Burns Cousins Weekend Retreat

The October cousins’ weekend retreat started on a Wednesday, with the night arrival of three cousins from Nantucket, Massachusetts, followed by the rest of the arrivals the following day. On Wednesday night, we were so excited to see each other that we didn’t go to sleep until around 2AM. Thursday, we had dinner at a seafood restaurant in Redwood City, California. Everyone had a great time and the food was amazing. Friday, we went to a comedy club in Pleasanton, California. By Saturday, everyone was too tired to leave the house, though we had reserved the day to travel into the San Francisco for sightseeing and a visit to a spa. Everyone decided to stay home. Terrilynn cooked dinner where we acknowledged two cousins’ October birthdays, watched a movie in the backyard in our pajamas and a few ladies enjoyed the jacuzzi. Sunday, two cousins attended a San Francisco 49ers game. My husband is a season ticket holder and we knew how much Lynn loves the 49ers, so we decided to treat her and Mildred to the experience of seeing a professional team play. They went to the game while everyone else stayed back and got some much-needed rest. Later that night we played Gestures, a very fun game similar to charades. Monday, it was time to say goodbye to a few of the cousins, however before we did, everyone was asked to take out their phone and add the contact information (name, birthdate, address, email address) for everyone into their phones. This information will be used to keep in touch with one another. In fact, 2023, started off with a group text acknowledging those born in January and we plan on continuing to acknowledge birthdays throughout the year. Monday continued with cheer; we played bingo, fellowshipped and simply continued to “show love for each other.” The remaining cousins left Tuesday morning. I went to work that day, tired but with a feeling of love — a feeling like no other. Later that evening I arrived home to my empty home, reminisc- ing about the amazing weekend I had just experienced with my family, one that I couldn’t wait to do again. In fact, we are planning a do over next October, at my home again in California and this time we plan to stick to the scheduled activities which will include sightseeing at such places as The Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and a few of the wineries.

Reactions from the cousins!

From Terri Lynn Bentley

This trip was one for the record books. It started out beautifully and ended magnificently. We bonded with strength. We laughed until we cried. We talked until we fell asleep. We ate until we were past full. But most of all, we gained a sisterhood from cousins we have known all our lives. Almeda opened her home to all of us with the greatest hospitality. We had a new residence for the weekend. We didn’t have to leave for anything (unless you wanted “something else,” wink, wink ��). The atmosphere and spirit from each and every one was positive at all times. We all fed off of the others’ energy and vibes.

This was the beginning of something magnificent. Can’t wait for our next getaway.

NOTHING BUT LOVE ♥️

From Zoe Brown

Our 1st Cousin’s Trip was a success. I enjoyed just hanging out in our cousin Almeda’s home. She’s the goat at hospitality. We really didn’t have to leave her home because she made sure that EVERYTHING, and I do mean EVERYTHING, was there for us. From food to personal toiletries, it was there. Being around my cousins was a great and relaxing time. I’m looking forward to going back to her home in California and definitely looking forward to the next cousins’ trip.

From Georgia

Cousin trip for me was relaxing and fun. The hospitality was one in a million. My cousin Almeda opened her establishment up to all of us with open arms. She made us feel like her home belonged to us all. It was my first time in northern California; I can’t wait until the next one. Love all of my cousins always and forever.

Reported by Almeda McLarin, MBA, Redwood City, California.