Family Picnic at Leesylvania Park

When the first rain drop fell, we were set up at a group of picnic tables adjacent to an empty pavilion. An empty pavilion with a reserved sign out front. When the second rain drop fell, the park ranger came by and said, "Yeah, that pavilion is reserved but we haven't heard from them." When the third rain drop fell, Uncle Pookie looked into the sky and saw the fourth rain drop on it's way to earth. Uncle Pookie thought.

The children of Edna's Sister have traveled and planned to gather and spend time with the children of Edna in the presence of Edna Shervington King. The nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers, all children of one blood; chose this day to gather together, in this place, at this time, to share in the rejuvenating spirit of family. From New York, through Maryland and Virginia, down to North Carolina; the paths were directed by the hearts seeking the smiling faces, loving embraces, and encouraging words that would propel those gathering into the upcoming seasons. When the fourth rain drop landed on earth, Uncle Pookie knew.

The beginning of hurricane season traditionally starts later in August, more early September. The last good weekend of August, before Labor Day, is statistically the driest, the least traveled, and the announcement of cooler weather. August 22, 2009, started off showing promise. The morning sun welcomed a large crowd to the park. Boaters, bathers, fishermen and boyscouts all enjoyed the morning/afternoon sun. Groups of all sizes celebrated birthday's, anniversary's, and simple get-together's throughout the park. Even the mosquitoes gathered in abudance with other flying insects to join in the celebration and partake in evergrowing supply of food. But the rain began to fall.

Somewhere between the fifth rain drop that fell and the hundred and fifth, all that was outside exposed to the elements taunting disaster had been resituated under the reserved pavillion. The unoccupied pavilion welcomed all that needed protection and warned of the upcoming possiblities. Weather growing by the minute, family members arriving by ones and twos, the Reserved Sign prominently displaying the dignified status of the commandeered pavilion and the options available should the entitled arrive. The pavilion spoke to necessity and allowed the creative spirit to provide a decision in strength. Still the rain continued and storm grew strong.

To speak with the authority in decision, only the family is in mind. The creative spirit passed down through these gathering generations promotes the inexplicable confidence. The strength to withstand, forgive, forge ahead, and achieve, resonates within the lineage, reflects off the spirit and soul of the present, past, and future, and is uniquely displayed in the grace and elegance held by those of regal nature. This strength, so visibly recognizable, proceeded the family along the gravel road traveled to the pavilion; where love gathers in unison fear will not reside.



Through the wind and the rain, the children of Edna's Sister and the children of Edna arrived. Edna Shervington King sat welcoming them all with a loving heart. Her Grandma's Hands touched the face of her sister's children as her mind reminisced over the years; her sister's children now grown with children of their own, her sister's children now with grandchildren of their own, her child now grown with children and grandchildren of her own; all together in one place. Here, Edna King, sits by her sister's memory, embodied in the lives of her children, surrounding her with the love only a sister could give or understand.


In the middle of Leesylvania Park, under a hijacked pavillion, in the middle of a storm; a family gathered. A family of hearts rejoiced. A family of smiles warmed a family huddled together, some cold and wet, in the middle of a storm. A family of minds expressed congratulations on new beginnings and journey's completed, encourged visions and dreams, and shared the wisdom of paths traveled. A family tongue spoke love and blew the breath of life back into the family once more. The hurricane subsided.














Don't ge me wrong, some say, we ain't all right; but it's perception. We're a goofy bunch; a conglomerate of independent spirits, equipped with strong wills and even stronger tongues; highly intelligent human beings with unlimited resources and enigmatic means. Don't underestimate the potential; respect the position, and you might get out alive.
July 31, 2010 will be the next gathering. We will be well prepared and updated throughout the year. Subscribe to the blog and attach your email address in the comments section. Next year's theme will be "White House Bound!!!"
Your Favorite, Uncle Pookie...

Family Reunion Postcard




Did you receive this postcard?





If you have not; attach your address, so we can put it in the mail. (Or print it out, yourself.)





30 Days in Counting

Look through all the pages of this blog by clicking on OLDER POSTS at the bottom of the page, and Subscribe to this Blog. More information will be added daily. We all know the task before us, so let lend a hand and visit the webpage daily to comment, question and make this the best Family Reunion possible. Give me a call at the contact number to make suggestions and pass on information.

Also I need all contact information sent to the comment section of this post: Name, Address, Phone, Email; if you don't feel comfortable, send this information to my email address: gnperminter@gmail.com.

