The Friday Fragments have traveled back from the west coast to Wisconsin. I don’t think digital things like the FF blog meme can suffer jet lag. It’s been awhile since I’ve traveled far enough to experience jet lag (I don’t miss that part of traveling). Well don’t lag around, jet over to Mrs. 4444’s blog and check out her FF collection. Better yet, join in the game with your FF post.
I had good reason to miss the last FF round. My wife’s family (her brother, genealogy buff, organized it with plenty of help) had this huge family reunion. I think the attendance was around 180. The couple dancing in the following picture are relatives from Ireland. They had never been to Chicago before so it was great fun to tell them all types of lies about the place. Just kidding, but the wonderful cool August weather was sorta of nature’s lie. Unusually nice weather for August in Chicago. They told us it’s a tradition for a couple to dress up as old people at Irish weddings. They are just a bit older than me and lots of fun.
I had a great time talking and sharing pints with Seamus during their stay. I told him he looked like a fellow I used to work with. Then he told me that people tell him he looks like Larry David. Our daughter quickly pulled up a Larry David picture on her smartphone (technology amazes again) and held it next to Seamus. Do you see it?
Having school aged kids typically limits your vacation options to summer time. I have known of families with kids on traveling sports teams that can’t really even schedule a vacation during the summer. Early fall weather is often just fine with me, so when the kids grew older we started taking trips/vacations in the early fall. Less crowds and sometimes less money. What do you think is the best time for leisure travel? (I mean time of year, not when you have the money which is often a big problem)
When you don’t know what to expect, everything is unexpected (brilliant logic don’t you think?). As part of this big reunion we hosted a family of four visiting from Oregon at our place. The youngest of the two boys, age 8, really enjoyed our basement and myman cave workbench area. They don’t have basements in the area of Oregon they live. The mom is my wife’s cousin but they have not seen each other since she was a little kid. Lot’s of fun getting to know them. Something tells me I was not what they expected either.
Since I have "summer" in the title I going to leaving you with a classic summer tune.
I had good reason to miss the last FF round. My wife’s family (her brother, genealogy buff, organized it with plenty of help) had this huge family reunion. I think the attendance was around 180. The couple dancing in the following picture are relatives from Ireland. They had never been to Chicago before so it was great fun to tell them all types of lies about the place. Just kidding, but the wonderful cool August weather was sorta of nature’s lie. Unusually nice weather for August in Chicago. They told us it’s a tradition for a couple to dress up as old people at Irish weddings. They are just a bit older than me and lots of fun.
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| after this lets go clubbing and twerk |
I had a great time talking and sharing pints with Seamus during their stay. I told him he looked like a fellow I used to work with. Then he told me that people tell him he looks like Larry David. Our daughter quickly pulled up a Larry David picture on her smartphone (technology amazes again) and held it next to Seamus. Do you see it?
Having school aged kids typically limits your vacation options to summer time. I have known of families with kids on traveling sports teams that can’t really even schedule a vacation during the summer. Early fall weather is often just fine with me, so when the kids grew older we started taking trips/vacations in the early fall. Less crowds and sometimes less money. What do you think is the best time for leisure travel? (I mean time of year, not when you have the money which is often a big problem)
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| Las Vegas couple frozen in cash |
When you don’t know what to expect, everything is unexpected (brilliant logic don’t you think?). As part of this big reunion we hosted a family of four visiting from Oregon at our place. The youngest of the two boys, age 8, really enjoyed our basement and my
Since I have "summer" in the title I going to leaving you with a classic summer tune.
31 comments:
We haven't been able to attend a family reunion in years... but my family's reunion is always chaotic since my grandmother is one of 9 children and I have so many cousins that I forget to count some..
I don't think he looks like Larry David, but I like the picture set up with the smart phone. I am partial to fall vacations now that I am not a teacher in the US. Less crowds and better weather in most parts of the world, anyway.
