17th Annual Lake Oconee Party - by David Morgan
Another day of food, fun & fellowship! This year was somewhat different as I am dealing with being able to only partially use my right arm. So, Nancy and I had to work even more closely as a team than we ordinarily do, and that means we are really close these days. We left for the lake on Wednesday, since we knew we would have to pace ourselves in the heat, with me working half speed. There is much behind the scenes work that goes on before the day of the party.
We did get the house cleaned, tables re-arranged and table clothes spread prior to Saturday AM. As is the tradition, now, I picked up my good friend Marvin Payne for the scenic drive over to the community of White Plains to get the Bar-B-Que and Brunswick stew. We have been getting those items from Holcomb’sBar-B-Que all seventeen years and shall continue to do so. All members should try to make a pilgrimage to Holcomb’s, as it is a trip back in time. Holcomb’s, owned by Mrs. Grace Holcomb, a rail thin woman who is getting on in years, has been in business for some 30 years, open only Friday and Saturdays. It is a true Georgia place, as they serve only PIG, no beef, no turkey and no chicken-pig, pig and more pig, sliced or chopped!!
This year was a very good party, as I saw it unfold. We were missing a number of old-timers, for one reason or another. However, we had a number of newcomers so we ended up with thirty-six club members and another eight friends and Nancy’s brother Hurdis Broach. That is about the same numbers as last year. The weather co-operated and was warm, but not too, with a decent breeze all day. As usual, the women visited with each other in the A/C and the men folk took to the chairs under the deck, outside. Everyone seems to be content with that arrangement.
Of note was the presence of the entire Baize family, plus a couple of extra young folks with them. Lordy, what fine young folks Katherine and Harrison Baize have grown up to be. I was so pleased to see these young folks that came with their parents and actually got into the warm waters of Lake Oconee. I will note that Mike Heaphy and Dottie Merrifield actually got into the water, also. They are still young at heart!
This year we had an excellent selection of home made dishes that all seemed to get eaten up. We did not have as many leftovers as in some past years. Many thanks to all who brought good dishes to share. Thanks, to Marvin and Debbie Payne who stayed to help us clean up and rearrange the tables to put the cabin back in order.
The Lord willing, next year I shall be back to using two arms 100% and we can host another fine time at the lake for our dear friends in Corvette Atlanta.