Sunday, August 5, brought over 60 members of the William Gaither Parsons and Julia Ann Blackburn Parsons family together once again at Blue Ridge Baptist Church on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
We were all pleased with the improved structure that had been just a picnic shelter and can now be referred to as fellowship hall and classroom building. The church's building fund campaign was an apparent success. I hope last year's plea for contributions did not not fall on deaf ears.
There were no particular noteworthy items brought up to the entire family. My daughter, Julia, had just turned 13 the day before and the reunion was also attended by my sister-in-law, Jade Larkin. Phil mentioned his thoughts of "how many of my kin people have I passed on the way up here" as he arrived. We were his last victims on the Parkway.
Those that attended my father's birthday celebration the weekend before were able to compliment Kenneth on his excellent barbequed chicken. For those with a sweet tooth honey was available as usual to take home and savor. Several recipes were exchanged that I have a feeling will show up at other reunions later this year. Every year is a tribute to the fabulous cooks this family has and the hardy appetites for which that food is meant.
I think the children enjoyed the time away from the table more than we adults enjoyed the eating. Oh, what the heck, I kind of enjoyed that "bomb-like" football myself.
We all missed Madge this year. Her whistle has been replaced by George's but her smile and kind word for all will always be missed.
Enjoy these pictures and compare them to last year. Did you change?
|
