I write today from a small family camp in “the middle of nowhere.” This is a family reunion on my hubby’s side of the family. We all meet every two years. The numbers are dwindling as the older generation is slipping away from us and the younger generations are tied up with work and families. This is common in every family I think. We have a multi-day reunion and usually hubby and I have attended for a day or two, but this year we are co-hosting with a cousin and wife. Interesting experience.
I enjoy the family immensely, but I really REALLY hate the heat and humidity. I am spoiled, having been accustomed to air conditioning since I was a child when the doctor recommended it for my asthma. I don’t do humidity. Now that I’m middle-aged, I have hot flashes (yes, cousin, TMI). Makes for an interesting time. We are having almost record-setting high temps, so I’m sure I shall be a source of aggravation or entertainment for the family before these days together are done.
Yesterday we arrived, gathered around the campfire last night and sang songs, laughed at sagging marshmallows, shared good time. We were joined by a couple from Berlin, Germany who are traveling the USA in a rented RV. Neat couple, we asked them to join us for dinner and campfire time. I do wonder what they thought of us crazy Americans celebrating our nation’s Independence Day. They joined us as family members read The Declaration of Independence; they tried out campfire s’mores, they laughed with us in our silliness. Laughter is universal.
Too bad the world can’t laugh together. Too bad the world can’t take a lesson from our Declaration of Independence. Too bad the world can’t take a lesson from the traditional family unit: laugh, cry, shout, fight, make up, and work through it. Sadly, I think families are failing miserably in this modern era at working things out and consequently our governments are not improving with age, but rather heading downhill.
I wished you all, dear readers, a Happy 5th of July when I started this entry – not knowing when I will get this posted since there is no connection here in the family dining hall (I can get a connection in my room on the 3rd floor of the dorm – stifling with no A/C) – so, I am in a corner of the main hall listening to gospel songs on the sound system as the more senior generation sings along, and, switching to Hank Williams, they take the floor and dance. All of a sudden the heat is not so oppressive and a cooler breeze comes through the window behind me. Hubby and cousin are in the kitchen starting lunch and again there is laughter. Wish the world could laugh more – so, you miss a step or a note now and then, laugh and move on.
July 7th. It is EVEN HOTTER. Temps hovering near 100 degrees today; heat warnings. Camp is HOT. We are staying in the shade and hydrating. Hoping others in this heat wave are hydrated and safe. Family fun scheduled for tonight.