The Fourth of July.

My extended family has been getting together every 4th since the 1960's at a sort of cabin-in-the-woods in Leverett, Massachusetts. I think the first time I attended was about 1980 so I was quite late to the party. The family has grown and shrunk through all these years and travel plans have gotten in the way of attending, but I think my cousin Mary has been to every 4th except two. That's pretty impressive. My attendance has been spotty, at best, but I did make it this year, along with 44 other relatives of one sort or another. The branches of the family tree have reached as far as fourth cousins.

Unfortunately, it was quite soggy so the usual outside crowd was missing as everyone crammed inside.

We did manage to find space for everybody around the table for a sit-down meal.

Dad found it to be a bit chilly but he managed just fine.

Lee and my brother Chick made good use of the rocking chairs, which usually dot the lawn but were relegated to the porch because of the rain.

I don't think our travels plans for next summer will have us back in the US by July 4th but it's nice to know that the Elder clan will be gathering once again at Rocky Rest.