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Rev. Henry Nichols, Missionary to Pennsylvania
November 23, 2015
— 8 Comments
St. David’s Church, Radnor, Pa.
My 8th great grandfather was born in Wales and died in Maryland. He came to Pennsylvania on a mission for the Anglican church. He wrote his own epitaph in Latin which is telling about his beliefs. He was harsh on himself.
Rev. Henry Nicholls, B.A., 1703 & M.A., 1715, Jesus College, Oxford, Wales. He was sent to Pennsylvania, 1702-1708, during the reign of King James II. He ministered at Chester, Pennsylvania. The Chester Church is described as of good brick fabric, one of the neatest on the continent, furnished with handsome furniture and pews. He also served St. David’s Church, Radnor, Pa. and at Concord and Montgomery, Pa. Later, he was transferred to St. Michael’s Parish, Talbot Co., Maryland where he served, 1708-1749, (41 years).
From William King and Virginia Watkins – Their Ancestors and Descendents compiled by Maellen King Ford
Henry Nichols was the first residential missionary to Pennsylvania for the “Society for Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts“, arriving in 1703. His churches were located in Chester, Concord, Radnor, and Montgomery. The members were regular and constant in divine worship, and they contributed 60 pounds a year toward their pastor’s support. The Radnor Church is still in excellent preservation, known as St. David’s Church and has been in use since 1708. Rev Nichols requested a transfer in 1708 and became rector at St. Michael’s Parish Church. Talbot Co., MD – a post he occupied until his death. For years, all records of his life were lost. The early church books had disappeared! Until June 1878 when workmen, employed to demolish the old church building, found his tomb under the Chancel in good preservation.
The following is a translation of the Latin inscription found on the slab over his tomb: “Here lies the remains of Henry Nicols, M. A., formerly a Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford, England, and a pastor of this church for 41 years – most unworthy. Born April 1st, 1678; died Feb. 12, 1748. Save his soul, O Christ for Thy own merits. Tread upon salt without savor.” (Henry has ordered these works to be inscribed before his death.) A number of his descendents still worship at St. Michael’s Church. They placed a tablet there to his memory where he ministered for so long. (From the Historical Magazine of the Protestant Episcopal Church, 1943, by Mary Clement, M. A., Principal of the Girls County School Board, Bridgend, Glamorganshire, Wales.)
Rev. Henry Nichols (1678 – 1748)
is my 8th great grandfather
William Nicholls (1709 – 1776)
son of Rev. Henry Nichols
Amos Nicholls (1740 – )
son of William Nicholls
Amos Nicholls (1780 – )
son of Amos Nicholls
Amos Nicholls (1808 – 1868)
son of Amos Nicholls
Emiline P Nicholls (1837 – )
daughter of Amos Nicholls
Harriet Peterson (1856 – 1933)
daughter of Emiline P Nicholls
Sarah Helena Byrne (1878 – 1962)
daughter of Harriet Peterson
Olga Fern Scott (1897 – 1968)
daughter of Sarah Helena Byrne
Richard Arden Morse (1920 – 2004)
son of Olga Fern Scott
Pamela Morse
I am the daughter of Richard Arden Morse
Ermanos for Gourmet Tasting
November 22, 2015
— 2 Comments
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- bar
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- skylight
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- fun space
We tried a new brunch place yesterday and have found a new favorite business in Tucson. Ermanos on 4th Avenue serves brunch on the weekend, which is when we like to go out to eat. We arrived early before the crowds which was lucky because I convinced the chef to make me an off the menu food sampler. She created a wonderful cauliflower creamed soup that had butter but no cream in the ingredients. This rich and luscious starter was accented with an herbal oil, green and brightly basil scented. I was really surprised when she told me there were no potatoes or cream in the smooth rich dish. She happily shared her recipe so I can knock it off at home. This is one main reason I dine in restaurants (finding new recipes to make), so I am especially pleased when there is no resistance to sharing recipes. Chef Claire was gracious s well as creative in her approach. She took very good care of me and my tastebuds.
