Friends and extended family members caught up after lengthy periods of absence and it was a joyous occasion to say the least.  The attention to detail was quite mind-blowing, even down to flip flops for ladies whose feet ached and squishy blankets against the chilly late night air.  As the Champagne flowed and cocktail glasses clinked, the whole affair became a bringing together of the clans.  Catching up with my parents, brothers and sister, their families, old family friends and relatives-by-marriage was precious to me because I have no idea if I'll ever see many of them again.