Family Connections

Being a member of a LARGE extended family is the most fun at Thanksgiving. Visiting with the aunts, uncles, and first cousins - until recently, an assumed constant - is a rite that I treasure more each year.This year I counted about 70 adults during dinner. The children had already run outside to the fishpond. I can never keep up with the names of all the first cousins-once-, twice-, and thrice-removed, and a few hours spent sharing a meal is hardly enough time to do more than to exchange pleasantries.

However, this year, thanks to social media like Facebook and blogs, I've really enjoyed getting to know a few of the "younger" cousins better - virtually. I was especially looking forward to seeing Allen Espy and his beautiful wife, Kade, because I read Allen's blog postings regularly. He is also my Facebook friend.They made the long trek from Asheville, NC to Henry County, Alabama, taking time away from another family commitment to stop by the lake house for a visit with the Vann side of his family. Did not get to chat long, but it was great to hear his voice and to see this lovely couple.