The O'Connor family reunion was held Sunday, August 3 in Kansas City.  All family members were in attendance except one grandson, Michael Patrick, of San Antonio,Texas.
    The gathering was held at a large circular table in the club house at the Woodlands Greyhound Park.  Those attending were Mike and Victoria, San Antonio, Pat and Amy and children Alec and Katrina of Lee's Summit, Mo. and me.  My family is not quite as large as some local ones that fill two shelter houses at Mikkelson Park or rent the Union Hall on West Milwaukee. 
    Though we are few, we had a great time.  The food was good with no covered dishes to be passed and we didn't have to bring our own silverware.  No one was able to pick any winners except Alec who won $4.40.
    Of course I was betting on the greyhounds, but Mike is a horse lover so he bet on the ponies that were running at Louisiana Downs. The Woodlands simulcast both dog and horse races from about 15 different tracks around the country so there are plenty of opportunities to blow the bucks. 
    On Monday we gathered at the Kaufman Stadium for a baseball game with the Kansas City Royals playing the Boston Red Sox.  Mike has been an avid Red Sox fan for many years so the opportunity to see his beloved Sox live was an added incentive for him to come to Kansas City.  Unfortunately, the results were not what he ha planned as the Royals won. 
    Mike often complains about heat in San Antonio when we talk during the Summer months.  That problem became moot during his Kansas City visit. 
    When I pulled into Pat's driveway last Saturday, my car thermometer showed three digits.  The high reached 100 each day with oppressive humidity for three days. Mike acknowledged it was the hottest he has been all Summer.  Our only outdoor activity was the ball game, where the on-field reading was purportedly 115.  The sweat literally dripped off my nose and my shirt looked like I stepped out of a shower. 
    When I left Kansas City Tuesday morning it was 88 and when I reached my home that evening it was 70.  I'm hoping I see no more triple digit days this Summer.