RainyGrass

Friends, it is with great pleasure that I inform you that Colorado is experiencing quite the rainy summer.  Considering that last summer I experienced the unique hell of sleeping in a top floor apartment without air conditioning, I am currently relishing the more moderate summer days and dramatic afternoon thunderstorms.

And while I am a self-confessed rain enthusiast, I was not at all pleased to have the rain join us on the one sacred day on the Broyles Family Calendar: RockyGrass.  RockyGrass is a yearly bluegrass festival that has come to be one of my favorite family traditions.  Every year the Broyles Family & Friends spend the day soaking up the sun, participating in some very intense card playing, forcibly dunking each other in the river, and swaying in time to the fiddle and the banjo.  This summer our picnic blanket was shared by 18 people, our friends and family alike.  It was scheduled to be my favorite day of the summer...but you know what they say about scheduling fun.  Don't do it. 

When the rain started, there was a common refrain from the thousands of people present: "Don't worry, this is Colorado.  It never rains for more than 15 minutes at a time."

Five hours into the non-stop rain, there was another common refrain from the crowd: "How would you guys feel if we left a little early?" 

But don't worry, we got creative.  And when that didn't work, we got more beers. 

Some people came more prepared than others.  Say, for example, this lady with a paper umbrella:

RockyGrass 2013 was the most special to date because my cousin Adam's very popular band, Head For The Hills was playing the main stage this year!  We got to watch their set from the VIP area.  You know, because we are all very important people. 

Luckily, the weather pulled itself together after lunch and we were able to frolic in the sun - as promised. 

Upon deep personal reflection, I am very proud that I managed to escape the crazy woman who normally chases me down the river with a giant stick (my sister), and that when I shamefully lost at cards this year, I did not hit or kick anyone, as I always assumed I would (I've, like, never lost)(I'm inappropriately competitive at cards)(I think I got that from my grandmother).

Alright, alright, RainyGrass.  You had your fun with us this year.  However, we Broyleses & Friends take summer bluegrass festivals very seriously and I would like to formally request river tubing and tan lines for 2014.  Oh, and bring back Head For The Hills.  Thanks.