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It was the best of times
Monday, July 3, 2023 at 04:44PM 
We visited the Old Presbyterian Burying Ground in Camden, South Carolina
I can hardly believe that it has been a whole month since they were here.
But then I can testify that it has been a busy month.
Even so, it's time I told you about when Mari and Bob did us the great honor of coming to stay with us for two days.
They included us in their vacation which followed Bob's semi-retirement.
That first night there was vanilla pound cake with lemon icing for dessert
We looked forward to it for many weeks and no part of the experience in any way disappointed.
That's because you could search the universe for two more endearing friends and guests than these, and run out of time long before you found them.
Mari and I had teased one another for years about when one of us would descend upon the other for a proper visit.
Like for example, when she and Bob built that inviting porch onto their idyllic home place a few years ago.
Mari brought me this gorgeous blue glass ball for display outdoors or in
I've said, more than once: Watch out. One of these days you'll look out and I'll be standing on that porch.
Mari invariably responds: Come on! You're always welcome.
But distance and time is ever an issue and I have yet to stand (make that sit) on Mari's new porch.
Doesn't mean I won't, eventually.
She also brought this cute pink tee shirt for Dagny and a blue one for Rhett
We'd met Bob and Mari only once: for a too-brief lunch in the summer of 2017, when TG and I were in Northwest Ohio for a few days.
Bob and Mari drove east and we drove north, for a meet-up at a Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen in Lansing, Michigan. Seven whole years ago.
But these are the kinds of friends that you don't have to be around all the time, in order to love and cherish them.
Which makes it all the more special when they do show up.
Mari enjoys walking a cemetery as much as I do, and that's a lot
They arrived on a Monday afternoon. I was home alone when they got here and I was so excited when their rented Alfa Romeo turned in at our driveway, that I ran outside clapping.
Of course I had planned dinner, for them and for TG and me. I wanted it to be special but not too labor intensive, because I wanted to talk to Mari and Bob instead of working in the kitchen while they talked to TG.
I went with London Broil done in the Crock Pot, using the recipe for Mississippi Pot Roast. As in, I dusted the beef with one packet each of ranch dressing mix and au jus gravy mix, and dotted it with an entire stick of butter.
I left out the pepperoncini that are usually called for in this recipe. Because I didn't have any.
This was the entrance to one of the gifts shops we scoured
The sides were Crock Pot Creamed Corn and Easy Ranch Carrots, along with Ree Drummond's Crash Hot Potatoes.
The creamed corn is an old standby and a staple at our house; the carrots were a first-time try for me. I've done the crash hot potatoes only a few times.
These are all outstanding recipes, and so easy. Perfect for guests because there's not much work involved and lots of what there is, can be done beforehand.
For dessert I made this Vanilla Pound Cake which has become a favorite. I drizzled it with lemon icing for a little extra zing.
On the porch of the second gift shop, this velvety gray kitty cat relaxed
Because Mari is such a delightful person, she is easy to hang out with. Just as you would think, if you are acquainted with her from her blog. Girl knows her way around a kitchen.
She finished up the crash hot potatoes while I worked on the carrots.
After supper I cleared the dishes and we went outside to sit by the pool, and waited awhile before having our cake.
Mari presented me with a thoughtfully chosen hostess gift of a mouth-blown glass ball that hangs on either a stand-alone tabletop hook, or on a sturdy shepherd's hook outside.
This is at the entrance to Fort Jackson National Cemetery
I chose to hang it outside, where I can see it from my chair when I sit in the sun room. It is the color of the sky on a summer day.
She included a gift card, as usual opting to do more rather than less, in keeping with her generous nature.
It was warm and not too humid, and the tree frogs were singing, and when all of my solar lights winked on, it was beautiful and I could have sat there all night.
But we had an ambitious day planned for Tuesday, so it was not too late before we went to bed.
