Dinner with my Aunt

[fbhjr]

Last night my wife and I met my Aunt Ginny and her husband for dinner at a
Thai restaurant near where they live. (I know that technically he’s my
uncle. But, since they have been together less time than my wife and I, I
don’t think of him that way. I think of him as my Aunt’s husband…)

We had a nice visit. They just finished a cruise down the east coast
stopped at historical cities. It sounded very nice.

One of the big things my Aunt wanted to talk with me about was the family
banned list and if I was on it or not. I guess her husband didn’t want her
to talk about it, but she couldn’t resist. And, once I realize what she
was getting at, I didn’t let him stop us.

From what I’m told, my mother’s family got together several times this
summer down on Cape Cod. Once for a summer party. Once for a visit from
my cousin who is in the Navy and about to be deployed off the coast of
Somalia.
My Aunt was very specifically not invited to these parties and all people
invited were sworn to secrecy about them.
But, my mother couldn’t resist bragging about going to my Aunt. So, she
called up my Aunt and told her what she missed.

They wanted to know if I was in on the conspiracy or not. After all, they
gave me the contact information for the Uncle (the father of the cousin in
the Navy) holding this party back in April and knew I had tried to get in
touch with him.

I had tried to get in touch with him. After all, he moved to a retirement
home only 5 miles from where I lived that I drive by every day going to
work. It seemed to make sense to let him know I was there.
But, other than a “I’m too busy moving now. I’ll talk with you in a couple
of months.” back in April, I haven’t heard anything from him.
Certainly no invitation to family beach parties.

Now I’m wondering if I am on the active ban list, as is my aunt, or if they
just forgot I exist.

I wonder because of our faire two years ago. The children of my mother’s other brother
came to that. But, when my Aunt showed up they left because “if our dad
found out we were at the same event with Aunt Ginny he will get really mad
and punish us.” (The cousin who said that to me was 47 at the time and
lives in a penthouse in New York with her investment banker husband. Her
brother who just nodded and left with her is a Federal Marshall and ex Navy
Seal. Exactly what their 70 year old father could do to them was not clear
to me.)

My mother knows I get together with her sister Ginny a few times a year.
And, of course, my mother has declared me an embarrassment to her family
and is the oldest sibling.

So, it makes me wonder if my association with my Aunt has put me on the
banned list.
If so, I’m in good company. I like my Aunt.

Comments

[palusbuteo.livejournal.com]

Ugh. Ughugh.

Well glad you have an ally in a manner of speaking on the banned list.

Family drama. Jeeze. *eye roll*

[morgan-lafaye.livejournal.com]

Just think you are in a very exclusive club. I think the banned list has far better people on it.

[m-danson.livejournal.com]

This is my thought as well.

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

Ah, but I may not be in the club. I may just be forgton, not actively banned....

[chris-warrior.livejournal.com]

and mine.

as usual.

[brickhousewench.livejournal.com]

This. I'd rather meet your banned family than the rest of them, from the stories you tell.

Plus, my favorite distant relative introduced herself to me as, "I'm your great aunt Blanche, I'm the back sheep of the family." I loved her immediately. =D

[jenny_evergreen]

I have to admit to being curious about what Aunt Ginny did that was so horrible! Goodness, families are crazy. I didn't faithfully attend all of my cousin's birthday parties for their kids (one of whom has a birthday 3 days from MY kid's). *rolls eyes*

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

Sorry, should have linked the recap:
http://fbhjr.livejournal.com/601592.html

[jenny_evergreen]

Wow. I am SO TOTALLY on your aunt's side in this! What an ass your uncle is. I think you definitely got the good relative in the banning/ignoring/etc. Bah!

[manintheboat.livejournal.com]

Your elderly visit Thai restaurants?
My elderly say, "That's too spicy."
Or are so racist I wouldn't take them there anyway.

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

I've got problems with her husband on the last one. But, he's been better lately, so I think my aunt talked to him about it. I doubt he changed, but at least he doesn't say it.

And, the restaurant was their suggestion. My aunt as always pretty good about trying new things, and that didn't change with age.

[ravena-kade.livejournal.com]

Yay for elders who like to try new things)

[angelamermaid.livejournal.com]

Wow. I read the recap. Go Aunt Ginny! I'm sorry that the family ties have fallen behind battle lines.

A few years ago, my Cousin J was so mad at Aunt C that on Facebook, she defriended and blocked most of us. I would rather be on Team Aunt C any day.

(Now Cousin J is making nice. We're being cordial. From a distance.)

[endlessblush.livejournal.com]

Hey it's always good to have another black sheep to keep you company - I'm the only one in my family.