Minnesota 2026 - Family Time

 On Sunday much of the family went to a church service where the graduates would be lauded. I opted out. I always carry a concern that if I enter a religious space unexplained lightening will strike, perhaps followed by the majestic laughter of God as my past misdeeds are suitably punished. It's best not to tempt higher beings. 

We reconvened for lunch at a restaurant in an area that contains a number of historic warehouses now repurposed as bars, eateries and I'm assuming housing or office space. It's always interesting to me to gaze at the brick and stone edifices with their arched entrances, architectural details, often in this case Romanesque, and feeling of solidity and gravity  and compare them to the buildings that, surrounded by vast, asphalt parking lots, pockmark the landscape in the modern era. These older buildings have the character, grace and beauty that is timeless and makes them suitable for repurposing. The contemporary buildings are designed strictly for commerce and a quick profit at the expense of humanity and scale. 

We are a table of 9 adults and 2 babies. Among several of us the familial resemblance is strong. Sitting at the head of the table, I'm left handed, I looked around at the parties of 3 and 4 that appeared to be the normal average number of people at a table there and realized that we must have been quite a sight. 

My family doesn't have an opportunity to get to together very often. We are spread across the country. It was a rare meal together full of joy, laughter and love. 3 generations ranging in age from 6 months to 70 years. A family history gathered contained around a single table at a restaurant in Minneapolis on a sunny Sunday afternoon.  




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