Saturday was a day of conversation, running errands and just hanging out. Friends of ours, Marie and Earnie, showed up as planned and we went to supper with them. Van and Andi babysat their grandchildren so Jeff and Anja could have a night out too. We had a great meal at an Italian restaurant called Marias’, mmmmm. A wonderful evening with friends - once again we were feeling blessed.
Morning broke but today was just a little bit different. Today is Carols’ and my 50th Wedding Anniversary. At 6:00 pm on February 27th in 1970, at the Rehoboth Congregational Church, in Rehoboth, Massachusetts, as a light snow began to fall, we said our vows before family and friends. 50 years ago today. So today is a day of preparation. We are having a small gathering of close friends here tonight. Carol and I are going torenew our vows. Today is filled with tasks, from hairdressers to grocery stores to making everything is just right.
Around 5:00 people began to arrive. We did not have many people, but a select few friends who either live in Florida, or are down here for a while to escape the cold of New England. Steve and Sue came, friends for the past thirty five years or so. Missy, who was in college with Carol and was at our original wedding, and her husband Bob were here.
Of course Andi and Van who were gracious enough to host our gathering at their house. We have been hanging out with them for over 40 years. Marie and Ernie, more recent friends, but the bond is strong. Marie is a Baptist Pastor. Carol met Marie at Scandinavian Home where Carol worked as a chaplain. Since then we have been hanging out whenever we can. And of course Harper and Salty, the furry friends who we couldn’t live without.
Promptly at 6:00 we gathered along the canal in the back yard and had a renewal service. Marie did a wonderful job with the service which helped write. Carol and I recited everything without messing up too badly and I tried very hard not to be a wise guy… It was a beautiful little service, Marie had all the right words, Ernie sang ‘Annie’s Song’ (a favorite). Missy said a few kind words and Van was eloquent as always. Carol was a beautiful renewed bride. . .
Lots of pictures were taken and soon we were all back inside, out of the windy chill of the darkening evening. For the next several hours we feasted on sandwiches, skewers, fruit, cheese and nuts, chips and pickles and plenty to drink. We enjoyed a champaign toast. Carol and Andi get a lot of credit for putting this all together, me, just point me in the right direction and I do what I am told. Many warm thanks to everyone who came to help us celebrate. Thanks for being such good friends through all the years, through thick and thin, adventure and mundane and mostly for just knowing that you are there. 50 YEARS!
Below is a gallery of images from the day, captions are not necessary here.
