It's Labor Day weekend, time for the annual family gathering we call the Phosie-Gertie Picinc.
For the uninitiated to our family traditions, here is the well documented Phosie-Gertie 2019.
But, alas, it's 2020, and nothing is as it should be. Being a mostly law abiding family, we heed the COVID rules. Besides we old folks want to live to be a little older. So, we did not gather the gaggle of aunts and uncles and cousins and hangers on at the Whidbey compound this year.
Jill and her kids and Jan booked the Reeder/Foster cabin for the weekend. and Tom and I joined them for the day on Saturday. We didn't do the water balloon toss or the sand castle contest, but we did use the official site to take our group photo.
We did sit on the beach.
Jill and Irene also managed to catch the ice cream truck on the beach road.
Then we all went back to the cabin for berry pie and mounds of ice cream.
As the golden hour passed in the pinkish sky of sundown and smoke, the kids went out on the paddle boards for a while.
Then we all went back to the cabin for berry pie and mounds of ice cream.
Tom and I left for home after the pie, bringing a couple of pieces back home with us. I did make it, after all. :-)
It was a wonderful day. I got hugs and got to catch up with the kids and what's happening with the puzzle that is school these days. I spent good time visiting with Jill and with Jan, and I felt taken care of. That was lovely.
While the Phosie-Gertie couldn't happen, it was a great day with just a few Gerties.
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Word has arrived from the Whidbey compound. the Phosie-Gertie flag has been hoisted.
Sorry to hear your annual gathering had to be drastically changed. I don't imagine the anthem even got sung this year.
ReplyDeleteThe flag was raised. Still waiting for confirmation that there was anthem singing.
DeleteYou may have been fewer in number but safer and those there were treasures. Sounds like a delightful day and how cool was an ice cream truck.
ReplyDeleteIf nothing else 2020 has taught us to adapt but how delightful that you you could still carry on with tradition even if different from the past. Here's hoping there will be continued family honoring in future.
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing to mark Labor Day. I hope that the celebration will be back to normal next year.
ReplyDeleteI think the safety first was wise. Some time with a small group is nice too. What a diet of goodies you had. Glad the flag went up. Lovely tradition.
ReplyDeleteGood to see some family! Looks beautiful as ever at your cottage:)
ReplyDeletegreat traditions that sometimes have to be changed but family times was always enjoyable...
ReplyDeleteSo many things are changed for the holiday, but I was glad to see you did get there in great shape. You look wonderful after all you've been through. I like your hair, too. :-)
ReplyDeleteLovely time with family.
ReplyDeleteThis year has been a real pain in so many ways. Good that you were able to get away with a small number of the family, at least briefly. Hugs have not felt sweeter.
ReplyDeleteTake care and stay well!
I guess life has changed for everyone. We haven’t been able to have family get-togethers here either. Our numbers have risen astronomically because of people not following the stay-at-home rules and not social distancing. Sigh.... Fingers crossed for next year.
ReplyDelete