My Summer Vacation...

Dear New York City,

I fell in love with you on a recent visit. You are amazing and exciting. Please, don't get me wrong, I love Florida deeply. I would never leave her for you. But your charms are undeniable, can we have another rendezvous again soon?

Journal Entry - Summer Rain

This morning it rained, that driving and drenching rain of summertime in Florida. It was just Big Daddy, me and the dog. I was going to stay home. Big Daddy had some errands to run. I knew by a few things he said, that he wanted me to go with him. I was thinking to myself there were three little ways he showed his love for me today, so I sat right on his lap and told him so. His way of asking me to go with him was the first. He is growing his hair out a little for me because I like it that way, that is the second. I cannot remember the third thing right now. Sometimes life is just slow and mundane. But it is wonderful.

Hodgepodge

Did Americans, circa 1776, have British accents? See here for an interesting article.

Sick of the Twilight hoopla? I am. I like scary vampires not prissy ones.


The Sacred Sandwich has some really funny stuff up right now. Go check it out! Here.

Toy Story 3 - You've Got a Friend in Me

Our family of 5 went to see it this weekend. Can you believe it cost us about $95.00 for all of us to go together and get the tickets and refreshments? No wonder we only go to the movies altogether like that once or twice a year...

Anyway...Toy Story 3 was another home run for Pixar. All ages can enjoy it. Part of the movie takes place at a daycare, and after working this past year as a preschool teacher, I knew those poor toys were in for some trouble! I did feel sad and even fought back the ugly cries when the movie touches on the themes of the Toy's boy Andy leaving for college and outgrowing his beloved childhood playthings. I can't help but think of my Adam who will be 17 in a month or two. The original Toy Story was his favorite movie from around age 3. There was a time when we had to watch it at least once a day. For example, I still remember that the movie started around the 11 minute mark when I would fast forward the video tape to play it for him...We know that movie very nearly by heart. Of course we enjoyed Toy Story 2 and the animated Buzz Lightyear video also over the years. Our family grew up with this series. Those movies are cute and clever fun.

And Adam even liked it as much as his younger siblings, and he sat next to me.

Surreal Segway Experience

Once I was at Epcot walking through one of the large indoor concourses where conventions and displays are held. I was probably looking for a bathroom or a water fountain when I happened upon a surreal scene. In a room about half the size of a typical school gymnasium, there were about 20 folks on Segways going around in a circle. One of the most striking things was that they were not making any sounds, just gliding along quietly. The people all wore shiny white helmets while they quietly made their loop around the room, not saying a word. I paused to take it in for a moment or two, then I went on with my business. On my way back, I paused again to watch. This time the Segway riders made a final loop, went up a ramp and passed me as they silently glided out into the noise and the crowd of the amusement park.

Wedding Rings and Marriage

To celebrate our 20th anniversary, Big Daddy and I both got new rings. Our original engagement ring was the one his now deceased father gave his mother. It was very simple, a vintage design with both yellow and white gold and little diamond chips. It was just my style! We used my grandmother's wedding band, which closely resembled the engagement ring and also had a lovely vintage design in both yellow and white gold. Big Daddy's ring was a plain white gold band. His eventually got very scratched and misshapen due to the construction work he does. I haven't worn my set in the past several years due to weight gain.

In recent years we became aware that our original engagement ring held a very deep and special meaning for one of Big Daddy's younger sisters, due to its history as their parent's ring. We decided that since we wanted to celebrate with new rings, it would be a good gesture to give the engagement ring to his sister. I found a really nice silk cord, placed the ring on it and we sent it to her. I got the idea from my Mom. She wears my Father's wedding ring on a chain around her neck in a similar way, now that she is a widow. I thought that idea was lovely and that it would work in a similar way for my sister-in-law. The ring symbolizes her family and memories that are important. Those memories are close to her heart, and now she can wear the ring close to her heart.

Speaking of Marriage...
I really like what blogger Dave Burchett wrote:

I will celebrate (and that is the right word) my 34th wedding anniversary in July. It has not always been easy. We had some really rough times. But I am so grateful that we persevered. Something happens when a couple grows toward each other. When both parties give up the selfish expectation that the other person is responsible for their happiness then the biblical concept can begin to happen. My wife and I are experiencing that mystical journey of the two becoming one and I am more in love with her today than I was 34 years ago. There is a richness and depth to our relationship..."

see here


I must say that I am very happy with my decision to marry Big Daddy. Marriage is not easy. I am amazed in thinking of the circuit we have traveled together. There were some devastating lows and some giddily beautiful highs. I honestly feel like for every hard time we've come through things have become better on the other side. What a blessed arrangement!

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