This morning I was awake early so I went for a walk while no one was around. While we are social distancing it can be difficult to find a quiet spot so an early rise is the best solution. Living close to where my grandparents, great grandparents and great great grandparents lived I am aware that there will be many occasions where I have stood where they stood. The village of Newmains has changed immensely but away from the streets and buildings maybe I can get an idea of what they would have seen.

The pond with the church in the distance might be a view they would recognise. I like to imagine the families taking a walk together on a rare day off. Maybe the children liked to visit the ducks and swans.

There is one place that I know they will have visited and it’s where I can visit them now. My route today took me through Cambusnethan Cemetery. Ancestors on both sides of the family going back generations are buried here.

I wanted to quickly visit the grave of my grandfather, Hugh Brawley whose birthday was yesterday. When things are better I’ll bring some fresh flowers. Sadly there are no headstones on the graves of my maternal great and great, great grandparents. I know where they are but it would be nice if they were marked.

From the cemetery I headed back home where I’ll stay for the rest of the day. There are a few genealogy projects I would like to tackle while I have this time. Yesterday I tried Twiggli to make a printable tree. Click on the link if you’d like to give it a try. Stay safe everyone!