Anniversary in the midst of busy-ness

It has become quite busy here as we have so much to do outside and we're in the process of moving Christopher back home. He's been staying at our friend's house while they bicycled through Europe (after being on sabbatical in Finland for the spring semester). They are in their 60s! He has been invited to stay at their house but it will be much cheaper for him to stay at home this semester.

I apologize to those who have written e-mails recently. I haven't had time to read most of them much less respond. Hopefully I will have a free evening soon to write as I do try to respond to all of them. If you have ever written and not heard from me, the e-mail mistakenly went into the Spam file... which I know has happened when I've seen an e-mail there from someone I actually knew!

Yesterday was our 35th wedding anniversary. That is a long time to be married to someone. I wanted a June wedding but my husband was 27 and didn't want it published in the newspaper he was marrying a 19 year old. Thus, our August wedding was days after my birthday. :)

The years have not been easy but I'm thankful we made it this far. I'm reminded of the quote I heard once (can't remember from whom or what book) that "marriage is to make us holy rather than happy". Of course, marriage brings happiness but bringing together two families can be quite interesting.

We have dealt with his career as an engineer and engineering manager, which required a great deal of moving from one place to another as well as his constant travel. Of course, his bi-polar challenges were not easy, either. However, what was most challenging to both of us was just the fact we are two totally different people, which I've seen so often in marriages.

While we have faced many challenges, we have been blessed with just the best children, son-in-law, and grandchildren one could ever hope for... as well as our furry friends (one is curled next to me as I'm writing so I must include Sasha and her sister... we still mourn our Storm Girl).

We don't notice the age difference very much in most things but it is very evident in our taste for music. I especially notice him cringe when we are in the car together and I have the radio set to K-Love. I have the station streaming on my computer right now. :)

We had not planned on going out for lunch or dinner at all since money is so tight these days but a very, very sweet blog friend was at Panera recently and thought of me... sending along a Panera gift card that arrived Saturday (I have not had a chance to e-mail that it arrived safely, I'm sorry!!!).

The generosity of blog friends has never ceased to amaze me. Kindness to each other is that spark which kindles much needed courage to forge ahead through less than perfect days. We truly do "read to know we are not alone". :)

I was walking back to the house from the rural mailbox when the "still small Voice" reminded me this is perfect for our anniversary. I must admit to a twinge of selfishness as I thought of the times I could get away for good coffee and a scone instead but thankfully that didn't last more than a few seconds.

We had a very, very nice anniversary celebration at Panera Sunday afternoon... thank you so very much to my friend who shared her Panera love with me. We had such a nice time with good food and no dishes!! :)

Thank you for the comments about the Julie & Julia movie. I'll watch for it when it comes to the Redbox machines and be on guard for the language. Even though it is prevalent through the book, it is too bad they had to put it in the movie (although not surprising).

Picture: There is No Place Like Home; allposters.com