Don't forget the pic-a-nic basket

     "Goin' on a picnic, leavin' right away, if it doesn't rain, we'll stay all day."  

 — Raffi

     Those of you who grew up in the 70s and 80s, will relate to the above. Raffi's delightful songs so popular in that era. I used many of his fun songs in my programs during those years,when I was involved teaching kindergarten and preschool children. 
     

     Now, whenever I think of summer fun involving picnics, this song immediately comes to mind. Picnics just seem to fit with the lazy, hazy days of summer. It's a great way for families to connect and enjoy each other and God's beautiful world, whether at a park, at the beach or beside a babbling, country stream.  
     As a young child, a highlight for me each year, was the Sunday School picnic that our country church sponsored, just as school closed for the summer holidays. Held in a large, grassy field surrounded by stately elms for shade, it was ideal for the families of our community to meet together for fellowship and fun. 
     

     "The day was filled with various kinds of races: sack race, three-legged race, dash, etc., a baseball game was a must, and thrilling rides on a high rope swing."

     A wade in the nearby river, cooled us kids from the intense summer heat. 
     Of course, no picnic is complete without food. I recall plenty of it spread out on long tables as families pooled their special dishes. 
     

     One year, especially, remains vivid in my memory. Our family started off to the picnic on the back of my dad's flatbed truck, along with several neighbours who were hitching a ride. It seemed there were people and food everywhere! 
     Arriving at the picnic, my mom discovered someone's perfect foot print atop the potato salad. No one wished to own up to it, so us siblings tried to blame it on our sister, Doris. It made for a great laugh, and Mom's delicious salad still disappeared in a jiffy. 
     We kids always looked forward to the last event of the day — delicious ice cream from a local creamery, a rare treat, as these were the days of limited refrigeration. 
     I believe there are families who place importance on continuing traditions and get-togethers such as picnics and reunions, reminding them of the importance of family life.

Early days spent holidaying at Okanagan Lake with Krista Osborne (Beulah's grand-daughter, and daughter-in-law Carolyn (Owens) Eagles.

Nelson plays with grandchildren Ashton, left, and Brayden Eagles (Roger's children).

Joining family for a swim in the pool. From left: George Robertson, Nelson, Merle (Estabrooks) Robertson [Beulah's sister] and Beulah in sunny Kamloops.

Nelson shows his love the water with family on holidays at Okanagan Lake.

Cuddling up with her honey for a romantic peddle-boat ride.

Nelson's love for playing games with family, like croquet, always was apparent.

Beulah's youngest daughter Debi and husband Mark Harvey enjoy a picnic outing to the park in younger days.

  

Beulah and daughter-in-law Carolyn Eagles relax in the sunshine in Kamloops.

     But, the community togetherness I experienced — though now long gone in our fast-paced modern society — has left me with warm memories of a bygone era, when getting to know and appreciate neighbours was an important part of growing up.

— beulah