Just returned from a trip to the beautiful
Catoctin Mountains of Central Maryland.
It was a week of visiting family and friends, touring the old home place, and tromping
through historic cemeteries in search of lost
ancestors.

   

Walking through one of the oldest cemeteries
in Frederick County was humbling.  We were
struck by the number of infant graves, an eye-opening experience in a culture where we take antibiotics and health care for granted.

 I had to stop and take a picture of this old

tree stump that grew into a rusty gate.

The working farm of one of my husband's childhood friends has been turned into a special

events venue where one of our reunions was held.  You can view more photos at Ostertag Vistas.

              

 

On Saturday we attended a community picnic and were treated

to amazing mountain music by a local blue grass band.  

Couldn't resist taking a photo of this hysterical bumper

sticker I saw on an old Ford truck parked at the picnic.

Wild flowers were in abundant bloom across the mountain.

A simple, eloquent arrangement was hung on a farm's front gate.

This farm was settled by my husband's great-great-grandparents.

Below is a close-up shot of the old farm house.

Every time we leave the mountain I ask him the same question, ""Why did you ever leave such a beautiful place?"

And every time he answers, "Because I had to meet you."