Winter is long on the prairies. Really, reeeeeeeeeeally long. When the snow finally starts to melt we all go a little bit crazy. We watch the ditches like hawks, wagering on the day that the ice will finally melt in the culverts and the waters will rush on their merry way. This is our curtain call to pull on our rubber boots, pack up our gear and head on over to the.... ummmm...
country cemetery...
where we let our kids play in really big puddles
and some of us get really innovative on the waterproofing
(yes, that would be duct tape)
while others of us don't even attempt to delay the inevitable
even the "big" boys put in their oar
and even the brides to be come out in all their glowing glory
We stand around and eat piping hot chicken wings out of a crock pot
while our kids, both big
and little
chase innovative boats made by uber creative (redneck) moms and dads
It's the time of year when eager beavers can't wait to wear flip flops
even when the temperature still demands hoodies and woolen mittens
We line up rows of "bones"
for a rousing game of Bunnok
and as you can see our children are very "comfortable"
in graveyards.
We've all heard the old adage "waking the dead"
or making poor departed souls "roll over in their graves"
but if these old graves could talk, I don't think heads would roll.
I think they would smile to see the young fry kicking up their heels
and be reminded of the crazy things that only a teen would ever attempt to do
and get a kick out of kicking off spring
just as much as the rest of us.
10 COMMENTS:
What a great post!
That being said, I CANNOT BELIEVE you took that picture of me eating. thaaaanks. ;)
yeah, I apologize profusely but it was the only picture I had of "the wings" and the "the wings" just had to make "the post"... I'm sure you'll agree :)
I love it when inspiration hits and you pick up the proverbial pen. It really is the most wonderful time of the year! You and yours have made this such a memorable and highly anticipated event... Way to go!
Looks like so much fun. And, it sounds like your event is a much sought after invite!
Ah PC - you are the best! You know just how to make a great day sound even greater! Love this!
Wow - you prairie people really know how to have fun!
It does look like a fun...little bit crazy... tradition.
They will always remember for sure (o:
Looks like such fun! I love graveyards.
You know, here in FL in a puddle that big, we'd have to check for gators :)
I actually find this activity a bit offensive. I have many dearly loved family members buried in this cemetary and, I assure you, they would not be enjoying and laughing at the antics. I think this place should be treated with dignity and reverence.
Did the cemetary committee actually approve this idea?
Dear Anononymous.
I appreciate your thoughts on this matter. I feel awkward and uncomfortable at the offense caused. I do apologise for the tone of this post, it is not written in a "dignified" manner as you said, my bent was more in the tone of "let the little children come to me and do not hinder them".
To be perfectly honest I was taken aback at the turn out and energy present at this years run off party. We showed up and the place was packed (people invited people who invited people) and we wondered what happened to our little "tots in puddles" party.
Nonetheless, I was not being insincere in what I wrote, but definitely what I wrote can not represent everyone. I can see your point of view for sure, and it has merit and should be respected as I am sure you are not the only one to feel and think this way.
this activity started out four years ago as a few Salem families meeting to let their kids float boats in the run off puddle that gathers in the ditch at the edge of the cemetery. I personally don't believe there was anything that could be considered remotely offensive about it and we did ask the approval of Salem leadership.
Personally, I was already thinking that we should try to "redirect" the traffic next year to a more suitable location and claim back the peaceful and beautiful cemetery for what started out as a peaceful familial tradition for us as a transplanted Salem family.
Please accept my sincerest apologies, and again, thank you for sharing your point of view. I understand completely where you are coming from.
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