I hauled the brush from the cherry tree today. Then I gathered up my aunt and headed back on the hill. I wanted to see the old home place and to see if there’s any cell service on the farm. There is not, by the way, but it was a delightful drive. I love my new pickup truck! I put it in 4 low to get through some mud holes and “Free-da” went through it like butter! The colors are still beautiful, however we are predicted to get quite cold this weekend and the leaves will soon be gone. We may even get some of the “S” word in the form of flurries!

When I got back from our little junket, I drove to “town”. When I say “town”, picture Mayberry. It is so fun! First stop was the bank then across the street to Berdine’s Five & Dime for a handful of Maple Nut Goodies….my late mother’s favorite candy. I love how tastes and smells can transport you across the ages. Next stop was the car wash to clean off the WV red clay mud off my beautiful white truck. Dollar General got some business as I stopped for kitty food and honey buns. Livin’ large here in the country! lol

I stopped at the cemetery briefly on the way home to check messages. Today was the first time since I arrived here that I yearned to stop and visit with Mr. Virgo and drop off a rock for him. I still have the lock of hair that the funeral director gave me so I am going to find a quiet spot here on the farm where I can bury some of it and place a marker of sorts. Then I’ll have a place to go visit here as well. It is interesting that just a few weeks before he passed, we had a conversation about death and what we would want done. I asked if he wanted to be buried or cremated and he quickly answered “Buried!” I asked him why and he told me he wanted me to have a place to go visit him. I thought that was ridiculous at the time…such a waste of resources and space here on earth. However, once he was gone, I cannot tell you what comfort it has afforded me to go visit him where his body lies. I never dreamed it would be so. That’s why I think if I have a place here as well, it will offer me that same comfort. Funny what rituals do for us in our healing process.

It’s my early day today…trash day! Pick up is at 6:15 and I’m going to put on a pot of soup beans and smoked ham hocks to simmer all day. Maybe I’ll make some hot rolls. I forgot to buy corn meal or I would make corn bread. I hope you enjoy your Autumn day! How is the weather where you are today? <3