Second vacation weekend

More photos for your viewing pleasure. Hope you are all enjoying your Memorial Day weekend.

Saturday, May 16
Mom and I decided attending the opening game of the Miners, minor league team, would be a great way to spend my last evening here. Standing in line for tickets Saturday morning, we bumped into one of my former art teachers, Bob Jackson, and had fun catching up. Of course, when Grounder the mole came around, I had to strike a pose with him, too.

The long lines. Bob and me.

Two hours later, we found out that, except for the posing, it was for naught. Opening day tickets had been sold out during group sales. The only individual tickets left were lawn seats. It was difficult to just pack up and go home after having waiting in line but lawn seats weren’t for us. Something else would come up.

My brother Randy and his gal Kathy came down in the early afternoon to visit with me. He ended up taking a nap on the couch shortly after arrival so Kathy headed up to Gram’s with Mom and me. On the way, my cousin Sarah and her boyfriend Tyler arrived in time to join us. She looked great, ready for her trip to the Bahamas.

While there, Nancy and Starla dropped by, too. They were coming by after having visited Nancy’s mother. It had been a long time since I’d seen Starla (in person). She looked great and was game for picture taking. (BTW this is the Nancy from Dale and Nancy. Thought you’d enjoy knowing in case you didn't.)

Starla (left), me and Nancy.

After everyone left, I stayed at Gram’s until Kathy came back to pick us up as folks began arriving for the fish fry. Besides getting together to see me, we celebrated my cousin Mark’s 40th birthday. I got to cut the cake Pam brought from Larry’s bakery. It seemed like everyone contributed something to the delicious fare.

Dad's garage was the scene for the festivity.

Kathy (left), Randy and Kennedi.

Cousin Daniel and his girlfriend, Jessica. Me and Gram, of course.

Mark's cake and Gram's key lime pie.

Jill and Mark with the birthday bologna and Ding Dongs. Uncle Lindel in charge of the fish.

I told Aunt Judy we were now stroke sisters as she had one a couple years ago while vacationing in Florida. Her recovery was an image in my mind as I laid in the emergency room last August.

After the food was as gone as could be, we went inside to warm up and to have a look at Pam’s photos which we were finally able to view on my computer. It was great having seen everyone again (and I know I didn’t mention everybody) and the food was yum as usual. Nice sunset, Pam.

Me and Auntie Brenda. Jonathon, Dean, Pam and cousin Stacy.

Siblings my dad, Charles, and his sisters, Judy and Brenda.

Pam's sunset picture.

Sunday, May 17
I went to AV church again as it was a homecoming/revival weekend. My cousin and former minister, Gene was invited to preach the sermon. It had been years since I’d seen him and his wife. What a treat. He has such a special place in my memory and gave a lovely sermon that could be applied to everyone's lives.

Bethany and their new baby girl, Lucy.

After the sermon, we had the homecoming potluck lunch. I overate, which was not hard to do. Spoke to a few people I hadn’t seen in a while. Sat beside to Jessica, cousin Daniel's girlfriend. I hadn’t had a chance to talk with her yesterday. She’s going into teaching which seems to suit her.

Bright green tabletops and long lines of hungry homecomers was the sight.

After lunch a lot of people stayed to listen to the visiting family, bluegrass gospel band from Carbondale, the Bankesters. I’d heard none but one of the tunes they played which was refreshing. Usually, with gospel bluegrass, you hear the same style and tunes always. They had a great sound and a lot of talent.

The Bankesters from Carbondale (though their sound was all Nashville).

When we came home, I went to Gram’s to get a grip on what she wanted to do for the Cousin’s Tea on Tuesday so I could help her as best as possible to organize what was needed. We made a plan we would begin implementing tomorrow.