be one of those glorious occasions, which materialize only occasionally, but whose very promise serves to brighten life. The previous evening’s storm had settled the dust and left the old battlefield luxuriously green, and today’s pristine freshness and dazzling sun, combined to create a truly invigorating day.  The morning’s events were a fabulous blur of activity, and the weeklong extravaganza would culminate this afternoon in a reenactment of Pickets’ courageous charge up Cemetery Ridge. By two o’clock the humidity was downright tropical and the temperature was a hundred degrees and climbing fast.
   Both sides were well represented for the reunion’s grand finale, and despite the fact that some questioned their ability; these old soldiers were ready, willing, and determined, to make this a culmination worthy of this illustrious affair.  As the three o’clock starting time approached, these old veterans were fired up and stoked!  Complete with authentic uniforms and much of their original regalia, both sides gathered together in final preparations.  The authentic sounds of moaning and groaning rose from the staging area, as the old timers fought feverishly to squeeze into their uniforms, and the fragrances of liniment, mothballs, and hot toddies, hung heavy in the air.
   Of the fifty thousand old soldiers who attended this assembly, the youngest, at age 61, would have been just a little shaver during the original conflict, and the eldest among us was alleged to be well over a hundred.  This claim however could not be substantiated, as his birth certificate was on a tattered piece of papyrus, and no one could make out the Aramaic!
   Shortly after three in the afternoon, the time of the original charge, the Rebs assumed positions at a predetermined point below the ridge; the Yankees took the ridge top, and thousands of spectators looked on from the perimeters. Against our doctors’ advice and our own better judgment, Lidge and I were determined to participate in this event. We’d join the ranks of the bluecoats and face the Rebel onslaught as they took the ridge.  It was a bit foolhardy, as advanced age and exorbitant temperatures introduced nine of our fellow patriots to their Maker before week’s end.
   Once everyone had taken up positions, a hush fell over the crowd.  The hot sun blazed down unmercifully on spectators and participants alike, sweat began to roll, gnats buzzed irritatingly in our eyes, and several moments ticked away, as we awaited our signal and the suspense gradually built!  Anxious men stood at the ready, a crow called in the distance, and all at once the stillness was broken by a piercing Rebel yell!  Drums rolled, the confederate ranks rose as one, bugles sounded, and as the vintage veterans sprang into their demanding charge, several of the more time ravaged warriors winded abruptly and went down in a moaning heap!
   I was already traumatized by a long trying journey and a distressing reunion with my brother, and as the advancing Rebels reached a point some fifty yards below the top of Cemetery Ridge, and the first old soldier crumpled and went down, I was caught up and overcome with emotion!  Seeing the fallen patriot collapse in the dust, I sprang to my feet with a commiserating moan, and charged down the hill intent on administering aid.  My fellow infantrymen, seeing my distress and equally overcome by emotion, joined simultaneously in my guttural lament, and our primordial groan built as our ranks closed on the Rebs.  Seconds later the two fronts of ancient veterans met on the field, ran headlong into each others open arms, and joined in compassionate embraces and exhausted sobs.  Fifty years of pent up emotions and long restrained passion, was suddenly released onto the now benign battlefield, and one hundred plus former antagonists joined in prayer, camaraderie, thanksgiving, and heartfelt affection.
   As we trudged slowly back up Cemetery Ridge, each assisting exhausted comrades, the Union Band played Dixie, the Rebel Band broke out in a spirited rendition of the Battle Hymn of The Republic, scars were healed and brotherhood prevailed.  “Obie’s Quest”   

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

60 & 70


This year I turn 60 and my ’41 Chevy turns 70.  Both have maintenance issues.  Of course, my truck enjoys one big advantage over me; the ol’ Chevy is restorable.

Broke out in daisies!


May brings both violent storms and brilliant sunshine, and our prayers go out to all those who have suffered loss.  While cognizant of building storms on our horizon, we've escaped unscathed so far.  Although one little spruce tree has succumbed to spring fever and broke out in daisies!

Friday, May 20, 2011

13-year Cicadas


Ain’t she cute! I think this one is a little girl. 
I can tell by her eyelashes. 
Pretty soon they'll all begin to sing 
like a chorus of little Munchkins! Only endlessly, 
and much louder!

Friday, May 13, 2011

Mesmerized!

I just keep cropping and tweaking these shots of the
 seashore of Northern Ireland.  I can't help myself!

Obie as an ebook

Obie's Quest is now available as a Kindle ebook
At amazon.com at the link below:

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

1 Corinthians 13



11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child; I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

A quick dip is so refreshing!

