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The southeastern corner of White County contains a remarkably well preserved treasure trove of natural features that until recent years were virtually unknown of outside the local area. The locals refer to most of this area generically as Scott's Gulf. But while Scott's Gulf is the phrase that first leaps from a topographical map, there are other names and features in the Scott's Gulf area that are true destinations in themselves. Some of those names are Big Bottom, Bethesda, Dodson, Virgin Falls, and Big Laurel Falls, as well as others.
Scott's Gulf is what in more western parts of the country would be referred to as a canyon, which lies along the geographic border of central and eastern Tennessee. This canyon stretches along the upper portion of the Caney-Fork River as it makes the thousand foot drop from the top of the Cumberland Plateau near Crossville down to the Eastern Highland Rim southeast of Sparta. This river canyon is approximately eighteen miles in length and reaches depths of nearly nine hundred feet. Contained within this Caney-Fork water-shed are some of the most remarkable features found in the southern United States, as well as a forgotten history that must be preserved.
My grandmother, Bessie Mae Davis Cole (1906-2000), as a child, lived with her family in Big Bottom, just below Virgin Falls. For years as a boy I heard my grandmother tell stories about her childhood life in Big Bottom, and her adventures at Virgin Falls. To the ears of a child those stories were as far away and inaccessible as the fairy-tails told of princesses, knights, and dragons in far away lands. But these were true stories, true history, these events took place in real life, at real places, yet they seemed so inaccessible.
My earliest recollection of visiting my grandmother's childhood home was an aborted attempt to walk to it with her and the rest of my family in the early seventies. We began our walk at the end of a road that disappeared in a long dead community that now exists only as a name on a topographic map. Dodson Tennessee is one of several communities in this area that have so completely disappeared that even when I was a child in the early seventies not a single building existed. Today not even a single foundation stone can be found at Dodson or the nearby town of Bethesda. What had once been a heavily traveled road between small but bustling communities when my grandmother was a child, had, in the intervening years, turned to little more than an extended ditch that was more water than road. That early attempt at a return to my grandmother's childhood home resulted in failure. Perhaps the passage of decades of time had shortened the distance in my grandmother's memory, or perhaps her failing health accelerated her fatigue. Whatever the reason, she became tired and we turned back to the car, arriving there long after dark, vowing to come back earlier in the day and try again. Due to her failing memories we never even knew if we reached the halfway point on our journey. Sadly, that earlier day never arrived, as it was soon after this aborted trip that my grandmother, due to illness, lost her leg at the hip, and would never walk again.
The years passed, and my grandmother's stories continued, but were tempered by the loss of her leg and the realization that she would never again see her childhood home. I eventually married and moved away, and for several years Big Bottom was far from my mind. After my first marriage crumbled I remarried and returned to White County. After more than half a decade away, I was once again home. My grandmother continued her stories and I became acutely aware, that despite the loss of her leg, she longed to visit her childhood home place. I soon became obsessed with fulfilling her wish. At that point in my life I did not have the money to buy a Jeep or other all terrain vehicle, and as such several exploratory journeys I attempted into Scott's Gulf in my more conventional vehicle resulted in not only damage to my vehicle, but the setting of the assurance in my mind that I needed a better vehicle for the journey.
This photo shows the condition of the road to Virgin Falls a traveler would have found at almost any time in the last thirty years.
However in Early 2008 some work was done on the road and conditions are somewhat improved, still a high clearance vehicle with four wheel drive is necessary for a journey into the Big Bottom.
About two years after my return to Tennessee an amazing opportunity presented itself. A neighbor with whom I became friends purchased a classic Willys Jeep, and I saw the perfect opportunity to fulfill my grandmother's wishes as well as give my friend an excuse to test the abilities of his new toy.
The trip began early one Saturday morning, arriving at my friends home, my father and I loaded my one legged grandmother, who at that time was eighty four years old, into a World War Two era Jeep. My wife and son joined us, and up the road we headed. We were a strange looking sight that day, a total of six people ranging in age from eight to eighty four, crammed into and on top of a forty five year old Jeep, with a wheelchair strapped to the hood. (Beverly Hillbillies move over!) After a short drive we arrived in the Dodson Community and began our bone jarring trek up the ancient road to Big Bottom.
The road to Big Bottom crosses the Caney Fork River twice and passes through the abandoned community of Bethesda. The river crossings are at approximately the 2 and 3.5 mile points, the community of Bethesda was as the top of a large rise approximately halfway between the river crossings. As recently as the late 1990's it was possible to drive to within a few hundred feet of Virgin Falls. Today, Big Bottom and Virgin Falls are far less accessible by motorized vehicle. Thanks to an agreement between the previous owners of the property, Bridgestone-Firestone, and the State of Tennessee , the whole area was placed off limits to motorized vehicles in the late 1990's. In the year 1990 though there were no such restrictions. As we continued up the remains of this once well traveled road we came to the river crossings and found the water level to be rather deep but not impassable, perhaps 12-18 inches deep, well below the critical level of a 1940's era Jeep.
During our journey we attempted to find the community of Bethesda, where my grandmother and her siblings attended school, however not a single trace of the town itself was anywhere to be found.
This is the only Photo I am aware of that shows a structure from the town of Bethesda. It is a photo taken at the Bethesda School around 1918. My grandmother as well as my great aunt and two great uncles appear in this photo.
I do not know which one is my aunt, Rosie Davis Nash, perhaps the girl with the boyish looking haircut third from the left. However I do know my grandmother, and two uncles, #1 is my grandmother Bessie Mae Davis Cole, #2 is my great uncle Roy Davis, whom
I never met, and #3 is my great uncle Boose Davis.
Near the location of Bethesda this strange rock structure can be found.
It continues along the road for several hundred feet and then disappears into the woods.
Its purpose is unknown to me, perhaps a fence built from the most accessible materials the early settlers in this area had. Also unknown to most current residents is the fact that these woods are not old-growth. When my grandmother lived in Big Bottom this entire area was open farmland and fields. All the growth you see here is less than ninety years old. The residents of this area began leaving in the 1920's and the area was finally for all intents and purposes abandoned during the Great Depression, although there were a few hardy soles that remained until the late 1940's
We continued our journey finally stopping at my grandmother's former home place a few hundred feet below Virgin Falls. The photo on the right below represents the only existing physical evidence of the farmhouse my grandmother spent her childhood in. The photo on the Left is the same location with several members of the Davis family taken about 1910.
The rock pile at my feet is the remains of her home's fireplace and chimney. When comparing the two photos above you can see how completely nature has reclaimed what was once open farmland with well tended crops. I find it sad, yet also soothing to see for myself how fast and completely nature can recover an area once human influence is removed. I also find myself not too worried about the long term impact humans have on an area, the Earth will be here long after we are gone.
The photo below is the hearth of my grandmother's fireplace.
Arriving at the home place my grandmother was herself shocked and dismayed the see how completely nature had erased the physicality of memories she held so dear. I remember the tears that filled her eyes that day, and the memory of her response brings a tear to mine as well. Looking at her setting in the Jeep that day caused me to question the wisdom of the trip, instead of joy at the sight of her former home, I saw sadness. But then the discussion turned to Virgin Falls itself. A few hundred feet up a steep hill above her home place was the source of their sustenance in those long ago years.
Virgin Falls is a magnificent water fall that lies in a secluded depression in the southeast face of a rise above the Caney Fork River called Wilson Ridge. Wilson Ridge is itself part of a larger geological feature known as Little Chestnut Mountain. Virgin Falls emerges from an underground stream in the face of this ridge and flows just over 150 feet before plunging 110 feet into a circular depression only to totally vanish underground once again. Although many people today are aware of the existence of Virgin Falls, what most of them
do not know is that in the years my grandmother lived there it was the primary source of drinking water for many in the area. A log used to lie across the top of the falls, mud and rock was packed into the spaces under the log forming a primitive dam that resulted in a portion of the water from the falls being diverted to the south and eventually flowing into a pool near the Davis home at the base of the hill.
The photo
below was taken of virgin falls in late 2006
As this was my first trip to Virgin Falls I found that my mental view of the area was sorely lacking. My grandmother's stories had, in my mind, indicated that the falls were visible from her home place. Alas this was not the case.
Seeing her disappointment placed in my mind, as well as my friend's, the determination to make the trip worth while. We found that although the falls were not visible from her home place, they were only about nine hundred to a thousand feet away. However most of this distance was up a twenty five to thirty degree slope with a total rise of close to 200 feet. After some discussion, the conclusion was reached that we could not have come this far with my ageing grandmother to only return home without allowing her to see the falls one last time. Removing the wheelchair from the hood of the Jeep, we transferred my grandmother to it, and began the exhausting journey up the hill. My grandmother endured the uncomfortable and undignified ride with the fortitude of someone much younger.
Arriving at the clearing just south of the falls we were presented with a spectacular view of the water fall itself, the sadness seemed to disappear from my grandmother's face, and we all marveled at the beauty. We spent some time there, and listened to the stories once again. This time though the telling seemed even more real and close, brought to life by the sensation of standing where she worked and played as a child. As the sun continued its inexorable craw to the west, we decided that we did not wish to retrace our former steps in darkness. Once again my grandmother endured the indignity of her bouncy ride back down the hill. At the bottom we transferred her back into the Jeep, strapped her wheelchair once again to the hood and began the kidney busting journey home.
This was my grandmother's last trip to her home place. Soon after this her health began a long, slow deterioration, and in the fall of 2000, after being bedridden for some time, she passed way, aged ninety four years. Of all the regrets I have in my life, there is one thing I can point to and say I have no regrets for. I do not regret the effort and time expended that summer day in 1990. On the contrary, if I had not completed that task, that day that would have been my greatest regret. As it is, it is one of the high points in my life, one of the things I am most grateful that I had a part in doing.
I am fortunate that I have been able to trace my family back many generations on two sides. On my mother's side of the family, who was born in Michigan , I am able to trace my family back eighteen generations, all the way to the fifteenth century in Rendenhall England. On my father's side the trail of my ancestors grows cold after only eight generations, but thanks to my grandmother's prolific story telling I have a better understanding and feel closer to that side of my family.
The Davis family that lived in the Big Bottom area of White County moved there early in the county's history. Although John White is remembered by the locals as one of the founding residents of White County and is recorded as moving into the area in 1789, the Davis
family lived in the area at least as early as 1783. My great-great-great-great-grandfather Ephraim Davis is recorded as being born in White County in 1783. The earliest official record for him I can find is a listing in the 1830 federal census that lists him as a resident of White County.
Below are the graves of my ancestors, Ephraim, and Catharine Davis.
More photos of the Davis cemetery can be seen here
As you can see from the enlargements of the head stones here,
and here,
my great grandfather's date of birth clearly places the Davis family in White County
at least six years before John White.
The earliest ancestor I have been able to trace on the Davis side of the family is John Davis, who was Ephraim Davis' grandfather, born in Goochland County Virginia in approximately 1732. John Davis had only two children that I can find record of, James Davis, and Robert Davis. James Davis was born approximately 1763 in Augusta County Tennessee. He married three times and fathered at least fifteen children. I have records of the names of all but two of the children; James, Cornelius, Westley, Tom, Bill, Ephraim, Absalom, Robin, Polly, Ambers, Isaac, Mat and Nancy. At some point in his life he moved to White County Tennessee where my next ancestor in the chain, Ephraim Davis,
was born. Once he reached manhood Ephraim Davis settled permanently in the area now known as Big Bottom, and perhaps because of early settlers tendency to be self sufficient, lived a quiet life with little influence outside the Scott's Gulf area. Ephraim Davis married only once in his life and I have uncovered records of a total of six children; Absalom, Elizabeth (Betsy), Robert, Mary Polly, James, and David.
The picture to the left is the earliest known photo of a Davis family member; James, son of Ephraim, born February 10th 1831
Absalom Davis is the next link in my ancestral chain. Absalom married at least twice and gave birth to at least nine Children; Cumberlin, Baleum, Columbus, Bob, Frances, Tom, Kate, Lewis, and Bill. Cumberlin Davis continues my linage. Cumberlin married only once, to Hester Elizabeth Welch, and that union produced three children that I know of, Robert C Davis, Estella May Davis, and James Absalom Davis.
To the right is a photo of Cumberlin and his wife Hester taken at their home in Eastland Tennessee shortly before
his death.
Robert C Davis was my great-grandfather. Robert C. married Avo Louellen Smith, (Wedding photo, left above,) and that union produced a total of seven children; Bessie Mae (my grandmother), Rosie, Ruth, Lois, Lola, Roy, and Boose. My grandmother Married Joe Clinton Cole of Van-Buren County Tennessee and had only one son, my father Charles Clinton Cole. He married Diane Kay Vincent who hailed from Adrian Michigan. The result of that union is I, Charles Vincent Cole, although I am more popularly known now as Dave.
To the left is a photo of my grandmother and grandfather, Joe and Bessie, taken about the time of their wedding.
To their right are my mother and father Diane and Charles
Looking for a better life, my great-grandfather Robert C. saw opportunity in the Great American West, and at some time around 1919-1920 uprooted his entire family and headed for the perceived greener pastures to be found out west, eventually settling in Ogden Utah.
The picture at right is of the three oldest Davis children, taken while the Davis family lived in Ogden, from left to right, Rosie Boose Bessie.
For reasons that are unclear to me even until this day, they were not satisfied with Utah, and were back in Tennessee by 1922. Instead of returning to Big Bottom my great-grandfather settled his family near Quebeck Tennessee, which while still in southern White County was about eleven miles west of Big Bottom. It was while living here that my grandmother, Bessie, met and married my grandfather, Joe Clinton Cole, in 1922 near Quebeck Tennessee. Over the following years the remaining Davis family members, as well as the other families living in the Scott's Gulf area grew to adulthood married and moved out of the area, perhaps in search of those same greener pastures that my own great grandfather was. The names of many of these families are lost to history, but a few are known. Some names of resident families that I know of are; Davis, Welch, Scarbough, Nichols, Cruse, Cunningham, Dodson, and Scott. The coming of the Great Depression was the final nail in the coffin for these small communities so far removed from the rest of civilization. By the end of the depression the Scott's Gulf area was reduced to a few hardy souls that simply refused to give up. And even those hardy souls were gone soon after the close of World War II.
My grandmother remained in White County until her death in late 2000. As for the rest of her family the story is a little sad. Although the daughters stayed in the White County area, the brothers did not. Roy headed south eventually settling in Florida. He married and gave birth to a daughter, and died rather young in the 1960's.
Boose however headed north and spent many years working for Ford Motors. He retired just outside of Detroit, and remained there until he died in the late 1990's, leaving one son with whom I have lost Contact. Although all of the Davis daughters remained in White County, they married and the Davis name was lost. Sadly the last living White County bearer of the Davis name from the Scott's Gulf area was my great-grandfather Robert C. Davis who died December 6th 1969 bringing to a close the Davis name in White County. Although there are many people today living in White County who carry the name Davis, I know of none who can trace their lineage to the first Davis family that settled in Scott's Gulf over two hundred years ago.
Life in those early years of the twentieth century was tough, and people lived by a different code than would be acceptable today. Children rose before dawn to feed and milk the cows. After completing the morning chores the children were then required to return home and change into their school clothes before walking nearly two miles to school. The Davis family lived on the north side of the Caney Fork River but my grandmother and her siblings attended school at the Bethesda School (See the preceding photo.) which was on the south side of the river. To reach school the children were required to cross the river at Davis ford, about a mile south of the Davis home. The river at this crossing point could range in depth from 0 inches (Dry.) in late fall and early winter, to a raging torrent more than twenty feet deep after extended spring rains. Although the days of raging torrents were few and far between, the river can flow at an elevated level for extended times in the spring and early summer, it could be weeks at a time that the water was too deep to cross. During these periods, not only was reaching school impossible, it was also impossible to leave the valley to reach town for supplies. Today people would panic, starve and even begin to fight and kill each other if isolated from the rest of the world for that long. In those days it was just a part of life, and taken in stride, for they knew that sooner or later the water would subside and access to the outside world would return. My grandmother told me many stories over the years about life on Big Bottom, and sadly the memory of many of these have faded, I so dearly regret not putting some of these stories to pen and paper sooner while my grandmother was still alive to fill in the empty spaces. That time is past and now I must be content with only what I can remember. Even so, several stories come to mind about life in Big Bottom.
I have already mentioned the Log Dam across Virgin Falls once but would like to elaborate on it a bit. Despite the variations in flow observed over the years the residents of Big Bottom considered Virgin Falls to be a source of pure water from deep within the earth. As such this water was used for every aspect of daily life by the people who lived there. They washed their clothes in it, they took baths in it, they watered their gardens and animals with it, and of course they cooked with, and drank it. Today, thanks to dye tests done by geologist Nicholas C. Crawford in the 1980's, the source of the water at Virgin Falls is now known. Mr. Crawford's dye testing proved conclusively that at least a portion of the water that forms Virgin Falls is not from a deep source at all, but from a sink in Lost Creek Cove just three miles to the north. Despite this, the drinkers of this water apparently suffered no major ill-effects through the years. The rocky soil of the Big Bottom area precluded the digging of any wells in the area, at least with the hand tools available more than a century ago, but a well would not have been considered a necessary item with a resource like Virgin Falls close by. Even being so close, making daily trips to the falls to carry water would have been an onerous task for even the most dedicated settler. The falls lie a thousand feet horizontally and more than 200 feet above the valley floor below, and the top of the falls is a least another fifty feet above the level of small plateau adjacent to it. The bottom of the falls lies in a steep sided depression more than fifty feet deep. However, one should never underestimate the ingenuity of our forefathers. At some point, well before my grandmother's birth, a large tree was hewn down so as to fall across the top of the falls. The picture below is a view from the top of the falls during a recent time of low flow. I can only imagine what this picture would look like if that ancient tree was still in place.
The gap between the tree trunk and the streambed was filled with large stones, and the spaces between the large stones were filled with smaller stones. This process continued until finally the whole structure was sealed with mud formed by carrying dirt and grass to the falls from the surrounding hillsides. Despite the crudeness of the materials used, the structure proved quite useful for its intended purpose, and with some care, it formed a well functioning dam that succeeded in raising the level of the water enough so that a portion of the flow was diverted into an artificial streambed leading south from the falls.
The picture above shows that very streambed. Today that former streambed is part of a hiking trail that leads from a primitive campground to the top of the falls. This diverted flow of water continued south across the ridgeline until it met a thirty foot drop some 200 feet south of the falls. Here a wooden trough was used to once again divert the water east a few yards until it flowed into a natural channel formed by the meeting of two hillsides. The water once again flowed south in this natural channel until it emptied into a man made pool at the base of the hills some seven hundred odd feet south of the falls. It was from this improvised cistern that my family as well as other locals in the area drew their every-day supply of water.
As you might imagine the improvised dam was far short of a permanent structure, it required ongoing maintenance in order to remain useful. Part of the Davis children's chores was to maintain the dam in working order. Several times a week the children would climb to the top of the falls, gather dirt, rocks, and grass to reinforce the ever eroding structure. Today the very thought of children as young as six even approaching the top of a 110 foot cliff-face would send most parents into spasms. In those days it was just a part of everyday life. My grandmother has often mentioned that as children she and her siblings maintained the dam mostly without adult supervision of any kind, often they would spend hours working on the dam to make sure it continued to function reliably. From time to time though, a period of heavy rain would increase the flow at Virgin Falls to an uncontrollable torrent. This happened quite often in the spring months, resulting in the complete erasure of all the hard work done in the months before. The carefully placed rocks and mud would be swept away to increase the size of the pile at the bottom of the falls. The log, however was securely anchored at each side of the streambed and as far as my grandmother could remember was never dislodged by even the heaviest flood during her life there. When the dam was damaged in this manner the whole family would pitch in, working from sunup until sundown, carrying rocks and materials from the surrounding hillsides to rebuild the structure. One shudders to think what type of reaction most modern Americans, who are used to having hot and cold running water at their fingertips, would react if suddenly they were thrust into a life such as this.
As I mentioned before, this was a different time, life was hard, obedience was demanded, discipline was absolute, and punishment was unthinkable. I hesitated some on the inclusion of this story, feeling that perhaps people would view my great-grandfather as some kind of monster, he was not. My grandmother loved, respected, and cared for him until the day he died. But you must remember, he was from a time far removed from today's sensibilities. He was raised in an environment where the man of the house was an absolute monarch. The man's word was law, his father demanded absolute obedience, and as such also did he. There was little room in the Davis household for errors, and even less for negligence.
As part of the daily chores when milking the cows, fresh corn would be retrieved from the corn-crib to feed the various animals around the farm. For those of you who have never heard of a corn-crib, it is a room, sometimes in a barn, and sometimes separate that is constructed in such a way as to allow for easy air flow. In the fall of the year corn would be gathered from the fields and stored in this room where it was allowed to dry for use through the cold winter. The door to the Davis family corn crib was latched by way of a simple rotating piece of wood known as a button. Even in my childhood our corn-crib used the same mechanism to seal the door.
The above picture shows a typical corn crib door with a button latch.
As you might imagine such an arrangement is not foolproof, and one day the failure of just such a latch resulted in the most severe punishment my grandmother could ever remember receiving.
The day dawned as any other in the life on Big Bottom, my grandmother and her siblings rose at dawn and completed the morning chores. After the chores were done they changed into their school clothes and walked the mile to school. After school they returned home and found their father waiting for them on the porch. It was immediately clear to all that something was amiss. Their father informed them in no uncertain terms that they were in deep trouble. At some point in the afternoon he had discovered that the door to the corn crib was open, and the animals had made a mess. Not only had much of the winter supply of corn been eaten at a single setting, the confusion resulting from the impromptu feast had resulted much of the supply being scattered outside the crib and trampled into the ground. Also there had been a significant amount of damage done to the door on the crib. In addition, there was a real possibility of the cattle getting sick from such a sudden feast of corn. This condition is known as foundering and can be fatal to the animal. He summarily marched all but the youngest of the children to the scene of the crime, lined them all along of the wall of the barn and disappeared inside. When he returned he was carrying a bull-whip, yes that's right, a whip just like the one made so famous by Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones series of films, he then proceeded to whip them one at a time beginning with the oldest and proceeding down the line to the youngest. As for how many lashes they each received, no one will ever know. My grandmother said she lost count after the third lick, and before the thrashing ceased she was on the verge of passing out. She vividly remembered the stripes that the leather whip left across the back of her legs until the day she died.
After the beating they were still required to finish their daily chores before returning home to complete their homework for school the next day. Such a beating today would no doubt result in a lengthy prison sentence for a parent. Even if no one saw the beating occur, a return to school with such marks on a child's body would result in law enforcement and human services being notified immediately. But, in my grandmothers case, when the children returned to school the next day they were
informed by the teacher that they were lucky to have not gotten worse.
It is also interesting to note that not only was this the worst beating my grandmother was ever on the receiving end of, she also went to her grave believing it was unjustified. For the rest of her life, even in her waning years, she would often replay the events of that day over in her head, and she was absolutely sure that not only was the button properly latched when they left for school that morning, she was also sure that she was the one who had latched it. It was her belief that one of the cows while moving around near the button had brushed up against it, and since there was nothing to prevent it from turning, the force of the cow's body had inadvertently turned the latch releasing the door. The door itself was hinged in such a way that if the button was not turned properly the door would swing open of its own accord. It was this fact more than any that made it sure in her mind that the door was closed when she left it that long ago morning.
On the right, is a picture of the grave of my great-aunt, Ruth.
As you can see, she only lived to the age of three months. The death of a child at such an early age was a common occurrence until only recently, and it is not unusual to find markers from this era bearing the names of children almost anywhere in the country. While this grave marker is unique in the name and dates, there is an even more unique story behind the marker, a story, that as far as I know, has never been written down.
Ruth was to be the sixth child in the Davis household, at the time of her birth my grandmother was nine years old, and the other children varied in age from four (Rosie), to my grandmother, who was the oldest. The house that the Davis family lived in consisted of, as many of the time did, only two rooms. The main room was the general use room, used as a combination kitchen, dining, living, and work room. The second room was the bedroom; this bedroom was shared by all the members of the household. A curtain that could be pulled to provide privacy divided the adult section from the children's section. Often, especially in colder months, this curtain remained open so the room could be evenly heated. It was on such a late fall night that the whole household was awakened by the laughs and giggles of four year old Rosie. When a lamp was lit to see what the commotion was all about, my grandmother was also able to clearly see what was going on. Ruth, who was just about ready to turn three months old, was asleep in a home-made bassinette between the parent's bed and the sleeping area of the older children. Rosie had at some point in the night gotten out of her bed and was standing beside the bassinette that held the sleeping baby. As my grandmother watched in amazement Rosie jumped and giggled, struggling to reach something unseen at the top of the baby's bassinette. When scolded by her mother Rosie said "I want the bird." When asked what bird, she replied in her toddler voice "That pretty white bird sitting on the baby." Chastising her for disturbing the whole house Rosie was returned to bed, my grandmother later recounted that at the time everyone thought Rosie had just had a dream. However the room had hardly been quiet for moments, when Rosie was once again back at the side of the bassinette, and was again reaching for the unseen bird. Once again Rosie was scolded and returned to bed. However, throughout the rest of that night Rosie was up several more times chasing the, "pretty white bird," as she called it, the bird that only she could see. Finally, sunrise brought peace as Rosie could apparently no longer see the bird. The events of that night would have soon been forgotten, had it not been for the fact that by the next evening Ruth was showing signs of being sick. The baby started to run a high fever, and soon quit eating. Within a few days of the events of that night Ruth was dead.
Much of life on Big Bottom revolved around the yearly crops; today we go the supermarket and bring home our food sealed under plastic wrap. During my grandmother's childhood it was rare to purchase actual food from the store. Food purchases were usually reserved for items such as salt, sugar, coffee, and other items that could not be grown on the farm. Most of the food supply for the Davis family was self provided, from the hogs raised for winter slaughter to the vegetables grown in the garden for canning. Not only was food for human consumption grown in the garden, but large crops of corn and hay were grown to provide food for the farm animals.
As anyone who has ever been to the Big Bottom area can attest, the ground is very rocky, in fact the entire valley floor is part of a canyon flood plain. It is nearly impossible to take more than a few steps in any direction without stepping on a large stone. However, from time to time as you walk through the forest that has today grown up in Big Bottom, you will find stretches of the forest floor that are apparently devoid of rocks. Also around the area you will from time to time find large piles of rocks that appear to have been randomly stacked throughout the forest. In fact these piles are not random at all, but represent the corners and sides of former cultivated fields. All of the cultivating in Big Bottom was done by muscle power in my grandmother's day. Mules and oxen were used to pull the farm implements, and the rocky ground proved to be quite a challenge for this form of agriculture. A large portion of the effort extended in farming was to remove these stone obstacles. As it was the duty of the children to assist in every day life as much as possible, and although my grandmother and her siblings were too small to manage an animal drawn farm implement, there were many ways they could contribute, they planted seeds they hoed and pulled weeds, and did anything else a child of their age could accomplish. One of the jobs that fell to the children was stone removal. As my great-grandfather would cultivate the ground, stones would be uncovered by his movements through the fields. These stones were not only an inconvenience that would interfere with the cultivation of the crops, they could also represent a loss of money and time if they damaged the farm equipment. The children of the Davis household were required to follow behind their father, and as the stones were unearthed they would carry them from the field and pile them around the perimeter, often as large piles in the corners of the fields. Today these seemingly random piles of rock attest to the determination of those early settlers, as well as give us a glimpse of what the valley looked like in its heyday. Those once carefully tended fields are now woodland, so completely reclaimed by nature that most of the visitors to the area have no clue that this was once productive cropland.
Not only was life hard for people in those days the life of a farm animal was often hard and short with a violent end. Pigs were raised and carefully cared for, only to be slaughtered for food in the early winter. Cattle were raised, not only to provide milk and muscle for work, but they were also killed and tuned to food. Chickens had a multifold purpose not only did they provide eggs for sustenance, and meat for the table they also provided a vital function in keeping the tick and insect population under control. To many fowls a nice plump tick is a treat likened unto candy for a child, and chickens are no exception to this rule. At some point during her life on big bottom my grandmother was given a freshly hatched pullet (baby female chicken) by her mother to be her very own. If she would raise it and care for it, keeping it separate from all the other chickens, she could, when it reached adulthood, have the money from selling any eggs that the hen laid. My grandmother was ecstatic, before this she never owned anything, and now this was her very own. Also even though eggs in those days would only bring about 25 cents a dozen on the farm, the prospect of having a source of income, even if it was pennies a week, was exciting to her.
It was not possible in those days to go down to the local hardware store to pick up a roll of chicken wire, so my grandmother set about constructing an enclosure for her new investment with the materials available to her. Using all her spare time, she roamed the hillside looking for just the right items, finally between nails she scavenged from the barn and small poles gathered from the hillsides she constructed an enclosure for her chicken. The pen she built was a few feet square consisting of the small poles she had gathered, placed with the larger ends in the ground close together so that the small chick could not squeeze between them. The smaller ends rose about three to four feet in the air, and were held in place by small horizontal slats of wood placed around the whole assembly a few inches from the top. Although the bottoms of the poles were touching their diminishing size resulted in a small gap between them near the top. This was not an issue, as the small chicken could not fly, and by the time she grew feathers she would be too large to fit through the cracks. For the next few months my grandmother carefully watered and fed her chicken. As the chicken grew larger my grandmother constructed a small hen-house for her. It was late in the year and my grandmother was eagerly awaiting the first batch of eggs to be sold. On a morning as typical as any other, she watered and fed the small fowl as part of her morning chores. Returning home from school the following evening she quickly changed her clothes in preparation for her evening chores. Rushing out to feed her chicken she was greeted with a sight that would break her heart, and remain vividly in her mind even in her waning years. Her prized hen, perhaps from seeing the other chickens moving around so freely outside, had tried to escape. Although not capable of extended flight, chickens have an amazing ability to lift themselves from the ground. As a child it was not unusual for me to see our chickens roosting in the highest limbs of the trees around our house. My grandmother's chicken had, over the summer months, developed a full set of feathers, and as such was able to make flying leaps much higher than my young grandmother had anticipated. Apparently trying to escape her prison, the hen had leaped for the top of the fence, and as chickens are not the most sure-footed animals in the world, she missed her target. The young hen fell short and her body slipped back into the pen, but her head was over the top of the stick fence. Sliding downward her neck slipped into one of the spaces between the sticks. The ever decreasing space had acted as a death trap, pinning the hapless bird in place. And there she hung, her head outside the fence achieving the freedom she so intently desired, yet her body was still behind the barrier. Nobody knows how long she hung there struggling, but pinned in such a manner the outcome was inevitable. My grandmother's prize hen had slowly choked to death, eventually being found by my grandmother when she returned home from school. I believe this event left a lasting mark on my grandmother, as she spoke often of it, even in her old age.
One of my more colorful ancestors who lived in Scott's Gulf, was Ambers Davis (also known as Ambrose). Ambers was my grandmother's great, or possibly great-great-uncle who was born in the early to mid 1800's. He lived for a time in the Scott's Gulf area, a short way up the river from what eventually became my grandmother's home place. He survived earlier in life by plying his trade as a carpenter. After marrying, he, as many members of the Davis family did, left to seek his fortune out west. A few years later he returned alone and moved into a small cave near Welch Hole. Here he took up the life of a cave hermit. Most people of the day considered him a harmless eccentric, and he earned a meager living by selling small items that he carved; wooden spoons, biscuit boards, rolling pins, and other handmade wooden items. Even though he was considered harmless by the locals, at times he hinted that he had killed his wife and a man he caught her with. In the later years of his life he became more and more deranged even to the point that he would often jump from the door of his cave into the river and swim away, even in the coldest weather when approached by visitors. He survived by collecting a small amount of corn from the fields of the locals, as well as killing and eating whatever small animals he could catch. He often claimed that his favorite food was black snake soup. He also often stated that a carefully skinned skunk made a fine dish. In his later years the locals decided that it would be in his best interest if he was placed in the local insane asylum for his own protection. He was captured with some difficulty and removed to the county farm, where he promptly escaped. Returning to his cave he lived there for a time until he was once again captured, and this time removed to Tennessee Asylum for the Insane in Nashville. The federal census of 1880 shows him as a resident there. He remained there until his death a few years later.
John Davis was born about 1732 in Goochland County Virginia. John married Jemima Jefferson, who was born in 1736, also in Goochland County, they had two children, James, who was born in 1763 in Augusta County TN, and died in 1831, and Robert, born April 18th 1754 in Albemarle County Virginia, and died on March 22nd 1843 in Clinton County Kentucky.
Robert had a crippled foot and because of this he never served in the American Revolution as his brother did. He married Arvilla Wood in August 1772 in Virginia. He moved from Virginia to North Carolina and then back to Virginia. Next he moved to Sevier County Tennessee and by 1804 to Wayne Co. Kentucky, which later became Clinton County, where he died. He is buried in Clinton County Kentucky at the Davis Chapel Cemetery near Alpha Kentucky. Robert's maternal grandson Constant Elisha Watson Davis, stated in his manuscript "The Davis Family", written in 1892, that Robert's mother, Jemima (Jefferson) Collins Davis was related to President Thomas Jefferson. This claim is later confirmed by the previously mentioned source "History of Logan County, West Virginia", which was written in 1896.
James severed in the Revolutionary War. He enlisted in the 2nd Virginia Regiment in the spring of 1780 at Goochland County, serving under Captain Lamb. He served until October 30th 1781, and witnessed the surrender of Cornwallis after the Battle of Yorktown. He moved to what became White County Tennessee in 1800, and records show that he applied for and received a war pension there in 1819. James was employed as in Farmer, and at times a Methodist minister. He married his first wife Priscilla Richardson in White County. His second wife was Nancy Pointer, and. his third wife was Martha Welch. He died while on a trip in 1831 while passing through Wayne County Kentucky on his way home to Tennessee, where his will was later filed.
James and Priscilla had five children, James Davis Jr., Cornelius, Who was killed in an argument over a horse trade, Westley, Tom, and Bill.
James and Nancy had four children, Ephraim, who was born on January 1st 1783 and died on September 1st 1843, Absolom, who was born about 1785, and married Lucina Nichols daughter of David and Polly Nichols, Robin, who was employed as miller, and Polly.
James and Martha had six children, Ambers, who married Martha G. Nichols Cook in September 1865, Isaac, Matt, Nancy, and two children whose names have been lost.
Ambers is well remembered around White County as the "Big Bottom Cave Man".
Ephraim Davis, (son of James and Nancy) married Catherine Nichols daughter of David and Polly Nichols in 1821 in what is now White County Tennessee. Catherine was born on June 5th 1802 in what is now White County, and died on December 9th 1886. Ephraim and Catherine are both buried in Davis Cemetery in White County. TN. They had six children, Elizabeth (Betsy), born on July 9th 1823 and never married, Robert, born on May 28th 1825, Mary Polly, born on April 10th 1827, and died on September 7th 1920, James, David, and Absalom.
James Davis, known as "Uncle Jimmie", (Son of Ephraim and Catherine Nichols) was born on Feb 10th 1831. He married Louisa Brown daughter of Herbert Brown and Mahaley Jeanette Owens in 1855, they had six children. Mary, born in 1857, Nettie, Born in 1858, Vance born in 1860, Frank, born in 1864, Ephraim, born in 1867, and Catherine, born in 1869. James died about 1917, the date of Louisa's death is not known.
Mary Polly (daughter of Ephraim and Catherine) married Jessie Mooneyham and they moved to Kentucky where he later deserted her. He was subsequently kidnapped and brought back to Tennessee by Mary's brothers and forced to live with her until he died.
Isaac Davis, (son of James and Martha) Married and had the following children:
Bill, Tick, and Buster.
Matt Davis, (son of James and Martha) married and had the one known child, Tillman Davis
Absalom Davis (Son of Ephraim and Catherine Nichols) was born in the Dodson community in White County TN. He served in the Confederate army in the 28th Consolidated Tenn. INF. C.S.A. his Pension number was 15343.
Absalom married Mary Elizabeth Scarborough daughter of Lewis B. Scarborough and Nancy Jane Sapp on June 6th 1858 in Crossville, Tennessee. Mary Scarborough was born on October 6th 1844 in White County Tennessee and died on April 3rd 1892 in Sparta. She was buried in Davis Cemetery in White County. He then married Helen S. Dodson, there are no known records of marriage dates or children from this marriage. Absalom died on February 9th 1920, and was also buried in Davis Cemetery.
Absalom and Mary had the following children, Cumberlin Davis, born on October 4th 1860, and died on October 30th 1948, Baleum Davis, born on April 27th 1886, and died on June 30th 1889, Columbus, Bob, Frances, Tom, Kate, born in 1877, Lewis, born in 1880, and Bill, born in 1883,
Robert (Son of Ephraim and Catherine Nichols) was born May 28th 1825 and married Susie. Scarborough They had one known child, Millie, birth and death dates unknown.
David (Son of Ephraim and Catherine Nichols) was born on January 1st 1829. He married Nancy Yates and had the following children. Jimmie, George, Levi, Sara, William, who died at age 6, John, Henry, and Tillman who was born on April 19th 1879, and died on April 21st 1975.
Cumberlin Davis (Son of Absalom Davis and Mary Elizabeth Scarborough) was born on October 4th 1860 in Cumberland County TN. He died on October 30th 1948 in White or Cumberland County TN and was buried in Thomas Springs Cemetery in Cumberland County. Cumberlin married Hester Elizabeth Welch daughter of Thomas Conway Welch and Deborah Elizabeth Young on April 25th 1878 in Crossville, TN. Hester was born on September 25th 1863 in Gloscow, Kentucky, she died on February 19th 1952 and was also buried in Thomas Springs Cemetery.
Cumberlin and Hester had three children, Robert C., born on May 9th 1882 or 83, Estella May, James Absalom, born on October 12th 1885 in Cumberland County, and died on January 3rd 1940, He was also buried Thomas Springs Cemetery with his parents.
Robert C Davis (Son of Cumberlin and Hester) married Avo Louellen Smith, daughter of Joseph Smith and Ada Florence Cowin, who was born on December 12th 1878 in Overton county Tennessee. Robert C. died on December 6th 1969 and was buried in Highland Cemetery in Sparta Tennessee, Avo died on January 4th 1968 in White county. She was buried in Highland cemetery with her husband.
Robert C and Avo had seven children, Bessie Mae, born February 15th 1906, Rosie, Boose, Roy, Ruth, who died at three months of age and was buried in Davis Cemetery in Big Bottom, Lois, and Lola.
Lola Davis (daughter of Robert and Avo) married Beecher Cummings and had one child, Joan, who married Jere Wilson of Bon Air Mountain, and they have two children.
Bessie Mae Davis (daughter of Robert and Avo) married Joe Clinton Cole son of Joe Allen Cole and Ermon Simmons born on March 5th 1896 in Van Buren County TN. They had one child, Charles C Cole who was born on November 5th 1934. Joe died on June 29th 1979 in a nursing home Dickson TN. He was buried in Anderson cemetery in Doyle TN. Bessie died on October 17th 2000 in Sparta TN, and was buried by her husband in Anderson cemetery in Doyle TN.
Charles C Cole (son of Joe and Bessie), married Diane Kay Vincent, of Tecumseh Michigan, daughter of Clark Vincent and Carol Ruth Smith, who was born on December 2nd 1941. They had one child, Charles V Cole (now known as Dave) who was born on March 11th 1963.
Charles married Wanda A Roark on June 20th 1980. The marriage ended in divorce. They had the following children, James Vincent, and Joseph Wallace. Charles V Cole "Dave" then married Kimberly A. Birschkus Jones, who had on child, Thuan Jones.


