Can I get an Amen?

I'm not knocking any religion. Really I'm not. But, at what point do the missionaries-soldiers of God-sharers of faith-get the point? No, I am not interested in joining your church. I have one that has currently disowned me because of a divorce. But, this new pope has the church rethinking its views on homosexuals and I figure divorcees aren't too far behind. Not holding my breath you understand. Does it not say something to  you that every three weeks when you stop to share your faith that I am in my pajamas? Yes, you can leave your literature. Let's discuss it after I've had a cup of coffee and am thinking straight-let's say sometime between midnight and one am. Put your number on the programs and I'll be sure to call then or maybe at my break sometime around 4 am. I really do admire the courage it takes to share your faith with strangers, but at this point in time- you know my name, where I live, and the colors of my slippers. How is it that the fact that I work all night continually slips your mind? That's right Sister, while you're all snug and comfy in your warm bed I'm out earning a pay check.

Bambi down

I got my first deer this season. A doe shot on the first day in modern gun. Fluffy was really impressed.

Fall 2013

If some of these seem a little off center, chalk it up to the fact that they were taken from the back of a Harley. This is part of the reason I love living in the Boston Mountains, but I did a terrible job of capturing all of the colors.

Kate on Kate

Doctors tell Dwight it is not a good idea for him to go horse back riding for an extended period of time due to the blood clots he has had in his leg. For me that means, I have to be willing to ride by myself on a horse that I can control in all situations. Sassy has been a wonderful horse and will always be my first-but it takes a strong hand to control her-and sometimes I don't think it's wise for me to ride her alone. So the decision was made for me to retire Sassy. I unexpectedly got a call to come look at a horse. She's shorter than Sassy. She's very gentle. I went to ride her and she responds well. I can climb on her, make her speed up and slow down, calm her when she acts up, and I can make her figure 8 and back up. The trainer that had her needed a younger horse. One with a little more pep in her step. Sassy was exactly what she was looking for. Did I mention the horse she wanted to get rid of was named "Kate"?  The trainer was very excited to get Sassy and I'm equally excited about having Kate join us.

Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching so I've been cruising pinterest. I think my Dracula gord might have been a miss, but the ghosts are nailed. Next year I'm trying the floating dresses out of chicken wire that look like ghosts. I honestly haven't decided if I'm dressing up for work this year. I work with a bunch of people that may or may not get into the spirit, but they have no problem scarfing down 3 dozen popcorn balls at 2 am. That's right good old popcorn balls made with corn syrup and sugar. Messy as all get out to make but oh so good. Another tradition-burning my fingers on the syrup trying to get the balls formed before the syrup hardens-nailed it again. Don't know why I've stocked up on toilet paper. 48 may be a little old to go rolling (may be). Have fun and hand out the good candy.

The Wedding

I can honestly say it's been a really long time since I've enjoyed a wedding this much. Beth started to hyperventilate before the bride's maids walked down the aisle and I know Jody had lost all of his color. She kept saying she had a surprise in store and I never could quite figure it out until I heard the first few strands of  "Ave Maria"-it has always been one of my favorites-and a favorite of my mother-in-law's too. I had it played for her at my wedding-and Beth had it sang at hers-maybe her daughter could have it played too? I hope so and I hope it ruins Beth's mascara too. I loved watching Beth and Jody dance together-that and the sparklers and the wonderful red velvet and all of the family around. I don't think it could have gotten any better-

A letter to the Bride (given to her the day of the Wedding)

My dearest Beth,




You know as I addressed this letter, it occurred to me that this will probably be the very last time I address something to Beth Schuller. That makes me smile and I remember when I walked down that aisle. I remember too my dad telling me all the way down the aisle “that it’s not too late. We can still make a run for it”. I won’t be walking you down the aisle, but I can still make the same offer. Seriously, if you change your mind-just scratch your nose and we’ll head for the hills. All the way up until the time that you say you do-we can still make a run for it. I’ve always loved you, but in the past few years I’ve come to love Jody too. He’s a very fine man that loves you as much as any man can love a woman. He deserves the very best. 100% of the very best-so if you’re not 100% sure-just scratch that nose. I want you to be as sure as the nose on your face that you want to do this.

Marriage isn’t always easy and it’s not always fun (no matter what there will always be whiskers in the sink) and good luck getting him to put the toilet seat down, but there’s no better feeling in the whole world than going to sleep with your best friend. Don’t take this love for granted. Not everyone finds someone that special. Just because you’re young doesn’t guarantee that there will be lots of tomorrows. Show him every day that you love him. Don’t just say the words-live them. Make him proud of you. He already thinks you’re the greatest thing since video games-let him keep thinking that and believing it.

Hold hands every chance you get. You can’t ever kiss him enough-and make each kiss count. Don’t ever go to bed angry (you won’t sleep anyway) and don’t argue about stupid things. It’s much more fun to cuddle and kiss than worry about whose turn it is to take out the garbage. Marriage is about being happy.

I wish you both all the happiness in the world. And my offer still stands-if you can’t promise him forever-just scratch. I’ll take it from there.

I love you and I know you will make the right decision because you’ve been taught well.