The Southwest Redoubt, a British fortification during the war
The next morning I was up early to get dressed and ready, after which I made breakfast: bacon, scrambled eggs, toasted homemade bread with jam, orange juice, and coffee.
By a little after nine o'clock, the four of us were on our way to Camden, South Carolina, where there is a considerable amount of Revolutionary War history to soak up.
It was a hot day but not too hot and not overly humid. Not the punishing heat and humidity that comes later -- like now -- making it hard to be outside for too long without shelter.
On the way to Camden, TG suggested stopping at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery. It was the sixty-ninth anniversary of D-Day and we felt privileged to walk there on that day, where so many heroes rest.
This sculpture pays tribute to the Boykin Spaniel, South Carolina State Dog
I cannot get away from a national cemetery without tears forming in my eyes, and this time was no exception. The reverence for patriots is palpable in such places, and it is a moving experience.
From there we made our way to Camden, and the first stop was the Quaker Cemetery. It has been a favorite haunt of mine for many years.
It has its own share of American heroes too, from the Revolutionary war onward.
TG had procured a map at the entrance and was intent on finding the graves of the three Roberts brothers, all of whom lost their lives in World War II. Two of them perished only three days apart in 1944.
Seriously old graves at the Quaker Cemetery
Edman was the first to go, on July 10, 1943, at twenty years of age. His body is not in this grave, as it was never recovered.
Next of the brothers to make the ultimate sacrifice was Gilbert, twenty-four, killed in action on September 29, 1944. His death was followed swiftly by that of the eldest brother, Wilbert, age twenty-six, on October 1, 1944. Gilbert and Wilbert were buried in the Quaker Cemetery in November of 1948.
(Gilbert's son, Gilbert Junior, who was six months old when his father died and lived to the age of fifty-five, is also interred at Quaker Cemetery.)
We found the three flag-decorated graves where the brothers rest beside one another. All four of us stood awed there for several minutes.
I was so grateful to TG for urging us to locate those graves, which I had not known were there.
Graves of the Roberts brothers, all lost in World War II
After that we went a few hundred yards to what remains of the Camden Oak, the Old Presbyterian Burying Ground, and a Revolutionary War Memorial just across the street.
Then across a larger main road, to the big Revolutionary War site, with many buildings and two gift shops.
Mari and I combed both gift shops looking for goodies. I wanted to get something for Alaina, Ruby, and Cassie that would be souvenirs of their grandparents' visit to South Carolina.
I ended up with t-shirts for Alaina and Ruby, and a stuffed bear dressed like Thomas Jefferson, for Cassie.
Kershaw County was a major player in the Revolutionary War
(I wish you could see the darling thank-you notes I received. All addressed to Jenny the Pirate.)
I will save the notes as mementoes and hope one day to give each of these precious girls a hug.
When we left Camden, it was still early, so TG drove us about twenty minutes away into downtown Columbia.
There we toured the stunningly gorgeous historic Trinity Episcopal Church graveyard, right across the street from the South Carolina State House.
This live oak is said to be at the geographic center of South Carolina, but that may not be true
At one corner of the graveyard stands an ancient live oak that supposedly marks the geographic center of South Carolina. I say supposedly because that may not actually be the case, but who's to argue?
Live oaks are awe-inspiring anyway, but this one is especially amazing for its location in the graveyard.
After rambling amongst several hundred very old graves, and taking some pictures, we walked across to the State House grounds.
In due time we had had enough of walking in the hot sun, so we climbed back into the car and headed for Elmwood Cemetery, a few miles away.
This beautiful building at the Revolutionary War site is available to rent for events and gatherings
This is is the historic cemetery where TG and I have bought grave plots. We drove towards the back (the one-hundred-fifty-year-old part of this cemetery is in the front, just inside the entrance) and pointed out the spot to Bob and Mari.
It makes me a trifle nervous to cast my eyes to where my remains will someday be buried, and I said as much, but I liked what Bob and Mari had to say in return:
She won't be there for long, said Mari. (Because the dead in Christ shall rise first.)
