Ancestors, an Anniversary, and Fresh Air

Here we are almost at the end of November. There have been no big parties since "The Wedding of the Year", on which I reported last entry. However, we did celebrate a very special occasion last night, so special that it is difficult to find a card to mark the occasion. The couple pictured below celebrated 65 years of marriage yesterday. Like the day they were married, it was cold here (so cold on the day they were married that their flowers froze!). Their two sons and daughters-in-law took them out for dinner. What a remarkable milestone! 65 years of wedded bliss.
Some of you may be interested in the next four photos. I was given recently photographs of some of my (and many of your) ancestors. Since our son is working intensely to chart the family tree and find as much information as possible, I took photos and sent them to him, so decided to put them on the blog as well. They are interesting, because they are photographs but they have been enhanced with pastel. I am still thinking about how I want to frame them and where I want to put them, as they are a bit of history well worth preserving.

This is one of my maternal Great Grandfathers.

My other maternal Great Grandfather.

My paternal grandfather.

My paternal grandmother.

I am so glad that my son has decided to record everything for the family. I know that the generations to come, his children and nieces and nephews, will appreciate his work, as do we.


Now, on a more mundane note. We decided to replace the remaining two original windows in the house. As you can see by this picture, we saved the largest window for last! Unfortunately, it was a cold day when the work was done, and the house was a bit drafty during the process. The poor plants shivered in the kitchen, while I remained toasty in the basement with the gas fireplace turned on. Three doors will be replaced next week, and then all will be relatively new!

There was a gaping hole in the wall for several minutes!

Now that was a wedding!

Well, the big day finally came. The same family which knows how to throw a Hallowe'en party proved that they also know how to throw a wedding! The day was perfect, no snow, rain or sleet. The wedding party members all looked terrific, the food was fantastic, and a good time was had by all. We wish the bride and groom all the best as they begin their lives as a married couple. Here are some candid shots from the event. They are in a bit of a random order.

The birthday girl was pleased to take a turn with her nephew, who was the youngest guest at the wedding.

November 10, yet warm enough to be outside without a coat (as long as one wasn't outside for too long!)

The setting for the ceremony - the garden at the conservatory in the park. Beautiful!

The groom makes his way in with the Justice of the Peace.

This one is really out of order- grandparents on the bride's side, with their grandchildren and their newest grandchild by marriage - the groom.

The radiant mother of the bride enters with the master of ceremony (who did a fantastic job keeping the show moving along at the reception).

The bride's beautiful sister, the maid of honour, waits her turn to enter. The slide show she created as a tribute to the bride was terrific.

Here is the youngest guest with his mom and dad. He didn't know which way to look first!

Here is the happy couple on the dance floor.

Dad and daughter share a dance.

It was truly a night to remember!

The "baby" turns 25!

Because we were celebrating a family wedding on her real birthday, the "baby's" 25th birthday was celebrated a couple of days early. This also gave relatives an opportunity to welcome her brother, who had come from the east to attend the wedding. Here, dad presents the birthday cake (with many candles!) as guests look on. Happy birthday, petite!

Baby Shower!

This family has done more celebrating in the past few weeks than in the past few years! Another exciting party was held on Sunday, a baby shower for the newest member of the family. All the little girl cousins were very excited to help with the gifts, to hold the baby, and to play with 30 year old Lego! (Some toys never go out of style). The baby's self-proclaimed favourite aunt, one great-aunt, and one cousin-in-law of the mom hosted the shower. The baby performed well (we hear he was exhausted at day's end), the guests ate well, the gifts were beautiful, and all had a good time.
The feast!

There were many little girls to present the gifts. They did a fine job.

Self-proclaimed favourite aunt's friend with the boy.

Above and below, two great-aunts have a turn.

Grandpa and baby planned their wardrobe choices so they would be twins!

By the time this cousin got a turn holding the baby, he had had enough!

Thanks to the hostesses, and thanks to the guests for all the lovely things. Next blog....wedding!