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Chanukah events - report
Ice Warms Flatbush
The Chanukah Carnival organized by Chabad of Flatbush was a smashing success, with hundreds of children from around the area coming to participate in the various activities prepared by Crown Heights girls ● The highlight of the event was watching the creation and lighting of an Ice Menorah ● Pictures
The Chanukah Package Party For Ladies
On Tuesday, 30 women from the weekly women's Shiur participated in a special class on the meaning of Chanukah, and its applications to our daily life.
They also participated in a game which gave each woman a gift to take home. The program was directed by Mrs. Miriam Swerdlow.
Public Menorahs
Keeping with the annual tradition, we placed three central Menorahs along Kings Highway, illuminating the lives of the tens of thousands of people who drove down these streets over Chanukah.
This year the Menorah on Kings Highway and East 13th was illuminated with gas lamps which shone brighter than the electric bulbs.
We can really use your help...
As we enter into the last weeks of 2011 many of you will consider making end of year donations to various organizations. Please consider helping Chabad Lubavitch of Flatbush with a generous year-end gift. Read more...
5th of Tevet: The Rebbe and the AttorneyStep inside the Rebbe's private room as we join Mr. Nathan Lewin, as he reflects on his personal encounters with the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Learn the inside story of the famous "Chabad Library Case," from the Rebbe's legal counsel. See Video...
Completing the CountIn the Torah portion of Vayigash we read how Yaakov and his family descended to Egypt. We are informed that "The number of individuals in Yaakov's household who came to Egypt was 70." Read more..
Daily Chitas (Portion of Chumash, Tanya, Sefer Hamitzvot)In memory of Avraham David A"H Liberow
For: Women | Time: 10:00am - 11:00amLocation: By Mrs. Chani Liberov, 1369 East 31st St. (Bet. Avenues M & N)
For more information contact:Mrs. Chani Liberow - 718-758-9441
Tanya Class with Rabbi Yossi Paltiel
For: Men & Women | Time: 8:45pm - 10:00pm Location: Chabad House, 1923 Ocean Ave. (Bet. Avenues N & O)
For more information contact:Chabad of Flatbush - 718-252-9770 | firstname.lastname@example.com
פרשת שבוע בעברית - דבר מלכותלע"נ אברהם דוד ע"ה ליבעראוו
For: Women | Time: 9:00pm - 10:00pmLocation: By Mrs. Chani Liberov, 1369 East 31st St.(Bet. Ave M & N)
Moshiach Class with Rabbi Zalman Liberow
For: Men | Time: 8:00pm - 9:00pm Location: Chabad House, 1923 Ocean Ave. (Bet. Avenues N & O)
Women circle with Mrs. Rachel Chitrik
For: Women |Time: 9:00pmLocation: Mrs. Susan Naim at 1531 East 17th Street (between Avenues O and P)
For more information contact:Mrs. Susan Naim - 718-382-6804 | firstname.lastname@example.com
Challah Baking Workshop
For: Women |Time: 5:30pmLocation: By Mrs. Chani Liberov, 1369 East 31st St.(Bet. Ave M & N)
For more information contact:Mrs. Merzdov - 508-415-4408 | firstname.lastname@example.com
By Avromi Gorokhov
Candle lighting:
Kidush sponsor: OPEN Sponsor - $250, Co-sponsor - $125 Click here to sponsor online
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text:
(Sep 21-23, 2012)
Published in (1) "Hindu" (Sindhi) daily, Nov-7-2012 (2) "Hindvasi" (Sindhi) weekly, Nov 4, 2012 (3) "Samvad Sindhi" (English) Feb 1-15, 2013
This marvellous, gigantic and very ancient (during Pandavas' period of Indraprasta State) Metropolis has remained the capital of our great country Bharat since last 1000 years. It is also Union Territory with its name and NCR (National Capital Region). It includes old Delhi of mugul Dynasty period and modern New Delhi. This Metropolis is spread all round in a very big area (covering 1483 k.m.). Its outer circumference is 80 k.m. (outer ring road) and inner circumference is nearly 40 k.m. (inner Ring Road). These roads are connected with all the different and far away localities of the Metropolis. In addition the arrangement of A.C. Metro Rail Network (which is not less than that of Japan) has further facilitated the travel from one part of the Metropolis to the other to a great extent. It's population is one and a half crore, which includes a quarter to 2 lakh Sindhis who have contributed to it like sugar in the milk. They are spread in practically all localities - particularly in Jhangirpuri, Janakpuri, Kalkaji, Jhulelal Society (Pitampura), Ashok Vihar, Sarit Vihar, Mayur Vihar, Rajinder Nagar (Old & New), Lajpat Nagar, Ramesh Nagar, Malaviya Nagar, Patel Nagar, Shalimar Baug, Sabzi Mandi etc. and hence I had to travel to many different localities to arange meetings with office bearers of Sindhi Panchayats in these localities.
This Metropolis has over a hundred Sindhi Panchayats, cultural associations, Mandals, temples (like Nijthanw) etc., most of these are registered with Govt. Authorities. However they do not have any single Co-ordinating Body or Central Panchayat, though efforts are going on for the same. Every association has its own office bearers and is doing so many social activities in its own field which can not be discribed here in these columns for want of space - mention of one such association here will be sufficient. For example, old Rajindernagar Sindhi Panchayat and Sindhi Samaj (Regd.). They have one Sindhu Bhavan which includes Dharamshalla, Basement Hall, Jhulelal Mandir, Krishin Mandir, Pre-Nursery School, etc., wherein Widow's Fund Committee, Matrimonial Centre are functioning and celebration of religious days, medical help, cultural programmes are arranged.
Sindhu Education Society is formed in Lajpatnagar whose Secretary is Shri K.R. Manjani, an 84 year old famous advocate. Two famous schools are run under this society - such as (1) Baba Nebhraj Secondary School (Estt. 1956) wherein 1200 students study till 12th Std. The Sepciality of this school is that one Sindhi subject (Devanagiri script) is compulsory even for non-Sindhi students. (2) Hemnani Public School (Estt. 1978) wherein 850 students study in English medium. Here also one Sindhi subject (Devanagiri Script) is compulsory for all Sindhi Students. In Chanakyapuri, there is one Sadhu Vaswani School wherein Sindhi subject is compulsory for all Sindhi students. These three (3) schools are shining example for giving inspiration to Sindhis of other cities in so far as Sindhi education is concerned. More over Sindhi Khojana (Research) Kendra and library are established by Delhi Sindhi Academy in Sant Kanwarram mandir (Lajpatnagar). Sindhi Navjivan Sabha also has network of so many social activities in this locality. Delhi Sindhi Academy is located in Kashmiri Gate area whose Vice President is Dr. Murlidhar Jetley and Dy. Secretary is Shri Bharat Jumani. NCPSL (National Council for Promotion of Sindhi Language) is located in R.K. Puram. Its Vice President is Shri Ramesh Varliani and Director is Shri Nirmal Goplani. Both Delhi Academy and this Council have been contributing a lot for promotion of Sindhyat.
Sindhis of this Metropolis are not lagging behind in celebrating periodical festivals - particularly "Chand" of every month and "Chetichand" etc., which are celebrated in Lal Sai Mandirs which are built normally in every locality where Sindhis are in large number. In addition many cultural programmes are arranged by 'Sindhi Jagruti Sabha' (I/C Manohar Balwani), Sindhu Sabha (I/C Jaikishin) and All India Sindhi Culture Forum (I/C Menghraj Gurnani - Poet, Writer & Dramatist). Here, majority of Sindhis (nearly 75%) are engaged in business/professions and the remaining are in Govt. & Private jobs. The Murtis of Jhulelal Sai are normally seen in their shops/offices. Many asosciations have prepared Sindhi directories of their locality. The work of preparing one Central Directory of all Sindhis of this great city is in progress.
Many periodicals and magazines are published from here. Such as (1) "Samvad Sindhi" , bi-weekly (Hindi, Devanagiri & English), Editor - Shrikant Bhatia, (2) 'Survir' weekly (Siindhi), Editor - Mohanlal Vaswani, (3) 'Sindhi gulshan' Bi-weekly (Hindi & Devanagiri), Editor - Anjali Tulsiani (4) 'Dil-E-Sindh' Bi-weekly (Hindi, Devanagiri & English), Editor - Mahesh Chhabria, (5) 'Sindhiyun-jo-Sansar", Monthly, (Sindhi), Editor - Dr. Ghanshyam Hotumalani, etc. Many Dharamshallas are built by Sindhi Organisations here for happy and unhappy occasions. There is arrangement for staying also in some of them. Such as (1) Jhulelal Mandir & Sant Kanwar Ram Kutia (Malaviyanagar), (2) Sant Satramdas Dharamshalla (Nebsarai), (3) Fatihapuri Sindhi Dharamshalla (near Old Delhi Rly. Station), (4) Sindhu Bhavan (old Rajinder nagar), (5) Jhulelal Mandir (Ashok Vihar), (6) Swami Teunram Prem Prakash Mandir (Malka Ganj), etc.
This capital great city is political hub of India. A number of attractive tourist places are worthseeing here - such as India Gate, Rashtrapti Bhavan, Parliament House, National & Railways, Museums, Rajghat, Birla Mandir, ISKCON Mandir, Swami Narayan Mandir, Akshar Dham, Lal Qila, Qutub Minar, Yamuna River etc., which can be conveniently visited through Govt. & Private conducted tours, private A/c & Non.A/C buses and by beautiful Metro network. The fare for whole day A/c Bus is Rs.50/-. The monthly pass for Sr. Citizens is only Rs.50/- (Rs.150/- for monthly A/c. Bus).


