The original plan was to leave early in the morning for Sandy’s house. Unfortunately, the Friday before this, I vigorously flossed a crown off. I was able to get an appointment at Smithfield Family Dentistry at noon to re-cement the tooth. The cementing only took 45 minutes and I was on my way to Sandy’s house. On a side note, if you are in Virginia and in need of a dentist, I highly recommend Smithfield Family Dentistry.

Sandy lives in a beautiful very large 55+ community. It takes about 10 minutes from the entrance gate to get to her house. As I was driving, I saw a golf course, trails, gazebos, playgrounds, etc.

Sandy’s house must be on a newer road because my car GPS did not recognize the street. I ended up programing the street in front of Sandy’s house.

I had an extra special treat because not only was Sandy, Ralph and Lexi home. Rachel was home too.

Sandy spent part of the time reviewing our family genealogy. It turns out, Grandma’s family can be traced all the way back to the revolution. Which means any of the women in the family with blood relations to Grandma could be a member of Daughters of the Revolution. Sandy has already become a member. By Sandy becoming a member, she has paved the way, so the rest of us do not have to prove our lineage. I am hoping that Sandy will assist me with writing a blog tracing back Grandmas lineage to the revolution.

We talked to Dad for at least an hour to learn more about what it was like growing up in Farmers Valley. A few things we learned

• Great Grandpa Gilbert moved from Kansas City to Wisconsin to work on the railroad.
• Great Grandpa Gilbert’s legs were cut off while working for the railroad trying to recover a tool that was on the tracks.
• Great Grandpa Gilbert’s legs were in a closet on the second floor of the house when Dad moved in which used to spook Dad.
• The house had a wood furnace for heating. The second floor had holes in it for the heat to rise to the upper floor. The 2nd floor of the house was not that warm.
• Growing up Dad and Uncle Dick used kerosene lanterns to light the house until their teens.
• Uncle Dick moved to Margaret’s house to go to school and for a paper route opportunity
• Dad was about 15 when electricity was added to my Grandparents house.
• Grandpa Morgan picked up Dad to go to the single room school.
• Dad did not move into his grandparents house until Great Grandma passed away.
• Grandma had a large apple tree grove
• Dad and Uncle Dick walked about 1 1/2 miles each way to school. The little bridge crossing the creek to the school had minnows. Dad and Uncle Dick would stop watch and name the minnows.

Dad and I agreed to go on a road trip (looking for bears) in September to take pictures for Sandy.

Sandy had fraternal twins – Rachel and Lexi. Rachel is a practicing Lawyer who was focusing on estate law. Sandy and Ralph have both retired.

I had an absolutely lovely day at the Davis house and feel fortunate to have gotten the opportunity to get to know my cousin better. Thank you Sandy, Ralph, Rachel and Lexi for being wonderful hosts.