Transportation

Transportation Options



By Car:

Starting at PENN STATION on 7TH AVE going toward W 32ND ST
Turn Right on W 31ST ST - go 0.40.7 mikm
Turn Right on RT-495 W - go 4.67.4 mikm
Take the NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE SOUTH/NEWARK (I-280) Left exit onto I-95 S (Toll applies) - go 44.271.2 mikm
Continue on NEW JERSEY TPKE S (Toll applies) - go 68.6110.4 mikm
Continue on I-295 S (Toll applies) - go 5.69.0 mikm
Take the NEWARK/BALTIMORE/WILMINGTON Left exit onto I-95 S toward NEWARK/BALTIMORE (Portions toll) - go 94.0151.3 mikm
Take exit #27/SILVER SPRING/BETHESDA/COLLEGE PARK (US-1) onto I-495 W toward SILVER SPRING - go 12.620.3 mikm
Continue on I-495 S - go 17.528.2 mikm
Take exit #57A/RICHMOND (I-95 S) onto I-395 S - go 1.62.5 mikm
Continue on I-95 S - go 10.817.4 mikm
Take exit #158B/PRINCE WILLIAM PKWY/MANASSAS onto PRINCE WILLIAM PKY(VA-3000 W) - go 0.81.3 mikm
Turn Left on CROSSING PL - go 0.30.5 mikm
Arrive at 14300 CROSSING PL, WOODBRIDGE, on the Left
Trip distance: 261.17420.3 mi Time: 4 hrs 28 mins
New York City Gas Prices: *$2.61 - $2.67
New Jersey Gas Prices: *$2.11 - $3.49
Delaware Gas Prices: *$2.24 - $2.44
Maryland Gas Prices: *$2.09 - $2.79
Virginia Gas Prices: *$2.09 - $2.89
Round Trip Gas Cost Estimate: *$81.88
*Based on 7/21/09 Prices


By Train:

85 Northeast Regional,
New York-Penn Station(NYP)3:05 pm/20-AUG-09 to Woodbridge(WDB)7:32 pm/20-AUG-09 4h 27m - Price as of 7/22/09: $56.00








By Plane:

Southwest - Select Departing Flight 576 - Long Island, NY to Baltimore, MD (Thursday, August 20 2009)*7:00pm - 8:10pm/Nonstop 1:10hr-min
$146/$131/$49
Select Returning Flight 1514 or 1096 - Baltimore, MD to Long Island, NY (Sunday, August 23 2009)*1514/11:00am-12:00pm/Nonstop 1:00hr-min - $146/$131/$51
or
*1096/5:35pm - 6:40pm/Nonstop 1:05 hr-min
$146/$131/$69
Prices as of 7/22/09
Delta - New York-La Guardia, NY (LGA) to Washington-Reagan National, DC (DCA) on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 - Delta 5927 - 7:30pmLGA - 8:49pmDCA/Nonstop 1 hr 19 min
Embraer 175 operated by Shuttle America, In-Flight Services, Coach (T) *From $168.50
Trip Type: round trip + Taxes: $21.20 Taxes/Fees = Full Fare $189.70
Return Flight: Washington-Reagan National, DC (DCA) to New York-La Guardia, NY (LGA) on Sun, 23 Aug 2009 - Delta 5920 - 3:30pmDCA - 4:47pmLGA/ Nonstop 1 hr 17 min
Embraer 175operated by Shuttle America, In-Flight Services, Coach (Q) *From $338.00
Trip Type: round trip + Taxes: $21.20 Taxes/Fees = Full Fare $359.20
*Prices as of 7/22/09
United - Depart United 2785 - Thu, Aug 20, 2009 New York, NY (LGA) to Washington, DC (DCA) 6:00 PM LGA – 7:21 PM DCA
Return United 2778 - Sun, Aug 23, 2009 Washington, DC (DCA) to New York, NY (LGA) 11:00 AM DCA – 12:08 PM LGA
Current purchase Ticket price - *189.69 USD
*Prices as of 7/22/09
US Airways -
Departure Flight: 4471 - 8:45 PM, 20 Aug 2009 New York, NY (Laguardia) - 10:08 PM 20 Aug 2009 Philadelphia, PA - Class: Coach - Meal: None - Travel Time: 1 h 23 m
Flight: 3739 - 10:50 PM 20 Aug 2009 Philadelphia, PA - 11:47 PM 20 Aug 2009 Washington, DC (Reagan) - Class: Coach - Meal: None Travel Time: 0 h 57 m
Return Flight: 2172 - 1:00 PM 23 Aug 2009 Washington, DC (Reagan) - 2:24 PM 23 Aug 2009
New York, NY (Laguardia) - Class: Coach - Meal: None - Travel Time: 1 h 24 m
Base Fare:$290.50 + Taxes and Fees:$31.80 = *Grand Total $322.30
*Price as of 7/22/09


By Bus:



Select Departure Schedule for Thursday, August 20, 2009

08:00am - 07:40am/23h, 40m Transfers: 2 GLI: GREYHOUND LINES, INC.