Photos by S. T. Casebeer

Normally not prone to jocularity, Alowishus had a big grin for the camera this morning.  The pleasant days of May find most everyone a tad more sociable than usual.

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Just playing with our new camera

COOL!

Spring Sprung!

"And on the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up!"
And my fish explored new territory, especially the ones who darted out the spillway and found themselves bound for the territories!

Meanwhile, back in the Ozarks...

Life can be mighty difficult!

Just leaving the house can be a hardship!

Leaving the yard is dang near impossible!

Leaving the pond takes more gumption than I can muster!

And leaving the property- well, I just don't do it!

Pray the Lord gives me strength.
And please send money!
S. T. Casebeer


Thursday, May 5, 2011

Sea Scape, North Coast, Northern Ireland

The Sea
I’d love to get to know the sea,
And watch her waves rush up the beach,
And chase the gulls among the rocks,
As far as her frothy fingers reach.

I’d love to stretch out in the sun,
And be a part of the hot, white sands,
And feel the oceans currents flow through me,
And hold their awesome power in my hands.
 
I’d love to have the ocean take me in,
And recall that she was mother to all men;
That she might know the doubts that I feel now,
And she and God might take me back again.
 STC

My Spirit Satisfied

Cemetery in Northern Ireland, April, 2011 

(To the tune of Danny Boy)
The years have flown,
Another season ending;
The seeds I’ve sewn
One day will catch the sun.

My children grown,
My fences now passed mending.
The friends I’ve known,
I’ll miss them everyone.

Though memories fade,
My heart retains life’s essences;
The souls I’ve touched,
God’s blessings all arrayed;

My sins confessed,
Forgiven all my offenses,
As God recalls
My humble service to His son.

Though flesh is weak
And all my efforts frail at best,
My faith is strong,
My chief desire, to serve.

I know that God above
Rewards all faithfulness.
Saved by his love,
I’m spared the judgment I deserve.

When I am gone
My loved ones will remember me.
They know I love them,
Each and every one.

They know despite
The humble means God granted me,
I’ve lived my life
In faithful service to His Son.

So when my soul
Discards the robe of flesh I’ve worn,
And when my spirit
Lingers here no more,

Know that my heart is full,
My spirit satisfied,
As I embrace at last
The Savior I adore.

May 5th, 2011
Shannon Thomas Casebeer

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Giant's Causeway, restless sea

Giant's Causeway, The Pipe Organ



Way up on the hill!

Tollymore Forest

Up the creek without a paddle!

Another 18th Century bridge at Tollymore

Path and foot bridge at Tollymore

Oh Cassie Mae

Oh Cassie Mae, the Whippoorwills are calling
From glen to glen, and down the mountain side
The summer's gone, and all the flowers are dying
'Tis you, 'tis you must go and I must bide.

But come ye back when summer's in the meadow
Or when the valleys hushed and white with snow
'Tis I'll be here in sunshine or in shadow
Oh Cassie Mae, oh Cassie Mae, I love you so.

And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.

And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I'll simply sleep in peace until you come to me.

Love, Pa
Father in Heaven, forgive me; I’ve clearly plagiarized these iconic verses for my darling daughter, far away in Ireland. I’m old, and meant no harm. :)

1780s bridge at Tollymore Forest

Up Top, from the trail to Carick-A-Reid

Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland

Are we there yet?

On the isle of Carick-A-Reid

Carick-A-Reid

Can you see those little people on the crest of the hill?

A Fixer Upper!

Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland

Bangor, Northern Ireland

Monday, May 2, 2011

Foot Bridge

18th Century Foot Bridge at Tollymore Forest
Northern Ireland

Shades of Narnia

Tollymore Forest
Newcastle, Northern Ireland

Giant's Causeway

Giant's Causeway
Northern Ireland, April, 2011

Pleasant Pathways

Just a wee bit enchanted.  
Don't ya think?

Cassie Mae

Does Cassie Mae look Irish to you?

The Emerald Isle

We just returned from a two-week stay in Ireland.  I’m blessed with some Irish roots myself, so the experience was gratifying on a number of levels.  First and foremost, the land itself is absolutely magical!  I was determined to bring home a fabulous souvenir, so I devoted a good deal of time to the acquisition of something suitable.  During our time on the coast of Northern Ireland, I was able to capture several starfish, two very personable leprechauns, and a dandy mermaid. Sadly, I was forced to leave the entire menagerie behind.  The starfish became unmanageably odiferous!  The leprechauns ransacked my luggage and raised such a ruckus at the hotel that I was forced to ask them to leave, and Robin informed me I wouldn’t be keeping the mermaid.