Surprise, Surprise

My Dears,

just when I thought 2010 and all its turbulence were coming to an end - mind you 2 deaths, a wedding, a cross Atlantic move and a remote home sale will suck the life right out of you - I get invited to a party. You know when you think you are going to a fancy birthday celebration but wonder why the invitee insists on a dress code and that you don't forget your camera...you get a funny feeling. Then the scales fall from your eyes - this ain't a birthday party, this is something much more - this will be my father's wedding.

Now dear, you are right, I cannot complain, as I myself and Mike eloped to get married in secret. But we did have a real wedding where everyone was invited - they received invitations months in advance - and folks had gotten the chance to dress for the occasion. Our household goods are still packed, our suitcases did not reveal any festive clothing - so I borrowed and stole what I could to piece an outfit together.

Despite the whole surprise aspect, the wedding ceremony was short and sweet, bride and groom looked beautiful, we took pictures of the small circle of guests, the weather was stunning and we ate like kings. A really great day. Congratulations to the newlyweds! It is was the right thing to do, it is a blessing to find love again later in life. I am happy for you two!

When we got back I was done, I felt like I had run a marathon, not that I could ever run more than 30 minutes in row much less 4 hours, but I image that is what it feels like - absolute physical exhaustion - from sitting through a delicious 4 course meal.

My sister and I are still licking our infantile wounds - time to grow up, eh?

Did I hear open bar?

Cheers my dears!

D.