While I was in the USA this summer, I was fortunate enough to be able to squeeze in a quick trip to Kentucky to see my relatives and visit one of my favorite places in the country. Although it was way too short of a visit, we managed to hit all of the special highlights.
I was only there for 2 and a half days. I stayed at my aunt Ann and Uncle Don's house. They have recently redone their entire downstairs so that Michael and Amy could have the upper floor. Don's work turned out beautifully, as usual! Here are some photos of their downstairs "apartment" including Granny's old mantle (which was made MANY years ago by Noah Lee).
I think their front yard and driveway is one of the prettiest in America.
Ann, my cousin Paula, and I went to the graveyards one morning. Of course we went to the one where all of mom's family is buried, but then we went to where the Runyons are buried as well. I cannot remember ever visiting this one, so it was really neat to see all of the extended family, including Granny's mom Barbara and her grandfather W.M. Ann and Paula remember the relationship of everyone (which I cannot remember all of as I sit here writing this!). But I love hearing the stories about everyone and learning how we are all related. Which reminds me...it seems as though everyone in the entire county has some blood ties, all thanks to one very busy man, Silas Miracle. I think Phyllis Jean is even somehow tied into this man's family history!!! She's always been family to me, but now even more so with my new knowledge. I'll have to remember to ask her about it, she may know the exact link. His epitaph sent my cousin and I into a fit of laughter. It said something along the lines of "Devoted Father and Friend to All." Well I'll say!
Part of the reason I may not have been to this graveyard in the past might be due to the condition of the road. We earned our way up there! Ann and I got out of the car and lifted huge tree trunks (after jumping on them to break them into liftable size pieces) out of the middle of the road in order to make it passable. Then Paula backed her SUV waaaaaaaay down the road back onto the pavement for traction, revved the engine, and rocketed up the excessively steep mountain. I wish I would have taken a picture of that road! 
After that, we went to the cemetary where Shelby and Jenny Miracle are buried. It was the first time I had been there and the first time I've been to Kentucky since Shelby passed away. I wasn't able to make it for his funeral, so I was grateful to be able to visit his grave and pay my respects. This cemetary is much larger than the other two where our family are, but you still see some familiar last names, such as Partin.
Although it seems like it would be a grim outing, we all enjoy going to the beautiful hilltop graveyards to remember, share stories, and re-learn about the past. I am glad Ann knows so much and never tires of telling me no matter how many times I forget! She was actually shocked to hear that I had no idea the Miracle side was German! My uncle Don told me it used to be spelled "Merkel" which leads me to believe I should have some rights to that pharmaceutical fortune! I came home telling everyone thinking they would all be as surprised as I was (since I thought all of my German ancestry came from my Dad's side), but apparently I seem to be the only one who was unaware of this little tidbit. I swear to you my mom told me Miracle was English!!!
I can't forget that on our way out from Ann's house that morning we saw a flock of yes, Wild Turkeys! And you wondered why they named the whiskey that! Well, now you know! Although I spent every summer of my childhood here, I think this was the first time I saw wild turkeys roaming through the fields.
That evening my uncle Bill, aunt Charlotte, cousins Rita and Hannah and Ashley all came over and joined us for dinner. I learned a new fun game that Bill and Charlotte brought over, Hillbilly Golf! And yes, Don and I beat Michael and Bill! Although, I think the true champion of this game is Donnie Paul. I don't think he missed a single shot.
Paula took me to see her new house and on the way we stopped and I saw the church where Michael is the pastor. How neat to see his name on the sign!
One day we went out to my favorite lake, Laurel Lake on Don's newly rebuilt pontoon boat. My cousin Michael, his wife Amy, and their boys Alan, Donnie, and Noah were able to go with us and play at the lake. It was the first day of school for the local public schools, so the lake was uncharacteristically quiet. We seemed to be the only ones there, besides the hungry fish who were feeding on our limbs as we swam! As you can see, Noah likes to help his Pa drive the boat.
I was sad to see that Phyllis Jean's childhood home was burned down, but I still got out where it used to stand and took a few photos. Part of the barn or storage shed is still there, but that's pretty much the only thing left there to remind you a house once stood in this spot. We sifted through some of the ash and burned rocks and wood to find a piece of broken dish here and there. Apparently many of the roadside homes in the area have been burned down by arsonists. Horrible, since relics of history are destroyed. Phyllis Jean's old house used to be a geographical landmark for us as we drove down the road to Granny's. We knew we were getting close when we passed her house.
Granny's old hollow looks different yet the same. Much of the trees and brush have been cleared away and there's a new fence. It looks quite groomed and nice, but I wish it still looked just like it did when we were kids. Since she's no longer there ruling the roost and we would have been disappointed to see it now, we didn't drive up the road. We just went to the bottom and looked up.
Don took me on a tour of his shop and I got to see everything he's working on. It is all amazing, as usual. I simply cannot believe some of the furniture he is able to make with his own hands. Incredible! Oh, and I can't forget (Don always has the most amazing stories, too) as I was wondering through his shop, I saw this HUGE tarp and asked what was under it. He pulled back the tarp and revealed the biggest, most beautiful piano I have ever seen. It is one of those that goes straight up the wall (not a grand type but I don't know what it's called), with really ornate woodwork and the original ivory keys. I was stunned by the size and beauty as I asked him where he got it. He said he got it years ago from a friend he knows in Chicago. This piano was owned by Al Capone and used to be in one of the saloons he owned/operated in Chicago! How crazy is that?! It's still in wonderful condition, but when Don is done restoring it, I am convinced it will be a masterpiece! I should have taken a picture of that too. Don, you'll have to send a photo of the piano when you get a chance, everyone I've told would like to see it!
Ann made sure I had my fill of yummy homemade food. I would love to get a jar of those string beans she makes and bring it out to Dubai! Josh put in his order for Moonshine, we'll see if he's able to snag some for old times sake next time he's out there! Ann made her famous yellow cake with chocolate syrup one night and then next she made a butterscotch syrup that was to die for. She told me it was Granny's recipe and gave me one of Granny's old recipe books which includes the butterscotch. I may not have those green beans, but I CAN have the butterscotch drizzled cake here anytime I like and I get to see my Granny's handwriting every time I make it. :)
I wish it could have been a longer trip. It was so good to see everyone, even though it was just for a couple days. I love the Appalachians and Kentucky, it's a place where I always feel at home and peaceful. Alex has heard so much about my family and the beauty of Kentucky, he can't wait to go with me next time!
Thank you to all my family who always go out of their way to make sure I have a wonderful time. Thank you again to Paula for staying up until the middle of the night to intercept my lost luggage! I love you and miss you all so much. See you again soon!
These last few photos are just some I took while out driving around.
