Every year I think the same thing, this is just like summer camp as kids. The long drive, then your friends show up - and you pick up the same baseball game at the top of the 4'th. The convesations pick up right where they left off, and we share our thoughs, life events, pains, sufferign, joys, and tears. Finding comfort in the fact next year, God willing, we'll do it all over again. I love this gathering.
My only regret is that Mrs Sweeney couldn't make it again this year --- too much going on, not to mention her husband exposing her to some flu virus just before the trip -- with her recovering just a day or two before we were supposed to depart. Then, as she is recovering having an emergency in her pet rescue, requiring immediate attention and the painful decision .... "go without me..."
Being upset, I made the best of it - worried a little about bad weather. Perhaps its PTSD from 2 years ago where it rained for HOURS on Saturday. However, this year, we were given what I think may have been the most beautiful weather I've ever had at any gathering I've attended. KJCR 242000Z VRB02G03KT 9999 SCT040 22/18 A2992. IYKYK
The rest of the weekend, the weather continued to improve. By Saturday night after the pitch-in, the skies were cloudless azure. One of the most beautiful I've seen this year. The clean air of northern climates. After sunset around the camp fire, we saw the ISS pass over, turning my attention skyward. As people peeled away, a remnant maintained a vigil of the night sky. Around 11:00, the skies presented us a clear-eye vision of the milky way, and more than a few shooting stars. Over 30 minutes, we saw probably a half dozen along the treeline to the south.
Sunday, as we all depart, I'm thankful for seeing everyone, and sad that some weren't able tob attend. God willing --- we'll see you all next year.
