For a number of years, since 1966 to be exact, my Mom's family has been getting together at Mountain View Lodge on Lake Brownwood. The only time this has not happened is after a subsequent owner of the Lodge got cross ways with Uncle Big Scottie, and for a couple of years the reunion was moved to Lake Buchannan. I guess you could say we were banned from Mountain View.

Initially the property was not developed. I think the original owners had some very admirable, yet idealistic plan on how much development they wanted. There was a thirteen unit motel with kitchenettes, a small store, gas (both on and off the water) , a few RV rentals spots and boat docks for rent. Any land sold for development was minimal.

Then "Whitey" as we called him, came on board. He began breaking up the acreage into lots, and laid out a large area of RV hookups. Where you could go there in the past, and know the traffic would be minimal, that all changed.

I guess we became spoiled to the secure sense of community that we enjoyed. Initially, only four units were needed. Over the years, as the family has grown, it became necessary to rent the entire facility plus some RV spots, plus some family members have their own access to lake property (through their families).

That reunion is only three weeks or so away. Rooms are very coveted.

Memama has always written a letter, sent to every family, making them aware of the dates, and the meals and activities planned.

This year, with Memama's injury, she has not put out the letter, so Thursday I volunteered to do it for her. Now I just have to get her to tell me what she wants written.

I think I am becoming drunk with power! I am in control. I bet I can get a room if I put a bogus date on some of the newsletters!

I suppose this is just another stage in the shift of responsibilities. Use to on Friday we would cook hamburgers, Breakfast was with your "sub" family within the family. Lunch was usually sandwiches. Saturday night was steaks we cooked, with everyone preparing their own baked potatoes, and pitching in to do salad and other sides. Sunday was a combination of all the left overs. Of course Memama coordinated all the meals.

Eventually, we began preparing briskets for Saturday night's meals, and Friday's burgers have gone by the wayside, because family arrives all night! In recent years, Coach subbed the Saturday night meal and the Sunday lunch meal to a caterer. Usually Humphrey Pete's.

One thing that has not changed is homemade ice cream after Sunday lunch.

That is a staple.

Out of the original group, we are short five, if my mind is working correctly. The additions to the group would require a calculator. The five missing would be Mema, Gan Gan, Aunt Jo, Fred and Terri. I suppose the scary thing is, that the entire population has aged. Memama and Pepa would be the oldest regular attendees, but would surrender that title if Uncle Bill attended. The other original couples would include Uncle Jesse and Robbie, Betsy and Stan, and Wade and Judy. I suppose the bracket would be from Pepa at 80 to Wade at 65.

Then we jump to cousins, Ron would be the oldest, and I guess I would fall in line next. There are some gaps that other family members would fill, but they don't attend regularly. There has also been some attrition due to divorce, and there are one or two who just aren't invited.

Uncle Jesse is not doing well. He and Robbie had moved to an assisted living facility, and while he is not doing any better, he was not doing any worse, yet there was no way Robbie could physically handle his care at home. This past week, they had eaten breakfast, and a little later, he aspirated, requiring a trip to the ER.

Those of you familiar with Uncle Jesse's situation know that he struggles to breathe, and this latest problem has only contributed to his problem.

I feel good today, surprisingly! Usually after my physical work I am sore to move. But I need the exercise!

I am also in a much better frame of mind about our customers who had been behind or lax in their pay. They seem to be doing better. Of course one or two good ones can help the way things look there.

For those of you who might want it, the three grandsons are at summer camp this coming week. Their address is; Reid, Holt and Drew
c/o Pine Springs Summer Camp
132 Spring Canyon Road
Sacramento, Nm 88347

I have already sent them my first letter and they actually won't leave until in the morning.

Hope you had a day and are having a weekend!

FATHER, thank YOU for all the blessings YOU pour down on us. We are not worthy. FATHER, thank YOU for the gift of rain. FATHER I lift up Uncle Jesse for your gifts of healing and care.