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Delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life
Responsible Investment Contacts
Cathrine De Coninck-Lopez
Global Head of ESG
Invesco is committed to adopting and implementing responsible investment principles in a manner that is consistent with our fiduciary responsibilities to clients. A key part of this effort is our 2018 Investment Stewardship & Proxy Voting Annual Report and our 2018 Corporate Social Responsibility Report.
We are signatories to the UNPRI, UK Stewardship Code and Japan Stewardship Code. In 2016, the FRC (Financial Reporting Council) began tiering signatories and Invesco Perpetual was assessed as Tier 1 for our robust process and adherence to stewardship code principles. You can find a copy of Invesco's PRI Transparency Report at www.unpri.org.
Our support for responsible investment comprises the following five areas:
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), evaluation, screening and integration
ESG considerations are factors, among many, that may be considered as part of a robust fundamental research process.
Research, resources and training
Our teams have access to a wide range of information, including the ESG-related practices of companies worldwide.
Engagement with our portfolio companies
Our investment teams may question or challenge companies about ESG issues that could have an impact on future value.
Proxy voting
We believe the voting of proxies should be managed with the same care as all other elements of the investment process.
Environmental sustainability
Invesco recognizes its responsibility to help sustain a healthy, clean environment for future generations.
Learn more about our commitment to responsible investing.
Read Invesco's Investment Stewardship & Proxy Voting Annual Report
Invesco is committed to adopting and implementing responsible investment principles in a manner that is consistent with our fiduciary responsibilities to clients. Invesco supports the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and recognizes the importance of considering environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues as part of a robust investment process.
In June 2013, Invesco became a signatory of the UNPRI (United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment). The PRI is the largest and leading global responsible investment network of investment managers and asset owners in the industry. Invesco joins several other peer organizations in our support of the PRI initiative and material ESG topics.
The PRI is based on six key principles that serve as a foundational framework for large diversified investment managers to establish a well-articulated and supportive approach to ESG issues.
As part of our commitment to these Principles for Responsible investment:
US$66.6bn AUM in ESG integrative approaches/responsible investment in 9 investment centres across 15 investment teams.
Negative/exclusionary screening, sector/values-based exclusion, positive/best-in-class screening, thematic investing, and full ESG integration.
Invesco's controversial weapons policy covers an additional US$149bn.²
9 Responsible Investment staff across three regions with 14 years' average experience.
Works in close coordination with the 9 member Global Proxy Services team.
Local governance support staff of 16.
A dedicated IT team of 3 members support the Invesco proxy portal.
Invesco leverages multiple ESG vendors: ISS, GL, IVIS, Ethix, Vigeo Eiris,
Morningstar, Nikko Research Centre, MSCI and Sustainalytics.1
Providing deep ESG research: governance services, proxy research,
business involvement screening, controversial weapons research,
engagement services, carbon metrics, fund ratings, ESG research and ratings.
Investment stewardship
Signatory to the PRI, UK Stewardship Code and Japan Stewardship Code.
A+ rated by PRI in 2017 for Strategy & Governance, including a 43% increase in PRI assessment score from 2015.
Invesco Perpetual assessed Tier 1 by FRC since 2016.
Identified as an ESG Leader among brokers & asset managers in North America.3
Active ownership
Invesco has a deep engagement practice and active ownership platform.
Invesco Quantitative Strategies leverages Vigeo Eiris, an ESG leader, for targeted engagement, letter writing, and screening.
Involvement in industry organisations: Company Reporting and Auditing Group, Financial Reporting Council, AQR Committee
Proxy voting4
Deep conviction, investor-led and investor-driven with 24/6 coverage globally.
Patented, proprietary Proxy Voting Platform.
Voted 99.6% of 18,000 meetings, 80,000 ballots, and 210,000 proposals
in 72 unique markets.
An active approach to passive & index strategies.
ESG Excellence
In 2017, Invesco Real Estate has six strategies rated as "Green Star" with
three of the strategies ranked 1st in their respective peer groups.
Finalist for CIO's inaugural Industry Innovation Award for ESG in 2017.
40% of Invesco's funds rated by Morningstar have a sustainability rating of "High" or "Above Average".5
Thought leadership
Development of white papers and pieces promoting responsible investment:
– Lost in Translation: In Search of Authenticity in ESG Integration
Participation in industry organisations:
– PRI ESG Advisory Committee, PRI SDG Working Group for Active Ownership
– UKSIF Board of Directors
1 As of 31 March 2018.
2 For further information regarding Invesco's Controversial Weapons Policy please go to invescomanagementcompany.lu.
3 Ranked 3rd among 20 brokers and asset managers in North America with top 4 considered ESG leaders..
4 Voting from 1 July 2016 to 30 June 2017.
5 317 of 790 as of 31 March 2018.


