Day 6 found us still on I-90 on the way to Albany, NY, where we would turn south on I-87 then onto I-90 Massachusetts Turnpike into MA. (I would like to mention that earlier in the overnight drive, we saw a beautiful past-full moon that was pinkish orange in the clear overnight sky) We then hit I-495 South to arrive at the hotel in Sheldonville, MA around 11 am, after driving for a little over 14 hours. There, I met my uncle Rick for the first time (being two years old doesn't count, as I don't remember). This was another "finally!" moment in a long line of such moments. He was making sure we arrived in the right place, where the entire family would be housed for the family reunion.

We got ready and went over to uncle Rick and Pam's house (affectionately called the Firehouse Tavern) for dinner, sitting around several tables put together into a single large table on the rear porch area. They had already started eating, so we got right to it after Panna introduced me to everyone (not everyone had arrived, so some others would be arriving tomorrow on Saturday). I was a bit nervous, not knowing what everyone was like. I was glancing around the table, figuring out the personality types, listening to some of their stories, and learning about their lives. We have a few people who are well-traveled. There are little children present, one boy and four girls, and they play when they're not eating! Here, cousin Christelie on the Left and Panna is talking with a neighbor, who is a practical joker. When I saw his tattoo, I thought, "Dude, isn't it a bit late to do that?" But no, it's a tattoo sleeve that you put on! He had me!

There is a large circus-type tent with the white pointed canvas ceiling and no side walls to keep everyone dry in case it rains, and cool as well. A stage is set up and tables are set up for the catered dinner which is tomorrow night. Some food was set aside just for me (VERY much appreciated!).

It was getting chilly in the evening, I'd say mid-60s or even lower! We got the fire pit going. It's a large stone-type pot, about three feet in diameter and reflects the heat upward REALLY well and has a lid when it's not being used. Rick uses the ashes for fertilizer mixes. It was great to see the family sitting around with the flames dancing over their faces as we talked to one another. I really enjoyed the immense warmth of the small-but-roaring fire in the chill of the night. Soon afterwards, we retired back to the hotel for the night.