Months in the making, yesterday we celebrated the 50th anniversary of my dad and stepmom.
Who is "we" you are surely asking. Well, it was a cast and crew of about 17 schemers and liars (inside joke, I'll let you in shortly). The Head Instigators would be the daughters of Charles and Sharon...Pam and (yours truly) Erika. We planned for a casual cookout at our newly built (not even finished when they asked if we could host it) house with some food, probably some music, and a relaxed time on the patio.
Pam and I had a clear division of labor. She was the program director (responsible for mischief, mayhem, and fun) and I was the host and chief-cook-and-bottle-washer (responsible for hosting and catering).
In addition to our spouses and children, and to make this event extra special, we invited Dad's sister and her husband, and all the cousins and their spouses...but didn't tell them this part. By the time you get to the bottom of the attendee list, we have seventeen coconspirators. We were able to keep the "surprise" nature of the extra attendees for awhile but some of us are better liars than others and eventually Dad's sister came clean with her plans come to Montana to help celebrate. But she kept the secret for the rest of them. In the end, our surprise was successful and was well received when we revealed the whole clan on Friday evening at dinner.
On Saturday, everyone came to Absarokee to celebrate with the cookout that Dad and Sharon had asked for. Food, laughter, stories, and fun were all part of the schedule. As folks arrived they quickly got to work helping wherever they could; move some furniture, peel some eggs, make a salad. We worked together so well that you'd never know that some of us haven't seen each other in more than twenty-five years. The kitchen was humming and the patio was getting a real work out. It's as if this house was built just for this event.
All the cousins (and one son) working in the kitchen...and there's still more room!
Our favorite hang out area on the patio.
And what is a large gathering without ice breaking games?!
These ladies are large-and-in-charge. (Denise, Pam Sharon, Melodie)
Never have I hosted a party like this where we didn't have to crowd each other. (Diana, Sharon, Patrick, Katherine, Sean, Taylor, Greg, Denise)
And, of course there was some serious reflection on fifty years of marriage. (well, as serious as this group can get) Pam (in the back), Charles, Taylor.
Greg, Denise, Russana, Al, Diana, Sharon, John, Melodie, Brad, Larry
Charles shares a poem.
Sharon shared some wisdom of her years.
Charles tells the story of how their relationship started.
Pam came with a mix of humor and tribute to marriage and those who enjoy long and healthy relationships.
Front and center, Sharon and Dad take in all the stories, humor, and honor that comes with a life well-lived and shared.
Before the afternoon ended, they opened a few notes and gifts.
Just like any good wedding event, there was a photographer on scene to capture some of the moments and to get us some lovely pictures of this family. When those photos come, you'll hear from me again.
Twice each week, Katherine and I get together for a lunch date, to run errands or go to appointments (haircut tomorrow), and just "check-in". Our last lunch date was at Rib & Chop in Livingston where she got her "usual" (salmon). We really enjoy these get togethers.
I just got home from hand bell rehearsal! After several years of wanting to ring in a hand bell group again, I finally connected with a local community hand bell choir that meets at a local church and does a few concerts each year, and sometimes does programs for schools and nursing homes. I attended their Christmas program last year and asked if I might be able to audition for the next fall. No audition necessary (apparently teaching hand chimes to a bunch of junior and senior high students is credential enough to get accepted) and I started this fall. But when I signed up last Christmas, I didn't know I'd be moving. Even when fall came around and rehearsals began, I thought I would be around until late spring or early summer. Oh well. They let me stay on and we are preparing for our Christmas concert, conveniently scheduled for AFTER Christmas (so that it doesn't conflict with school programs and church events). So, if you're local and want to...
My trip to the house was quiet. Except for the excavator putting in the last loop of geothermal tubing, I was the only one there. My first mission on this day was to put a first layer of clear coat on the mantle (so that it's smooth and dust-able). With that done, I could wander around and see what happened on Monday. A small wall, overlooked on the house plan, has been installed and will hopefully get primer and paint this weekend. Interior doors are starting to go in. And here's the master bed WITH mattresses. Now all we need is the bedding (and toilets, sinks, and showers) The excavator is bedding down the last loop of geothermal tubes. It looks stormy so it's a good time to head back to Livingston.
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