I can’t think of a better way to kick off the first day of summer than with an old fashioned family reunion. It’s a time to visit our kin folk, laugh, play and of course, eat. And as you can see from the black and white photo below, family reunions have been a long held tradition.
Here’s what Grandmother Ginny had to say about this snapshot:
This picture was taken in Virginia. Uncle Cammett Hale, my grandmother’s (Mama Taylor) brother, had a place on Iron Mountain at Comers Rock. Even though the property was on federal grounds, the National Forest Association allowed him to have land on top of the mountain. He said he used to just love to go up there in the evening and watch the deer come out and play. He built a cabin and a shelter for picnics and every summer I would drive Mama Taylor there for the Hale family reunion.
The official kick off of the reunion was a fabulous pot luck meal graciously hosted by Terri and Richard on Friday night. It was a virtual smorgasbord. While a honey baked ham took center stage, each family dusted off their favorite recipes and brought cheesy, creamy casseroles, cool, crisp summer salads and mouth-watering desserts for all to enjoy. Everything was delicious and a wonderful time was had by all.
Happy smiles all around.
Saturday was another beautiful day and everyone took full advantage of their free time. At the pool, there was a lot of splashing, kids squealing, water fights and overall frivolity. Those that didn’t hit the pool played golf or just sat back, relaxed and enjoyed a quiet, leisurely afternoon.
Hanging out at the pool soaking up some fun in the sun.
Saturday evening we all gathered at Jennifer and Randall’s cabin for yet another feast. Randall grilled meaty and delicious Angus hamburgers and juicy hot dogs with all the fixings and everyone brought a dish to compliment the picnic inspired meal. We all spread out around the cabin, talked and laughed and ate until we just couldn’t wiggle.
To my ultimate surprise, Grandmother Ginny brought an amazing cake to celebrate my birthday. You could have knocked me over with a feather. What a surprise! The cake was beautifully decorated with an intricate basket weave design topped with hand piped pink roses, yellow daffodils, daisies, blue hydrangeas and curlicue leaves. With just a hint of almond, the cake was incredibly moist, delicious and big enough to serve 60 people.
Later that evening the “party” moved to Jennifer and Randall’s cabin and as a rousing game of corn hole was under way the Security Patrol arrived to issue a noise complaint from a neighboring cabin. It’s really not a party until the police arrive, is it?
On Friday evening as Terri blessed our gathering, she reminded us of the importance of family and how fortunate we were to all be together. We were there to celebrate family and the legacy created by three amazing Taylor women, Virginia, Mary Etta and Patsy. Often touted as the greatest generation, these remarkable sisters from Carter County, Tennessee weathered the Depression, World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam and two Gulf Wars. With quiet determination and a fortitude of inner strength they patiently endured the chaos of world events that were thrust upon them while providing for and raising their families. Surrounded in their youth by strong, independent spirits, their characters were forged to have a tireless work ethic, an unyielding faith, boundless love and a devotion to family. Gazing around the crowded room surrounded by mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, grand children and great-grand children I was truly overwhelmed. What a beautiful legacy they have created for each of us to cherish for generations to come.
