JULY 4TH CELEBRATIONS

---1998---

Every 4th of July, Evelyn (Marilyn's Mom) invites the whole family to her house for an old fashion Independence Day cook-out.

As a general rule, it is well attended with Sisters, Brothers, Sons, Daughters, Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Aunts, Uncles and always a new generation of grand-babies.

 Everyone brings something special to contribute to the feast. By the end of the afternoon, a great quantity of food has been consumed and everyone is ready for that mid-summer powernap.

--- 1999 ---

The whole gang assembles at Evelyn's home again for the annual 4th of July Barbeque and mini-family reunion.

Sister Trisha and Niece Meredith cool their heels after the big meal.

This gathering is the only opportunity for the whole family to get together each year and everyone really looks forward to it.

Grandma Trisha with her first grandson, Brady and Aunt Geneva enjoy some homemade, hand-cranked ice cream.

The day following the annual Beeson family cook-out, Tom takes his Mom to her favorite destination, the Blueridge Parkway.  Enroute, they encounter an accident where a pick-up truck lost control and plunged down the mountain.  Fortunately the driver had only minor injuries and extracting the truck was most entertaining.

Tom & Mary Ruth stop at Doughton Park and enjoy lunch at the Bluff's Lodge Coffee Shop and Souvenir Store.

Before returning home, they stop at the Piney Creek Primitive Baptist Church & Cemetery where Mary Ruth's Dad and two favorite Aunts are buried.