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Beautiful, practical designs constructed in the highest quality
Winsor furniture was established in 1987 by its owner and designer Mark Devany. The first collections of very detailed antique replica furniture provided valuable experience which our craftsmen and designers now employ in the production of our current collections.
All our collections are design lead – the aim being to produce beautiful high quality designs which stand head and shoulders above those of our competitors . Meticulous systems of construction, materials selection and finishing ensure customers will receive many years of pleasure from every piece.
Beautiful, practical furniture designed and constructed in the highest quality solid timbers and available from high quality retail shops throughout the UK – for details of your local stockist please contact us.
Mark Devany
Managing Director
Haven Collection
Beautifully crafted in a richly grained Melia Ash with classic features including hand carved reeded detail, dove tailed drawers, pewter finish finishing and hand made pegged joints.
Classic Collection
Stylish and classic this collection is available in various finishes – painted in a choice of four contemporary colours, leafed by hand to create a breathtaking antique silver metal finish or made of the finest solid mahogany and veneers. With flowing curves, delicate hand carved details and brass fittings this is perhaps where your search for a new bedroom ends and your dreams start.
Abella Collection
A classic design which comes in a choice of contemporary colours which are complement by stylish fittings. The traditional designs are brought up to date with the use of soft close drawer and dovetailed joints resulting in a stylish look and luxury feel.
Rococo Collection
Featuring graceful soft curves this collection benefits from beautiful hand carved detailing including dovetail joints . For the ultimate high glamour Boudoir look this collection comes with the added option to include deep buttoned velvet upholstered panels and Swarovski Crystals for added opulence.
Stockholm Collection
Fine quality solid oak and oak veneers in a natural blonde finish, soft close doors and drawers, dovetailed joints and swept elliptical features give the Stockholm collection an exceptionally high quality feel.
Jensen Collection
High quality, stylish and timeless crafted from solid oak and oak veneers in a luxury blond finish. Dovetailed joints, soft close doors and drawers give the Jensen collection a stylish and modern feel.
Marbury Collection
Perfectly proportioned British designs crafted without compromise in solid mango and mango veneers. This unique collection of furniture creates a true sense of occasion in any room.
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in our elegant furniture. Please feel free to contact us should you require any further information about our product lines or your nearest stockist.
Please make sure you choose the relevant contact details to help us provide a speedier response.
Winsor Furniture
Sankey Valley Industrial Estate
Newton Le willows
Registered in England No.3324867


