May 25, 2013

Memorial Day 2013




On April 26 I blogged about the flood mitigation work ongoing at Glen Eyrie.  The work was hampered some by snow and rain, but I am happy to share some new pictures of the green green grass of (this) home.

We are starting Memorial Day weekend, and the weather is just gorgeous.
There are weddings, graduations, and memories of those who have gone before us.  It is good to be in this place of quiet memory of a man with a vision, namely William Jackson Palmer, who built this place for his home.  

For the protection of the Almighty, to preserve this place for its current function.  
For the insight of the Navigators, who share this place with the public; for retreats, contemplation, rest, and restoration.   

A quiet place in a busy world.  Even the animals know this and some come here to graze and rest. 

 




Our tenure here will end on June 2, after which we shall return to our home in Johnston, Iowa for most of the summer.  

 
On our past day off, we went to Pueblo.  Here we enjoyed great day of relaxing as well.  

Walking the river walk, enjoying the down town area and relaxing for a cup of coffee. The river walk also commemorated Medal of Honor recipients, as well as service members of all branches of the military.  
 A nice prelude to this Memorial Day weekend.

May 8, 2013

EPHESUS








 Although we are still at Glen Eyrie, in Colorado Springs, and although we still experience many
adventures here, I would like to write something Ephesus, Turkey, at this time.
 

On October 10 we visited this ancient city.   
Our first stop was at the shrine of the house of Mary, mother of Jesus, who is thought to have lived and died here after the crucifiction of her Son. This is based on the command of Jesus to the apostle John to take of His mother as recorded in the gospel of St. John 19: 26,27.
This was a very busy place with only on bathroom facility for women and there was usually a waiting line, hence the humorous picture.

 
 This is in contrast to one of the ancient bathroom facilities in Ephesus, where you could sit cheek to cheek. No privacy, though!  The local guides refer to this affectionately as “the chat room.” 

While we were there, we happened to catch a re-enactment performance of Roman times, with a dance and a mock gladiator fight. 

 
 This city has a great history, which is know to most of us because of the record in the book of Acts, when the apostle Paul visited this city.  Most of this can be read in Acts 18 & 19.  Also there is an interesting quote by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:38.  Many of the now ruins of Ephesus must have been seen by him as well.  Most obviously the large amphitheater, where the riot was quelled (Acts 19: 23+) and where he might have fought the wild beasts, mentioned in 1 Corinthian 15.









I included an (obligatory) picture of the remains of the great library.  The whole experience begs the question, “What will be remaining of our civilization?  What will be remembered about us?”