The Top Of Jones Hill

This place embodies the true meaning of bitter-sweet...

My husband, his father, his father before him and even his father before him. Maybe that was confusing...Leonard, Herman, W.W., Richard, and many family members in between the generations, their memory all still lingers on the tombstones atop of that beautiful hill. If you stop cleaning the stones or arranging new flowers in the permanent pots long enough to feel the wind softly blowing through your hair, smell the faint scent of freshly cut hay in the air, feel the rich black dirt under your feet...you can close your eyes and transport yourself right back to the Patton farm located in the valley below. The farm that Richard built, that W.W. farmed (and preached in the churches near by) and where Herman farmed and raised Leonard. They all are part of this land and we are a part of them...How rich is our history here in Watertown, Tennessee.

Last to live on the Patton farm was Leonard's sister Geraldine and her husband, Johnny. She was raised in the big white house, then owned it for 27 years before Johnny became ill and they had to move where less work was required of them. Johnny, too, is buried on Jones Hill, where the family comes and makes sure no grave site has been neglected.

This is not about death and dying, this is about a great legacy of generations of solid folk, each working for the next generation, keeping the faith of 'til death do us part. Makes me so proud to be a Patton.



Merry and I drove up that steep hill today and lingered for awhile. Enjoyed the unseasonably Spring-like day and talked with a smile about those who went before us:

"Scotch-Irish, blue-stocking Stock"

"Owned slaves, was good to them and had them come into the home each night for Bible readings and prayer"

"served in the Confederate Army"

"were teachers and ministers" John Patton and His Descendants...1922

Sweet, because they were here; bitter, only because they are gone. Sweet, because we can carry on the legacy and enjoy the memory of their lives.

I had a daughter once, who loved the idea of being a Patton and going to the Patton farm. How proud she would be to know that her grave was among the company of her forefathers. When she died, it was all that was left to give.

WE ARE PATTON

Valentine's Day 2011

My valentine to him on our 57th Valentine Day

His favorite of all days.

Always, my Sweetheart

His steps became slower

As he walked with his hand in mine:

And although his hair was grayer,

He was still my Valentine.

The years had not diminished,

But our love had been refined;
And I found joy and pleasure

With my special Valentine.

The love we knew so long ago

Had become richer with time;

And the joys we shared grew deeper,
For we were lifelong Valentines.

Happy Birthday to HLP

No matter how many birthdays go by this face will always be that of my baby boy...

And I wish for you this Birthday blessing.

That God's grace be with you,

His peace surround you,

His love enfold you

On your birthday and always.HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY SON

The Christmas Mantels at N'Church

These are three of the five mantels that were decorated, this year and every year, for Christmas at the home place. I think there has never been a house with as much warmth and with as much rich history, for the same family, as this one.

Thanks to all who help put it up and take it down since Mom can no longer do it by herself. We are all blessed by your efforts.

Guest contributor to Queentalks by: Merry (hope you don't mind, Mom)

Granddaughter, Abby, and I, will tearfully take all the decorations
down Sunday afternoon, bidding our tree goodnight until November
25th 2011, when Granddaughter, Kim and her sweet family will
make their nineth trip back to the Boro to decorate Nana and Pop's
tree and mantels for Christmas. What a joy granddaughters are,
absolutely as great as grandsons.
Into a world of darkness He came..........
The Prince of Peace
The King of Glory
The Hope of the World
Let us rejoice.....throughout the new year.

ETCHED IN MY MINE FOREVER

REST WELL, MY LOVE

My Sweetheart, how I long to see you, how I long to see your precious face. Today, a normal day should have been routine. But it has been full of surprises, colorful memories of moments we knew. Your smiles filled my heart and your laughter filled the air all around me. And all of my thoughts have been of you. Our youth was a beginning of relying upon God to make our dreams come true. Even as we were far apart, we continued to whisper those prayers that when the time was right we would be together and inseparable forever.We are still not separated, we don’t see each other, but you remain the most awesome part of my life, I can’t answer for you but I trust that you are able to think of me. My heart has been full of happy thoughts - - -all of you. You brought many smiles to my face today. And many tears -------
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for loving me with such a special love.
Thank you for keeping our love unspoiled, beautiful and young forever.
I pray for a dream - - -of you.

Part of my beautiful family that graced my table on Thanksgiving 2010

Betty and Aubrey's family

Hugh and Natali's family

Judy and Louis' family

Thanksgiving, a popular holiday, when families come together

and acknowledge our blessings and gifts. I am my happiest

when my children are here, around my table sharing.

Today was no exception, we were grateful for family,

health and espectially thankful for those who serve to

protect our families, our holidays.

My children are not perfect, but pretty near. They have

made good choices and best of all they are friends to each

other. The Patton kids jump to the defense of a sibling

when needed. Again today was no exception as several

drove to Nashville to see Aubrey who is recovering from

surgery at St. Thomas. We could not help but remember

that Betty was always the first to jump when one was sick

or needed special attention.

