Finally Friday - Happy Anniversary

Here we are on the beach in Pensacola FL.   Wedding  vows were said by  Chris and  Krystal on 7/31/2023.    

Thirty Four (!) years ago, Ray and  I both said "I Do" in front of a Justice of the Peace in Arlington. 

We've had a lot of adventures since then, and have had a lot of just drudgery days too.  That's marriage.  Good/ bad, better/  worse, Fun/ sad - the full gamut of emotions.  

When you look at the history backdrop of 34 years -  9/11, Covid, and more - it's  all a bit daunting. 

But, somehow we've always found beach time,  pool time, or just  plain old hang out time. 

On paper,  we are an  odd couple.  In real life - we do have fun.  He  laughs at the crap that comes out of my mouth.  He's a keeper!

Love ya Ray
 

Wednesday Whatever

 Super Moon at Pensacola Beach.   Cool pic, Ray.

Glorious night.  Gulf Breeze, soft sand, look up in awe

Jane poses quite the question. 

Monday Moments - The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese

 1900 to 1977, this is a huge novel covering three generations of a family. They suffer from "The Condition" - drowning.  In Kerala, India, water is everywhere.  We follow a twelve year old girl who meets and marries her forty year old husband. She, Big Ammachi, will witness unthinkable changes over the span of her extraordinary life, full of joy and triumph as well as hardship and loss, her faith and love, the only constants.  (cover blurb)

This book is a WOW.  Progress in medicine. Human understanding. Faith and a bit of mystical beliefs. Water, Water, Water.  Leprosy. Artistic depression.  So many characters to love and care for, to shed a tear upon death, to root for in life. 

The Covenant  of Water  by Abraham Verghese is a master class in writing, character and plot development, and a work of sheer humanity.  I now give you some of my marked sentences:

p. 396  The message in her (Baby Moll) gyrations is one that each observer makes for themself, but its themes are hard work, suffering, reward, and gratitude. 

p. 429  Joy and  sorrow, triumph and tragedy are the weeds and flowers of their Eden, and it will outlast the mortal blooms of this world. 

p. 430  But a stranger stares back at him, a soul already departed from this world but granted a backward glance at her former life.  (Elsie - oh my)

p. 517  Such precious, precious water, Lord, water from our well; this water that is our covenant with You, with this soil, with the life You granted us. 

p. 546  The ocean seems to be covered in glittering diamonds as the bus hugs the shore. 

p. 620  Every family has secrets, but not all secrets are meant to deceive. What defines a family is not blood, molay, but the secrets they share. 

Masterful writing. This book will stick with me for awhile.  It's long and looks daunting, but has a LOT of short chapters. You start reading and get hooked immediately.  Trust me!!

Finally Friday - Pensacola Beach I DO

Gorgeous setting on Monday 7/31/23.   The brides parents were married  on this date. She honored them with this choice

Krystal's much older brother walked  her down the lovely beach aisle. 

Prior - Chris's brother, Kevin, was the flower girl.  And yes - he kinda stole the show. He did a dance in a tutu with his hair like Guy Fieri.  Truly wacky.  And he handed out jello shots.   Seriously  - did she really want to marry into this crazy?

Our groom,  Chris,  with proud Papa - Ray

And the brothers  - Kevin  and  Chris

 Cake cutting at a very casual reception.  OMG - red velvet  cake with a very light yummy icing. I deem this marriage  a success on cake alone. 

But seriously - tears and a few sniffles  - the vows were heart felt and just about killed me. 

A wedding makes one look back and  forward too.  This couple was meant to be.  Cheers and Love

Whatever Wednesday - Pensacola

Ten hour drive that turned into twelve freakin' hours. Sigh.  But we did make it to Pensacola Beach FL. The view from our room was worth it even though we were berserk. 

Lazy river pool. No, we never did it. I am actually a tad suspicious of public pools with a ton  of kids in  it. Slightly grossed out. Just saying

Aah - you can't see my lavender toes - but glorious white sugar sand and gorgeous water. Perfect cool  enough temps.  Ray - "Oh, oh, oh  until he got his belly wet.  "  Ha!!!

Welcome indeed

And rehearsal discussion with the love birds.  This was Sunday before the wedding.  3 pm on that sand - just about passed  out. Holy crap it was a bit steamy.   Fortunately wedding would be at 6:30 pm  Monday. Whew!   This is elder son Chris with our fave  - Krystal.  He truly connected with her at the right time in  his life and made his best life  decision  to marry. Truly fate!!!
 

Monday Moments - Food

Mile High Key Lime Pie at the Carolina Inn.  The presentation was a five star. The actual flavor - adequate.  Ray and I ate a much better key lime pie in Orange Beach AL

Our gang enjoyed a yummy dinner courtesy of our hosts - Dave is a chef and he presented a wonderful chicken dish on a banana leaf.  We also had veggies, corn on the cob, and more.

No we did not eat any mushrooms from the Sandhills Center. This is silly,  but Cody represents a friend of ours,  Terri,  who passed. We  let  Cody have all kinds  of adventures - ha!

Here's the gang awaiting our chef meal. 

We ate well throughout our week.  Yummy pizza,  Italian at a restaurant,  Pub food at an Irish pub - I enjoyed the fish and chips.  We also prepared breakfasts to start our day - delicious pancakes that had apple and blueberries.  

Plus the camaraderie made the food taste better. 
 

Finally Friday - More HOF Rock

 Bask in  the Glory...   Nuff said. 

Cleveland..    Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.    Heaven  for any music lover.    Wow

worth the trek