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August 10, 2019: Sarah and a young friend at Owens Pond.

A year ago, our church members gathered for a ward picnic at a local recreation area called Owens Pond. It was well attended and a lot of fun, so we hoped to get another good turnout when our bishopric announced another picnic for August 2019. 

We were not disappointed. Despite an ominous weather report, a flash flood warning, and gathering dark clouds scudding in from the east, more than eighty people (probably closer to a hundred of us, but I lost count) showed up for fun in the water, good food, and great fellowship.

Gathering the picnickers for a blessing on the food before we begin.

Like last year, the bishopric provided water, burgers, hot dogs, and all the fixin's, while the ward members brought in side dishes and desserts, potluck style. Everything looked delicious, although I confess I didn't even bother to look at the dessert counter, since I knew nothing on it would be low-carb. (It's all good. I made a sugar-free cheesecake the next day to soothe my sweet tooth!)

I'd signed up to provide a green salad, which is what I ate, along with a bun-less hamburger patty topped with cheese and tomato. It made a satisfying lunch, but the real draw was the opportunity to  relax and visit with friends.

The skies darken, thunder booms, and the water-babies begin to desert the pond. 

On the right, Sarah and Chris walk down to the water with a friend's two toddlers.

I always start with good intentions, meaning to take lots of pictures of the activities at these gatherings. Dozens of youth and young adults were cavorting in and around the pond. Men gathered at the horseshoe pits to challenge each other. Younger kids were swaying in the swings under their parents' watchful eyes. Volunteers manned the enormous grills and condiment table to be sure everyone was well fed. Adults of all ages sat in groups all over the grounds, chatting amiably and eating their grilled fare.

The crowd thins after rain starts sprinkling on our picnic grounds.

However, as so often happens, I got so caught up in visiting with members of my church family that I totally forgot about the camera waiting under my hand. It's not like we don't see each other at church every Sunday or have ample opportunities to see each other at other events, both in church and out (small town and all). But we are often very busy at church-related events, so it's nice when most of us can just sit and enjoy each others' company. And we're grateful to those who volunteer to take on the bulk of the work so the rest of us can relax.

By the time I remembered to go capture some photos, the threatened storm had rolled in and started sprinkling on our heads. The kids wisely fled the pond when thunder began rumbling in the distance. Eventually, cleanup began and families started collecting their kids and loading up their cars. Surprisingly, the picnic that began at 4:00 didn't break up until 6:30, despite the weather, so I'd call that a huge success! 

Thunderheads hang over the last of the picnickers to leave the area.

When Sarah, Chris, Mark, and I said goodbye and headed to our cars, the rain was pouring down in earnest. The little road passing over the creek at the entrance to Owens pond, which had been dry when we arrived, now had water from the creek below flowing over it. We knew then that it was time to leave, for sure!