A Celebration of Memories…

As a child, Memorial Day often involved visiting our local cemetery, taking an opportunity to remember.

Living back in the area where I grew up brings many blessings and that so often touch those warm, fuzzy places in my heart.  It seems that everything about spring does that.  The beauty that surrounds us right now is simply astounding.

Each day I find that I marvel at the sights and sounds that surround me.

Visiting that old, rustic, wonderfully~unkempt cemetery where my grandparents, great grandparents, great~great grandparents lie is just another one of those {overwhelming} blessings.  I’m so glad that I’m drawn to visit there at least once a year.

the grave stones pictured above and below are not from relations but they are so old and beautiful

My great, great grandparents…Amos & Betsy Alby ~ homesteaded in this valley in 1896 as they made their journey from Norway.

Visiting this grave still brings such fresh emotion…even looking at the picture now makes me cry again.  As I speak of blessings from this area where I live, my grandma would have to take the top of the list!  She was an amazing gal and she is in my thoughts often. 

Oh, to be just a little bit like her.  

blessed indeed!

these outhouses always make me smile

on my way down the hill I stopped and visited my cousin who lives on the same place that Amos & Betsy homesteaded in 1896 ~ I loved the sheep that were freely roaming around