It's Bill, 4/27/25: Cemetery Sunday

A Beautiful Start to Easter Sunday

Last Sunday, Easter, we had wonderful weather. Blue skies, high drifting clouds, lower 50’s. And Windy! Perfect for visiting, hiking, exploring cemeteries, dinner together. We started the day off by dropping in on our good friend, Gretchen. We brought Gretchen cupcakes with gooey frosting and sprinkles, Gretchen’s treat of choice.

Hiking Hamilton Cove

Then we hiked nearby Hamilton Cove, my favorite, totally unspoiled. Streams, gravel beaches, rocky cliffs, crashing surf with outstanding views of Grand Manan, New Brunswick. I prefer Hamilton Cove because the trails are out in the open with spectacular ocean views. We completed our hike by going down to a gravel beach where one of the streams went over a natural waterfall before joining the sea.

Wind and waves dance along the rugged Hamilton Cove coastline on Easter Sunday.

Weathered and lichen-covered, a gravestone stands quietly beneath the spring sky.

A Hidden Cemetery Discovery

About 10-15 years ago, I spent many evenings visiting and having dinner my old friend, Sheldon Stanley. One night, while pondering his destiny, Sheldon mentioned he had an old cemetery on his property. Sheldon said “I’m going to have my ashes here but not in that old cemetery” “What cemetery?” “It’s right over there, about 150 yards, it’s in the trees, you can’t see it.” “Who is buried there?” “I don’t know, a bunch of goddam dead Irishman.” I never looked until Cemetery Sunday.

This basically unknown cemetery, in the trees, was where Sheldon pointed over his left shoulder. About 20-25 gravestones, some with old Veteran flags. There were 5-6 family groups, nicely spread out on last year’s mowing in a wooded enclave. I was thrilled at our discovery! I went reading from one stone to another, in no particular pattern. A wonderful find!

Revisiting Mill Creek Cemetery

Going back to North Lubec, we stopped at the Mill Creek cemetery, gravestones facing East on a hilly gravel bank. I had visited this cemetery last Easter and wanted to explore more and share. It is perhaps an acre with about 50+ old gravestones in fairly good condition.

Easter Dinner: A Perfect Ending

We prepared something different for Easter dinner. Braised Lamb Shanks in a Le Creuset. Lamb shanks, leeks, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, red wine. 3-4 hours simmering. While the shanks cooked, Teri and Rusty came by for drinks. Manhattans all around. The dinner being done, we went on to Prosecco and got stuck there. Noodles, salad, Easter bread. An about perfect dinner for two. Strawberry shortcake awaited but Prosecco prevailed. A delightful dinner to be rivaled.

A feast for Easter: tender lamb shank, noodles, fresh salad, and a sweet chocolate bunny.

Easter dinner is set — simple, cozy, and filled with love.