28 May 2008

Celebrate!


This is the image. Now married, sharing a toast, beginning life together. Legal and everything. It's only one of the many images captured that night. There are many that were not, and some are notable. Just across the street was a large park, full of trees and open space. As light faded and day became night, dozens of fireflies lit up the area...and the yard we stood in. Having moved long ago away from that part of the country, I hadn't seen fireflies in more years than I can count. Yet here they were, never gone, just waiting for me to come back. It was quite a sight.
It was a nice evening weather-wise...gentle breezes, not too humid, some clouds. And as the evening ended, lightning in the distance. Just a flash, no sound, no rain. Fireworks in the night sky.
It was also a nice evening because of the people they shared this time with. An interesting crowd of folks, gathered at the home of friends, to celebrate two special lives. Much food and conversation, people sharing stories of Jamie and Darren, laughing, happy.
And, for two people, they have made it legal, paper in hand. And the next day was a day of rest, hanging out with family and friends, and remembering the night before. The first of many remembrances of that special day.

19 May 2008

Heading home


It's heating back up here in Dallas and time for us to get home to our beloved Oregon and our furry creatures. Why the heck were we in Texas? Daughter Jamie got married Saturday evening and I gave away the bride. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the home of friends. About 70 guests joined in the celebration and it was indeed a celebration. No pictures yet...those will come once we're home again and I've had a chance to see what is suitable for viewing!! The evening ended with a ride in a 1961 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud...off into the night went the happy couple and a new chapter in their lives begins.

So, today is about packing up, saying those last, hard goodbyes, and flying back home. Cooler weather and 4 small furry bodies await...eager to see the Moms again, and go outside! And tomorrow Grammy will spend time with her little man and see how much he's grown since we left 5 days ago...after all, 5 days is a long time when you're 16 months old.

Leaving family is always hard, but there is nothing like the comfort of home and sleeping in your own bed!