Today I am thankful for my husband, a New Year's Eve

date in 1943 that turned into a sixty three year love affair.

I am thankful for my parents and for his parents who taught

us lessons from the old school.

My sweetheart made me laugh every day in some way or

another and was always so faithful and true. A perfect

example of his parents upbringing.

Is there any way to list all the blessings we have recieved?

Today I say thanks for unknown blessings already on the way.

CHRISTMAS AT THE BILTMORE

CHRISTMAS AT THE BILTMORE

Was great to spend time with my sister, her daughter and
son-in-law last week in Asheville. Our time was so valuable,
lots of talking, sleeping, and somehow our protector, Mike was able to find the most unique places to dine. Dining was a very important part of our time together.

The Christmas candlelight tour of the Biltmore, of course was the highlight of our trip. Makes me want to start decorating trees again. Fifty-three in the mansion, one hundred fifty outside! It was such a blessing to spend this time with Dot and her children. They even pushed us in wheelchairs through the mansion. How is that for the getting and giving the Christmas spirit?

You spread the love the season too, it's a wonderful thing.

God, Make Me Worthy

Thus - -

By happy twists of life, folks pair off as man and wife.

and children come and bless their home:

Betty - gone but never forgotten -

Merry brought us Terrence and is a charming

friend as well as a daughter -

Judy, brought us Louis, and is my keeper, and with

heartfelt emotion keeps helping to make

my days sweeter -

Hugh, who brought Natalie, my advisor, protector

and as always the light of my life,

His fathers son, thank goodness.

What? no black?


With beautiful bride



Where did you find him?
Lets keep him.

When my fall comes I wonder will I feel as
I do now? How could it change?
My life had always been glutted with happy
memories, content to let them lie like nuts
stored up against the coming cold?
Squirrels always gather, so I'm told more
more than they will ever need:
and so have I.

LEONARD'S BROTHER DIES AT 94

Leonards father, brother Talmedge, Robert with his little

son and Leonard. Made on the farm in front of Dad's garden

Leonard and Robert made at the Patton Farm several

years ago. They had a great relationship and we enjoyed

times together camping in motorhomes through the years.

Always spent a week in Cumberland Mt. State Park and

a wonderful 2 and 1/2 month trip through Canada and

Alaska in 1995.

Two very handsome men from a group picture

at their sister, Phyllis, wedding.

Somewhere in mid 50's

I often quote Psalms 27 to encourage prople who are going

through difficult times. The Psalmist was living in very

unpleasant circumstances, yet he expected to "see

the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living"

This past week my sister-in-law and I have been in

Knoxville wittnessing our loved ones bedridden with

no prospect of getting better. We can find comfort in

those words.
Death has been swallowed up in Victory !

JOY COMES IN THE MORNING

It has been a joy this summer to share Judy's flower garden.

I find my house looking so much more alive as

she shares her garden with me. No tomatoes, squash, okra,

or beans but it has provided her with vase after

vase of flowers the whole summer long.

To be loved is one of the strongest of all desires.

One of the ways God passes along His love

is through others, generally those closest to us.

I have been filled with that kind of love through my

children. I hope they have patience with me during these

days. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy,

it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not

rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,

it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight

in evil but rejoices with truth. It always

protects, always trusts, always perseveres.

Thank you as you persevere,

my children.

A beautiful wedding and a beautiful marriage

Friday August 20th will be the third
wedding of my grandson, and his bride. We send all good wishes for a wonderful day and many
more years to come. I love you very much.

Another Year Sweeter

Today marks the 60th wedding anniversary
for my wonderful brother and his sweetheart
of 60 plus years.

Though the memories and photos of your
wedding may fade with time, your love for
one another continues to shine brightly with
each new day. A marriage with God at its center
last a lifetime. Congratulations on your exemplary
life together. Isn't she beautiful? ICorr 13:13

Day Filled with Sweet Joy and laughter

To a wonderful daughter on your birthday - - -
I am sending you lots of wishes and am so happy that
your day was filled with delightful moments,
and... your year will overflow with God's blessings.

"I thank God every time I remember
you. In all my prayers for.......
you, I always pray with joy"
Phil 1: 3-4

Oakley's gather to celebrate....

Geraldine's eldest son, Wendell, has a birthday and all the family gather with wishes a plenty. Sixty-two years added to his life's history:

devoted siblings

A lovely wife

sisters and brother in-law

and bunches of nieces and nephews!

With all this goodness we would be remiss not to give special recognition to mothers, Carol and Geraldine and the sweet spirit of Johnny, filling the house through those he left behind.

My children and I enjoyed being part of this celebration of love.

Happy Birthday Wendell!