Family and Friends

I typed a longer version of this last night, but Blogger was doing maintenance and it wouldn't post. Today I tried to post from the draft and it only printed 1 sentence. Since I'm still in the learning mode, it was best for me to start over, so here it is.

We have had a wonderful time visiting with Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Friends over the weekend.

We stayed with Uncle Bob and Aunt Betty from Wed. to Mon. enjoying her hospitality and fine cooking. Friday night their son Chuck, with children Molly, Ian and Conner and son Matt came for a visit and a delicious dinner of lasagna.

Saturday we traveled down to East Freetown, my home town, and took pictures of my old home and headstones at the cemetery. We then went to my cousin Cheryl's home in Lakeville for a sumptuous feast. Her parents, Bob and Ethel (cousins on my Mother's side) were already there and we met Bruce, her husband. She had prepared a clam boil complete with clams, sausages, corn on the cob (prepared on the grill), cornbread stuffing, boiled onions, Boston baked brown bread, winter squash, baked white and sweet potatoes. When we were finally able to push away from the table, Bruce took us for a ride in the boat around Long Pond. Cheryl was a great guide pointing out various homes and spots I remembered from childhood. The leaves were gorgeous and the weather perfect for a leisurely cruise. The rest of the afternoon we spent catching up on family events. It was a most delightful day.

Sunday we had another sumptuous feast at Aunt Betty and Uncle Bob's. She had invited as many family members as were available and they brought dishes to add to the meal. Their daughter Thais and husband Chris, Aunt Ruth (Dad's sister) and her husband Uncle Bob, daughter Lynn, and cousins Lou and Jim. Another wonderful afternoon of reminiscing.

Monday morning we departed for Taunton and Mayflower Hill Cemetery for a visit to my grandparents grave sites. I had not been there before and it was a very special time for me.

Monday afternoon we drove to East Freetown again for a visit with childhood friends, Betty, Bernice, Irene, Marilyn and Jane. Betty, Marilyn and Jane's parents were best friends with my parents and we shared a lot of fun times together. Gene finally had to pry me out of there - he knew we'd talk until sundown if he didn't - and we headed for Cape Cod.

For the past two nights we've been at Truro Campground. Yesterday we walked down to the beach (about a mile) and then along the beach listening to the surf. We even caught sight of two seals. The weather was in the 60's and the sun shining off the blue waters of the Atlantic made it a perfect day. The fresh air was invigorating and the exercise was needed to work of the fabulous food we eaten.

Today we will head southwestward towards Hershey, PA. We'll take a couple days to get there as we like to "stop and smell the roses".

Until the next time, God's blessings to all of you.