Sharing Jan's Irish spirit in Port Washington

May 21, 2017

With Jan and her Irish soul in Port Washington

Listening to Singin in the Rain while sipping chicken chile soup and coffee. A fisherman's breakfast.

We arrived yesterday afternoon in pouring rain. True Port Washington weather. I ordered a grilled cheese sandwich on sourdough. Shared it with Charlie. Got to sleep early and out walking in the fog by 7 am. Now almost 10 and sun is warming us. Charlie no longer needs his coat!

Heading up the hill to St Mary's cemetery to get a feeling for the place where my great-great grandparents Quinn/Gwynn (changed their names midlife because there were too many Quinns) are buried. Little did they know that name change would take me to Wales looking for my heritage instead of Ireland. The detective in me found census records that confirmed the name change latter 1800s. Joseph Quinn was born in Ireland 1835. He is buried as Joseph Gwynn in Old St Mary's cemetery here in Port Washington, WI. His grandson, John Peter Gwynn, was my mother's father. She was born in Tomahawk, WI. So I am relishing the spirit of the old family this morning.

Jan is hanging around because she loves ports and marinas and lighthouses. She brought the sun and breeze, I am sure. It will be hard to leave here, but I am expected in Madison by friends this afternoon.

Written Later- 

I found the cemetery by hanging around St Mary's church after mass. An older woman who I learned was Chinese and Philippino, named Fema led me to the cemetery and walked with me until I found the headstone shared by Joe and Eliza "Gwynn." I didn't see any other Quinn's in the cemetery. Fema had never been there but prays for eternal rest for those buried there every time she walks past. She took a photo of me next to the headstone and thanked me for letting her come and learn about Ancestry.com, which I explained had directed me to that cemetery. Benefit both ways of our time together.

Charlie is enjoying staying in Madison with friends Kathleen and Bruce. He likes men... Charlie, not Bruce. The last time I was here, Jan and I had such a great time. It feels good to come back to a place where I can remember wonderful conversations the 4 of us had. And feel the love of friends who appreciated Jan.