Family Reunion: June 22, 2012

Do you remember family reunions? In the days before Facebook, they were the virtual space for connecting to your extended family. Ours get-togethers were potluck picnics. Eating began at noon sharp - the great uncles became visibly anxious if we dallied more than a minute or two. Big bowls and pans of hot and cold casseroles were placed down the center of the oilcloth-covered tables. Everyone brought Thermoses of coffee which dotted the long table like silos. Here and there, set on the table's edge, were a gallon jugs of lemonade and water. You helped yourself to whatever bowl was closest, and then passed it to the next person. Some latecomers might still be lugging their chairs and baskets from the parking lot, but they just had to hurriedly squeeze their plates and cups at the table's end, and hope they spooned up some of Grandma's chicken fricasee before it was all gone!   This collage, "Family Reunion", 8 x 16, was inspired by a family picnic in1957 at my Grandma and Grandpa Vollmer's backyard. Can you find me sitting on the bench?