February Picnic


I don't think I've ever been invited
to a February picnic,
at least until a few days ago.
Not in the Pacific Northwest.

My son and daughter-in-law
and the little squirt have moved
a bit closer (but still over 90 minutes away).
They're living in an apartment built above a three-car garage
on the property that Katie's cousin's family is living in.

It's right next to a lake.
So they asked me to bring them the microwave oven
that's been stored in my basement
and to come for a picnic,
since it was a sunny day.


Did I mention it was probably about 45 degrees F or 7.2 C?
And that was before the sun went down!

But everyone had a good time.
Logan wore a life jacket over his coat,
and big boy shoes as a counterpoint to his
omnipresent pacifier 
and Brendan or Katie or Grandpa Jeff
followed him every step he took.


Logan had lots of company,
because Katie's cousins Sarah and Emily have kids.
 Logan loves to follow the big boys around.


There was a hot dog roast and s'mores.

Greek salad for me, since I'm not eating
animal flesh as a general rule.
I know. . . . Greek salad at a hot dog roast?
And I can't even blame it on my heritage
since I don't have a drop of Greek blood
that I know of.


There was a paddle boat to peddle.
A smoky fire in the fire pit.
And a chair next to Mary, Katie's mother,
whose husband Jeff stopped to get her a latte
on his way to the lake because he knew
she wasn't feeling well.  
And -- oh yeah -- we had a great sunset.


I played with my camera as it got dark


and watched the lights across the lake
dance in the air and on the surface of the water.


All during this time, I tried mightily not to think cold thoughts.
When I realized it was a losing battle,
I got in the car for the drive home,
cranked up the heat to high,
and turned on my seat heater.

I managed to thaw out by the time I got home.

Barely.

Comments

steven said…
beautiful day meri - i'd take 7 celsius - but i know that that can be as bone chilling as 7 below!!!! steven
Well, at least the company and feelings were warm. Love your camera play shots.
Anonymous said…
I never would have thought to have a pinic in February, but it looks like you all had a great time. I would be with you on the salad as I don't eat beef or pork. I have tried veggie dogs and they are pretty good cooked over a bonfire. Have a great Sunday!
Looks like fun though I'm not sure I would have been brave enough to deal with those temperatures! BEAUTIFUL photos from the day and evening.
Hugs and blessings,
Stephanie said…
Looks like you had fun! Beautiful setting for a brrrr picnic.
Jennifer said…
Yeah! Sometimes a 45 degree day is a gift in February. It was the same here today, and we sat outside and took a sunbath in the snow. I loved seeing photos of your family and day. Glad you had fun, the lake is not even frozen!
rebecca said…
burrrrrrfully
beautiful!

stay warm..we are expecting a sky full of snow this evening. oh spring, wherefore art thee?
ELK said…
meri.beautiful story in photos and charming commentary...a picnic in February ...always a first right!
Anonymous said…
Meri,
Looks like you had a great picnic and making happy memories at that!
Also your Sepia Saturday post... oh my, what a handsome couple...I love older wedding couple pictures. They are so full of character!! Have a great week and I'll catch you there sometime! :)
The Bach
kt said…
great gathering photos, sounded cold but fun.
kt
Meri said…
Steven - I'm always in awe that you walk to and from school in the snow. It's like the apocryphal stories that our parents used to tell about how hard life was "way back when."

Bonnie and LadyCat, Happily Retired Gal and Stephanie: Yes, a good time was had by all, but I think the people chasing Logan were the only adults who stayed warm.

Jennifer: I identify with taking a sunbath. I get so lethargic in gloomy weather and sitting in the sun is like mainlining pure energy.

Rebecca - more snow? I'm sorry the Mexico trip fell through, as you can use some warm.

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