Family reunion

The main reason for my recent visit to Ottawa was a family reunion arranged by my wonderful, brother Darrell.

He rented several buildings to accommodate the slew of us at the Pine and Birch Ranch near Wakefield in the province of Quebec.

The Ranch House.

The Cottage

All of us !

Some family members were there for the entire week, while others were just there for a few days, so occasionally there were only 16 or 17 of us.

We were free to do what we wanted.  And we wanted to do lots of different stuff.

 We broke off into different groups for different outings,

treasuring the special moments when we re-connected with each other.

Sometimes we hung out at the private little lake: 

sunbathing, or swimming,

or fishing, 

or just chatting while we soaked up the sun.

There were horses to pat,

goats to visit,

and chickens with whom to share our compost scraps.       

          

We played games,

and took turns fixing dinner and cleaning up afterwards, 

 The Ranch House porch was the centre of many lovely family times together, talking, 

laughing, and thanks to Keith and his ever-present guitar, sometimes singing. 

What an amazing gift.  

Time with those you love. 

 Thanks.