cauliflower soup
My tasting board included black eyed pea hummus to die for, some perfect home style corn tortilla chips adorned with fresh pico de gallo, a seasoned cubed pear, and some fried avocado with sauce. The flavors were very exciting, each bite a contrasting taste sensation. I enjoyed this flight of food while sipping my flight of wine. It was an explosion of tasty thrills.
vegetarian ceviche
bites with flights
The hip, cool setting and the vast selection of wine, beer and fresh food on the menu attracted us in the first place. They feature local musicians often, and hold special events for beer releases, etc. They run the kind of local business we like to support. The reason we have instantly become loyal customers is the exceptional service. Our server Alberto Noeggerath is knowledgeable and very helpful. Since I rarely drink wine these days I was happy to put myself in his capable hands when selecting three reds to taste in my flight. I also tasted a cava sparkling that rounded out the flavor party at my place setting. All the wines were to my liking, but the zinfandel from Wilcox that came highly recommended was the star of the flight. I would almost order a glass of that next time if it were not for the fun of flighting. The option of tasting and trying new gastronomy with attentive, happy help from the staff makes Ermanos a great dining destination for us. We plan to return often in the future.
Regular customers were arriving as we finished, and we spoke to a couple who were as enthusiastic as we are about the place. We are big fans who recommend Ermanos for party time, gourmet time, or homestyle, homegrown down home downtown Tucson time. This place is perfect for everyone who likes eating and drinking.
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- excellent menu
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- Bob and the beer menu
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- to go
Bob loves beer, and I love dining. We both love fabulous service.
chef Claire Ferguson
server Alberto Noeggerath
Bob ate biscuits and gravy and four beers in a flight.
biscuits and gravy
beer and wine flights
We had to try the beer float for dessert. Loved it!
beer float
War
November 19, 2015
— 1 Comment
“That until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned: That until there are no longer first-class and second class citizens of any nation; That until the color of a man’s skin is of no more significance than the color of his eyes; That until the basic human rights are equally guaranteed to all without regard to race; That until that day, the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship and the rule of international morality will remain but a fleeting illusion, to be pursued but never attained; And until the ignoble and unhappy regimes that hold our brothers in Angola, in Mozambique and in South Africa in subhuman bondage have been toppled and destroyed; Until bigotry and prejudice and malicious and inhuman self-interest have been replaced by understanding and tolerance and good-will; Until all Africans stand and speak as free beings, equal in the eyes of all men, as they are in the eyes of Heaven; Until that day, the African continent will not know peace. We Africans will fight, if necessary, and we know that we shall win, as we are confident in the victory of good over evil.”
Haile Selassie address to United Nations Oct 6, 1963
Many music fans may think that Bob Marley wrote the lyrics to the popular song War. The song was created to immortalize a speech given at the UN in 1963. We are farther from the dream of lasting peace around the world than we were in 1963 because technology has served good and evil with equal measure. Now war moves faster and can potentially do much more damage quickly. I always loved this song and the idea that a tiny man from Africa delivered this truth, eloquence, and enlightenment to the United Nations. It was prophetic.
It has always made me feel uplifted because as I sing along I get louder and more committed as we arrive at the part about the victory of good over evil…right over wrong, yeah. I am one of those who fiercely believes in that victory in the long run. At this time I am having problems envisioning how the good is going to mange this conquest. Most people in history were dragged into war, forced to fight, because it is insane to take these violent risks. The ease with which the youth now is being convinced to start and end a private suicide war shows how far out of control this war/peace balance is. We must find ways to support compassion and fairness on earth because our futures depend on it. Jah, Ras Tafari, gentle reader. Keep the faith, baby.