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So...how am I doing on New Year's Resolutions? Well...I'm not really calling them Resolutions, because that would mean that they WON'T be completed. Anyone else have the same problem? Here are a few of the things I hope to do better this year...
1. Go to bed on time and read at night --- well...this week I managed to turn in closer to my 10:00 target, and I did manage to finish a book I started reading last fall. Progress being made!
2. Eat healthier and prepare more home-cooked (not processed) meals --- this wasn't a gigantic problem before, but we definitely resorted to chicken nuggets or frozen pizzas a few times each month. Thanks to a suggestion from a Mary Kay friend, I have started freezer cooking and LOVE it! This week I've generated very few dirty dishes, haven't stressed out once about what we're going to have for dinner, and haven't annoyed my very patient (hah!) hubby with my daily call at 4:15 to ask "What should we have for dinner?" We've eaten delicious food all wee, and I've only needed to pick up milk, bread, and yeast at the grocery store! (Yes, yeast...I've found this absolutely AMAZING pizza crust recipe on Pinterest, and we now make homemade pizza weekly.) I CAN'T wait to continue cooking monthly with friends!!!
3. Read through the Bible in a year --- our church is reading through chronologically during 2012, and I have managed to read on a handful of days. My resolution will have to be to read as much as I can, and not sweat the days I miss. Maybe if I work on the bedtime resolution I'll be more likely to succeed in this too.
4. Simplify life --- ohhhhh this is going to take awhile. What our little house lacks in storage it makes up for in character and coziness; however, once I neglect to maintain organization in an area I dislike (ie: filing or our storage room of a basement) things quickly get out of hand. By the end of summer I hope to have slowly tackled our office and basement. And, maybe a few other things... Also part of this goal is reading "Living with Less So Your Family has More." I guess that could also fit with a few other goals too.
5. Go through photos and home videos --- dreaming!!! Need to learn to edit and compile home videos...this will need to happen after goal #4...
6. Focus on things that are truly important and not get wrapped up in insignificant details. --- waiting for my planner to arrive and can't wait to begin keeping track of everything in only one location!
7. Spend more time with family and friends, and keep in touch with those who we don't see as often out of town. --- Learning how to blog and hoping to keep it updated! Next step...learn how to include photos!!!
Well, it's now midnight. So today, apparently, I'm not going to accomplish getting to bed on time or doing any reading, but at least we had a healthy dinner and I'm beginning my weekend with ALL my students' papers corrected!


