Monday, October 23, 2023

Cemetery Walk

 


The old Rural Cemetery is close to our home and when I want a quick walk under trees on dirt trails without taking the car first, this is where I turn to. A brisk ten minute walk and I'm surrounded by the stillness of a place like this. I'm seldom the only one who loves to walk here.


There is a surprisingly high number of trails through this cemetery, despite it being rather small. This is no Père Lachaise (Paris) or Zentralfriedhof (Vienna) and it certainly lacks the wild and almost romantic charm of the Südfriedhof in Munich. But it plays an important role for my city's history.


It's also a place for wildlife - Western Bluebirds raise their families here, squirrels chase up and down the trees, California Mule Deer roam the cemetery and there are even some sightings of mountain lions.

In late summer the Naked Ladies (Amaryllis belladonna) dance across the cemetery, showing off their beautiful pink dress.


On my way home I took an apple from a "free box" and shot some photos of it in my backyard, playing with light and shadow.



I love this season!

Today's drink for Bleubeard and Elizabeth's T Tuesday is Kakade, a cold and refreshing hibiscus drink that I make every summer. I first had it in Egypt back in 1996 and it always takes me back there when I sip it. Beautiful memories.

















21 comments:

Mae Travels said...

I understand other people's enjoyment of the solitude in a cemetery, but I've never been able to feel it. I'm too aware of death when surrounded by the dead, and it doesn't make me feel calm. However, I did llike your photos very much.
best, mae at maefood.blogspot.com

Kate Yetter said...

I have never walked in a cemetery for fun but I am thinking of trying it out. It might be a great place to draw headstones. A great photo shoot to practice light and shadow. Your photos are always amazing!
Happy Tea Day,
Kate

My name is Erika. said...

Cemetery walking is always peaceful and often interesting. I shouldn't be surprised that the grasses are brown since you are in a drier climate than here in NH.Those naked lady lilies are so pretty. What a lovely color. I bet you had fun playing with your camera and that apple. I remember you posted (maybe last year) about kakade, and I definitely want to try it one day. I printed out your recipe, but I just haven't gotten around to making it yet. Thanks for the reminder. Have a super T day and week ahead. hugs-Erika

Lorrie said...

I enjoy walking through cemeteries and reading the old inscriptions. They can be so interesting as well as poignant.
Lovely photos of the apple.

Iris Flavia said...

Ist albern, aber Friedhöfe machen mich immer traurig. Ist bestimmt schon 7 Jahre her, dass ich "bei meinen Eltern" war.
Schönes Bild mit Apfel und Blatt. Hier ist noch alles grün.
Der Drink sieht verlockend aus!

Elephant's Child said...

I enjoy old cemeteries, reading the inscriptions and thinking of those that have gone. Wildlife and trees would be a lovely bonus.
That drink looks delectable.

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

I've always been drawn to cemeteries. Friends think I'm crazy. I love your photos from there and the Naked Ladies (some call Surprise Lilies).

I LOVE your apple shadow study. It is fabulous.

I've never heard of Kakade, but I love hibiscus, so I would probably like it. Thanks for sharing your trip through the cemetery, the apple study, and your drink with us for T this Tuesday, dear Carola.

Amila said...

Taking a walk through the cemetery sounds like a reflective and serene experience. Your post captures the beauty and contemplative atmosphere. It's a lovely way to honor and remember those who came before us. Thank you for sharing this peaceful journey.Happy T Tuesday!

David M. Gascoigne, said...

Old cemeteries are wonderful places for wildlife watching, Carola, and I have spent many happy hours in them. I know it will seem sacrilegious to some, but the more delapidated and run down they are the better I like it! One of my very fond memories is of an ancient cemetery, (a pioneer cemetery some might call it) in Oklahoma where Scissor-tailed Flycatchers hawked for insects above the crumbling grave markers. I was quite happy to share the tranquility of their day. Best wishes - David

Valerie-Jael said...

Walking through old cemetries is always a pleasure. There's a lovely one in Düsseldorf which I always visit when I'm nearby. And I always see people from the huge insurance company near by who sit there for their lunch-break. Love our apple and the photos! Hugs, Valerie

Divers and Sundry said...

How nice to have such a pleasant place to walk within walking distance!

I've never heard of kakade. It looks tasty. Happy T Tuesday

Lisca said...

What a lovely place. I can imagine you like to walk there.
The apple photos are so good they make me want to bite into one right now.
I love karkadé (in Italy we put an R in the word). I drank it in the 70s and 80s in Italy. Very refreshing drunk cold with lemon. I had always a jar in the fridge. That certainly brings back memories.
Happy T Day,
Hugs,
Lisca

roentare said...

Love the cemetery images.

Violetta said...

Friedhöfe haben ein besonderes Flair - wenn sie auch botanisch ensprechend gestaltet sind. Wir waren im September auf Korsika,dort sind die Friedhöfe ausserhalb der Gemeinden und meist mit Mausoleen bestückt. Meine Liebste hat auch ein Faible für Friedhöfe.
Hibiskus hatte ich noch nie getrunken -Prost auf jeden Fall.
Alles Liebe
Violetta

Tom said...

...I love old cemeteries, they can be like sculpture gardens and history books. Thanks for taking me along on this journey. Take care and be well.

John's Island said...

Hi Carola, I apologize for not clicking over to your blog for a while. When I clicked over today, I just sat for a while admiring your header photo. Wow, what a wonderful, scenic location. Your description of the old Rural Cemetery paints a serene and captivating picture of a place that holds a special spot near your home. It's heartening to hear how you can enjoy a quick, ten-minute walk under the shade of trees and along dirt trails without the need for a car, a true gem for anyone seeking a moment of tranquility. The mention of wildlife, from Western Bluebirds to squirrels, California Mule Deer, and even occasional mountain lion sightings, highlights the harmonious coexistence of nature and this historical site. As always, your photos are great. I too love this season! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving kind comments. Best regards from Seattle! John

DVArtist said...

Wow these photos are wonderful. Love the cemetery walk. Have a nice day.

Jeanie said...

I love your apple photos! And I, too, love to visit a cemetery (especially and old one or one that is especially beautiful) for a good walk around. This looks like a good one!

Veronica Lee said...

I find solace and a sense of peace in cemeteries.
Love the beautiful photos, Carola.

Hugs and blessings

pearshapedcrafting said...

The cemetery looks to be a good place to walk with all that dappled light. Love the apple photographs- hope the apple tasted good too! Kakade sounds interesting! Belated Happy T Day, Chrisx

Teresa said...

También me gusta visitar y fotografías cementerios, algunos son como obras de arte. tus fotografías me gustan mucho. Besos.