Each year since 1987, the Adams clan has journeyed to the sun-soaked central Californiatown of Porterville. These gatherings are a time to share stories, catch up on current events, and embarrass each other. Jack and Judy Adams, my uncle & aunt, were gracious hosts as always.

   The Samurai Ceremony is a way to celebrate the memory of Marie Adams, my grandmother and loving mom to her three sons. She owned two samurai swords, which were bestowed to the brothers as part of her estate when she passed away in 1986.

   Because there are only two swords, and three brothers, the swords are "swapped", and the two armed brothers swear an oath to protect the one that's empty handed for the duration of the year.

   We also learned how to drive a tractor! It's not easy. There's a gearbox between your legs, with a very clunky shift lever, and a few gears. The throttle is on the steering column, with the clutch & brakes on either side of the chassis. Aside from learning the tractor, I learned that I'm not cut out for driving one for a living.

Bob Adams (Rob's dad) captures some evocative shots of the lasagna.

The "Tractor Training" featurette (8 mb.)

Nicole finds her new calling: Tractor Model.

Jack looks on in pride as, one by one, his younger kin take to the diesel-powered beast.

Rob's uncle Ed and aunt Bonnie

Rob's cousin-in-law Billie Jane contemplates the tractor with apprehensive yearning.

"Do they allow these in the carpool lane? Can we buy one?"

The Samurai Ceremony's trademark somberness.

Bob (center) is sworn to be protected for the year by his brothers, Jack & Ed Adams.