Pausing to Ponder

JoAnn and Scott Broslma, Mike's sister and her husband, made the 6+ hour drive from the Indianapolis area to Chattanooga to spend the weekend with us on Velsignet.  We had a great time exploring together and discovered this mural on a building that gave us pause:  Who are these men and why are they in this line-up?  Scott's curiosity (which makes him a really fun guy to hang around) wouldn't/couldn't let the evening end until he had answers to these questions (and he found them...see the end of this blog for the answers).  As we think about you, our family and friends, we wonder what you might be pondering.

On Saturday, JoAnn and Scott and Mike and Brenda learned more about the Civil War and confrontations that occurred in the Chattanooga area.  At Point Park, we read about Lookout Mountain's famous "Battle Above the Clouds," and walked where civil war soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies walked. The weight of Americans fighting against Americans was evidenced by the canons on display, stories, and the reported number of injured and casualties.  Photos of Generals were displayed with their accomplishments.  Despite all of the information provided of successful strategies and battles won (for both sides), it was sorrowful to think about.

If you're ever in Chattanooga, the Tennessee Aquarium is not to be missed!  This highly recognized Aquarium consists of three main buildings; one building features IMAX movies, another focuses on the Oceans and Seas, and the third on Rivers and Streams.  We were struck by the number of species that are becoming endangered, including frogs.  We were impressed with how agencies are working together to protect our oceans and rivers on behalf of the life within them.  Each exhibit made us acutely aware of how an animal that is so very different and may seem inconsequential has much to be appreciated.  How can we best live in harmony with all of God's creatures?

Velsignet is docked right downtown Chattanooga next to Ross Park.  The pointed structure in the background is the Tennessee Aquarium.

We toured the Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery.  Our guide was the assistant manager, who could answer any of our many questions.

Whiskey is stored in these brand-spanking new American-Oak-from-the-Ozarks-of-Arkansas Barrels!

The whiskey is stored in temperatures that range from cold to warm; the contraction and expansion of the oak barrel is what infuses the oak flavoring into the whiskey.

After the tour, we were given a tasting.  You can see Mike.  The middle guy is from Wisconsin.  The happy, smiling guy is Steve, our new friend and the captain of "Red Pearl."

Here' our flight of whiskeys for the tasting (looks pretty, but....let's just say Brenda is NOT a whiskey drinker!)  If you look in the mirror in the background, you'll see the group (except the photographer).

Yep....here's the Chattanooga Choo-Choo!

Have you heard of Moon Pies?  We visited the "Everything Moon Pie" store.  Not only can you buy Moon Pies (a layered, marshmallow-filled cookie that--after tasting one--we CANNOT recommend you spending the 75 cents for!), you can purchase Moon Pie dish towels, magnets, posters, wall hangings, and more!

This is taken in the Tennessee Aquarium.

This is the Pine Barrens Treefrog.  It's a rare finding between New Jersey and Florida.  Isn't it beautiful?

Do you see the warty tree frogs in this photo?  There are at least 3.

This past weekend, the Tennesee River in Chattanooga was closed for the "Chattajack" kayak and canoe races.  Competitors of all ages in all kinds of "kayaks" participated.  If you look closely at the motor boat, you'll see a person playing the bagpipes!

Here's another view of the Chattajack Race in progress.

Multiple times a day, the Southern Bell plays its lively tunes as it leaves its dock with passengers looking to see the "Grand Canyon of the Tennesse River" and the fall colors.

Chattanooga has developed its waterfront with beautiful bike and walking paths.  In the background is Lookout Mountain.

The Sisken Steel and Supply Company is featured on the Chattanooga bike/walking path with an inspiring story around it
(from the signage on the bike path): 

RH Sisken landed at Ellis Island, New York, in 1890.  With the help of a network of Jewish immigrants, Sisken soon moved to East Tennessee where he went farm to farm peddling goods to farm families.  In 1900, Sisken and a friend opened a scrap metal business, Rubin and Sisken Metal Works, in Chattanooga.  Between the two of them, they had $6.00 to start their venture.  Through hard work, they slowly built a solid business.  In 1910, Sisken bought out his partner and renamed his company, Sisken and Sons, Inc.

When RH died in 1926, his sons--Mose and Garrison--took control of the family business.  Under their guidance, the company grew rapidly.  By 1955, the company had expanded from its original location and included 5 warehouse buildings.  It was considered one of Chattanooga's most success businesses.

Though they were well known as excellent businessmen, Mose and Garrison were best known as generous philanthropists.  In 1942, Garrison suffered a serious leg injury and amputation seemed likely.  He made a promise to God that, if his leg was spared, he would devote his life to helping those in need.  He received wholehearted support from his brother who said, "Your promise is my promise."  The leg was spared and the Sisken brothers created a network of charities, including the Sisken Memorial Foundation, the Sisken Children's Institute, and the Sisken Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation.

Meet Mose and Garrison Sisken!

Here's Scott and JoAnn Brolsma with Brenda and Mike at Point Park at Lookout Mountain.

Point Park is a ten-acre National Military Park that overlooks Lookout Mountain Battlefield and the City of Chattanooga.

Mike and Brenda and a Civil War cannon at Point Park.

The view of the Tennessee River and Chattanooga from Point Park.

This is Scott in front of the New York Peace Memorial, which was erected by the state of New York as a tribute to peace and reconciliation between Union and Confederate veterans after the war (the Union and Confederate soldiers at its pinnacle are shaking hands).  The monument is impressive and stirring.

HAVE YOU FIGURED OUT WHO THESE GUYS ARE?
WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?

According to Scott's findings, each of these men are leaders in technology:  (from left to right)  Charles Babbage (computing machine); Nikola Tesla (alternating current electricity); Vannevar Bush (memex: predecessor to hyperlink); Alan Turing (father of the computer); Claude Shannon (information theory); and Steve Jobs (personal computer).