She won't be there at all, said Bob. (Because of body, soul, and spirit, only the body dies.)
As the pirate said: I'm good wiv it.
Mari and me posing in the Trinity Episcopal Church graveyard
From Elmwood we headed for home, because we were tired and hot and needed to rest up before Cherica with baby Rhett, and Audrey and Dagny, joined us for dinner.
That morning before we headed out, Mari had helped me with some preparation for the meal.
I put Crock Pot Baked Ziti into the slow cooker, and had planned our return home just in time to turn it on so that it could be ready for supper.
Mari zested and juiced the limes, made the custard, and put together the Lime Cracker Pie that we would have for dessert.
Another ancient grave from the Quaker Cemetery
Homemade bread would be made into spicy toast, plus we had a green salad.
The kids began to arrive. I wish you could have seen Rhett strut the length of the kitchen towards Bob, and I also wish you could have seen Bob's face as he watched that.
It was a moment. Bob is a prince of a man and his love for people -- especially children -- is evident.
And so is Mari's, for she had brought gifts for Dagny and Rhett. The most adorable tee shirts: blue for him and pink for her, with the words LAKE MICHIGAN UNSALTED on the front.
The impressive South Carolina State House, framed by magnolia trees and crape myrtles
She guessed their sizes perfectly and they both look so cute wearing the shirts.
So we enjoyed the baked ziti (actually penne, haha) and the salad and the bread, then went to sit outside again.
It was warmer on that night, but the solar lights were just as faithfully twinkling, and I lit citronella candles and incense to discourage mosquitoes.
In due time we enjoyed the Lime Cracker Pie and a pot of decaf coffee.
Our dear friends Bob and Mari
We were all tired so before it got to be too late, we all turned in. Mari and Bob planned to leave the next morning before nine, for the next leg of their journey which took them to West Virginia.
I made scrambled eggs on that Wednesday morning, with more toast and jam and juice and coffee.
When Mari and Bob had to go, I was sad but also grateful that they had come, and that we had had such a nice time together.
Bob and Mari know that they are welcome here should their travels bring them this way again. I encouraged them to come in cooler weather -- meaning, pretty much, December through March.
Rhett says bye until next time, Mr. Bob and Miss Mari
I hope they will be back, and I hope that we can go to see them before too much longer.
Meanwhile we have these wonderful memories, and the hope of making more to go with them.
June took off like a shot and there were several more parties and occasions and events and get-togethers and celebrations before many more days elapsed.
I'll tell you all about those soon.
And that is all for now except to say, I wish you a happy Fourth of July holiday with your family!
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Happy Monday :: Happy July
Reader Comments (13)
That was the best time, the highlight of the trip. I had heard of Southern Hospitality but now I have truly experienced it. Thanks again.
Mari got the Southern Charm treatment! That pound cake looks scrumptious. You outdid yourself with all the cemetery visits. And you’ve reminded me that my husband and I need to have ‘the talk’ about plots. I’d love to be buried in our town’s cemetery, but I think they are out of space.
The Revolutionary War building looks amazing. And Rhett could not be more charming! XO Happy 4th to you and yours.
@Bob ... well next time I will make you some grits! So there has to be a next time. xoxo
@Bijoux ... yes we empty the southern charm offensive whenever it will serve us best, haha! But seriously, more enjoyable houseguests could not possibly exist. It was fun to do a little extra for them. And yes, do have "the talk" because if you don't, either one or the other of you, or your kids, will have a lot of extra hassle to deal with when the time comes. And even if your town's cemetery is no longer active, I'm sure you can find a peaceful resting place. For many years from now, haha! xoxo
Aww Looks like a great visit between two beautiful couples! I had to laugh when I saw the Lake Michigan Unsalted shirts! They are everywhere here, especially the tourist towns and Rich and I each own a couple along with Maxwell and Levi, too! If you ever do get to Michigan to visit Mari I may just horn my way in for a quick visit, too!
