Several weeks ago I thought I would cook up several pounds of ground beef, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, mushrooms, and onions. I had hoped to store it in the freezer to use when I needed it for spaghetti. I was really trying to be wise but accidentally left it out over-night on the counter.

   Yes, I nearly cried...but now I had to figure out how to dispose of it. I couldn't just dump it in the trash or we would have all kinds of critters tearing into it between then and trash pick-up day. So I came up with the bright idea of hauling it off several miles away and dumping it all in a ditch. At least the coyotes would enjoy it.

    Driving back to the house, I decided to take a road I had never driven before. I happened upon a small country cemetery.

    Now, let me just explain real quick that the history-lover in me is crazy about cemeteries, I know, odd, but I enjoy looking at the markers and wondering about the people.  I didn't stop but thought one day I would come back and really explore when I had more time.

   One afternoon last week the children were outside playing and I was out with them taking pictures when I remembered the cemetery and told the kids to load up in the van so we could go check it out. I had already found out from a church member that lives close to us that it is an open cemetery and is still in use.

   The children were compliant and we set off on this odd little adventure. Actually, my kids enjoy these little trips we make and I remembered to bring my camera.

   It was really only a couple of miles up the road so we were there in no time. We talked about how this is a place that should be treated with respect as people's loved ones were buried there. The kids were so well behaved as we walked around the markers and read the inscriptions.

   But it was this particular marker that stopped me abruptly. I had to read it several times just to fully understand the ages of the couple buried in this plot.

   Do you see what I see?

   This is a husband and wife.

   Mrs. Royster was born in 1816 and died in 1915. She lived to be 99 years old.

   Now, look at Mr. Royster's birthdate and date of death. He was born in 1832 and lived until 1912. He lived to be 80 years old.  Mrs. Royster not only outlived her husband by three years but SHE WAS 16 YEARS OLDER than Mr. Royster!!!

   Wow.

   Okay, so you may be thinking...so what.

   Well, you've got to understand why this is sooo significant to me. I'm six and a half years older than my husband. It bugs me sometimes. But now it doesn't bug me as much. Because Miss Angeline was 16 years older than Darius and it worked for them.

   But, I can't help but wonder....did she ever get teased about "robbing the cradle."

I hope your week is positively productive and filled with joy!

Blessings, Julie