Paducah, KY and Cairo, IL - 05 August through 14 August 2021
St. Patrick Catholic Church, Cairo, IL - 07 August 2021
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| We finally had a funeral service for my mother, Mary Caughron, who had passed away on 14 July 2020. Due to Covid, we postponed our service in Cairo for over a year. One of Mom's fondest hopes was to have her service "upstairs" at St. Patrick's Catholic Church. With the help of Pastoral Administrator, Mary Helen Wissinger, we were able to have a small, private service in this beautiful but seldom used Church. Simple yet elegant pastel paintings decorate the walls. In addition to Mary Helen's readings, we were offered the services of the Church organist (I'm sorry I do not know her name) and vocalist, Bunny Crayne. Our family was grateful for the selfless generosity of their time and talents. Bunny's a cappella rendition of "Ave Maria" at the cemetery was sublime. Also a heartfelt "Thank You" to all the Thompson first cousins who were in attendence, Kay, Marie, Tricia, Jerome and Chris. The Parish was established in 1834. This church was built in 1894 in the Romanesque style. There are 16 stained glass windows on the north and south walls plus four original paintings of the archangels, Sts. Michael and Gabriel, and Sts. Peter and Paul. They are located behind the altar and hanging crucifix. |
Kay's house Paducah, KY - 08 August 2021
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| Kristen had driven in from Ohio for her Grandmother's funeral and was able to hang around for a few days to visit. Cousin Kay offered her house as a rendezvous location for relatives and friends. |
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| Setting the table for brunch, I think we need more chairs for everyone. |
Lunch in Paducah, Kentucky - 13 August 2021
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| Meeting Cathy and David for lunch, we found this quirky place, Flamingo Row, that had some inventive takes on sandwiches. Lots of metalwork decorations and vibrant colors. Food was good, too. |
Around our Campground at Duck Creek RV Park, Paducah, KY - 14 August 2021
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| Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly and Dakota enjoying the Gazebo that is in the fenced in dog play area. Our RV sandwiched between two buildings. This was the last spot available on our return trip. Leaving Paducah after Mom's funeral, we were saddened to hear that my cousin, Leonard, had passed away. We turned around and drove back to Duck Creek Campground to attend his funeral. |
