In a perfect world, My family and I would throw the biggest, fanciest party that Hyde County ever saw. We'd get together in whatever venue could hold all of my parents' family, friends and neighbors, we'd have all the cake ice cream and punch that one could drink, and the very best of it too. Maybe a program in the middle with singing, dancing, poetry, some long boring speeches from anyone willing to say a few words, and top it off singing "put on your old grey bonnet". We'd display 50 years worth of photos, the proclamation from the governor making June 23, 2013 Harold and Mary Hinkle Day, and maybe even a power point set to music from the 60's. Of course this would give us all a chance to keep up with people we haven't seen in years and tell the old stories, and hear some more old stories, and have a good old grand big time for everyone!

     Yes, in a perfect world we could do that. But this is not a perfect world. June 23 is a Sunday, which would be almost nearly perfect for such an event, but weekends are my busy time at work. And such parties take planning preparation and work. Details like where to hold the event, who's gonna cook or cater, getting invitations ready and mailed, and figure out who to invite. I know, and you readers that know my mother know that if we did have a party the bulk of the work would be done by her, and that's not fair to her, because even though she wouldn't mind, and she would say so, I wouldn't feel right about it.

 Besides that, parties are a hassle. I found that out when we threw my parents a silver anniversary open house back in 1988. I had my grandmothers to help out. my brothers were both out of town at the time, so it was up to me to organize it. If I left things up to my brothers for the golden anniversary, my sisters in law would be doing the bulk of the work, and that, to me, would be asking too much, even though I know they'd do it and willingly so.

The best solution I could come up with is a card shower. There is no fuss and bother, no party to show up for, no need to dress fine in summertime. But the best part is that my parents would be so happy to get cars and letters from the people they love marking this occasion. If we do end up doing that, we may even put out their e-mail address for those who don't want to slip a stamp to an envelop (It IS the 21st century after all). We gotta get with the times. Of course my brothers may have something to say about this, so we'll see what we can come up with. It's just a shame to see a wonderful occasion such as this slip by without some sort of observation. God be with you and do the best you can!