Avengers Square Off on the Digital Battlefield, #OpParis
November 18, 2015
— 1 Comment
Strange alliances are being formed after the Paris attacks. An interesting turn of events is the war declared on twitter by Anonymous.
https://twitter.com/OpIceISIS/status/666407791708368898
Three days later Anonymous is teaching people how to hack ISIS and has published guides on how to do it. This is a new phase in avenging strategy. Not too long ago wars were declared by heads of state and fought by nations. ISIS initiated war in order to create a nation, and recognizes no borders or boundaries in their avenging. The avenger archetype has always existed in history. I sometimes feel a bit of avenger at work in my personality because I am highly sensitive to injustice. I do indulge in both self righteousness and indignant feelings on behalf of all mistreated sentient beings.
The new world of avenging made available through hacking, retweeting, and blogging has opened up many healthy avenging options that do not involve violence or terrorism. Now it is possible to use hashtags like #OpParis to openly attack enemies. Digital trash talk and taunting will continue. I wonder how much effect this digital line of attack will cause. Since social media has been used so well to radicalize new fighters it makes a lot of sense to me to work to shut down those propaganda opportunities. Since both groups are avengers without borders they are well pitted against each other. It is a heavyweight fight. I plan to hide, watch and retweet for the side of justice because I am more of a poet than an avenger. Perhaps I will dedicate some poetry to #OpParis to show my support. How do you view this new style of warfare, gentle reader? It has the feel of a video game, but it is completely real.
https://twitter.com/OpIceISIS/status/667044942271746048
The Health Bank
November 16, 2015
— 3 Comments
sunflowers
Health and vitality are valuable assets and worthy investments of time and money. In order to preserve our good feelings and ease into our senior years we need to budget wisely. This budget is less about money and more about effort and habits. I consider the transactions such as good diet and sound sleep to be deposits into the account and less healthy choices like overeating or loosing emotional composure as withdrawals. Nobody can be perfect all the time, but if we balance the deposits with the withdrawals we will be more likely to maintain our health. Bouncing a well being check might have some disastrous consequences.
What kind of assets make up the wellness investment portfolio?
- strength and flexibility
- good balance
- healthy tools to manage stress
- healthy eating
- regular exercise
- clean uncluttered environment
- good relationships with friends and family
- satisfying hobbies or activities
- sound sleep
What kind of practices diminish the value of the well being portfolio?
- insomnia
- worry and stress
- poor nutrition
- lack of movement, including too much sitting
- all work and no play, or all play and no work
- financial mismanagement
- lack of pleasurable social contact
- addiction and over indulgence
You will have to balance the budget each week to stay in line with the goal of staying in good health. The first step to proper management is honesty. Once the balance has fallen below zero sincere action is needed to restore good health. It is easier to maintain than it is to recover once it has been lost. I wish you health and happiness this winter, gentle reader.
Tucson Village Farm Harvest Festival
November 15, 2015
— 1 Comment
Today we enjoyed the beautiful weather for family fun at the Tucson Village Farm Harvest Festival. This wonderful working and teaching farm regularly hosts kids on field trips and in special camps. Kids as young as toddlers come with parents to learn about gardening through educational programs designed for them. Food to eat from the site is always included and is often a hands on part of the kids’ experience. I have been to the garden when kids were in a class. The reaction of the students was unanimously delighted. The environment is perfectly created to make the educational impact young students need to improve diets and maybe even the health practices of the entire family. Today many families came out to be part of the festivities which were delightfully focused on farming fun.
