Carolina Cousins Visit

A few weeks ago Uncle Edward and Aunt Frances Blount from Greenville, South Carolina, came down for their grandaughter Ginger's graduation from Southeastern University in Lakeland. Two of their three daughters and a host of their grandchildren and spouses came down as well. On Saturday evening, Uncle Eugene and Aunt Mary put on one of their famous fish fries at the Pleasant Grove Assembly pavilion and invited the local Blounts to attend. It was great to see two of my Carolina cousins, Joy (Blount) Painter (Ginger's mom) and Jacque (Blount) Sweet, again. Their youngest sister Jan, who was my close friend during college, was not able to attend. When we were kids we used to get to see each other fairly often, especially during the summers at Grandaddy's cabin in Franklin, North Carolina. Now that we are adults, getting together is rare. I took my camera to the fish fry, but forgot about taking pictures until we got ready to leave. At least I got a couple of good shots together with my Carolina cousins.

Joy, Me & Jacque

Christmas Eve at April & John's House

Yes, I know I haven't posted in over a month. Things happen, but I'm back now. Forgive me!

We spent Christmas Eve at April & John's house. John fried turkeys, baked hams, and barbecued ribs. The ladies provided the sides and desserts. Love those mustard greens and pecan pie!

Gayle, Mark, Todd, Daddy, Carla, and part of April

Uncle Layne, Aunt Sharon, and Mama

April's daughter, Layna

Carla & Nathan

After Christmas Eve dinner, we gathered in the living room and sang carols. Thanks John & April for bringing us all together at your house.

You can read more about the evening on Carla's blog here.

Hinson Family Reunion

The Hinson Siblings

Standing L: Evelyn (My mama)
Back Row L to R: Aunt Doris, Aunt Dorothy, Aunt Peggy
Standing R: Uncle Alton
Front Row L to R: Aunt Mary Lou, Uncle Talmadge, Aunt Sharon (April's mama)

Today we had a small Hinson family reunion at Medard Park on Turkey Creek Road. All of the living Hinson siblings were there as well as several of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The other sibling, Uncle Earl, is in Heaven. The reunion was originally scheduled for 2:00, but they decided to move it up to 11:30 because of the rain forecast.

It was great to see everyone again. I thought I was having a vision when I saw a green minivan pulling into the picnic area. I thought, that looks just like Todd and Carla's van, you know the one I always ran to in the past so I could see Nathan. And as it turned out, it WAS Todd and Carla's van, except now it belongs to my cousins Heather and Timothy Rodriguez, who by the way have three of the cutest babies around.

The food was amazing as always, my Mama's chicken and dumplings most of all. Unfortunately, the rain did come and brought the reunion to an end about the time we finished eating. It was a brief gathering, but we spent a nice time together. A special thank-you to the organizers, especially my first cousin Judy Burkett who publishes and updates the family directory and has kept the Hinson family together through the years.

April & Me

April & Aunt Sharon

The Rodriguez Kids
JerriLynn, Joslyn, Javin