We don't get tons of tourists wanting to leaf peep here like in the North East. Too bad because we do have some beautiful colors this year. I'm sure we probably only have a few weeks left of great color but I'm going to share a few peeks so you don't have to make the trip here!
Erma Bombeck had a book called, "Family, The Ties That Bind and Gag". She was a super funny lady and yes, many families or perhaps all families, have the ties that bind and gag! Social media has the power to shape, mold, clean up, AI photo shop, and make you think some people have perfect lives and families. I'm not going to say our group is perfect, but they sure come close! We had a family reunion this past weekend that Jack and I hosted here in Ashland. Friday evening started the reunion here at the Pines and Saturday was at a venue called The Fireman's Cabin that's in a county park just minutes from us. We had a wonderful time with all who were able to attend. I know this time of year is not the usual reunion time but it's my favorite time of year and this past summer would not have worked for us. However, we had family that came from all over the country. We had Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Oregon represented. The weather was my biggest concern all this time since we last gathered at my sister's last summer. But God was good and great as we had perfect weather on Friday and Saturday. Well, until Saturday night anyway! The rains did come but the cabin kept us dry and the rain held up long enough for family to enjoy the firepit at the cabin until it was time to head out. There were tons of food and lots of fun. We also celebrated my brother Jim's 70th birthday that fell on Saturday. We made it a surprise for him as we had a cake, gifts, and happy birthday singing! He was very appreciative. Hearing the talking and mostly all the laughter sure warmed my heart. If you have kids, you probably remember hearing those first real laughs and giggles from them when they were little. Well, hearing the laughter from them as grownups as they tell all the stories of their youth, throwing in their quick wit, and just having the time to be together to do that was the best this momma could ask for. Sunday my nieces took their families to Cedar Point, my nephew stayed here in Ashland with his family to go to a pumpkin farm and enjoy the fun things there and get some pumpkins to take back to Chicago. Midge and I spent the day together doing some stuff we enjoy like going through a Victorian house that had an open house, getting cheese and things from the famous Grandpa's Cheese Barn, and just chilling out. Jack and I spent the last year preparing for this, going over plans, meeting with Midge who gave super help with food and prep ideas and decorations. We couldn't have done it without her! Our kids here and our son's family that came from Oregon were life savers with setting up tables, food prep, decorating the outside with us, and the final clean up part that isn't the fun part! I miss all those that came from far and wide as some left Sunday, others left today. I can't believe after all the planning, preparing, worrying, stressing at times, and finally enjoying the gathering, that's it's now over. Sad face here! Love all my wonderful family. However, as we were celebrating here, my brother Phil wasn't able to come. Phil lives in Florida. My sister-n-law, Cilla became very ill and was hospitalized and he stayed by her side while she struggled with heart issues. Unfortunately, Cilla passed away on Saturday afternoon. Phil waited until Sunday to tell us because he said he didn't want to put sadness on the reunion. During his grief he thought of us. What a selfless, loving thing to do but how we would have wanted to comfort him and do what we could from so far away. Yes, my family isn't perfect, but I feel so blessed to have been born into this one. Many people don't have this kind of family that will always be there for you and love and care from all over the many miles that separate us. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped make this weekend come together in a perfect way that needed no AI to make it look better than it was! Love and prayers to my brother Phil and Cilla's family. Cilla will be so missed but we know she is no longer suffering and is in heaven looking down on us with her beautiful smile. The next reunion will be in Georgia with my brother Jim and sister-in-law Lori doing the hosting. That is, as they say, God willing and the creek don't rise. Until then, here's pics from this year.
I need to make a quick post welcoming my favorite month! I've been super busy getting the Pines ready for the family reunion happening here next weekend. Cleaning, organizing, decorating, and food prep for about 50 family members has me swamped. But it will get done and I will finally have something to post about. I've prayed until I'm sure God is sick of me, for good weather. I just want those coming from across the country to enjoy an Ohio fall. It's looking really good for now and our trees are starting to change into their fall wardrobe. I know many aren't crazy about the fact that after this beauty season, cold and winter will arrive. But for now, I'm happy! So, wish us luck that all goes off well and everyone has a good time!
