A Great Day at Reilly Cemetery

I had a great day, I really did. The weather was lovely; warm with just enough breeze to keep me from melting, and not a bug to be seen.

 I did see an unusual turtle way up there on the hill, I assume she was looking for a place to nest. She was a lot like a snapper but with a much smoother shell and far less algae 'hair'.

 I recorded 22  5mx5m squares and matched one monument with its base. I now know the final resting place of Alexander Usher and his wife Elizabeth Courtney -- it felt great to give someone back their name.

 I cleaned up and out early as I was invited to coffee at the landowner's house. It was a chance to wash up (I may never take running water for granted again) and as soon as I sat down was presented with this... Your eyes are fine, do not adjust your set,  that is indeed the original land GRANT for the property of which Reilly Cemetery is part. I was glad my hands were clean! It's a pleasure and a privilege to be permitted to handle primary documentary material such as this and there was a small stack of 'em...Thank you so much DG.

Just a note to anyone who may be so fortunate as to have in their possession such a treasure...keep it out of bright light, in a dry location and for the love of whatever deity you prefer, don't photocopy it as the ink is light sensitive and will fade badly. If it has spent the last hundred years folded leave it folded because to flatten it out like you would for framing it might make it break at the crease. This one has had some moisture exposure a long time ago and has some foxing (rust coloured marks) but the ink is still quite easy to read and it's in pretty good shape over all.

So yes, I had a totally satisfying day today. Love doing this stuff.