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We need a gate that our cats can get through (to use the litterbox), but not the baby. Anyone know of one?
We need a gate that our cats can get through (to use the litterbox), but not the baby. Anyone know of one?
When I had both a cat and a dog, we had a baby gate to keep the dog out of the litter box. My cat, who was 15 and pretty old, jumped over the gate when she needed to use her box. It worked great up to the time she passed. Not quite the answer you were looking for, but maybe an option to consider?
An AF wife to DH and
mom to Will 09/08 & Andy 09/10
I just saw a gate at Petco that had a picture of the dog on one side, and the cat strolling through a little cat door in the gate. I didn't see a brand name though (it just happened to catch my eye). So try pet stores.
Mommy to my wonderful, HEALTHY twin girls
6/08 - Preemies no more!
We have an elderly cat that can no longer jump over gates, so with one (the kind you screw into the door frame), we installed it a little higher than recommended. It was a gap big enough for the cat to squeeze under the gate (but it was still to small a gap for our mobile toddler to get under.) Cats can really shimmy/squeeze when needed, and ours has never minded.
Thanks everyone, a couple ideas to try. Our cats are young and acrobatic, so maybe just having them jump over is easiest.
We use this one: http://www.diapers.com/p/safety-1st-...pet-gate-33419
As far as gates go, it's not the greatest in the word--it's a very basic pressure gate. But it works great for the cat, and kid. LOL.
The cat is now comfortable jumping over gates though, so sometimes he walks through the hole, and other times he vaults over the top of the gate. Depends on his mood (and whether DD is chasing him and he needs to make a fast getaway! )
Mom to a spirited, red-headed, former 28-weeker 10/2009 and a more mellow monkey 12/2013.
We have a KidCo Safeway that works very well. It doesn't have a dedicated pet door, but I imagine a cat could squeeze through the bars without a problem.
Adults are just obsolete children and the hell with them.
--Dr. Seuss
Penelope Grace
Born 02.25.2010


