winter picnic 2017

 

This year’s winter picnic was for the few and the proud… and the ones who weren’t out of town or separated from Lincoln Park by an icy drive.  My great aunt, the last of the OG (original generation) opted out this year, along with several of her devoted picnickers.  As I alluded to, my parents and sister were travelling and my cousin and her family and my aunt and uncle had to cancel last minute because of the wintery weather on their long drives.

Above: 14 people, one dog, missing Chuck who slipped out before the picture

Nevertheless, we had high spirits and a good time.  Jack won at bingo again.  We were short enough on people that we had to get D and my cousin’s new dog to sign, but of course, Jack’s win was all skill.  D’s eight year old cousin was a first timer.

Speaking of skill, Jack and I won the egg toss.  There were five teams and we even had a couple more successful throws after we locked down our win.  I need to practice throwing farther.

winter picnic 2016

This year we had another small, fair weather winter picnic. 

Jack and I moved up in the egg toss standings, tying with my cousin Brad, the reigning champion, and his daughter, Jennifer.  Trish won at bingo.   My great aunt Jean opted out this year, so my dad was the oldest of the original picnickers, going back to the 1960s.


In search of a nap, D and I walked the upper part of Lincoln park and it was beautiful.  For all the times I’ve been to the park, I had barely explored the higher elevations and I look forward to walking there again.

winter picnic 2015

We lucked out with a sunbreak today for D’s first winter picnic.  The turn out was pretty good, with several new picnickers.  [previous winter picnic posts 2014, 2013]

Jack was excited to throw rocks with D. 

winter picnic 2014

(see winter picnic 2013)
This year I (temporarily) took on a little bit of responsibility at the picnic as my parents were out of the country.  We survived and by the time time picnic started the rain had cleared.

annual winter picnic

Since sometime in the early 1960’s, my dad’s family (and some loyal friends) has had a winter picnic on the beach.