Month: August 2025

I left Wexford just before 7 am this morning and headed towards Corrandulla in Co. Galway where I documented two lovely dressers in two homes. As soon as I was done, I headed an hour up the road to Loughglynn in County Roscommon where I was greeted with a scene like you wouldn’t believe. The owner of the house, had been in contact with me for the past couple of months and was wanting me to visit her family home. A very remote and rural location down a long narrow boreen and then down another lane off that and then through a field to a single story house that hasn’t changed much since the late 1800s. It was another one of those cases where it felt like you were stepping back in time and you could be anywhere from between 1850 to 1950, as the dresser, open fire, old kitchen table and settle bed were still intact. Everywhere you looked and turned, you could see things of unreal beauty from old homemade altars to the detail and decoration in the ceiling. Like a family museum, containing objects and photos of the previous owners, carefully organised and kept safe by the… CONTINUE READING…

Frank Caprio became a beloved figure after a courtroom moment with a 96-year-old man went viral for its compassion Frank Caprio, the well-loved judge who became known across social media as the “nicest judge in the world,”, has passed away at the age of 88 after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. Caprio died on Wednesday, just a day after he had posted a heartfelt video from his hospital bed on Instagram asking his millions of followers to keep him in their prayers. “Beloved for his compassion, humility, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people, Judge Caprio touched the lives of millions through his work in the courtroom and beyond,” the statement announcing his passing shared with the public. “His warmth, humor, and kindness left an indelible mark on all who knew him.” “He will be remembered not only as a respected judge, but as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend.” “His legacy lives on in the countless acts of kindness he inspired. In his honor, may we each strive to bring a little more compassion into the world — just as he did every day.” His family shared that Judge Caprio passed away peacefully, surrounded by love,… CONTINUE READING…

Rustic Mountain Retreat with Breathtaking Views! Escape to this stunning 2-bedroom + sleeping loft, 3-bath log cabin home perched on a private ridge with sweeping panoramic mountain views. Thoughtfully designed, this custom-built lodge blends rustic charm with modern comfort.  Highlights: Living Spaces: Features & Updates: Whether you’re looking for a full-time residence, vacation getaway, or income-producing property, this one-of-a-kind mountain retreat offers peace, privacy, and unforgettable views year-round. Don’t miss this rare opportunity—schedule your private showing today! For more details or to arrange a viewing, please contact the listing agent via the Zillow link below the photos. From Zillow

Carrie Underwood, one of country music’s most beloved voices, is admired not only for her award-winning career but also for her honesty when sharing personal struggles. While many fans know her as the powerhouse vocalist behind hits like Love Wins and Before He Cheats, her journey has also included moments of deep pain, heartbreak, and soul-searching. In a candid and emotional moment during the documentary series Mike and Carrie: God & Country, Underwood revealed the heartbreak she endured after suffering multiple miscarriages. She admitted she reached a breaking point—emotionally, spiritually, and physically—when she feared her fourth pregnancy might also not go to term. Her openness has touched fans around the world, shedding light on the silent struggles many women face and the complex emotions that come with faith, loss, and resilience. The Emotional Toll of Repeated Loss Carrie Underwood revealed that after having her first son, Isaiah, she experienced the devastation of three miscarriages. Each one brought with it waves of sadness and unanswered questions. The weight of repeated loss left her struggling with emotions she hadn’t anticipated—including guilt and frustration with her faith. “I had an honest conversation with God,” she shared. “I told Him how I felt. I was hurt. I was… CONTINUE READING…

The James J. Hill House, located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was built by railroad magnate James J. Hill and completed in 1891. Standing at the eastern end of Summit Avenue near the Cathedral of Saint Paul, the mansion quickly became one of the city’s most admired landmarks. At the time, its size and grandeur earned it the reputation of being the “showcase of St. Paul,” a title it held until Hill’s death in 1916. Today, the home is recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, managed by the Minnesota Historical Society, and is also part of the Historic Hill District. Spanning 36,000 square feet of living space and 44,552 square feet in total, the residence was one of the largest private homes of its era. Hill purchased three lots along Summit Avenue in 1882, during a time when many wealthy citizens sought to build fashionable homes in the area. With sweeping views of downtown St. Paul and the Mississippi River, the neighborhood quickly became one of the city’s most desirable addresses. Before moving to Summit Avenue, the Hill family lived in St. Paul’s Lowertown district near Ninth and Canada streets. However, the growth of warehouses and railroad tracks crowded the area, while Hill’s ever-expanding collection… CONTINUE READING…

