Saturday, December 19, 2009

Star of Martha Mill

We have mentioned before that there is a crew working on reclaiming a local mill.(Tearing some of it down, reclaiming whatever possible for other uses.) Just recently we posted on the Doggy Christmas Surprise that Matthew, the project manager, and Drew, the supervisor, gave the 3 of us dogs. We haven't quite figured out what we're supposed to do with it yet. Jan imprisons us in it, then usually disappears into the house. It's very boring in there alone. We dig for pecans, watch the traffic and bark at passersby. Buddy is working on a plan to get over it so he can climb the tree after the squirrels.

We are in agreement that Jan should be imprisoned with us, not just checking on us every few minutes. Eventually she realizes that and comes outside to join us in prison. Then we run, play tug, Merci jumps on her, Sam body slams her, and we dogs get lots of exercise. Jan just stands there holding our leashes while we have fun. Guess Jan just doesn't know how to have fun. Maybe we should get her a tug toy for Christmas.

Oh, we got a bit off track. We started to tell you about the star of Martha Mill, which in past years could be viewed from Thanksgiving through Christmas. No one seems to know how old the tradition was. The oldest man living who worked at the mill started there in 1937 and there was no star then. There is a photo of it that was taken in 1989. It was last put up in 2004.

This year Matthew worked with the local archivist to revive the Christmas star. Jan knew Matthew intended to light it, but she didn't know when. It debuted Thanksgiving eve. It was startling when seen from a distance for the first time, like a beacon of hope in the darkness. If it hadn't been for us dogs having to pee that night, Jan would have missed it. We hope she realizes how fortunate she is to have us to show her the sights -- and to keep her company on her picture taking jaunts. It's not easy to take a good picture in the dark, especially when handicapped by hands shaking from the cold. Good thing she had the 3 of us leashed to her to keep her hands steady.

Here are a few of the pictures we helped Jan take. Oh, and Penny, Jan fibbed last night. She did come home to get her camera to take some new shots.

This is a photo we like. The star appears suspended without support.


Peekaboo. Through the branches of a tree.


The star shines clearer from this angle than from head-on.


Another peekaboo shot.


Here is the star under a full moon.


And a shot from across the street. The overhead branches make it look eerie.


Thank you, Matthew and crew, for being involved with and giving to the community.

(s) Buddy, Merci & Samaritan

PS -- Have you visited our new JansFunnyFarm store at Zazzle yet? We only have 9 designs so far, but we'll be adding more as we can.

14 comments:

  1. What a lovely set of pictures. I love the star, theone through the trees looks very good. Mum says dont worry she understands fully as she is the same because of work.. Hugs GJ xx

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  2. We loved the star and Mom says Jan deserves lots of kudos for taking the pictures while holding 3 leashes. She seems to think holding a leashed dog is a handicap or something. Jeez. ~S,S & F

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  3. I like the suspended star shot. Great work in the community. Are you sure you didn't eat some snow Jan?

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  4. The star is wonderful. And I have to agree, that the pictures are super considering she was holding 3 leashes.
    And we wanted to thank you for visiting our blog. The sun is out today so hopefully things will dry out a little bit.

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  5. That is a very nice star - traditions are so nice - those men are very kind to get it back up there.

    Be nice to Jan, it's almost Christmas.

    Woos, the OP Pack

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  6. That is such a nice tradition and Jan got some great pictures of it!

    Thanks for dropping by to wish Cookie well, he is feeling so much better since da surgery.

    Mindy, Moe, Bon Bon, Cookie & Mike

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  7. Those pictures are pawesome!
    Kisses and hugs
    Lorenza

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  8. We just wanted to let you know that we're still around. Wonderful star and a great project!

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  9. Sorry we have been away so long you can blame our secretary..We love that tradition and love the star pictures!!!!! ANd PL2 is all hapy to go shopppng at the new store!! Love A+A

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  10. Lovely pictures. You capture the star's beauty very eloquently as a "beacon of hope in the darkness". It sounds like Matthew and crew are doing some very nice things for the community. We think getting Jan a tug toy for Christmas is an excellent idea.

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  11. I liked what you said about the star being a beacon of hope through the darkness. I bet it really beautiful to see it haning in the night.
    I was glad to hear that they are not going to tear down the mill. I know it has been in your area for a long time. I don't understand why things old are always thought of getting torn down, good thing the Eurpoeans don't do that or there would be no Coliseum or anything else over there that is great to see. I wonder if they are planning on having shops in there or restaurants? Keep us posted on what is going on.
    Oh, give up on the gang they are not going to decorate for you.

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  12. Oh, I have an idea for a design, if you would want to use my little face thingie that is by my name I know my mom wouldn's care and she would for sure buy something with it on it. Want to take time to check out the store, we took a quick look but I don't feel like I had the chance to browse. Will you be having any long tee night shirts for sale?? Mom for sure needs one of those. Just an idea.

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  13. That is an amazing effect! Thanks for sharing! Mom looked at your Zazzle and figured we better get busy and put up some really fun photos at ours!!!

    luv,
    Katie and Katie Too

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