Standing Apart

Dear Diary,

I went for a drive to check out an old cemetery, a great place to wander since the chance of running into another living soul is extremely remote.  This is really two cemeteries, each ringed by beautiful cut granite.  The one in the front is a family plot.  Many members of the Nevers clan are buried there.  For some reason, they didn't want to be part of the other cemetery.  There are 100's, probably 1,000's, of family cemeteries in Maine.  My little town has at least 70 of them.  I fact, anyone can still bury a family member on their own property.  No need for a casket or a vault.  Just wrap them in a shroud and pop them in the ground.  The plot cannot be large than 1/4 of an acre and must be defined by a fence or markers of some sort and registered on your deed's plot plan.  It might seem a throwback to another time but all states allow it in some form.  I've added an extra photo of the larger cemetery showing the stones of the two wives of John W. Thomes.  What I found fascinating was the women were identified primarily by their maiden names.  Most unusual.  Do you know the difference between a graveyard and a cemetery?   The thrilling answer tomorrow!