It started as a dull throb in Alexander’s legs, a sensation he hadn’t felt in years since the accident. At first, he thought it was a cruel trick his mind was playing on him, a phantom pain deceiving him into hope. Yet, as the minutes ticked by, the sensation intensified, spreading like wildfire through limbs that once felt nothing. Each twinge and prick was a symphony of agony and promise, intertwining in a dance of potential rebirth. Sleep was elusive that night. The billionaire lay in his darkened room, surrounded by luxury yet feeling the most vulnerable he had ever felt. Memories of the boy, Luke, floated through his mind. That small hand reaching out, the conviction in his young voice. Alexander had scoffed outwardly, but something had stirred within him at that moment—an ember of faith he’d long extinguished. As dawn broke, the room bathed in a pale golden hue, Alexander gingerly shifted his legs, testing boundaries. To his astonishment, they responded. A flicker of movement here, a twitch there. It was as if a heavy shroud was lifting, and beneath it lay the forgotten autonomy of his youth. Tentatively, he swung his legs over the side of the… CONTINUE READING…

When news broke that Marian Robinson, the beloved mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, had passed away at the age of 86, it struck a chord across the nation. Her family announced that she left this world peacefully on a Friday morning, surrounded by love and cherished memories. For many, Marian was not only a private figure but also a quiet force who stood behind one of the most influential families in modern American history. Michelle Obama, in her moving tribute, called her mother “my rock,” words that capture the essence of the steady, grounding presence Marian brought into her children’s lives. Former President Barack Obama added his own heartfelt reflection, describing her as “one of a kind” and expressing gratitude that she had been a part of his family’s journey. Their words were not simply platitudes for a public audience; they were sincere acknowledgments of the depth of love and respect they held for the woman who shaped so much of who they are today. Early Life: Humble Beginnings in Chicago Marian Lois Shields was born in 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood on the South Side, she learned the values of resilience, humility, and hard work… CONTINUE READING…

Stately Colonial Farmhouse on 55 Acres with Spring-Fed Pond and Modern Upgrades This grand colonial farmhouse, nestled on 55 expansive acres of subdividable land, seamlessly blends historic charm with modern amenities. Built in 1830, the home retains elements of its original stone structure, and the pristine hardwood floors throughout reflect the farmhouse’s authentic character. The property also boasts a serene, 2-acre spring-fed pond, enhancing the peaceful atmosphere of this exceptional estate.Home building materialsVacation rentals Over the years, the farmhouse has been thoughtfully updated. In the 1980s, upgrades were made to improve its functionality, and in the past decade, additional significant improvements were implemented. A two-car attached garage was added, along with updates to the kitchen and bathrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience while preserving the home’s historic appeal. The kitchen now features premium Bosch appliances, recessed lighting, and a stackable washer and dryer for added convenience. The adjacent pantry is thoughtfully located in the sunroom, just off the kitchen. Bathroom renovations Home building materials Modern amenities include an elevator, Anderson windows, tile and laminate flooring, updated lighting, and numerous dimmer switches and accent lights throughout. The spacious primary bedroom offers a luxurious walk-in shower, a large dressing room with ample closet… CONTINUE READING…

Cedar Bluff School | Tazewell County, VA | c. 1906 Deep in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, along the Clinch River, a small community emerged in the 19th and early 20th centuries as a milling center. This community along the Kentucky Turnpike came to be called Cedar Bluff, but was previously known as Mouth of Indian, after nearby Indian Creek. Some of the earliest settlers to arrive here were the McGuires, who purchased 200 acres when they arrived in 1792. Before the railroad, it was the country roads and old turnpikes that brought people to Cedar Bluff like the Richlands Turnpike that opened in 1850. Then, thanks to hand labor and the strength of oxen, the Norfolk and Western Railway arrived, opening a station at Cedar Bluff in 1889. These new transportation routes opened this mountain community to larger markets that provided new opportunities for the people who lived and worked here. The mills were booming and some households even augmented their incomes by boarding workmen from the railroad construction. Cedar Bluff School History As the community of Cedar Bluff evolved in the late 1800s, a co-educational school was founded in 1874 that taught grammar through high school ages. It… CONTINUE READING…