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Second Annual Watkins Farm/SCV Cookout
May 15th, 2004
by Stephanie, edited by T. Warren
The Lord blessed us with a most beautiful day in Georgia, for the Second Annual Watkins Farm/SCV Cookout. Although preparations actually started on Friday, the actual event got under way around 1:00 in the afternoon on Saturday.
First to arrive were two of my grandchildren, who were dropped off by my son on his way to work. He would return later in the day. The first of the Camp members to arrive were Tom and Matt. I immediately put Tom in charge of the slow boil; I later learned that this was his first time at this duty, but you'd never know it by the results. It wasn't long before Judge and his wife arrived. Their contribution to the meal was green beans and taters, and some wonderful brownies with caramel in them. Around 2:30, Stu, his wife and daughter pulled in, bringing some delicious baked beans. Shortly after Stu and his family arrived, Sam and Tina called and said they were about a half hour away. Conversation continued for some time, on the deck, and when I looked around......low and behold, there was David Stewart! I wasn't even aware he had arrived. A side note on David, last year at this event, he was the only one who showed up, so we acknowledged him as the most loyal.
As the heavenly smells of all the food filled the air, Sam and Tina arrived. They brought cheesecake. As the conversation continued, I did my best to rein the crowd in, and advise them that we should eat while the food was hot. I only had to make mention of this once. Tom did the carving honors on the Boston butt, and we all sat down to a most gracious meal. In a short time we found ourselves stuffed, but the cheesecake was offered up. It seemed no one wanted any, and thoughts of horror of my gaining several pounds from "having to" eat it myself, were short lived. For when I went to get myself a piece, I found that there was only one small slice left. Rats! Foiled again..........
At this time I suggested that the Camp use an area of our property for encampments, drilling, and possible reenactment. This was warmly received, and I took everyone on a tour of the farm. When we returned, it was time for some real fun. Jerry and I proceeded to bring out the "noise-makers". This involved everything from black powder, .22s, a Thompson Contender with 357 barrel, and a 44 Super Blackhawk....as well as a shotgun, which provided for much entertainment, as Tina launched a box of clay pigeons in laughter, as the men shot up a couple boxes of shells. Tina's heckling of the men missing the clays, was second only to her enjoyment of firing a black powder rifle for the first time. The firing lasted until it was too dark to see the targets.
The day's event concluded around 10:00pm, and I think it is safe to say that a good time was had by all. It is our hopes that there will be many other such events, as the fellowship and comradery of these occasions builds a stronger camp. I hope I haven't left anyone out who attended, if I did, please accept my apology. Those in Camp who did not attend, not only did you miss out on some good food and fun, but your company was missed as well.
The young people in attendance, Robert, April, Jennifer and Matt spent most of the afternoon bareback riding the horses in the pen. They didn't mind that I was too lazy to saddle them. And besides, everyone knows the better riders learn to ride bareback first. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.
Thus concludes this report. Stephanie
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