This is a follow up to my post yesterday about our travels to my family reunion. My sister responded that there were so many fond memories of those times. I decided to write a follow-up sharing some of those memories for us all.
*****
“So many fond memories of our family get-togethers”
The spacious snow-covered house on high street in Akron
A great place for twenty-one relatives to meet for a day
Our children were small, impressionable, and fun
B J the cat was old and stayed out of the way and on the run
*
Some came bringing homemade fudge others brought games
Talking and laughter floated from all corners of the house
Game competition was fierce, followed by that hearty laugh of Jay’s
The next round was much the same as nuts and fudge went down
while most of the adults laughed and talked as they sat around
*
Around the fireplace burning warm and bright Don pealed oranges
hanging long strips on the hot screen to shrivel and dry
Dried peels tossed into the fire created a fireworks of sparks
for moments of joy as we watched them fly and die
*
Don and Priscilla were gracious hosts welcoming us warmly
taking our coats…reminding us to leave shoes at the door
Dirty shoes had no place on the new white carpet
Twenty-one people on fresh carpet was quite an assault
*
A turkey roasted with spices and sage created smells from
the oven enveloping our nostrils, creating delicious anticipation
Five pounds of potatoes were pealed and boiled in two big pots
When the golden-brown bird came out of the oven steaming hot
gravy was made from all those good juices we were lovin’
A pot full of peas enough for us all and cranberry sauce
and apple sauce to meet everyone’s’ wishes
To top it all off Turkey Hill ice cream became our desert
*
Gifts were exchanged from names we had drawn
Faces beamed and children exclaimed with each present opened
Spirited conversations continued through the afternoon
Diverse views expressed were often vigorously challenged
All went home at the end of the day with minds unchanged
*
These were memorable experiences full of fun love and happiness
Now the children are grown with families of their own
We siblings are growing old, but these memories we will hold
and look back on them with great fondness
***
Family Photo
how beautiful – words and family gathering
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Thank you, Beth. The longer it goes, the more we value those times together.
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Such vivid, happy memories of family!
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This was back in the eighties and nineties. It was usually the only time we saw each other in a year.
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I was guessing ’80s for the photo.
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yes most likely!
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“All went home at the end of the day with minds unchanged” – I laughed at that! Glad it didn’t interfere with the love and happiness of just being with family. 🙂
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No, it didn’t, and we are still that way!
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It’s nice to reminisce about those times isn’t it.
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Yes, it really is…. how time has flown by!
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Excellent. They will love that
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Thank you, Derrick. Those were great times. Now the kids are all grown and have children of their own who are that age.
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Thank you Dwight, for sharing those beautiful memories!
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You are welcome, Cheryl. They were great times!
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Great family gathering. We hope to do that this year …. Weather & health permitting a trip to CA
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Wonderful. Be safe!
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A beautiful picture of a family gathering.
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Thank you so much!
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Love your family photo and words to preserve for the ages with memories to mark the love and hearts that shared in this special time Dwight~!❣️
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Thank you Cindy. And yes, they are times worth remembering!
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💕❤️💕
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