Gloria's Fabulous Picnic

"Early one morning the sky was as blue as the ocean and the birds were singing with joy. The temperature was very hot and there was no wind. Then I got a call on the VHF from my brother Roy and his girlfriend Gail to invite me along for a boat ride and a picnic. I was happy to go because I could not stand to stay home on such hot days. So I got busy and packed some food and other stuff needed on the ride for me and my children and the rest of the crew."

"When Roy called my house from a mobile radio I knew that he was all ready and at the beach. So with my daughter Shannon wrapped around one arm and a grub box of food in the other, we started for the beach. Donald was with his older sister, Maureen, dragging behind us. Sure enough, as we reached the beach Roy was waiting below the house. After we were all in the boat, we were ready to take off right away. It was so hot out that day I was sweating with just my shirt on. Roy started up the engine and we all were so happy to have the fresh, cool air finally hit our faces."

"Everyone sat still and watched the beautiful country pass within our eyes. The smell of green trees impressed our noses so we all inhaled with great joy. After a while I noticed that we were in Kuik slough, fifteen miles out of Marshall. I tell you it was so beautiful out there. We stopped and unpacked the grub. Roy made the fire and my mom Lorraine cooked some things on top of the fire. After eating we were so full that we all rolled back over to the boat. After awhile the sun started irritating our skin because it was so hot. Then I just wanted to come home and stay in the shade. Other than that it was a fabulous trip."

Story by: Gloria Ann Fitka

Interviewed by: Maureen Fitka