Father's Day: Clocks, Cracker Barrel, and 19 Years

June 21, 2026:  Father's Day and our 19th Wedding Anniversary.  Both fell on the same day this year, and being the summer solstice, Sunday was the longest day of the year as well.  When we chose the summer solstice as our wedding day, it symbolized the aspiration of this marriage becoming our longest union since both of us had been married previously.  We have achieved that goal happily, and hope for many more. 

  

The measurement of time is something special when considered to be the result of a now functioning grandfather clock that Jim constructed entirely from a kit perhaps fifty years ago.  The clock survived its move across the country for yet another trip.  Jim, being well versed in the mechanics of its functioning, was able to put its weights and pendulum back in place and after setting the time, we have the pleasure of listening to its lovely chimes throughout the condo. 

We also spent time on Sunday hanging pictures all through our home.  Somehow pictures, which have traveled with us to every home we have made together over the years, complete the feeling of constancy in our lives from place to place.  They represent memories and create a final establishment of "home" unlike anything else.  We may be miles from family, friends, and familiar locales, but these framed images create a feeling of belonging when everything else is unfamiliar, and relationships are yet to be created in this new place.  We have each other, and now we are surrounded by what feels like "us" in this new space we call home.  And that is a good thing.  

  

We ended the day with an early dinner at Cracker Barrel.  We frequent this restaurant routinely because it feels like a friendly place with homestyle cooking.  There's a saying, "time goes by fast when you're having fun", and that is so very true.  It seems like only yesterday we were married on a boat in Friday Harbor, Washington, yet here we are nineteen years later already!  We're still having fun everyday, and for that I am so very grateful.  

Leisure Day at the Pool - Day Three

June 7, 2026

Taking a break from the surf and sand, we ventured no further than the pool at our condominium on Sunday.  This was my first trip down to the pool, and I was grateful to have Kris’s company to breach the unknown.  Several people were at the pool, including several visiting young children, so the activity was entertaining and pleasantly noisy as children are wont to be.  In the heat of almost midday, the water felt chilly at first.  As soon as total immersion was achieved, it felt wondrous.  There are umbrellas at several tables to shade seating, and if you’re lucky enough to arrive first, there’s shade under a palm tree.  We claimed our table and umbrella, grabbed a couple of pool noodles, then ventured into the water.  It was a leisurely way to spend an hour, but pool shoes on the pool deck’s hot surface are something to secure for the next trip to the pool. 

  

We continued taking it easy with a trip to Cracker Barrel for dinner.  This nearby restaurant is becoming one of our favorites.  The prices are easy on your wallet, the service is great, and the selection of food resembles what I’d cook at home with lots of yummy side dishes that I almost never think to add to my at-home renderings, like biscuits with jam.  Waiting for the meal to arrive, we all entertained ourselves with a game that seems to be on every table.  The shopping in Cracker Barrel’s gift shop is oh-so-very-tempting, too.  So far I’ve restrained myself, but gifts for our kids, and perhaps ourselves will occur on one of these trips.  Our daughter Shari would love the flamingos, our daughter Pam would join me in pursuing the jewelry, and our grandkids and great grandchildren could go wild in there, when we get to enjoy their eventual visits here with us!  I can see that moving here has given us many opportunities to entertain family and friends when anyone comes to see us.

               

 

Snoopy has decided he loves company, also.  He literally thinks getting brushed by Kris is the “cat’s meow” becoming quite verbal to express his appreciation!  In fact, he hardly stopped “talking” and following her around during the entire time she was here with us.  

I’ve concluded that it’s pretty special to have achieved such a wonderful life by choosing Jimmy to be my husband.  With his whole family, my family, our friends, and the life all of us share together, the past almost twenty years have been the happiest of my life.  I am truly blessed to have everyone above who make my life feel a little warmer, and a lot more special!  Thank you!