One Way - Adults: 1
Departing: Aug 20, 2009 From: New York Penn Sta, NY To: Woodbridge, VA Miles: 544 Schedule: 0308 At: 08:00am

21-Day Advance Purchase No further discounts are available on this fare:
1 Adult - $26.00 - $26.00
*Prices as of 7/22/09

Hotel Accomodations



Below is the Hotel Accomodations located in the Woodbridge, Virginia. Make your calls to gain information on prices and availability. I will be in touch with Jennifer Cline within the next 24hrs to lock in a group rate. This will be posted to the site immediately.

Courtyard Potomac Mills Woodbridge
General Manager - Jennifer Cline
14300 Crossing Pl.
Woodbridge, Virginia 22192 USA
Phone: 1-703-491-4525

Website: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/waswb-courtyard-potomac-mills-woodbridge/

Maps & Transportation: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/maps/travel/waswb-courtyard-potomac-mills-woodbridge/

Guest Rooms in Detail: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-rooms/waswb-courtyard-potomac-mills-woodbridge/

Hotel Photo Tour: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos.mi?marshaCode=waswb&pageID=HWHOM


Thursday, August 20, 2009

Uncle Pookie is a little under the weather today. I want to post the itinerary options for this years reunion. Right now I will post four seperate entries, one for each day of that weekend, with all the information and options set aside for that day.





Be fair now, Uncle Pookie isn't a tech genius, so it will take a few days to evolve. Follow along and if you have questions, ask.





Alright now, here we go: Thursday August 20, 2009



Early Bird Special: Lady's Night Out in Washington D.C.


This one's for the ladies; mother's, daughter's, sister's, wives and girlfriends (if you pass the security check)!!!!







Thursday, August 20 vs. Rockies @ 7:05 p.m.






Join the Washington Nationals from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. for a unique pregame happy hour followed by on-field action. Nationals Ladies Nights, presented by Hard Times Cafe, feature

Nationals player and celebrity appearances, party with DJ Chris Styles, complimentary massages, manicures, product samples, demonstrations, and food and beverages! Exclusive shopping opportunities: jewelry, handbags, cosmetics and more.












Expect 2009 to be bigger and better than ever on the rooftop at Nationals Park!



Men are welcome to join the party. (Father's, Son's, Brother's, Husbands, and Financees-(If you already bought the ring.))




The first Ladies Night held on June 4th was sold-out. Get your tickets to the August 20th Ladies Night now to be sure you're not left out!

Friday, August 21, 2009



In the morning we will be going into D.C. for two events. The first will take place in the morning in groups of 15.














Chocolate City Tours - Street side of 15th and Jefferson beneath the Washington Monument






* Step down into a slave dungeon used to forcefully confine and torture thousands of human beings! See and hear the stories of survivors who wrote about their horrific experience!
* See where the auction blocks once stood and find out what actually took place in the nation's capital!
* Discover the skilled Black craftsmen who built the White House, U.S Capitol, Library of Congress and other buildings! Come aboard and see the never before seen photos!
* Discover Black owned banks, hotels, restaurants, and insurance companies created, built, and owned by Black entrepreneurs!
* Discover local and national heroes, see their homes and neighborhoods and find out how they changed America!
* We are the first to present the never before seen photograph of Phillip Reid, the famous Black engineer who cast the Statue of Freedom atop the U.S Capitol!
* Come aboard and experience the untold story, and find out the secrets they didn't want you to know!
* We guarantee that no other tour would dare take you, tell you, or show you DC like the Chocolate City Tour!








For the afternoon we will be visiting your choice of one of the below:


The Capital


The Library of Congress






More information will be added shortly, thank you for your patience

Saturday, August 22, 2009


Leesylvania Park


Leesylvania State Park, the ancestral home of the Lee family, sits along the Potomac River, south of Washington, DC. Today the park offers a range of recreational activities and beautiful views of the river, one of the Chesapeake's largest tributaries. But the park also has a long and fascinating history.
Situated on "Freestone Point," referring to the sandstone which early settlers took from the property for building purposes, the park lands were once part of Leesylvania Plantation. Henry “Light Horse Harry” Lee III, a revolutionary war colonel and father of Robert E. Lee, was born here. The Lee mansion burned in the 18th century, but the family gravesite remains, as do the ruins of a later 19th century house. Visitors can also see the site of a Confederate gun emplacement from the Civil War.


Cook-out on the Grill

Fried Fish

Bar-B-Que

Cole Slaw

Potato Salad