I think if he grew his sideburns like Larry he would. Shape matches pretty close. I agree with you on less crowd is better. thanks
Oh the large families of course multiple quickly and relationships get confusing and lost. thanks
I've never heard of that Irish wedding tradition, how fun!
I DO see the Larry David thing.
that las vegas couple guy looks lke Barry from Storage Wars
I see a resemblance to Larry David.
That sounds fun to meet a lot of new extended family (albeit your wife's family) What kind of lies did you tell them about Chicago? Did you mention that the most honest, ethical politicians all come from Chicago?
How nice that the weather was mild for their visit. Not always the case in August.
We dropped cable some time ago and I assume that show is on cable channel. Never watched it. Is it the one about buying unclaimed storage units?
thanks
Good - I don't need my eyes or head checked. thanks
I had not either. It might be a local thing for their area. thanks
It is interesting to meet people with different backgrounds. Visitors also get you out to tourist stuff like museum, free concert, live shows, etc. I was joking about the Chicago lies. You know how news media can designate reporters for different fields? Chicago produces enough political garbage to keep focused reporters digging for a long time. thanks
Oh I love family reunions!! I haven't been in years, just because distance and travel is a pretty big issue with our crew. How fun to have folks from across the big pond come!!! My father loves genealogy as well.
Genealogy is interesting but for me the real interesting stuff are the stories of ancestors. Just knowing names and connections doesn't interest me that much. I would like to know stories about their lives. I've thought about this blog being read by some future descendant. thanks
I, too was joking about telling anyone about Chicago' propensity to produce crooked politicians. No one would believe that Illinois can have that many problems with their leadership. It is much nicer to focus on all the cool things to do in and around Chicago.
Unfortunately there is the fact of many convictions within Illinois politics. Even the rural town of Dixon. I've heard that Louisiana could be a competitor for the worst. Yes there are many cool and fun things to do on the third coast. I have a label/tag Chicago here on the blog where you can find some.
As a native Chicagoan, I have a love/slightly annoyed relationship with the city. I have fond memories of all the things I did as a kid but am disappointed to see areas of decline. The neighborhoods that I lived in in my younger years have turned rough looking but then there are still areas that I adore.
Luckily with our farm being in Iroquois County, it's not such a long way to come in and do things in Chicago from time to time.
As far as politics, I think there are a few states that give Illinois a run for their money but sadly, Illinois has produced some real idiots.
Just warm and lovely as always visiting your FF. It is great of your brother in law to organize such a gathering. It is not easy. I think I would enjoy a conversation with Seamus too.
My BIL did a great job. He is the one who is the most involved in family tree research. He had the idea and turned his plan into a big event. Lots of work to pull it off. Seamus is fun to talk with. thanks
Wow, that song takes me back. Your family reunion sounds like it was awesome! I think Seamus does look like Larry David!
Sounds like an awesome family reunion. I would love to get all our family together. Our last big family reunion was back in 1987 and it was huge then so I can only imagine what one would be like now. I opt for late summer early Fall as far as traveling goes especially in the upper Midwest. Love the song by the way.
thanks - I'm not sure how many, but I know this was the first time many of the people ever met face-to-face.
Thanks - Music and memories. it was fun. Good to know another one who sees the resemblance.
i love reunions! so much nicer than only seeing each other at funerals. *sigh* cheers to you and your family. xoxoxo
A few years ago, my family had a reunion where we got about 150 together. It really is an amazing thing to get everyone together.
We don't have basements here in Austin either; too wet.
Have a great weekend!
:-)
Traci
yes reunions and weddings - much better reason to get together. thanks
That is large. With families being smaller today than in the past I suspect reunions of that size will be rare. thanks
I haven't been to a family reunion in a long, long time.
Enjoyed listening to THE SUMMER PLACE song--so beautiful and happy sounding!
My side of the family has not had one in a very long time too. The closest thing are weddings. thanks.
It brings the nice lazy summer memories back for me. Since you have visited my blog a many times you may have noticed I have a wide range of music that I enjoy. I consider it an eclectic taste.
thanks
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