Summer 2008: Day 13, Spearfish Cousin Party

[Spearfish SD, July 3rd]--We (including Bob and Adelaide) took a drive up Spearfish Canyon. We saw Bridal Veil Falls in greater glory than I have ever seen it, and Roughlock Falls, where there were numerous beaver dams, one after another making the valley a virtual swamp from the edge of the road on one side over to the edge of the Pine and Spruce forest on the other.

We arrived back in town at Bitsy's place just at noon, finding Jack & Ann, Lorraine, Roy, Jimmy, and Larry already in attendance. Pictured at left are Kay, Adelaide, Lorraine and Bob. Roy was sitting on the opposite side of the room visiting with the Grand Mother -- Grumpy did not get any good pictures of their discussions.

It being a mild day, some of the men chose to sit out on the deck. Pictured at the left are: Grumpy, Jack and Larry. There was no record of what these guys talked about; it must be presumed that religion and politics were not on the agenda as no bloody noses or black eyes were in evidence.

The ladies prepared a delicious lunch of meat sandwiches, potato salads and wild berry jelly on your choice of bread.

One of the primary hostesses, Bitsy in whose home this cousin party was held, is shown at left, busy in the cozy kitchen making the final preparations. Cousin Ann was also present but a second photo (on the right) was necessary to obtain her approval, at which time Bitsy had her ead buried in the refrigerator. [Bad as trying to get a good picture of two kids at the same time!]

The men (Jimmy, Grumpy, Jack, Larry, Roy and Bob) chose to sit out on the deck to eat their lunch -- it was a warm day and at the beginning of the lunch the sun was shielded by some clouds. When the main course was finished and dessert was announced however, the deck became suddenly vacant. The photographer simply turned 180 degrees and found the group seated below, in the shade.

All in all, it was a perfect day, with perfect company and a perfect experience of visiting and renewing close friendships while remembering youthful days and mischiefs of long ago.

Final goodbyes are always hard to say, and this one was no exception. However, the Good Lord willing and if the creeks don't flood, we will do this again in 2009.