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dinner was prepared by the ladies - each bringing their own special dish. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, hot homemade rolls, and a variety of vegetables, salads and desserts adorned the huge dining table. Grandma would say grace and then the eating would begin! Mothers filled plates for the children and settled them at the kitchen table first. The men then heaped their plates and made their way to the picnic tables in the yard. The women fed themselves last, after everyone else had been served, and remained close to the kitchen to tend any further needs of their families.

Sunday afternoon was a time of leisure. After dinner, the men retired to the lawn chairs under the trees, while the women finished up the kitchen work and brought out their needlework. The smaller children played close to their mothers, and the older ones were allowed to run and play at will, so long as they reported back to the adults periodically.

Sometimes there would be freezers of ice cream, or tubs filled with ice cold watermelon. Often extended family or neighbors would stop by to visit. It was a time of rest and socialization after a long week of work on the farm, and in preparation for the week ahead.

The time always seemed to pass quickly, and all too soon, families gathered up and headed home. The ride home brought a time of man and wife catching up on the talk of the day - Uncle Bob has a new tractor - Aunt Irene is expecting again - Grandma will probably be called over to the Smiths this week to deliver their baby and care for Mrs. Smith.

Upon arriving home, the farm chores were once again done, the family sat down to a supper. Dad's mealtime prayer thanked God for the fellowship of the day. He asked God to bless the work of the coming week. Our weekends ended with a sense of peace and tranquility, knowing that God had indeed blessed us with home, family and friends.

Learn more about this author, Debra Herring.
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