AUGUST 19,1987AUGUST 19,1987
The Magic of Kentucky Lured Our Ancestors
By Eleanor Martin
Good morning! Some of my ancestors living in Virginia wanted to move to Kentucky, and why not?
They were not sure it would work out, but they were willing to give it a try. Kentucky, the gateway to the South, the Bluegrass State, the horse farms, there you will see some of the most breathtaking countryside in all the world.
If you are lucky, you might see racehorses grazing by the roadside fence.
Our medical center is unsurpassed and some of the most famous doctors are practicing here and have drawn people from around the country and the world.
If you visit Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky, take a tour of the Humana building- it’s free. Inside the marble rotunda, a 47 foot dome, are classical touches everywhere. Our guide tells us two statues of the Roman Empire are here. My adjectives are running out to describe it.
Some tourists traveling through Kentucky expect to find the grass blue, and ask if they take the grass seed home and plant it, will the grass be blue? I bite my tongue and answer, "No, the grass will be green, but with a bluish cast."
I like the changing seasons in Kentucky. The magic of spring, the whole world seems to be awaking after a long winter. Super summers, fresh fruit, vegetables and melons. A glorious Fall with vivid colors of red, yellow and gold splashed everywhere. But I must confess, when the chill of winter sets in with snow, ice and the temperature drops to near zero, I ask myself why am I living here? Then comes another spring…
We find lakes, rivers and mountains in Kentucky. There was a survey taken to find out where the happiest people lived. This may surprise you, but it was learned that the happiest people live where they could see the mountains.
I will lift up mine eyes to the hills,
from whence comes my help. Psalm 121
Our park system is one of the best. And of course, Mammoth Cave is located in Kentucky as well as Lincoln’s birthplace.
Bed and breakfast lodges are springing up over the landscape, reminding us of Grandmother’s day. They are furnished with rag rugs, iron skillets, patchwork quilts and usually a fireplace with a rocking chair, a table with a bowl and pitcher, a vase of flowers and at bedtime you will find a candy bar on your pillow. Sweet dreams!
When it’s time to leave, they send you off with a hardy breakfast, maybe blueberry pancakes with sausage or maybe biscuits with fried ham and red eye gravy.
The proprietors always accompany you to your car, and stand to wave until you are out of sight.
We have a good feeling. We have made new friends. And now I wish along with Henry Van Dyke- "As I grow older I will never lose life’s zest, for the roads last turn will be he best."