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Adam's parents have gone on vacation for a week to Colorado. If ever there was a week to come up and visit me, this would be it. Also, Jordy's gone for the weekend, until either Sunday or Monday, and Adam's at work. I've got the house to myself during the day for today and tomorrow. This is quite nice, in a way. Almost like living in my own place again, but not really at all.
I haven't been online in a few days. Haven't checked email or anything since maybe Tuesday or so. I feel so out of touch… and it looks like my email is currently down. Blasted.
I have plans for this week. Oh the plans that I have.
We've been biking just about every second day, which is great. Maybe I'm getting into better shape. Can't tell yet.
The fireworks on Canada Day were postponed until July 2nd due to rain. We got poured on. The actual fireworks show was… uhm… less than impressive. It was no Toronto, and it was certainly no Ottawa. At some point I'd like to see them in Ottawa again.
Absolutely nothing of interest to say. How depressing. I guess I'll clean my bedroom or something.


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Executive Office of the President
Connect the federal dots and cut the fat
The OMB Director directs agencies to "cut 5 percent of their budget by reducing or terminating poor performing or low priority programs…" Haven't we tried this before? In fact, we make budget cuts in programs within agencies as a regular budget exercise. Above the line, below the line. I did a quick look on USA.gov. There are approx. 450 federal agencies, boards, commissions, committees, and that includes 15 departments,... more »


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March 30, 2012
Knowing that God hears all prayers, I knew that someday He would place me in the path of someone in need. That day happened just 10 days later.
February 15, 2012
Now, do we bless God? In Psalm 34:1 David says "I will bless the Lord at all times…" So how in the world can we bless the creator of the universe?
February 9, 2012
His story is a great example of perseverance, the power of prayer and the power we have as a community. We can make a huge difference for others when we reach out and are committed for the long haul.
January 23, 2012
It's a game-changer, taking the feelings of isolation and loneliness and kicking them to the curb. You can do that for someone today. So get 'er done!
January 17, 2012
Don't let the pace of life dictate the difference you make. YOU DECIDE what pace to move at and what actions to take.
December 9, 2011
It was so cool, because for a moment, his haggard, worn, look completely changed.


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The housing market in Porto Alegre had 249 transactions of new homes in January. The volume is 41% lower than December and 11% less than January of 2011.
According to a survey by Sinduscon/RS, over the last 12 months the market recorded sales of 4,133 new homes, 25.34% lower than the preceding 12 months. Also according to the survey, the number of launches also has dropped: in 12 months, 4,082 new units were launched, a reduction of 17% compared to the same period last year.
Source: Zero Hora


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25th anniversary gift from Half Century Club honors Hammond's commitment to students
NOTE TO EDITORS, NEWS DIRECTORS: A print-quality photo from the event is available for download by clicking on the Half Century Club link at: http://bigcat.fhsu.edu/currentevents/news_photos.php
05/04/12 ks
HAYS, Kan. -- Members of the Half Century Club surprised the president of Fort Hays State University today by awarding a newly created scholarship that was named in his honor.
The Dr. Edward H. Hammond Scholarship was presented to Braden Dreiling, Hays sophomore, at today's spring reception of the Half Century Club in the Robbins Center on the FHSU campus.
Dr. Hammond frequently emphasizes that every decision he makes at the university must first address a basic question: What is best for our students?
"What better represents Dr. Hammond's legacy than a scholarship fund that will provide what has been of primary importance to him throughout his 25 years of outstanding leadership at FHSU -- educational opportunities and a promising future for generations of deserving students," said Leo Lake, Half Century Club president. "We wanted to recognize Dr. Hammond's commitment to the university, and it is our hope that others will now contribute to further enhance the fund for distribution of future scholarships."
The scholarship was two-fold. Lake presented a check for $2,500 to Dreiling, pointing out that it represented $100 for each of President Hammond's 25 years at FHSU. Then he presented a check for $10,000 to the president, which establishes an endowed fund at the FHSU Foundation to pay for the Dr. Edward H. Hammond Scholarship in years to come.
"I had no idea this was coming," Dreiling said. "I appreciate everything President Hammond has done for this university."
President Hammond also admitted that the new scholarship had taken him by surprise. "You couldn't have picked a better student leader on campus," the president said of Dreiling, adding that his name reminded him of another Dreiling, Norbert, who was on the search committee 25 years ago. He said the elder Dreiling had asked him to name his idol. Having researched the members of the search committee and knowing of Dreiling's background in the Democratic Party, Dr. Hammond named a young Democratic senator from Indiana who he admired. Subsequently, he was selected to be president of FHSU.
"So do your homework, and you will be successful," President Hammond advised.
The Half Century Club comprises alumni who have celebrated 50 years as a graduate of the university. FHSU established the club through the Alumni Association in October 1969 as a way of telling graduates: "You are important to us. You are part of our past, and you play an important role in our present and future." Now, 42 years later, the club has grown to 2,532 members. Graduates of the 50-year class are inducted formally during the annual Homecoming meeting. In addition, FHSU faculty and staff become members upon retirement.
The university community -- faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors and friends -- celebrated Dr. Hammond's completion of his 25th year as president with a party on the Quad on April 20. Likewise, members of the Half Century Club have been working for nearly a year to honor the president by surprising him with the scholarship created in his name. By happy coincidence, the surprise announcement of the namesake scholarship also doubled as another kind of gift -- today is the president's birthday!
"No alumni group better personifies the history and legacy of the university than the Half Century Club," said Debra Prideaux, FHSU executive alumni director. "Time and time again, unconditionally, they have given of themselves to further Fort Hays State University's mission, which is evident by this generous gift in honor of Dr. Edward Hammond. It is the Alumni Association's honor to work with such a dedicated and outstanding group of individuals."
The purpose of the scholarship is to honor Dr. Hammond and to provide financial assistance to students enrolled at FHSU. Funds to support the new scholarship were made possible through donations from the Half Century Club. The fund is considered an open-ended account, which means that additional contributions may be made in the future by FHSU alumni and friends.
The scholarship will be held in a permanent account with the FHSU Foundation. The annual available earnings from the principal will be the basis for the annual awards. All future contributions to this endowed fund will be added to the cash balance of this account, unless otherwise designated by the donor.
"With hard work and dedication, this fund in honor of Dr. Hammond is now endowed," said Tim Chapman, president and CEO of the FHSU Foundation. "Others can contribute to the fund at any time. Future gifts can be designated to be invested in the principal of the fund or to be expendable as part of the annual awards. There is no question when the news is released that the Half Century Club established this fund in honor of Dr. Hammond that others will follow the club's lead in wanting to honor our president with additional support for the Hammond Scholarship."
Dreiling, the first recipient of the scholarship, was selected by the Half Century Club Executive Council to receive the one-time $2,500 scholarship to further his education at FHSU. Dreiling is a political science major with an economics minor and a nearly perfect grade point average. He plans a career in law or politics. In addition to his academic performance, he has distinguished himself in extracurricular activities. He studied abroad at Sias International University in Xinzheng, China, attended the National Center for Student Leadership in Miami, currently serves as a senator in the Student Government Association and has volunteered for various community projects, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Kids Vote and Special Olympics. Also, he is currently serving as student liaison under the director of state governmental relations for FHSU.
Future recipients of the Dr. Edward H. Hammond Scholarship must be a junior or senior enrolled at FHSU with a minimum GPA of 3.5, be considered in need of financial support and display strong leadership skills and campus involvement. If other criteria for applicants are equal, primary consideration or preference will be given to the descendant of a Half Century Club member. Selection shall be made in the spring of each year for awarding in the following fall.


text: Beware of buying EGL and other Certified Diamonds except for the labs listed below as they are the same as buying an Uncertified Diamond. Please carefully weigh options while choosing a Strong or Medium Fluorescence Diamond. Prices listed below are cash buy prices and do not reflect any upgrades or part exchanges.


