The grandchildren have departed, leaving behind a ball, barrette and undies. That’s nothing compared with some of the things that we’ve found as soon as the vans leave the driveway: bottles and diapers and pacifiers. Special cups that must be retrieved before the next school day. Much-loved blankies.

Today’s get-together fell into place organically. It’s not only June but Juneteenth, which means days off for our brood. The group lunch wasn’t planned but seemed to make sense. Babies tag-napped upstairs, the teenager worked the trampoline so the littlest ones weren’t hurt, and the adults had a few minutes to chat among themselves.

I write after watching the U.S. beat Australia 2-0 and a guaranteed advance to the next round of the World Cup. A steady breeze makes for pleasant company, as leaves wag in the wind and a lovely day morphs into evening.

(Above: another perfect June day, this one last year in Groton, Massachusetts.)