Stream of Consciousness about The Family Gathering

It's over.

It started last Wednesday.

I was in a panic.

The house wasn't clean enough.

The projects weren't finished.

My checking account was aching.

I called my mother-in-law for advice.

She gave wise counsel, as usual.

Calmed, I hung up and began to pray while cleaning.

Things began to fall into place.

Family started to arrive in the late afternoon.

Chicken Paprikash and Rice were on the table.

On the island, pies on pedestals and cookies on plates.

Bedrooms were clean...rooms were assigned.

Time to rest.

Singing, laughing, a little bit of anger.

Hay bales and cornstalks on the porch. Mason jars filled with sand and tealights.

Sister-in-law takes a bath in the jacuzzi.

Doors open to the outside. Kids laughing, running, playing, excited.

Bonfire crackling.

This is autumn. This is good.

More family arrives. And more. More food, more cookies, more games, more music.

Resting, games, a trip to the exotic animal farm.

Golfing, more games, a lot of food.

Tension, dog accidents, trips to the general store.

Visits from neighbors. Some family members leaving. Rides on pony carts. Cake. Happy Birthday. Visits from friends. More friends. More neighbors. Maple branches above the doorways. Candles in every room. Oak and maple on the window casings. Music in the family room.

More friends. More neighbors. More food. Pies, cakes, chicken, cole slaw. Cookies, hot dogs, sloppy joes. Gorgonzola, baby swiss, cheddar.

Surprise visitors. Tears. Happiness. Hugs.

More surprise visitors. More tears. Tours of the new home. Who will come next?

Sun is setting. Candles lit again. Coffee and hot mulled cider. Ponies go home.

Rocking chairs on the porch. Amish neighbors visiting. Music in the family room.

Very late. Phone rings. Another visitor, lost, needs directions.

Time to clean up. Time to rest. Talking long into the night. I fall asleep.

Breakfast comes. Eggs, bacon, hashbrowns, toast, sausage.

Pregnant sister-in-law is thrilled! "My favorite breakfast!"

Last minute conversations. Packing up. The last of the family is leaving. Wait! Don't forget! Oh! And one more thing!

House is empty now. It was good. No regrets. Checkbook will recover.