Fast-forward seventeen years: since I'm living in the northeast once again, I was able to attend this year's Farley Reunion (first time since 1992 for me). The location has changed, and those in attendance have shifted somewhat, but it's still a good time.
Jonathan and I set out from our place, and were pleasantly surprised to find that our destination was about twenty minutes closer than planned, so we detoured a bit and followed some signs for "NJ sweet corn" and "cheese." We came upon a small stand stocked with vegetables and a small refrigerator with dozens of eggs and some cheese. We looked over the various kinds and chose two blocks, paid (aka added up our total and put some money in a jar), and headed toward the Reunion.
We were the first to arrive and sign the register, which I flipped through later on to see all of my mom's previous sign-ins. As we helped move around some food, others started to arrive, and by 1:30 or so we were all eating. We sat with my grandparents and my Uncle Carl (among others), so it was good to catch up, talk about our new place in Pennsylvania, etc. Chatting was followed by the annual meeting (and the first time I paid attention instead of gallivanting off to the slide or a big wheel) and photograph. What was particularly unique this year was the performance of several Country songs by Ann Brown. My grandparents had a great time dancing, and there were eight or so of us on the dancefloor at one point (which is pretty good, considering there were about twenty people in attendance this year).


Then it was on to Rocky Top, which had been my grandparents' house when I was little, but now houses my Uncle Carl and his family. It's changed some, and now has a really nice deck and pool. We sat out there and talked for a couple hours, and Jonathan and I headed out shortly after my cousin Erica got home from work, since we still had to go to the grocery store before it got too late. We took a different route back, confirming that it's only just over an hour's drive. The proximity is still a little surreal for me, since I've been so far away for so long. Now it's only a matter of time before we venture a bit farther to see my paternal grandparents and other family on my dad's side.
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