In our past post titled “Tick, Tick”, I mentioned retiring from my job. What I didn't mention was that after 21 years together, John & I quietly got married earlier this year. We had kept it pretty much to our selves, until this past weekend, when our cover was blown by our DEAR friends Wendy & Dan!

We had a great Bon Voyage BBQ with about a hundred friends and family, one of the items on our to-do list before departure. Little did we know it would include cutting a wedding cake! Wendy & Dan surprised us with a “Just Married, Just Retired, Bon Voyage” cake, accompanied by Champagne. I have to say some of our guests were more surprised than we were! A great surprise from great friends! Thanks you guys!

One of my sisters also surprised us with a quick appearance at the party, on her one hour layover between airline flights. She almost missed her continuing flight out of town, but we were so glad to see her.

My dear friend Judy got pulled behind the bar and played bar tender all evening, making a few tips for her efforts. My wonderful family all pitched in to help setup, run the grill, manage the food tables and clean up after. How am I going to manage without them for two-three years?? A great big THANK YOU to all of them!

We received well wishes from everyone along with some thoughtful gifts, including a folding cruising bike that provided entertainment throughout the evening (a few laps were taken through the hall).

All in all, a fantastic party. And as I said that night, exactly what makes it hard to leave this town and exactly what will pull us back here after cruising!