Simple Pleasures
Photo by Amanda Kerr on Unsplash.com
Two of my favorite memories from childhood are backyard potlucks and summer picnics. My parents loved to entertain family and friends but our small house couldn’t hold a large gathering for long, so we spilled outdoors and carried on our feast at the big wooden table on the grass.
I remember Aunt Janet’s potato salad, my mother’s apple pie, Dad’s grilled hot dogs and burgers, and big juicy watermelons. Of course we had plenty of lemonade to go around two or three times. I can still taste it.
Family, friends, and food just naturally go together regardless of the seasons of life. I enjoy potlucks and picnics as much today as I did more than 50 years ago. Such events bring people together to laugh and talk and relax over a good meal—all the more delicious when the various dishes are the work of many hands. I like to walk the line first and then go back and sample a small portion of everything offered. Sometimes I even return for seconds, or I approach the person who made a particular treat and ask for the recipe––like the one I’ve included here—which I’ve dubbed Bountiful Bran Muffins.
Afterwards it’s fun to sink into a comfortable chair and chat with a good friend or favorite relative as you sip an iced tea or hug a cup of hot coffee. Jesus knew the importance of food and fellowship. He provided for his followers on a hot afternoon in the hills by multiplying fish and bread so everyone could eat and be satisfied. He often dined with friends, as the bible verifies, and one of his last events on earth was a supper with his disciples.
So if you’re hankering for some fun and fellowship with others, put together a potluck or a picnic––indoors or out––and invite people to relax with you over a lovely meal––a simple pleasure that will warm your heart as well as nourish your body.
Neighbors in the community where I live have adopted this custom and we now enjoy an annual outdoor barbecue with all the trimmings. It’s the one day a year when we all open our doors and our hearts to each other and simply BE.
lee-myungseong-y1XXWct5rBo-unsplash.jpg
Good food and good fellowship! A GREAT recipe (pun intended)!!
Thanks, Glenda. I agree. 🙂
Yes I too have fond memories of family gatherings. In fact John and I announced our engagement at a family gathering. Growing up with lots of family around there was always something going on. My paternal grandmother was the glue that kept it all going. Sadly she passed on and everyone moved away. But the memories are cherished by me.
What lovely memories you have. I have mine too. My dad used to say that in the end all we really have are our memories so make them good ones while you’re able.
After my six siblings and I were married we started having family reunions close to my Dad’s Aug. 12th birthday. We soon had a LOT of children, grandchildren and even some “greats”. We were too many to meet in our homes so we rented a community Building which was wonderful. Lots of trees in the yard for children to play,the men played horseshoes, and we women enjoyed each other sharing news of our families. Some of my parents siblings and family members joined us and also some close friends. When we were ready to leave the Center, Dad always had us stand and sing the first verse of: “Blest Be The Tie That Binds Our Hearts In Christian Love-etc” Later years when the crowds grew smaller and Mom and Dad had died we would meet at one of my sister’s family home on the Kentucky Lake. Room outside for BBQ pits, picnic tables, etc. and even a boat ride on the Lake. We always took a lot of pictures and one year I made a photo album and put stickers by or on the photos and it was a big hit! Now all of my siblings and spouse are in their final home but the photo album has been a blessing to some nieces and nephews. One of my nephews who is only in his early 70’s has demencia and when he and his wife were visiting with us a couple of years ago he kept looking at the album and remembered them. I had been told that one thing that is great to take to our loved ones who have Demencia or Alzheimer’s is photo albums because so often they seem to remember things that are in the past.> Thanks, Karen, for the reminder. Love to you,Margaret
What lovely memories you have, Margaret. I remember going to Kentucky Lake with Charles’ family before his parents died. It was so special to share that beautiful place with them. Charles’ brother, wife and son will be visiting my family and me this coming weekend. We’re so excited to see them.
That’s beautiful and creates such special memories for family and friends!
Thanks for your comment, Virla. I imagine you have some wonderful memories of your own.