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Trying to figure out how to post photos that are on my iPad... There doesn't seem to be an option for adding photos from a file on your device/computer! Strange, but I guess I can figure it out. Maybe I have to use the URL option.

Misty Mornings

Fall has arrived, and with it, the misty mornings have returned. But this year will be different. My Misty, who loved to be near me in the mornings, is gone. She's been gone almost three days now - most likely the latest victim of the neighborhood coyote. The house seems empty. The cat tree, out of place. Do I set up the cat door again so she can get in the house if she comes back? Do I put her food dish back on the floor when it comes out of the dishwasher? What about all her cat toys scattered here and there? If she's gone to be with her sister, Licorice, how long do I mourn? How long do I wait to find a new cat? Or bird? Or fish? The one certainty when you have a pet in your family is that it will die - one way or another. Should I be glad that she didn't have to suffer through old age or disease? I loved that cat... she was a sweet little kitty who was a dear member of the family, and we will miss her furry face.

One thing is for sure, things and people come and go in our lives every day. Some we barely notice are there, some we barely notice are gone. Some are gone in an instant, like a popping balloon; some fade over time, like an ice-cube slowly melting into oblivion. Who will notice as each yellow leaf falls off the autumn maple, until there are so few left we can see the skeleton? And yet, God is constant - His love endures forever.

The Honeymoon is Definitely Over

Sadly, the marriage we celebrated not even one year ago has disintegrated into a pending legal battle over their one joint asset - their precious little Aeries. It's been our good fortune to have Erick and Aeries staying with us still. They are both assets to the household. Watching them both grow into their roles as parent and child has been a true joy. But watching the pain of separation and the hassles of visitation are genuinely distressing. We continue to pray for the well-being of all parties and a peaceful resolution to issues around visitation and child support. And I add a prayer of thanks that we are surrounded by such loving family and friends who add their prayers to ours.

Wedding Reception

What a lovely time we had celebrating the marriage of Erick & Liz! We met at the Cedar Grill in Maple Valley, and had a delicious buffet of Mexican favorites, complemented by a few bottles of wine. The toast was with Sparkling Cider, much to the surprise of the non-drinkers in the room :) Erick looked dashing in his lavendar & silver tie with rakish fedora, and Liz was simply charming in her silk scarf dress and curly updo! We had a nice small crowd with representation from both the bride's and the groom's families, plus friends of both as well! Look for more photos at our Shutterfly site (use the link to the right.

Chicago Vacation

Just got back from a trip to the Chicago area to catch up with old friends and visit family. I know it sounds odd, but the reason we went back at this particular time was so that I could go to my 34-year 8th grade reunion for Cossitt School. Never heard of an 8th grade reunion? Well, none of us had either, until some brilliant classmate of mine came up with the idea! It was held the night before the high school 30th reunion, since so many of us had left the area and not attended the high school. From an 8th grade class of about 120, we had over 50 students in attendance, and 2 of the teachers! Anyway, to make a long story short, we went and had a great time!

While in town, of course, we also visited with my aunt and cousins, who still live in the area. My cousins' kids are growning up so fast! We had a great time, and got to know each other better too. We're hoping that they can come visit us next summer for a little family reunion!