Update

No, I have not bought the farm. I have left the farm. We are in Iowa City, visiting. We have an 11 year-old pricing Viking forts, two 14 year-olds prepping for a costumed event this evening, (red hair and long, grey beards; can you guess?) and grownups stuck in front of screens.

Ah, vacation...

Pro-Life Corner

Over and over again, we read the words, "Beget!" "Descendants!" "Families!" "Genealogies!" "Generations!" These are words of life! God's hands have not stopped creating! Each new human life bears witness of His amazing and faithful love--even for fallen, sinful creatures. Life continues!

Linda D. Bartlett

Last Wedding Post!

The reception itself was very fun; time to relax and forget the work and stress leading up to the day. There were some who said I should have let other people do the bulk of the work; hire a caterer, servers, etc. I did about half of the cooking. I roasted beef for Italian beef, made the au jus. I marinated chickens and my brother-in-law grilled them. I also made pasta and sauce. I was able to farm out salads to very wonderful friends who made and brought them. We had some snacky things while the wedding party was off taking pictures. More than one guest was surprised when dinner was also served later. But here at Pine Ridge Farm, we don't want you going away hungry! Dessert was wedding cake.



After supper, there was time for play. The kids spent lots of time down by the pond, catching frogs. Matthew and Keri wandered down to check out the fun.



When Brian the Hawaiian, our DJ, started playing, the party got a little louder. Matthew and Keri chose three "first songs," and spread them through the night for special dances.



The entire party ended up on the dance floor at one time or another; even those who didn't attend got the chance! At one point, Ethan called. I took the phone out on the dance floor and got to dance--albeit long distance!--with my soldier-medic-son.



Matthew taught me the basics of the Texas Two-step; I was very surprised by both him and Jay! I had no idea they could dance! I suppose they didn't, either; until they had a little of those Milwaukee and St. Louis Kool-Aids! Finally, the night drew to an end; Matthew and Keri left at 1:15! I didn't expect them to stay until the end, but I guess they were having too much fun.

The next morning, I looked at all the leftovers in my frig, and decided another party was in order. Several of the guests were re-invited to help us finish off the party. among those were the ladies who pitched in and literally took over my kitchen, serving and replenishing food, and leaving me little to do besides dance, visit and enjoy the party. We all got together again to eat, drink, play and watch wedding gifts being opened. We even had a cattle drive! Mid-afternoon, we received a call from the man who had been hosting our cow, Bess, during her...date with his bull. Seems she was ready to come home, and today would be a really good day, hint, hint. Off we went to retrieve her. When we got home, our guests had already begun to arrive. Mary saddled her horse and we let Bess out of the trailer. She headed for the highway! Wakiya cut her off, and drove her toward her pasture. The drive was over in all of 5 minutes, despite the dire predictions of one of our guests. Just another afternoon in Paradise!

More Wedding!

Isn't this a handsome shot?



Some shots from the post-wedding. As we stood in the narthex, (the lobby for you non-Lutherans)waiting for the rain to clear so we could blow bubbles on Keri and Matthew, Pastor suggested we do that inside.






Of course there had to be some mischief done to the car...



There may have been confetti involved. The Masterminds may have been in charge of cleanup.




What fun! The town to the east of us has an old-fashioned town square. This summer, a local therapy stable is holding a unique fundraiser. They sold carousel horses to regional artists, who painted and decorated them. They will be displayed on the Square until the September Gala for this stable, where they will be auctioned. One is called the Wedding Horse. Of course, the wedding party had to have a picture taken there!




It was a beautiful day, after the rain cleared. That happened about the time the wedding party arrived at the reception from taking pictures. Then the party really started...

Didja Hear the One About the Groom Who Forgot the Wedding Rings?

-whew- The Weekend has ended. I know, I know, it's Tuesday. But, since it started on Thursday...Let me explain. No, there is too much. Let me sum up.

Oh, heck. I want to tell all the gory details. So, hang on for the ride.

It started Thursday night, when the best man arrived. And another groomsman. He is Navy; we didn't hold that against him, although all the other guys in the wedding party are Army. Andrew served in Iraq, too, returning in April. He heads back at the end of the month, after reenlisting for another two years. Just like Matthew back in January, our small town held a hero's welcome parade for him. It was delayed by that best man, whose plane cam in an hour and a half late. But it was held, and, afterwards, much partying was enjoyed at Andrews' parents' home. Following that, a bachelor party was held at a local bar. It was actually quite sedate, unless you consider that 4 of the 7 attendees were Iraq vets who shared war stories. John was there, and heard them...and came home quite humbled.

Friday was spent on last-minute details and chores. That evening, a rehearsal was held. I missed it. I was off collecting the couples' clothing from the cleaners, and got a panicked phone call that the bride's grandmother and sister were stranded in Chicago. Having ridden Greyhound from California, they asked for directions to a train station, hoping to take a train out here to the boonies. They were sent to the wrong station, and Grandma didn't think they could handle the 4 block walk to the correct one. Since Keri was rehearsing for her big day, I handled this crisis and headed to the rehearsal dinner. That was fun, and then we headed out to party...at WalMart. Well, some things still needed to be bought! The bride and groom called to invite us out for a drink; who would say, "No?" Another late night...

Saturday morning flew in a blur. Tables were decorated, hair was curled, the lawn was once again mowed. And, suddenly, I was driving to the church. I was alone, because John stayed back to prod the groomsmen into uniform. I transported the bulletins, the dresses and, most importantly, the mother of the groom.



I helped calm the bride, dress the bridesmaids, and greet guests. Well, sorta. It's all such a blur... Suddenly, someone was saying, "He's late for his own wedding." Since there was a pool among the groomsmen, I wasn't surprised. They know their friend and brother like I know my kid! He was 20 minutes late; although he didn't show up when he was supposed to, he was still 10 minutes early. None of the guys won the pool; they guessed far too late! But 5 minutes before he was due to appear at the altar, I heard those dreaded words, "He forgot the rings." They were safely at home, a 25 minute round trip. He has a very wonderful dad, who stripped off his own wedding ring to serve as a substitute without a word about how ditzy it is to forget the rings! Keri's engagement ring stood in for the wedding ring, and down the aisle we went!

Vows were taken...




Rings exchanged...




And they were married.



How cool is that?

Tomorrow; more. The Party, and The Party After the Party

Pro-Life Corner, a Day Late!

We stand for the right to life, not simply because the state needs more people, but rather because each human being is a unique creation of God, endowed with personhood and the rights that attach to personhood from the moment of conception.

Colonel John Eidsmoe

Down to the Wire

28 hours away from my goal for being done. I've taken to writing down the smallest details, as my brain is only capable of so much!

The list for the next 28 hours;

Mow.
Eat.
Weed.
Sweep.
Chop.
Wash.
Grill.
Boil.
Saute.
Fold.
Tie.
Print.
Pick up.
Deliver.
Shop, again.
Apologize (I'm sure there's someone, or there will be!)
Quit picking fingers. (Manicure at hour 29, and she's only a manicurist, not a miracle worker!)

Prayers would be appreciated!

Welcome home parade for another hero in 8 hours. It'll be a fun diversion in this insanity.