There's Romance In The Air

Last night, I got fantastic news. Our good friends (I'll call them Doc and Chuckles) are getting married. While this seems like an ordinary event that happens every day, I find it extraordinary and exciting. They are 40-something and 50-something and have been together for 8 years. I thought they were the east coast versions of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. They seemed more married than some married people I know. But what makes it so special was the fact that they aren't getting married because it's expected of them, or because they want to have children (they already have two teens a piece and a 7 year old together), or because logistically and economically it will make sound sense. Nope. They're getting married because they were overcome with the knowledge that they wanted to be together for the rest of their lives .

I admit it, I'm a sucker for romance. I cry at every wedding and when the man and woman get together at the end of every romantic comedy. Romance and love are two of the few good things in this world of many bad things. Just think of all the news you receive and how rarely it's good. I've felt happy all day today... almost giddy and distracted because they brought me news so exciting it made me squeal. The sky seemed a little bit bluer, the air clearer, and Sweetie seemed even more attractive to me. It brought back all the happy memories of my engagement, wedding and marriage to Sweetie.

My physical therapist got married two weeks ago, the school principal got married a week ago, and the owner of the farm where Pipsqueak rides is getting married in September. In case you thought romance was only for the young, these are all 40 and 50-somethings. At that (my) age, that usually means it's a second (or third) marriage. Some are able to get it right the first time. Statistically, it's about 50%. The other 50% of us weren't that lucky or smart or observant.

I'm looking forward to Doc and Chuckle's wedding (date so far unknown). Second weddings are much different than first. They are less about tradition and more of a celebration of love, and are usually a better representation of who the couple really is. Doc and Chuckles are funny, crazy, youthful, creative and eccentric. Sounds like my kind of party.

I'm Still Here

Many times, many days, I see something or hear something and think, "Oh, I should blog about that." But I haven't (obviously). I've been busy living life and enjoying the summer (if you call low 70s and lots of rain summer). Pipsqueak has been taking swimming lessons, going to pony camp and taking a hip hop class. We've been doing arts and crafts and just hanging out. I've been gardening, cooking, chilling and happy that it hasn't been hot enough to wear shorts or a bathing suit. Damn, eight pounds that won't come off!

I think of you often, my internet lovelies. I should throw you a bone from time to time... a recipe, a photo... something so you'll still be there during the long Vermont winter when I'm shut in, trying to stay warm and again making a dent in the sofa cushion. But I do have things I want to share with you, so I'm going to try to post twice a week. I can do that, right? Back in October I posted every.single.day for NOBLARama-rama-ding-dong or whatever it was called.

If that just isn't enough, follow me on Twitter because I seem to be able to find time for 140 characters or less once or twice a day. You can find me by searching for BettsVT. Follow me, and I'll follow you, even though that sounds like we'll be chasing each other around in circles.

Independence Day Recovery Period...

That's what I'm in right now. No, I didn't drink too much. I had one beer. It's all I had time and energy for. I started the day with a protein rich breakfast, because I knew my next meal would be late. I do live from meal to meal. I have a love affair with food, and we can't be apart for long. I got all decked out in my red, white and blue and got to wear my once-a-year socks.

My first stop was our library's book sale. I wanted to be there at 9am when the door opened, so I wouldn't miss anything good. Hardcovers and big paperbacks were $2, small paperbacks and movies were $1. I also have a love affair with books, and I can never have too many.

After that I had to set up for a morning of performances, and be ready to start at 10:30. First I played clarinet in the town band in the parade, then I performed in an hour long concert with the town band, and finally played djembe drum for a short concert with the a group of community drummers. It was a lot of fun and went well, but I get a little nervous when I perform, so I takes more energy than it should.

I got lunch around 1:30, (oh, food how I missed you) and checked out all the town festivities, and ended up playing music trivia with a group of around 20 people (most baby boomers with song from the 70s) for an hour or so. At the end of the game, I dragged myself home and collapsed on the couch for a couple of hours. We grilled some burgers for dinner (that's where the beer came in), ate some festive cupcakes which we made the day before(more fun with Wilton Color Spray) and headed back downtown for a concert (which I didn't play in) and firework viewing. Not surprisingly, that night was the best night's sleep I've had in weeks.