Hey Mike Berg...just saw that you joined the blog. It sure would be fun to have you join the group this summer. It is all in the early planning stages right now, so stay in touch for more info. If you have any questions please post them. You know, the original Reunions were the Roberts' kids with their very young kids, and Mama and Daddy. We had the rough camping area, with a covered shelter for gathering, and two screened in huts with cots. Guess what, no bathrooms on that side of the lake. We were delivered two or three port-o-potties at some point, before they arrived, it was "watch out for poison ivy y'all." We carted the kids to the other side of the lake to swim during the day, and some of us took a shower on that side, usually before we started home on Sunday, if we went swimming. We entertained ourselves with volleyball, capture the flag, taking movies of each other, and at night gathering in the shelter under the one light bulb, to play Charades...or whatever other game we had. Of course, "those were the 'good ole days', life was simple and we lucked out by not getting food poisoning, since all the food sat in ice chests. The last couple of reunions at Elliott Lake seemed so sophisticated by comparison, we managed to get all the twelve or so cabins...and the big pavillion for use. This provides all weather protection and the kitchen facility became a gathering place for the Mama's and Papa's who had to cook, and clean up, and cook some more and clean up. Actually, something the Roberts' kids don't get a chance to do together, very often. The group expanded a lot, with our kids getting grown up and married, and a new bunch of little ones, as well as more relatives coming in which added so much more to the program. I'm sure Esther talks about the talent that our families seem to be blessed with musically, and even those of us who don't sing or play, can just enjoy laughing and singing, or talking to the others around us. You know it is so rare to get all my own kids together at one time, and probably not all will be able to, and getting together with extended family is rare as well. I hope we get one more chance to try. The other amenities to this camping facility are many. Mark Budzilowski, Toni's husband usually, has a boat on the lake for people to fish or ride around. There are paddle boats and canoes for rent. There is a swimming beach, volleyball area, small playgrounds for the little ones. If you like to sit on the porch of a cabin overlooking the water, sip coffee and just mellow out, the cabins are good for that too. Each cabin has kitchen, bath and two bedrooms and living area. Of course, with the crowd we usually have, we have to pack the people in, hopefully, family with their close kin. The tent area is on the other side of the lake, and I have heard Dana and Rita talk about maybe camping out over there to sleep this year, if the cabins are too full. John and Ritchie, Rita's son, are bring their RV's. Unfortunately, they don't allow us to pitch tens outside the cabins, but, there are rules. I hope I get some e-mail addresses from your side of the family so I can send more information to all your siblings who might join us. We will have to charge enough to cover the costs of the cabins, and the pavillion and food. Last time it was $100.00 per couple, and $75.00 for singles over 12 yrs. It has been decided this time, that Reunion goers will provide their own beer, or wine and cokes and snacks for their needs.(More info to come on meals furnished)/ Mama is sad about this move, but reality bites, and our economy is forcing the tightening of the purse strings. We told her that this wouldn't stop people from coming. So, please know you are so invited...and let me know, or any of us, if you have any quetions. Ina Jo
