We held our family celebration yesterday because some had other plans for today. My plan for today is to rest.
Our family has grown smaller every year. Both my sisters were here, along with one of my nephews, Jed, and one of my nieces, India, and my grandson Jesse. Andy wasn't feeling up to braving the heat to join us, but we sent her plenty of vittles by way of Jesse.
Oh, what a feast we had: barbecue, pinto beans w/ham, potato salad, cole slaw, watermelon, cherry pie, chocolate cake, ice cream, and sweet tea (also unsweet tea for Jed). After such a big repast, we were all thinking of naps and such, but we decided instead to go ahead and make our trip to the cemetery since Jed would be leaving today.
It was hot, that it was. But we enjoyed our visit to the little Pleasant Ridge Cemetery over the mountain from Leeds in Shelby County. Generations of our family rest there. We left our calling cards by way of silk flower arrangements on the ground and stones on the monuments. On our way home, we drove by the house where Mama and Daddy lived when Daddy died. It hardly looks like the same place, but we could still pick our where Daddy had his tomato patch and a few other landmarks.
Daddy and Mama
Our MawMaw and my namesake
Our PawPaw and nephew Reed's namesake
Daddy's baby sister, my Aunt Bobbie, and her husband Roy
Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Roy in their younger days
Joanne's daughter, my niece, Jenny
Our great grandparents, Simpson Monroe Ramey and Eliza Jane Miskelley
That's only a few of the relatives whose mortal remains rest in this peaceful little plot of land under oaks and dogwood trees. My sister Ramey says that's where she's going when the time comes. I sort of want to be laid to rest at Cedar Grove, a local cemetery right in the thick of things. I'd like to know I'm still a part of my hometown, I think.
Back home, we divided up leftovers and everyone went home. Then Lori and Greg came to pick up Miss Daisy on their way home from their weekend trip to Stone Mountain, Georgia. They stayed a while and told me about their getaway, which consisted to a great degree of lots of walking. Then we had hugs all around, and they departed, leaving me, Skipper, and Sophie (who had become very grouchy for some reason, fussing at everyone in a loud barking voice) alone. Sophie quieted down, and we all three settled in for the evening. Today I'm going to lounge on the couch and read, have some leftover for lunch, then read some more.
Happy 4th to all of you. Have fun and stay safe.
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On 07/04/2011, Fitzty said ...
Have a restful day!
On 07/04/2011, LaVoice said ...
That was definitely a different way to spend the day. Not many would visit the cemeteries. More people should out of respect for their loved ones. All mine are out of town, but I go at least twice a year.
On 07/04/2011, Molly said ...
Hope Andy is better soon!! I think your cemetery visit sounded really nice, as did the feast! Mark's mom was a Branham, I'll have to get my mom to search out a connection! We'd be cousins by marriage and that would be fun!!
On 07/04/2011, Barbara Anne said ...
What a busy and wonderful weekend you had, with cooking, hosting, and visiting with family there and away. Hope this day of rest and leftovers will be just the ticket to refill your spoon supply.
We'll be watching the musical "1776" as is our tradition and having ribs, homemade salsa, baked potatoes, tossed salad and iced tea. I may make a pound cake but none of us need that temptation!
It seems just too hot to sew binding on my Single Irish Chain quilt, even with the air conditioning on.
Big hugs!
On 07/04/2011, Deb Price said ...
I'm glad you had a good time with your family. I liked going to the cemetery when I was home. My grandma and grandpa, an uncle, my sister and my daddy were there. Now, I live so far away and no one is there to tend to things. Kinda makes me sad. Hopefully, when it's my time, I can be there with them.
Have a good, restful afternoon.
Hugs...
On 07/04/2011, Mary @ Redo 101 said ...
I'm a newbie, and I love your blog. I love reading what you've written, and learning about your family and your pets. It feels like you're an old friend who I love to just sit and visit with - so thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Mary
On 07/04/2011, Kay Ellen said ...
Happy 4th! I hope you have a wonderful day filled with relaxing! Cuddling up with the puppies...well if it is not to hot at your house:)
Touching post with all your family heritage and loved ones...I also have an Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Roy:)
Hugs coming your way,
Kay
On 07/04/2011, Sandra Neel Hutchins said ...
Amazing how much your family seems like mine. We too, visit cemeteries where generations of family are interred, going over a mountain to get there.
On 07/05/2011, judyt said ...
What a great way to spend the 4th of July!
On 07/05/2011, Kai said ...
It's wonderful that most of your family is in the same place. My folks - the ones I 'claim' - are in Oklahoma.
Because we are no longer 'allowed' to send our people to the other side the traditional way, those who live there now have all buried loved ones on the rez. Here, it's only my sister I visit. LOVE YOU!
On 07/05/2011, terry cortez said ...
Oh how I wish I lived closer to you - so I could spend real live time with you. You have such a way with words that I feel I am there in spirit. Love reading about that stinker Skipper and of course darling Sophie. It is so loving how your cemetery plots looked with the flowers and such. It is a shame that the cemetery where my deceased relatives are resting throws out the flowers every third day.
Take care ..... Terry in So. Calif.
On 07/06/2011, Sharon said ...
Susan - I noticed that the day you posted this - July 4 - would have been your Father's 100th birthday.
On 07/06/2011, Sharon said ...
Susan - Guess I should have read a few more of your posts before I commented - nice you had a family celebration of your Dad's significant birthday.
July 4 has always been one of my favorite holidays - I spent it much like you did this year, though. Reading and resting. Take care
On 07/07/2011, Ramey said ...
Beautiful pictures. That great-granddaddy's name was Simpson Monroe Ramey; Sam Ramey is our opera-singing cousin!
On 07/07/2011, Susan Ramey Cleveland said ...
Oh shoot! I knew that. I don't know why I said Sam. Brain fart, I guess. Or too much Wormhole.
On 07/08/2011, Kathryn Duke said ...
what a wonderful family post!! I love visiting cemetaries with family and reminiscing ...the stone written in small pebbles is precious.
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