Oh how I enjoyed reading this post and reliving this precious time! It truly was the best of times, and as Bob said, the hightlight of our trip. You and TG were so good to us, made us feel very comfortable and at home. Meeting your kids and grands was so special, nothing like seeing people in person!
Our porch is ready anytime, although we could never measure up to you in hostessing!
Love you!
@Jeanette ... girl if I am ever up there you'd better believe you'll be included in any plans we make! Those t-shirts are so cute and soft! The kids love them. Dagny has worn hers nearly every day. I hope you have a blessed and relaxing July fourth! xoxo
@Mari ... We all enjoyed it so much and are still talking about it. Getting the notes from Alaina, Ruby, and Cassie may have been the highlight of my summer. We will have to see what has yet to develop but I have not yet put them in my special box for those treasures, opting to keep them beside my chair for a while so I can look at them often. I can't wait to reciprocate the visit and honestly it's not about hostessing as much as just being good friends! Love you dear. xoxo
I loved reading this! Because I follow Mari and I had fun reading about two of the sweetest ladies together! It is always so much fun to meet up with a blogger. And you are always the queen of charm and hospitality! the visit looks like it was perfect! You always do things in such a grand way, with so much attention to details.
@Ginny ... I don't deserve that lavish praise but I thank you for it. We truly felt honored that Bob and Mari would spend part of their vacation with us, and it's fun to make a little fuss. In fact Mari told me, DON'T make a fuss and I said BUT my middle name is FUSS!!! Hahaha it was fun. I hope you have a happy Fourth of July holiday, Ginny! xoxo
Happy Independence Day sweetheart!
Love the sign to the Presbyterian burial ground...so old timey a name.
Your dishes served sound like a banquet! And that lemon pound cake is going to get made in my kitchen soon!! Yum!
I'm glad your visit with Mari & Bob was so much fun...she is so thoughtful a person. Those t-shirts were adorable as well as the bearers of said t-shirts! Look at those sweet baby faces...
Hope you have a beautiful as well as, a peaceful day!
Big Hug
Donna
@Donna ... Girl it was all so good. I wish you and Larry would venture up too! What a time we could have eating and talking! You are just as welcome as Bob and Mari should that opportunity ever arise. Even if you just need somewhere to spend the night on the way to somewhere else! You know where to find me. Yes DO make that vanilla pound cake! It is so light and airy, not dense at all but yet certainly a pound cake. I like to do an amaretto icing most of the time, but the lemon sounded so summery. Even just confectioners sugar and milk for a plain icing is good though. And try those carrots! Too easy to be true, but so tasty and such a pretty color on the plate. I hope you are staying cool and that your Fourth of July celebrations are wonderful. Give my love to Crystal and all your other sweeties! xoxo
Hello!! I lived in the South for over 20 years and I know Souther Charm when I see it and you my friend are filled with it. lol So happy to hear you had a wonderful visit with friends. Your food and that cake all look amazing. Rhett, how adorable is that face? The blue really works on him. I love the T shirts. I hope you enjoy the 4th and the remainder of the week. Stay cool!!
Hello Pirate, oh my, how I wish I would have know Jenny the Pirate when our Sam was at Basic Training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina in 2018. ;-)
Thank you for sharing about the three brothers. Our family also enjoys walking in cemeteries and we take time to honor those.
I also loved reading about your visit with Mari, very special indeed these blog friends are.
Love, Carla
@Lori ... Hahaha yes we do the charm thing whenever we can! I love to take care of folks who come under my roof, invited and welcomed. Rhett is something with those blue eyes, isn't he? I can't wait to meet his little brother in October! xoxo
@Carla ... I am so sorry we did not know one another in 2018 because I would have loved to have you here for a meal and get to know you all. That was a missed opportunity! But maybe there will be another time we can meet and hang out for a while. I would love that. Happy July! xoxo