It's that time of year again! Time to come together and celebrate our common families......and friends. The annual Robert "Boston Bob" Baker birthday c elebration will be on Saturday, July 2, 2005 at Possum Trot Farm near Manchester, KY. This is the estate of our esteemed cousin Jess Wilson and his lovely wife, Ruth. I know that you will agree that this is one of the most beautiful areas in the state. Or anywhere. As you know by now, this reunion is for relatives, friends of relatives and relatives of friends of Boston Bob. In other words, just about anyone who is interested in tracing their heritage in America. The Internet has made it easy to keep in touch and learn about our roots in American history but meeting in person confirms our quest. It puts a face with a name, renews kinship and forms new alliances. We will meet beginning around 10 in the morning and continue until dusk. This year we are fortunate to have a local musical group to entertain us. Feel free to bring your instrument of choice as they have agreed to let anyone "sit in" and play with them. I have my kazoo ready. Cousin PJ Robinson booked them for us last year so we can enjoy their talents. Cousin Ruth Klein spoke with the management of the Best Western in Manchester and secured a block of rooms for $53.99 per night. Ask for the "Baker Reunion" rate and specify if you require a smoking or non smoking room or any special accommodation. They also have an indoor swimming pool. The phone number is 606-598-1800. This is a pot luck affair so you will want to bring enough food for your family to add with that of others. For out of towners, there is an IGA Supermarket, Lee's Famous Recipe Chicken and Patty's Restaurant usually has a few of their outstanding pies for sale. Cold drinks and condiments are provided. Please bring photos, birth/death/marriage and genealogical records to share. I am looking forward to seeing all of you again this year along with many new faces. Directions from either Interstate 75 North, or South: exit London ramp and take KY 192 East (Bypass) a short distance to the Daniel Boone Parkway (toll has been lifted) and turn right (east). Take the Manchester exit to US Highway 421 North. Thirteen miles north, on the right, is the Clay Building Supply. Watch for the Possum Trot Road sign, turn right. There will be a sign indicating that you are in the right place for our reunion. About two miles up that road is the large, enclosed pavilion (The Wigwam) and outdoor area where we all meet. This is truly a unique place. If you are using a GPS, the address is 794 Possum Trot Road, Manchester, KY 40962. If you are coming from the North and want to take the scenic route: take US Highway 421 South through Richmond, Big Hill, Sand Gap, McKee, Gray Hawk and Tyner. Six miles south of Tyner, the Possum Trot Road sign will be on your left. This is a little more than an hour's drive from I-75 unless you get behind slow moving farm equipment. If you get lost, you can reach me on my cell phone: 386-299-0565. The Wigwam is on a party line with Jess: 606-364-5867. I will be at the Wigwam around noon on Friday but in the Clay Country area on Thursday.