Relatively speaking: Wednesday Medley for July 24

Seven cousins in fall of 1959

So it's Wednesday again, and time for the Wednesday Medley hosted by Terri at Your Friend from Florida.  This week's questions are based off Cousins Day (July 24) and  Aunt and Uncles Day (July 26). Most of us have, or had, memorable relatives in those categories, so why not head on over to Terri's and get the the questions to answer on your own blog?   It could be a lot of fun to wander down Memory Lane!  

Here goes:

1.  What can you tell us about your cousins, please, or someone who is close like a cousin?

My maternal grandmother had 20 grandchildren, and I had 3 siblings -- so, I had 16 cousins on my mother's side of the family.  On my dad's side, just 2 cousins.   We didn't see those two as often, so we weren't as close with them.  Although not all of my other 16 cousins lived nearby,we all saw one another fairly frequently. 

A couple of uncles take a boatload of cousins out on the pond at the family cottage in 1956.

2.  Do you still see your cousins and will you contact them on National Cousins Day?  

I do see my cousins.  Not frequently, but I do see them.  One of my cousins lives on a street where I often walk.  If we happen to walk there on Cousins Day and he is headed off for work, I'll be sure and wish him a happy Cousins Day.

In the past couple of years, I have reconnected with some second cousins I hadn't seen in years.  We meet up a couple of times a year for a meal and a visit.

3.  Terri had a favorite aunt and uncle she will tell us about.  How about you?  

I had a favorite aunt for sure.  My aunt Joanne was a wonderful influence in my life.  She was a great example to me in many ways and was such an amazing mother and grandmother.  She always had time for me and made me feel loved and special.

Joanne and my cousin Gary in 1957

4.  Did/does your family have reunions and can you tell us about them?

We have had a few reunions, but nothing like what family reunions are in the South.

The most recent one was in 2016 and was quite a large and well-planned event.  Two of my second cousins did most of the planning, and others helped in many ways.  There were many family photos and other objects like quilts displayed in a barn, and everyone brought food which was served under tents.  It was thoroughly enjoyable in spite of the fact that it rained almost all day.

5.  If you have children, are they enjoying relationships with their cousins, aunts, uncles?

Let's see.  I have to think about that for a bit.  They did when they were growing up, for sure.  Two cousins lived next door to us, and we saw four other cousins often.  We also got together on Thanksgiving each year.  Nowadays they are not as close.  They keep in touch with some on Facebook or Instagram, and this past New Year's my daughter and family got together with one cousin and his family.  A nice time!

6.  Tell us something random about your week so far.

I'm hoping that the Christmas in July sale starting today in my Etsy shop, A New Hampshire Attic,  will generate some traffic to my shop.  It's been a bit slow over the past few weeks.  All vintage Christmas items will be 20% off this week, so it you've been eyeing listings in that category, this is your time!

And there is this week's Medley ... relatively speaking!