How Can I Blog Without a Camera?

Something has gone horribly wrong with my sweet little "purse" camera! We are in the process of deciding to fix it or replace it so I go day after day with no camera. It feels funny not having my trusty documenter of my life tucked inside my purse. I have missed so many photo ops recently that I just haven't been inspired to blog. But in the spirit of keeping you updated, here's the latest.
Maryanne and AJ took posession of their house on the 4th of August. It's an old house that they are renovating top to bottom. AJ and JJ have been re-wiring, replacing all the outlets and switches, adding outlets and cables and things too complicated for me to even remember. JJ has been so wonderful in sharing his genius for all things and teaching AJ how to make his home safe and user friendly. Jana has pulled babysitiing duty with Porter so Maryanne & I could paint. And I have found that all the things that make an old house charming are also the things that make you crazy when you're trying to paint. We have used the best paint and have still had to do at least 3 coats on every surface. I can't tell you how many feet of beautiful carved trim and millwork I have painted and painted and painted. I was one step from being institutionalized (which by the way sounded pretty good at the time). Now the painting is done, some furniture is in place (but needs to be cleaned), part of the backyard fence is up and the hideous and overgrown landscaping out front has been removed. There is a very faint light at the end of a very long tunnel. The kitchen is completely torn apart so that's the next big project that needs to happen. Once that's finished, a move-in date can be scheduled and our nest will be empty.

In the midst of all this, my Dad rented his house and had to move ASAP. We helped with the big stuff 2 Saturdays ago and then last Thursday got the house completely emptied. Marek was going to help finish the garage that night so hopefully all went well. Poor Dad & Jeanne. They worked like dogs in miserable Oregon heat to make this happen on such short notice. I need to check in and make sure they're still alive.

This past weekend Maryanne's parents came to help on the house so we had company as well as busy. Maryanne, AJ, Jim & Glenda worked from 9:00 a.m. till about 6:30 p.m. I took Porter around the MCNary Estates garage sale all morning so the workers could actually work. And boy did they! Around 1:00 Al and Porter & I showed up and started in on paint, fence and landscape. By the time we got home that evening, all of us were exhausted. I think everyone was asleep by 10:00.

Next morning some went to church, and some stayed home and ate donuts. At 12:30 we all headed out to the Oregon State Fair. Maryanne's folks went and picked up their three oldest grandkids so all 10 of us wandered around and enjoyed the fair. Al and I are going back tonight to meet Jana and JJ and JJ's folks for dinner and the Fair "after dark". Should be fun!

Hopefully I'll have a camera soon so you won't be completely bored by my posts. I truly believe that a picture is worth way more than 1,000 words.

More Pictures of Dad's Big Day

Jeanne & Dad looked great...and happy

We were so glad that Randy & Robin could be here

Randy & Robin came from Phoenix. Marek & Suzie were unavoidably out of town & Jeff & Kerry were on the road. Maryanne, AJ and Porter had not yet arrived.

The happy couple right before the ceremony

Huge fir trees shaded the glass roof of the chapel

Jeanne couldn't get Dad's ring over his knuckle

Communion

The kiss

Dad & Jeanne were very polite feeding each other the cake

Al offered a beautiful & heart-felt toast

Happy Dad

Finally a quiet minute in our backyard

The last shot before they head to the coast

Wedding # 4 of the Summer

This past weekend my Dad got married.

The ceremony was held at St Paul's Episcopal Church here in Salem on a gorgeous summer day. Jeanne and Dad had a very traditional and personal service that was especially moving to both families. Jeanne has been a widow for 5 1/2 years and my Mom passed away 3 years ago so both were ready to start a new chapter in their lives. They are spending a few days at the coast and then taking a longer honeymoon this Fall.

I didn't take many pictures because I was busy hosting the reception that was held at our house. Al had the yard looking wonderful with all of his huge flowering baskets on the patio and around the grass. We covered 3 tables outside and 1 inside with white linen tablecloths and soft green overlays. Jeanne had selected white and peach and pale yellow for the flowers so I ordered small bouquets in those colors and paired them with white votives as centerpieces. I used my clear glass dishes so th tables looked really simple and fresh. Dad and Jeanne hired a pianist to play the keyboard which I thought would be really cheesy but actually turned out great. He played excellent background type music that Dad and Jeanne and all the guests really enjoyed. I talked to both Dad and Jeanne on Sunday and they were absolutely thrilled with the entire day.

When I get the professional pictures back, I'll post some shots of the ceremony and the family.