Church Picnic

I was curious to see what a southern church picnic would be like. I imagined white table clothes flapping in the breeze, tall pitchers of lemonade, lots of pies, music and kids. I thought perhaps some of you might wonder what a picnic in the south might look like, so here goes...

First, since it is August the picnic happens indoors. Air conditioning has changed the way things are done around here. Also, fire ants have made people leery about picnicking out of doors. I asked about this, and one lady explained that there were no fire ants in Texas up until about 7 years ago, and since their arrival there just doesn't seem to be any stopping them. Apparently most churches and family reunions now happen indoors because of the tiny little insects.

Second, red checked table clothes with vases of roses flocked the tables. At least that wasn't disappointing.

Third, meat, lots of meat, namely beef brisket with spicy barbecue sauce was the main feature of the menu. Vegetable salads were absent though there were plenty of fruit trays and coleslaw platters and baked beans.

Fourth, ice tea, sweet ice tea and water were the beverages of choice. Apparently people just don't think of lemonade as an option any more. Even the kids were downing copious droughts of sweetened iced tea. Kate made a face when she took a swallow and so did Reagan, so they ended up with glasses of water.

Fifth, the desserts did not disappoint. The tables groaned with cupcakes, puddings, pies, cookies, brownies, tarts, 3 layer cakes, 7 layer cakes, cream puffs, eclairs, muffins and coconut macaroons. I was happy to see that I was the only one to bring rice krispie treats, and I managed to come home with an empty plate.

Sixth, live music wafted over our heads. Not country or western, thank goodness. Just good ol' gospel standards.

And that is a Southern Church Picnic circa 2009.