Oyster Fry

Every October, the Brunk extended family gathers for a reunion known as the annual oyster fry.  This is my Grandma Mary's family: descendents of hers and her two sisters, Evelyn and Maude.  Aunt Evelyn is the only one of the three sisters left, and we're so glad to still have her around.

Those in attendance on Sunday speculated that this tradition began around 1970 or so and has continued ever since, always taking place at our mountain land.  Isn't it beautiful?

The leaves were just starting to change.  In another week or two we would have seen quite a spectacular array of color.

Grandpa and Cousin Dick always fry the oysters.  Sadly, I didn't think to take a picture of them in action. (After I originally posted this, Barb sent me the picture below.)

Photo courtesy B. Gunden

Many of the younger generations don't appreciate oysters and so will bring their own meats to grill over the open fire.  I tried one oyster this year and found it to be not too bad!  Everyone brings side dishes and desserts to share, and it's a veritable feast for all who attend.

After singing a blessing and eating together, folks lounge in folding chairs around the fire, drinking coffee and catching up with one another.  Often a walk to the dam helps relieve too full bellies, and this Sunday was no exception to that tradition.  The views from the top of the dam (as above) are quite picturesque.

Some of the boys love to ride the 4-wheeler up and down the hollow.  At one point they took a break from their riding to try to throw rocks from the top of the dam and have them land in the lake below.  This is quite a long way, and they would use the strong winds on top of the dam to assist them in their efforts.  I thought they'd never make it all the way to the water, but they did... quite a few times even!

My favorite people posed for a photo on top of the dam too.  You can see how windy it is up there in this picture.

Some folks also participated in playing corn hole.  We had an exceptionally warm day this year, as opposed to last year when it was cold and even a little dreary.  One cousin showed off her gymnastics talents, and my girls preferred to be corn hole spectators when they weren't playing in the bed of the pick-up truck or taking 4-wheeler rides with their dad.

It was nice to spend a beautiful (though warm) fall day with everyone, and we look forward to next year!