Isms: Views on life in rural America

What’s the best thing about a reunion? The wait in between. (Ba dum tss!)

Okay, maybe not. But this summer was full of reunions—mini and mega. First up: a gathering with my mom’s siblings and cousins in Tilden. Then a Schindler shindig back at the farm. And most recently, the Class of 2005 from Lutheran High Northeast pulled me into their get-together.

At the Fields family gathering, the food table groaned under the weight of sweet treats. Ten desserts—overkill or perfection? Depends how stretchy your waistband is. Add in a bottomless supply of wine (and some fine-wine product, also known as A...