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Changing the Game in Drug Development and Patient Access
At Certara, we are innovators, dedicated to helping our clients develop new therapies and target unmet medical needs, expand existing therapies to other subpopulations, communicate scientific information in the language of regulatory success and market access, balance risk-benefit profiles, differentiate therapies from the competitive landscape, and unlock millions of dollars in R&D savings.
Impactful Science from Bench to Market: Certara History
Certara was formed in 2008 by the merger of Tripos International with the Pharsight Corporation, a leader in pharmacometrics software and services. In 2012, the company acquired Simcyp Limited, providing a modeling and simulation platform for predicting the fate of drugs in virtual populations. The leader in physiologically-based pharmacometrics, Simcyp manages a consortium of 36 leading pharmaceutical companies that leverage the unique Simcyp simulator. The following year, the acquisition of Great Lakes Drug Development, Inc further increased the depth of Certara's early drug development analysis and modeling and simulation capabilities, working on behalf of the world's best known foundations.
Seeking to add global regulatory writing and submission services to Certara's drug development consulting expertise, Synchrogenix joined Certara in 2014. In early 2015, Synchrogenix added ClinGenuity, artificial intelligence technology for use in regulatory and medical writing. Later that year, Certara created the preeminent global strategic modeling and simulation consultancy through its merger with Quantitative Solutions, and renamed the group Certara Strategic Consulting (CSC). At the end of 2015, Certara created a division within Simcyp focused on Quantitative Systems Pharmacology through the acquisition of XenologiQ. In September 2016, the company expanded its CSC unit through the acquisition of d3 Medicine, a global organization focused on integrated drug development and clinical pharmacology.
In 2017, Synchrogenix added Global Submit, an industry-leader in regulatory submission software and services. In February 2018, Certara entered the health economics/outcomes research, market access, and real world evidence market through the acquisitions of BaseCase and Analytica Laser. BaseCase provides market access value communication technology and services, while Analytica Laser is a global research consultancy committed to providing the highest level of evidence on the value of medicines and health technologies.
Model-informed Drug Development
Health Economics/Outcomes Research & Real World Evidence
Regulatory Science, Strategy & Services
Science and Technology Decision-support Platform
To Inform Key Decisions
Certara's Capabilities


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Sponsored By
Report: Newtown Gunman Adam Lanza Spent Days In Basement Playing Call Of DutyA neighborhood plumber said in a published report this week that Newtown, Conn., gunman Adam Lanza spent his days in the basement of the house he shared with his mother, playing violent video games amid posters showcasing military equipment.
PSE&G Workers Rushed To Hospital Following Explosion In N.J. Home BasementA PSE&G crew was working to restore power at a home on 112 Huff Avenue when something in the basement blew.
Crews Repair Water Main Break In BrooklynWater began gushing out of the 12-inch main from 1941 just after 5 a.m., flooding streets in the Sunset Park section.
Report: Bedbugs Found In Basement Of ESBIt survived the Depression, a bomber crash and King Kong's climb, but can the Empire State Building withstand a bedbug infestation?


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Class of 2005 Shield
"A strong tree turns to the light." This is the concept by which our class has grown. Light is energy for growth, a natural necessity for all living plants and animals. Metaphorically, light symbolizes clarity, strength, wisdom, and direction.
The images of this shield represent the idea that out of darkness, there is a light to follow. The four stages of a tree growing tall symbolize a freshman moving through their four years, closer to their goals, closer to the clarity and wisdom that comes with education. The shadows cast by the tree are important, because never do we face complete lightness without also understanding darkness.
The left side of the shield shows a dark sky with one star shining boldly. This star is not overcome by the darkness that surrounds it – instead its brightness is enhanced by all that is dark.
The prism in the middle of the shield represents reflection. Reflection offers new perspectives and helps people grow. It is by the process of reflecting that light is magnified, and spread in all directions. The prism can symbolize a hope that light well breed light, we will not be overcome by darkness.
These are times of new beginnings, moving from a current day of darkness into a new dawn, not to forget the place we have come from, but to form a new beginning with strong and wise direction.


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A law firm specializing in real estate and construction had a specific request: to update their reception area to be both contemporary and classic, and include a favorite modern artwork. Inspired by the painting's bright colors, Peabody's combines plush velvets and traditional leathers in corresponding shades. Sumptuous tufting and antique furniture contrast with sleek lines and gleaming surfaces and cement the differing styles exquisitely.
A Warm Reception.
An abstract painting inspires color and invites interesting layering to update a business office. Buttery leather swivel chairs are paired with a slate blue tufted sofa. End tables with jewelry-case tops display antique architectural objects and books to convey company information beautifully. The monochromatic simplicity of the piece above the sofa offers contemporary sophistication.
Designer Peabody's Interiors
Area 300


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So I just went through a break up. And let me tell ya, it wasn't pretty. Just like many of us women (and some men) deal with regularly, he called me several vulgar names. They were slightly painful coming from someone who claimed to love me, but I have a pretty thick skin after years of being slut shamed. But it made me think. Why is it when a man is hurt or angry with a woman he resorts to insulting her genitals or sexual escapades?
Y'all do realize your grandmas had sex right? I mean science, and common sense, let us know many generations ago that sex was pretty necessary for the survival of the species. I mean, we have to have sex.
Sure, we could only have sex for procreation. But don't these men want sex often? I mean that's why the adult film industry does so well, is it not? I've heard that men will cheat if their women won't give it up. So we, as a species, have sex. And if Billy Bob wants to go get laid, well that's his prerogative. But unless he's banging Jimbo, he's going to need a vagina to complete his sex act. Am I right?
So if Kelly wants to have consensual sex with Billy Bob, it's all great. Except he will most likely call her a slut later on. Especially if she has sex with Jimbo even a year later. And now in that time, Billy Bob has had sex with many women. But he's just a guy. And that's OK, right? But Kelly, well she's just a horrible specimen of a human being because she chose to share a sexual experience with more than one person.
Let's say Kelly didn't have sex with Billy Bob and he's all butt hurt over it. You know he will probably go and tell his buddies she's a whore anyway. And they will believe him. Because we all know that a man's word is always trusted more than a woman's.
At 13, I was slut shamed. I was called a lesbian whore. Well I was a virgin. Complete virgin. No men, no women. No partners period. But all because one person opened their mouth and spewed lies, I was called names. I don't recall now who or why, I just know it happened and it led to years of self esteem issues. And 21 years later, the man I thought I was going to marry called me names all because I let him know how I felt about issues in our relationship.
So what starts in childhood from the mean boys continues into adulthood from weak men. Face the facts that all people are entitled to the consensual sex of their choosing. Sex acts don't determine a person's worth. But your choice of words can make a woman's self worth plummet.


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Sunday, June 28, 2009
Soul Food #9
The most uncertain weather days in years.. a little sun..a lot of rain..never an even day~
mostly grey~
But much better than cold and snow;)
10 comments:
beautiful pics!ReplyDelete
p.s. maybe your sound botton is turned off?
Kasey! It's ever since we put the new AOL on..Mozilla won't play the beautiful music..I just tried AOL browser and it works..:) Yay! I LOVE your music.ReplyDelete
My daughter gave me Adele because of you:) Wish Mozilla would work~
THanks..I knew my sound worked..but you led me to investigate..
Happy party organizing..We have Noah July 4th:) A QC baby w/ fireworks:)1 already!
Thank you for the reminder to repaint my bike I have in the garden and put some fresh flowers in the basket, Your photo is delicious along with the rest of your tasty blog!!!! xoxo~Kathy, Up-NorthReplyDelete
I would frame that bicycle shot. It's really neat!ReplyDelete
More beautiful food for the soul! We've had the heat, we've had the rain, now we have perfect! At least for a while :)ReplyDelete
The bicycle photo has to be one of the most gorgeous vignettes I've ever seen. I really love it. Monique, you continually amaze me!ReplyDelete
Same rainy weather here...your bicycle makes me want to ride and look for a rainbow!ReplyDelete
M...that bicycle pics is absolutely stupendous!ReplyDelete
I love it!
Still over 100 degrees here in the South for the 6th day in a row. Your photos are beautiful!ReplyDelete
Art de Vivre!
Still many thundershowers and havoc in the garden~ReplyDelete
At least it's summer! Thank you:)