Who would think that at 80-something, one would have a peak experience?  Who would have thought that thirty-one relatives from my mother's side of the family, ranging in age from 21-months to 84 years could have so much fun together?

For three-plus perfect sunny and low humidity days, we gathered in Jamestown, R.I., a small beach community across Narragansett Bay from Newport.  Reunion central was a cousin’s house, complete with a pool and a never-ending supply of cold drinks and snacks.  Guests stayed in Air B&B’s in the neighborhood.

I met several of my cousins’ grandchildren for the first time.  Families came from as far away as Bogota, Colombia and Seattle, Washington.  During the day we walked along the ocean in Beavertail State Park, went to an ocean beach or just hung out at the pool.  One of my first cousins regaled us with his recollections about my mother’s generation (six brothers and sisters) and my grandparents.  Even the little kids listened.

I’m living on the fumes.