IRON MOUNTAIN — The English language has words that raise the question, “Who came up with that word?” Take the word picnic. It is described in the dictionary as an outdoor gathering where food is provided.

There are events where a family goes on a picnic that mother has spent hours putting together. She is the provider. There is also the picnic where someone else does the prep work and people gather to enjoy the fruits of the caterer’s labor. That’s the kind of picnic Golden K sets aside for themselves each year to enjoy.

Doesn’t it feel great to get catered for and be taken care of once in a while?

The Bradley Maki Memorial Pavilion in City Park was the perfect setting for this tranquil gathering. The weather was perfect and the food excellent. Appreciation goes to Zollner’s catering. The Golden K seniors had no trouble finding the coffee pot and doughnuts. It was just the thing to get this perfect day started.

Ben Determan brought the flag and Lois Outcelt provided lead voice for the group to render their acapella version of “God Bless America.”

As seniors sometimes do, they settled in for some serious visiting time. Happy Anniversary wishes went to Vance and Dorleen Uhazie on July 25 and a welcome to RSVP Director Kathy Arnold.

The business portion waits for the next formal meeting. Today is about relaxing, remembering and enjoying.

While lunch was being set out, members had time to share thankful thoughts. Things like a sister in remission from cancer and friends enduring health issues yet keeping active sets an example for the rest of us. Life is full of daily challenges. In spite of the challenges age brings, this group faces life with hope. Everyone appreciates support from family, friends, and even encouragement from strangers. Creators of the event “picnic” provided a wonderful opportunity for people to gather and share gratitude in nature.

Golden K will meet again Monday at the First Presbyterian Church. Tara Blagec Coss from the Salvation Army will be the guest speaker. Meetings begin at 10 a.m., with the program at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.