Today was the day – Kathy and I headed to Smicksburg at 9am, loaded down with flowers, garden tools, and determination! We went straight to St. John’s church cemetery in Sagamore, where Grama and Grandad Crooks and their family are buried. We planted several flowers on the graves and gave them a good douse of water.
From there we went up (or down!) Sinktown Road, where Kathy & I and all the Skunk Hollow cousins lived or hung out. So much has changed! That road led us to Old Mahoning Baptist Church. Our cousin Colleen’s son Jason and his son were spreading gravel chips in the parking lot so we got to chat with them a few minutes. Then we planted flowers on Susan’s grave, her parents Jim and Dolly (our uncle and aunt), and her nephew Andrew. We even planted two flowers at Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford’s pre-ordered grave stone, even though there are still very much alive and delightful.
We stopped at Smicksburg Country Store (Donna’s store) and browsed – then bought chocolate covered peanuts (the best!). I also bought cheese. The hills and the clouds were delightful!
From there — to Smicksburg Cemetery, where Uncle Gene and Aunt Hazel, one of their infant great granddaughters, two of their sons, and a son in law are buried. We planted appropriate flowers there. If a cemetery could have beautiful views, this one did.
We popped into the Bulk Food store, and I bought a 5 pound slab of chocolate and a small piece of white chocolate. That means work for me down the road!
We tried to call Aunt Joan but had no cell service, so we drove back up to the top of the hill at the cemetery. As we drove back down, who was tending to the plots of their family but Beth and Harold! So excited to see them and get hugs! We stood and chatted for the longest time! I should have taken a picture — but I was so excited to see them it totally slipped my mind! Loved seeing them!
Last, we went to visit Aunt Joan and Uncle Clifford. We filled up our water cups from the spring with fresh clear water. We spent over an hour there, chatting and visiting. There were cattle right out the kitchen window, and a nest of tiny baby birds on the front deck. What a lovely day, filled to overflowing with memories and blessings!
After a quick stop at the Blairsville Walmart we headed home. Kathy had another event this evening. At least when I got home I didn’t have to water the new grass – it has rained several times since we got back.
The whole DAY was a blessing! (Including spending the day with Kathy!)
PEANUTS Thought for the Day:
TOMORROW May 26th is:
General Prayer Day; Indianapolis 500; National Blueberry Cheesecake Day; National Cherry Dessert day; National Paper Airplane Day; National Sorry Day; World Dracula Day; National Wind Sock Day; World Lindy Hop Day; World Red Head Day; National Family Fun Day.
Yesterday’s fake day was National Bulletin Board Recognition Day. Tomorrow we shall celebrate World Red Head Day — Love you Beth! Have fun with your family and God bless…
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