University of Arizona students on the farm staff were on hand today selling produce, directing traffic, and being helpful and informative. They were clearly enjoying this day of celebration with the public. The ratio of very young children to adults was high, and the youngsters were all having a real blast. Special activities such as popcorn shucking were ongoing during the day to give families a chance to do some farming/playing with the kids. I believe the farm always does a good job of fulfilling the important educational mission they undertake. This party went above and beyond the everyday excellence. Staff and volunteers did an excellent job of planning and executing a wonderful public event.
entrance
pomegranate
queen’s wreath
teaching garden
rose with bee
student volunteer
garden
student volunteers
student farmers
garden
student farmer
popcorn
garden activities
Transformation Time, New Moon
November 11, 2015
— 1 Comment
Tucson Racquet Club
Today there is a new moon. When the moon is obscured each month the heavens create a new canvass on which to paint, a new field in which to plant. I like to notice and honor each new moon because it allows me to recommit to goals on which I have slacked and create new ones. Now I am working on a new routine for my fitness and creative life. I am going to classes at my health club in order to develop a habit for the future. I have found enough excellent classes taught by highly competent teachers to keep me busy, but have to manage to create a new schedule for myself. Although I am a big fan of the classes I am also a bigger fan of a liberated life. There is a little struggle going on between the sensible analysis that clearly appreciates and supports the value of movement classes and the free spirit who is challenged by any organized regime. This is not my inner child per se putting up objections, but my inner slacker. I am reminded of a phrase one of my favorite yoga teachers always used. He says, “Practice is the root of transformation.” I have been freewheeling for years, moving when and where I felt like doing it. I mix weights, yoga, Pilates, walking, dancing, and water work as my heart desires. It is a fine way to be, but now I will shape a new pattern and make it my continuous practice.
Looking back on skills I have learned I see it does take practice to work talents into strengths. I also notice I am drawn to creative and unseen projects and people. Invisible is my favorite way to exist. I like to maintain a certain woman of mystery status. This new moon falls in the sign of Scorpio, a ruler of transformation as well as mystery. I went to postural fitness class this morning and met a new teacher I think is grand. The time of day suits me and her personality is exactly what I like. I plan to harness this intention this month to get completely into the practice of taking at least 4 classes a week in different disciplines. There is no demerit for failure, but I plan to succeed in this effort. Everything is working in my favor, so I need to apply some attention.
Between now and the next new moon I dedicate my concentration to:
- Patience- there is no rush
- Gratitude- it is fortunate to have so many excellent choices
- Beginner’s Mind- I may be jaded from having spent too much time in spa universe
This new habit will serve me well for years to come, and is worth the investment to establish it. Do you have any transformational plans for this special month, gentle reader? It is a most propitious time to go for something new. By the time January rolls around I plan to be firmly established in my new routine.
Souped Up Law Enforcement Vehicles, 2015
November 8, 2015
— 2 Comments
Maximum Migramobile
The Tucson Police Foundation holds a giant car show every November that is very popular with the public. I enjoy seeing all the well cared for vehicles as well as the cops of various kinds on display. The Border Patrol was on hand with a truly amazing vehicle they souped up as a hyper dune buggy. It has a Corvette engine and looks like Road Warrior. I am sure it scares those it chases. I am scared by the latest intelligence the Border Patrol agent laid on me. The farmers in Sonora are all switching to growing poppies because the weed market is no longer profitable. This is terrible news for the US, now trending heavily into heroin as our current drug darling. He said only two thirds of the drugs that enter the US travel through here. When I asked how he knew that without busting them all he replied that they have their ways of knowing. This is all pretty creepy, but the vehicle is impressive. Tempe Police Department entered for the first time this year with a confiscated very hot car they took form a drug dealer who used it for work. This special police car in use for “crime prevention”. This makes me laugh. Tempe police are saying we will drive your car after we bust you. I bet it does do some crime prevention.
Tempe’s crime prevention car
Tempe’s crime prevention car
It is fun to talk to the helicopter pilots who hover over our neighborhood so often in the night. They land the helicopter at the park so they can show it off to the citizens all day. There are many great examples of antique law enforcement vehicles every year too. The show brings together love for cars and history creating a time the public interact with the cops in an informal (not enforcement) atmosphere. It is my favorite thing the cops do in my city. My favorite cop in the city, canine Officer Evo was present, hamming it up for the cameras and winning hearts and minds.
antique cop car
TPD helicopter
The next post here will be devoted to Officer Evo and a new canine officer on the scene this year, Officer Cookie of the bomb squad, a lab who loves to party. The canine cops both fascinate and thrill me. They are very professional, but underneath it all they are dogs. Stay tuned to learn more about dogs in law enforcement and the cops who love them.
