Week 882-885 - Back to Home - 07-30-2023

Back to Home

(And Back to the 40's)

After spending weeks with Emily's and Melissa's families, it was time to see our boys and more grand kids.

So we packed up the MotherShip early to get a good start on our 30 mile trip.

No sooner than we arrived at Ellen's sister Janice and Frank's house, Emily let us know that her family was headed to Melissa's. So we took the JeepShip back to Melissa and Mario's house for a Mattson Family Reunion. We had a wonderful day with our family. It was hot so the blow up pool was a favorite. Food was great and indoor card games were fun. It was great to catch up with one another in person (rather than the Internet). We got pretty close to a full reunion.

Present were Pete and Ellen, John's family, (Nick could not make it), Travis's family, (Andrew could not make it), Emily's family and Melissa's family. Four of our six kids were there. Also present were 11 of the 17 grand kids and 3 of the great grand kids. Maybe someday, we can get them all together.

We were now in San Luis Obispo's North County where we lived for 43 years and raised our six children. There are so many folks to visit. We were invited to John and Janice's house to get together with families we have known for 40+ years.

Leslie was house sitting at a very large house in the country. We have known Leslie for decades and always visit her when "home".

We also got to visit with Jean, again a 40-year friend. Jean was instrumental in training our children in the ways of the Lord. Melissa's middle name is in honor of Jean.

Paso Robles is famous for its Mid-State fair. The fair grew from a typical several day fair to a 12-day extravaganza. The town of Paso Robles has a population of 32,000+. During the 12-day fair there will be 300,000 to 400,000 visitors. At 6 pm the traffic was starting to swell. Note that the last time we visited the fair, parking was $10.

The aisle ways are starting to fill up. By 8pm you won't see an empty lane to move in. You will just have to squeeze yourself between others. Food and drinks are available from dozens of vendors.

The notoriety of the fair comes from the amazing musical talent that it attracts. This year the headliners are Tim McGraw and Lauren Daigle and 8 more. In the past decades the fair has had many of the biggest names in the business. The Beach Boys, Garth Brooks, Kenny Rogers, Rascal Flats, Collin Raye, LeAnn Rimes, Aero Smith, Billy Ray Cyrus, Keith Urban, Reba McIntire, Alan Jackson and more.

Once these big names begin to fade in popularity, the fair puts them on the two free stages. And these free concerts are very worthwhile.

Of course the fair has the locals bringing in their livestock. Lambs, chickens, cattle, pigs and horses.

And no county fair is complete without the rides, the games booths and the cotton candy.

Back to serenity at Frank and Janice's house. A special dinner was enjoyed by Ellen's siblings. From right to left, yours truly, Frank/Janice, Ron/Carla, Art/Kelli and Larry in spirit.

As is now a family tradition, corn hole is on the agenda. Ron and Carla came to play and won big. We look forward to the next rematch.

Our last visit was to Janet/Brad's place. We taught them the card game Swoop and it was enjoyed by all. Again, we have known these great friends for over 40 years.

What a joy to be surrounded by those we love, both family and 40-year friends. These are people we have always counted on and always will.

If only they had a 32 pickleball court in North County! But, alas, that will have to wait.

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:" 1 Peter 4:8-10

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

With love, Pete, Ellen and Mandy

Photos from 07-30-2023