Raspberries

We had raspberries with our dinner, tonight. It's not like I haven't eaten raspberries before, especially over the last X decades. This was different, though. Upon biting into the first one, I was immediately transported to my dear, dear Grandpa Epps' wonderful raspberry patch. I was prompted to write a poem. I want to share. Thanks for indulging me.

 I ate a raspberry.

It took me back in time,

To my grandpa’s garden,

And the man, so gentle and kind.

 

Straight rows,

Parallel, marked with string.

Tenderly worked by Grandpa,

Tidy, productive, and satisfying.

 

Working together,

Shovel, spade, fork, and hoe.

Grandpa’s element,

Helping food and children grow.

 

Enjoying the fruits

Of labor pleasantly spent,

With Grandpa,

Tall and unbent.

 

Untold influence

Over years and years.

Grandpa’s kindness and care

Shaping those he held so dear.

 

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Photo Friday - Scotland to Canada

John Aitchison

1834 - 1921

Born in East Lothian, Scotland, John emigrated with his

   parents and siblings in to Ontario, Canada, in 1855.

He married Elizabeth Ewing in 1861.

They are my husband's great-grandparents.

John is buried in the Knox Presbyterian Cemetery in

   Williamsford, Grey, Ontario.

I don't know when this was taken, but this

   appears to have been taken at the same time.

Such a cool family photo!

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Photo Friday - Websters, Colorized

"James Webster's Children"

circa 1861

I have always loved this picture. We don't know exactly when it was taken,

but we think it is likely it was about the time their mother, Jane (Shreve) Webster died.

There were 12 children, two of them died before this picture was taken.

We also don't know which person is whom. We believe the young women

in the back, second from the right, is our ancestor, Olive Orrel Webster.

(This was colorized at myheritage.com)

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The View from the Avery Place

Looking North

Austin & Nettie Avery homeplace

near Woodston, Kansas

(formerly Rooks Centre)

In 2005 and 2019, I had the chance to make a pilgrimage to the

homeplace of my 2nd great-grandparents' in Rooks County, Kansas.

This was the view in 2005 from where the front porch would have been.

It was very peaceful, and seemed as if I could see forever.

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Photo Friday - Sweet Brothers

Franklin & Jackson

ca. 1932

My 2nd grand aunt, Bess (Ament) Welch was 

a photographer, primarily in Beach, North Dakota.

This proof sheet is of my dad and his brother.

I won't say more as they are both still living,

but aren't they adorable?!

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