Adam's Mill

Last week, Mom and I decided to take a road trip out to Adam's Mill to reminisce about Dad a little. It was a beautiful day. We talked about how happy Dad would be to know that we were out spending time together. Actually, I think about that every day. I think Dad would be amazed at the relationship Mom and I have built over the last ten years since he's been gone.
Adam's Mill is such a peaceful place. It is in the township of Bolivar, which is just west of Burlington and east of Cutler. I remember going there with my parents when I was a child. We used to fish and wade and walk on the trails. This is the old mill. It has been remodeled over the years. It was originally a flour mill. Now it is a small museum. one of these days, maybe I'll actually go through the museum. I haven't done that since it's been open.
This is just a random shot of the guard rails made from old wagon wheels. Thay run along the side of the Wildcat Creek by the mill.
I also met a new friend while we were there. Mom was scared when she saw this big dog running loose, but he had a big smile, and I could tell he would be fine to approach. So, when I did, I talked to him real sweet (you know.....the doggie voice) and he sat down and raised his paw to shake my hand. That was our official introduction. I decided to call him Barkley. He hung out with us for a little while and then ran off to splash around in the creek.
If you're ever heading out west of Burlington, and you see this sign........turn. You won't regret it. It takes you past the mill and just down the road through the old village of Bolivar and then down to the old covered bridge. Just that short road alone is a beautiful drive.

This is Mom's model picture. I told her she looked like a model with the wind blowing in her hair and her new sunglasses on. That made her smile.
Mom and I took a little walk down by the bridge. We practiced skipping some rocks. Man, no matter how old I get, I'll never be able to skip a rock like my dad could. We had a lot of fun playing around by the water.

After a couple hours of walking, we decided it was time to head home. It was so nice to spend that time with my mom. I always appreciate our time together, but when we are able to really talk and remember the good things from the past, I appreciate it even more. Sometimes even something that simple is difficult to accomplish with my mom.
Adam's Mill has become a very special place for me not only because that's where we scattered Dad's ashes, but also because of all the quality time it has brought my mom and I over the years. I don't mean just the time since Dad has been gone, I mean all my life.

After Dad died, I was looking through my baby book one night and came across a picture on the page labeled "Baby's first outdoor trip," and guess where it was taken...........Adam's Mill.

I knew then that Adam's Mill would always be a special place for me. It always was, and I didn't even know it.