Today, August 14th, ten years ago we prepared for our first born’s wedding. What a change it was to have the first of our children to move away from home. As a mother I relied a lot on my oldest child and I could always depend on her. I had a hard time accepting this change. I am truly thankful she married a loving, kind man that has brought her much joy and happiness in the five years they dated and then ten years of marriage.

It is a dreary Monday morning with light rain. We do need this rain. The breeze feels good coming in the windows. We appreciate it even more after a few weeks of hot, humid weather.

My husband Joe went back to work this morning after having four days off over the July 4th holiday. We didn’t do anything special but just slowed down our normal pace.

It’s already 10:30 p.m. this Monday evening. We had a late night, but we accomplished a lot today. Daniel Ray and Verena are moved into their new living quarters. Son-in-laws Dustin, Daniel, Daniel Ray and Alvin (Daniel Ray’s father), and two of Daniel Ray’s brothers were here today helping build the walls in part of the pole barn. They made a bedroom, and it already has a bathroom. The living room, dining room, and kitchen will be an open concept. Not everything is done, but they have moved enough in to make it livable for now.  

Lovina is taking this week off from the column to rest up after her busy week hosting Verena and Daniel Ray’s wedding.  I am her “English” friend Ruth, and I helped Lovina last week by running errands and was able to attend the wedding so I will share a little about that.

Monday and Tuesday were spent shopping for wedding food.  Lovina’s grocery list was long but organized.  Some of the items on the list were 36 loaves of bread (for the dressing), 8 fifty-pound sacks of potatoes, 400 pounds of chicken leg quarters, 15 gallons of milk and the list goes on.