Chicago, Day 8

The long awaited reunion occurred. We arrived at Elizabeth Conkey Forest slightly before 11:30 and a little the worse for the wear after closing the blues club last night. The temperatures were already in the upper 80's and the humidity had to match it. To make matters worse, the cicadas are doing their every 17^th year return are out in droves. We walked under a tree near the parking lot and apparently angered them because we were swarmed by hundreds of them. They don't bite but they hiss when you make them angry by disturbing them.

We met so many people, most of who are related to my husband in some form. I can't remember the names of most but remember that they were all so nice. It certainly is a Midwestern trait to be friendly. Everyone hugs everyone, so introductions take a lot of time. I remembered some of the children from the last reunion we attended in 2001 and was amazed to find the children so grown up. The Swedish genes are also apparent in so many fair-skinned blondes.

One tradition is setting up a piñata for the children and each gets three attempts to break it, starting with the youngest child who is able to swing the bat. This year it was a three year old. Finally one of the moms had to hit the darn thing because it just wouldn't break. They all scampered to get their share of the candy.

Several of the older boys ate a cicada. I guess it is no different than eating grasshoppers or termites which I understand some cultures view as delicacies, but seriously. . . .

I hope we can return next year and see the same people and all the new babies that will be here. Some of the brothers and sisters and their spouses are getting quite old and a little feeble. I hope they all can be around next year.

I can't wait to go home.