'That was very tasty' said Bill. 'Where did you find the recipe?'
'Oh it's a recipe from my Mum. Part of the family tradition. We have it on the 23rd of December each year before heading to the Christmas party. I've never made it myself before. I'm glad you liked it'
'It's got a really unique taste but I loved it. Any chance of a second helping?'
'Oh no. It can be bad for you if you have too much. What I gave you is exactly the dose Mum suggested'
'Dose? You sound like you just poisoned me or something'
'No. It's not a poison but you have to have a dose so what we do at Christmas will work for you'
'I can't wait for tomorrow. You are so mysterious about these family traditions. It will be nice to finally be there'
'I'm hoping you get to love the week at the cabin just as much as I do. It's what makes my family unique'
'I wish you would give me a bit of a hint about what to expect. You never answer my questions about what you got up to last Christmas'
'Family secrets. Mum warned me that I had to be really sure that you are the one before I invited you along. I wasn't sure last year but I am now' she looked at the engagement ring on her finger. Bill had proposed to her several months ago.
'So does everybody stay in this cabin? It must be huge'
'It's been extended a lot over the years. There are going to be 48 people staying there this year and we have to make sure there are enough beds. I believe two more rooms were made this year. One of them is for you and me'
'48 people? That's a lot'
'Well my grandfather and his friend Arthur started the tradition 50 years ago. So we are really two families but since both of my aunt's married Arthur's sons we are like one big family really. Everyone comes each year, no-one wants to miss out. And now since you are becoming part of the family you are welcome as well'
Bill had met Clover's immediate family and really liked them. She had two older sisters and an older brother all were married and had their own children. Clover now had 4 nephews and 2 nieces. Bill did a quick calculation in his mind. That was 16 people if he counted Clover's parents. That meant he would be meeting 32 people for the first time.
'Am I going to be the only newcomer there?'
'I believe so. Anyway are you all packed? It's a 6 hour drive to the cabin. We will need to leave first thing in the morning. We need to be settled into our room before the festivities begin'
Bill had packed. They would be staying at the cabin until the new year. Clover's grandfather, "Pop" as she called him, who Bill had not met, owned 300 acres in the hills and had over his life time extended what had originally been a rustic cabin into something that now sounded more akin to a boutique hotel. Clover had told him to pack swimming gear and hiking clothes as well as clothes suitable for tennis and fishing. He also had to pack his best suit as evidently on New Years Eve they would hold an extravagant party. He had seen the dress Clover had packed for that party. It had seemed to him more like something she would wear to a ball rather than a family get together.
Bill had also had to pack an article of his own clothing, wrapped up like a Christmas present. If possible it should be something a bit "Unique" and "Fun". Clover had refused to elaborate further and told him she didn't want to know what it was. Totally mystified he had wrapped up his favorite fishing hat complete with lures attached.
Later in bed Clover was particularly amorous. She was very excited that Bill would be accompanying her this year. However as she lay beside his sleeping form after she had milked him dry she worried. She was concerned that Bill might not approve of her family tradition and he would flee and she would never see him again.