95th Birthday Bash, Family Reunion and More

As you may have noticed, sometimes when I don't blog for several days, it's because of big events going on. We had a long, filled-to-the-brim Memorial Day weekend with many highlights. The first big reason for our trip to Atlanta was to join in the on-going celebration of Daddy's 95th birthday (on-going for almost two weeks now). Judy and I stayed at Buddy's and were made to feel right at home. Over the weekend we had fabulous meals at The Varsity, The Colonnade, and Chic Fil-a (multiple times)! At The Colonnade we were delighted to run into Brian and Donna and Brian's parents, also out on the town.

This picture is actually from Daddy's last Air Force reunion, but I thought it was appropriate for this post because of Memorial Day.

All those years of working, defending democracy, cutting grass, and running races can tire a fellow out. How about a well-deserved rest in this recliner!

Speaking of those races, here are Daddy's registration numbers from his umpteen races over the years.

And here, even more impressive, are his ribbons and trophies. He had loved running track in his younger days, but even though he didn't return to racing competitively until around age 60, he won awards in virtually every race he ever ran. And though sometimes the number of entrants in his age group was small, he routinely ran with better times than runners 20 or 30 years younger than himself.

Sunday morning, Caryn and Steve, Brantley and Lindsey drove up from LaGrange, bringing with them Daddy's last birthday surprise (we think)-- a glide rocking chair. This gift was from all of us, and we think Daddy will enjoy many Braves games in it. Sorry, no picture-- I'll get one next time. We all tried it out and it could have gotten quite competitive except for the fact we had somewhere to go-- The Black Family Reunion!

The reunion, the first on Mama's side of the family I had been able to attend in 10 years (and more than 20 for Judy), was coordinated my Aunt Clara, in blue.

Her sister Sally hosted the grand event at her lakeside home. Her cool University of Georgia shirt is in honor of Catherine, the latest family high school grad. Catherine's intended major is cool, too, and got my attention-- Music Therapy. I can't wait to hear more about how that goes. And she has already auditioned and earned a hard-to-get spot in the UGA Marching Redcoat Band.

Sally's husband John was an amiable host, greeting us as we arrived and assisting with parking. He put up with us all very well.

Clara and helpers had come up with a most unique way for everyone to identify each other--most of the Blacks outside Clara's branch had not met most of Sally's family, who made up about half our total number. This genealogy chart explained all the family relations and assigned numbers which matched our name tags. I highly recommend this method if you ever find yourself hosting a similar event where a lot of folks are meeting for the first time.

Under a threatening sky, Brantley and Lindsey ventured out for a paddleboat ride. Ah, that brings back memories. What a beautiful setting for this gathering.

Before mealtime, all 49 of us were assembled for a group picture. Our family has lost several cherished and beloved members in the last decade, but the vigor and vibrancy of the many young folks in our number were uplifting and encouraging. Life does go on.

An outdoor picnic would have been fine, but as the rain began to fall, only these geese were comfortable staying outside.

That was no problem at all, as John and Sally's spacious home afforded many cozy nooks or open spaces for clusters of us to settle in for our meal. The photo below is just a hint of the food and desserts that were spread around the kitchen and dining room area. Much damage had already been done before I snuck back for this picture (a rare time with no one "grazing").

The Loyds and Coles found the carport area breezy and to our liking. I won't even attempt to begin listing the culinary delights of this day!

As the rain continued to fall, the geese grew a little bolder, coming right to the carport entrance, but no further. They almost seemed to be asking Judy and Daddy, "Can we be honorary family members just for a little bit? We're hungry!"

The reunion was a wonderful time, and many of us are committing to staying in touch a little better through e-mail, letters, blogs, and other means (too numerous to list, probably).

Judy and I would leave Atlanta Monday morning after Chic Fil-a breakfast with Daddy and Caryn, but our Memorial Day mini-vacation was not over. Next post: "Duck Road to Greenville." Don't miss it!