From the day after Thanksgiving until the middle of January, wreaths are allowed to be placed at the grave sites. Because the first major storm of the season was predicted for the weekend, we decided we should make the trip before the snow. Not knowing how the rest of the month would shape up, we decided to make the hour or so trip sooner than later.
The first stop we made was the grocery store to pick up a bunch of flowers for Ma. We always had to greet her first before a hug or a word to Dad. A Christmasy bunch of flowers to the Queen. Since the wreath has to be placed at the front of the grave stone, she would view the wreath as being for Dad.
The wreath for their front door. I can’t decorate the wreath like I do for my own front door. Cemetery regulations are strict. A wreath with a single bow. I made a bow using the last of my favorite holly ribbon.
After Dad’s funeral as we were going home, the Eldest pointed out an eagle as we crossed the Connecticut River to get to the highway. A message from Dad.
On this visit as I was getting the wreath in place, Himself pointed out a raptor riding the thermals overhead. We couldn’t tell if it was an eagle or a hawk, but it was a message from Dad that made me smile.
Usually after visiting the cemetery we stop for lunch at a nearby Italian restaurant we like. Michael’s Pasta in the Pan. All their dishes are served in a cast iron skillet. Sometimes we stop at The Cracker Barrel just before we get home. On this trip because of Covid and dining and indoor restrictions seem to be changing hourly, we decided to go home and have lunch.
With the weather to turn bad, it was also a good opportunity to get the outside decorations done, and some inside decorating, too.
Can you find the tea things?
Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth’s blog to find out what the rest of the T gang is up to. If you want to play, include a beverage or beverage container in your post. Don’t forget to link your blog from Bleubeard and Elizabeth’s page.
Beautiful-hugs
ReplyDelete😊
DeleteLovely tradition! (I have that ribbon too! Great minds! ) :D
ReplyDeleteIndeed. 😺
DeleteWhat a lovely remembrance. I haven't been to the cemetery in several years and am not sure why... We're not allowed wreaths but can put seasonal flowers in the vases, and I do have the flowers.
ReplyDeleteHappy T Tuesday!
The wreaths are only allowed during the Christmas season. Any time of the year, cut flowers are allowed and the cemetery provides the plastic cones. When the flowers pass, the grounds crew removes anything unsightly. They are vigilant. They also allow a potted plant but only the week before Easter, Mother's Day, and Father's Day. I just bring the cut flowers and they always go on Ma's side 😺
DeleteYou were smart getting the cemetery visit in. I hope what you have for snow has melted somewhat. The trees around here look like it has just snowed. UGH. I am not ready this year to give up the walking and outside things quite yet. But what can you do? I love the little tree. It has a great look to it. I miss going out to eat also. One of these days I guess. Have a wonderful T day. I am going to try to wrap some gifts and maybe watch a movie while I do. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteUsually when we are at the cemetery, we are the only ones there. Because of the snow, there were a few other people bringing wreaths, too. Our temps plummeted so the snow turned to ice. Hopefully, by the end of the week, things will get warmer. We're supposed to get rain over the weekend so warm rain should melt the snow.
DeleteInteresting tradition - very nice. It's kind of cool that you had to greet your mom first before your dad. Was it something she requested of you and if so, good for her - Mothers should be honored that way.
ReplyDeleteMa would get jealous if Dad got attnention first. 😺 so after getting chewed out the first time, we learned to go see her first or yell from the front door Ma, it’s me or us 😺
DeleteAhh.. i see. Thats sweet. Good that you learned how to do that and she felt loved because you greeted her first. I find that kind of cute.
DeleteI counted four tea cups and saucers and one tea pot. Really a very clever tree.
ReplyDeleteMy grandparents are buried over 100 miles from here, so I try to visit on Memorial Day, but not this year. Your wreath looks lovely and I like that ribbon.
Thanks for taking us to the cemetery with you and sharing your drink tree with us for T this Tuesday, dear CJ. I bet for you, it's a tea tree.
You were close. Only 3 teacups have a matching saucer, the 4th teacup doesn't have a saucer and one teapot
Deletetook dad's wreath out on sunday before the ground was frozen to the point the place holder wouldn't go into the ground. SUPER cute tree CJ.... and we are SUPPOSED to be at 50 on friday and weather usually travels west to east `````` ☺☺♥♥
ReplyDeleteYup, we're supposed to be in the 50s for the weekend with rain. Better rain than snow
DeleteA lovely way to visit and remember...
ReplyDeletehere some cemeteries allow lots of things and other are very strict. I no longer put flowers on the family graves on holidays because the last time I did they were taken away/gone only a few days after I took them.
Love your whimsical tree and decor! Happy T day!
I suspect the flowers that I left for Ma would be removed a day or two later. It was very cold at night and I'm sure the flowers wouldn't survive. The groundskeepers are meticulous in their care of the cemetery.
DeleteLove your unusual tree! Happy T Day, Valerie
ReplyDeleteThis is one of three small trees. This one has the fine china/glass ornaments on it. We had an upside-down Christmas tree bolted to the wall for these ornaments to keep them out of Ink's reach. Now that he's gone, and the upside-down tree made way for a heating/AC unit, I have this tree for the glass ornaments
DeleteThe flowers are lovely and I like the ribbon you used for the wreath. That Christmas tree looks great. Each ornament looks special. Teddy said to tell you he loves the bear ornaments. Happy T-Day!
ReplyDeleteTell Teddy, I was thinking of him as I hung up the Teddy bear ornaments.
DeleteWhat a great way to remember. The wreath and tree are both lovely.
ReplyDeleteHappy Tea Day,
Kate
😊
DeleteI don´t think we have such strict regulations at the graves. But then... it´s my Brother´s (chosen?) job to take care as he lives there.
ReplyDeleteOur last wills state we get "burned" and then be spread somewhere anonymous.
When I still had a car I had to choose. Visit our parent´s grave and be sad and hurt for hours or drive by (it was "en route") or just pay your respect with a sad smile passing by.
Did the latter mostly, now have no car.
But I have pics of them here and it´s good to see them healthy every day like that.
I once got a sign.. twice actually from my Dad, too. Sometimes I still dream of them, do you, too?
Yes, they sometimes appear in my dreams. Visits from them.
DeleteSuch a wonderful tradition and a lovely way to remember your parents! The flowers and wreath are so beautiful - perfect 😀. Sending you Happy T Day wishes! Hugs, Jo x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jo.
DeleteI'm sure your mom and dad are thrilled that you remember them.
ReplyDeleteLove the tea tree:)
Every day
DeleteHi, I don't know how I missed this post. It is lovely that you visit your mom and dad. Yes, the eagles are a message for you. The "tea" tree is excellent.
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DeleteLovely traditions. I love when anyone sees signs, as well as when they share their stories.
ReplyDeleteI see two cups and saucers and a teapot on your very unique tree.
Happy T-day! Stay safe and well. Hugs, Eileen
Look a little closer.
DeleteIt's hard to see, but I found another cup and saucer. Yay!
DeleteYes, you found the last cup. There is no saucer.
DeleteSuch a beautiful post! And, I love your unique tree!
ReplyDelete😊
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