Yesterday, we sat on the patio under the old walnut tree--twelve of us--for the last get-together of summer. Linda, Mike, Shiloh, and Coleman had driven two hours for the belated BBQ for Becka. Tony's mom and brother also stopped by, as well as cousin Jamie and her friend.
Before our guests arrived, Jim had taken the six foot folding table out of the garage and placed it next to the patio. Draped in a crisp white tablecloth for the luncheon, the table was eventually spread with a variety of our favorite foods: baked Alaskan King Salmon (the one Jim caught on his early summer vacation in Alaska); beef tenderloin steak, grilled to perfection by Mike; several salads and of course, my famous baked beans.
As I sat in the wrought-iron swing beside my granddaughter, Shiloh, I watched the others as they talked about their lives and world events, ate and drank..enjoying being together for a brief time... there in the shade of that ancient tree. Our lives have taken many unexpected turns in the last two years, so a visit like this is precious and "far between."
The "home place" is quiet this morning; the backyard is empty. The table, which yesterday had been draped in white cloth, has been put away for winter and only a squirrel or two can be seen playing in the tree. There remains only the ghosts of laughter and wine glasses chiming a toast. It's sad to see summer go so soon, but we are anticipating another beautiful summer to come, with all the delights and surprises it will bring to our lives.
Copyright 2008 By-Barbara J. Davis
15 comments:
Sounds great! Wish I could have been there!!!
WF- Dear friend, I wish that, too.
What a beautiful day, I can just picture it beneath a big, ancient tree. I like the visual of ghosts of laughter and wine glasses. Ah, memories. It's times like these that make home and family so very special, isn't it?
Barbara, I had another thought. Days like this are beautiful inspirations to writing, keeping the feelings alive with words.
Joanne- I was thinking about past memories as I wrote this and how important it is to keep them alive with ours words.
Joanne- Just thinking... writing is painting a picture with words instead of paints. The page is our canvas.
We had great fun--loved the time together--as always. Those steaks were so tender--just like you said. We hated to leave, but we'll see you in two weeks for the shower, and we'll take a walk through the English Garden at Manito park on Sunday morning--maybe get breakfast, too.
Love,
Linda
Linda- I can hardly wait for the two weeks to pass!! I want to take lots of pics of the English garden....and breakfast "out" sounds like fun.
We had such a wonderful time with all of you, yesterday.
Love, Mom
Love your attitude of gratitude. There are fewer and fewer of us who take time to slow down and "do nothing" and enjoy one another anymore.
Those kinds of gatherings are great! My brother always says that we must gather as often as possible since we don't know what changes are "down the road" for any of us. So true, and makes me treasure each gathering of friends and family!
Angie- It's so important to slow down and live in the moment.
Pat- Your brother is right. We never know what's going to happen next. It's important to learn to live in the "here and now." I realize that more as I get older.
I am testing out my new comment format as per your instructions.
Pat- It worked!!
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