Officer Evo, TPD
Nuts for November
November 6, 2015
— 2 Comments
I had a fire in the wood stove last night, officially welcoming the winter to our house. This week we welcomed the nutcracker and some mixed nuts to the kitchen. I am not sure why I feel so much satisfaction in nut cracking, but I do. It slows down the process and makes me appreciate the taste of my nutty prize when I manage to crack the shell and extract it. This time of year we start to eat nuts more often because they are featured in seasonal fall dishes as part of a healthy harvest. Arizona grows wonderful pecans and pistachios, two of my favorite crops. Both are healthy and add rich flavor to all kinds of dishes.
We are big fans of cheese and pear combinations, so this month I will make us a pear pecan roquefort cheesecake. That has to be a winner with those ingredients. Brussels sprouts have arrived on the stalk as a favorite vegetable, so we will try the pistachio cranberry sprouts as a savory treat as well. Nuts always make appearances in cookies and sweets, but this year I want to try the extravagant pumpkin pecan cobbler. This will be right up our alley for dessert, and a new way to use both November favorites, pumpkin and pecans.
This weekend we have a neighborhood potluck party. I plan to take some soup, but this pineapple cream cheese spread covered with pecans is so cute I think I will make one of those for the party too. It is simple, but looks really festive.
Trader Joe’s brings out small cans of exotic nut oils this time of year which I enjoy using to add rich flavor to all kinds of dishes. Using walnut or pistachio oils for roasting vegetables delivers fabulous punch. Gravy based in nut oil is lovely and mysteriously rich. I still like butter, but like to variations that nut oils can bring to the fall table. Evidence keeps piling in about the benefits of including nuts in the diet. While I do believe the research I am nuts for nuts because they taste so great. Do you have a favorite nut, gentle reader?
fall harvest
Tucson’s Japanese Garden
November 4, 2015
— 1 Comment
family crests
family crests
lotus and koi
architectural accent
lotus and koi
Yume Japanese Gardens
architectural accent
water garden
gravel
gravel
Yume Japanese Gardens
gravel
gravel
tea house
architectural accents
lotus and koi
koi
color
bamboo
I recently joined Yume Japanese Garden in my neighborhood. This choice little private garden space provides peaceful surroundings and privacy in the center of the city. When I visit I enjoy sitting for meditative times in the little tea house shelter. I plan to bring tea and art supplies with me in the future because the space is energetically serene and beautiful. The artful surroundings invite creativity. I think it would be a great setting for composition of poetry or drawing. I plan to make it my picnic spot/ art studio this winter.
There is a gift shop, an art gallery, and a small display for education in Japanese culture. Currently the museum space is showing examples of Japanese versions of coats of arms. The tightly packed show informs and enlightens the viewer about families and history. Special events are planned to share cultural experiences. I plan to attend the tea ceremony this month, and am very excited about the big flower show over Thanksgiving weekend. Classes in Japanese language and flower arranging are offered as well. I am curious about the flower arranging, which sounds like fun.
I have been a member of Tucson Botanical Garden for many years, but my new membership is an different and welcome way to enjoy gardens. Yume is located just south of Tucson Botanical Gardens, in the same block. I had been curious in the past, but was inspired to join when the TBG thew out the members for 3 months. I am really savoring this opportunity to continue my garden visits with a new twist. There are sometimes concerts of Japanese music held in the evenings. I am both learning and feeling lucky to have this great opportunity so close to my home. If you live in Tucson or visit I highly recommend spending time at Yume Japanese Gardens.
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