Celebrating generations

Post 13/2025 Cornwall UK. Extended family connecting in Cornwall started a few days ago. Niece Jan and her husband John and John’s daughter and her husband arrived on Thursday. Jan’s daughters and their husbands arrived on Friday. Surprise of surprises to Marty and me, and slow to dawn on us, Jessie and Mike walked unnoticed behind Jenny and Rory as they alighted from the St Ives Branch Line. We were gobsmacked, chuffed, speechless. Expected and surprised for days together in Cornwall from across the pond!

Jenny (left) and Rory have been here before. Her mom Jan is exchanging news I have yet to understand. Is it about the person in the background whom I have not yet noticed? It’s Jenny’s sister Jessie whom we had no idea would be part of the entourage.
Mike, Jessie, Rory, John, Erin, Adam, Jessie, Marty, smiling in the rain. Auspicious and wonderful start to connecting in Cornwall.

Erin and Adam, John’s daughter and spouse, arrived together with Jan and John. Jenny and Rory, who have been here before, arrived on Friday. We’ve interacted with Jessie and Jenny since they were babes in arms. Erin and Adam we’ve gotten to know in recent years. It’s full speed ahead for celebrating generations in Cornwall!

As the following photos reveal, activities of this visit lean heavily on walks, food, and conversations. connection.

Pause for a picture on the six-mile walk on the Tinners’ Way from St Ives to Zennor.
My lunch included a smoked mackerel ploughman’s. Would have it again.
St Senara’s Church, in the hamlet of Zennor.

Comments from an older generation

I’m interspersing brief comments that underscore the generational perspective of English people in whose age bracket Marty and I belong.

On the English website Inspire Daily I read comments from 116 people who have lived between 1930 and 1946. These childhood memories are positive, jolly, reflective, informative, entertaining. The introduction notes, “Born between 1930 and 1946 places you in an exceptionally small group–just 1% of your generation remains today.”

The unnamed writer continues, “Your imagination served as your entertainment. Without television, you engaged in outdoor play and constructed elaborate mental worlds based on radio broadcasts. Families gathered to listen to news and programs together.” The writer noted that this was a “singular period in human history.”

A slice of reader comments: ‘We sure did live through wonderful times. Not much money but lots of fun.” One family “started from scratch in Canada.” Another, “Now 90, survived the Blitz in the East End. National Service. Such joy.”

True resourcefulness: “Milk was brought to the door in the goat. Milked on the door step!” Another: “90 this year, lower half . . . Rubbish. Top half. Pretty good. Still have little grey cells. I think!?”

I’m impressed that no one recalls undue worry, want, fear, anger, disappointment for the lot they were dealt. While they think well of their past, they nevertheless are anxious of the future for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I’m proud of this generation, Marty and my generation, and delighted to share life and love with our family and friends, the “younger folks.”

Easter Sunday

We attended services at St Anta and All Saints in Carbis Bay and then walked to Polmanter Touring Park for Sunday Roast in their very nice Stable Restaurant and Bar.

Waiting for Sunday Roast to be served at Polmanter Touring Park at Halsetown, near St Ives. 5.75 miles for today.
This tulip’s life even as it fades has withstood heavy rain and wind and continues to greet me just outside our door.

Happy Easter!

-John

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