A View From The 17th Fairway

The Map on the Wall, A Family Travelogue...

Last night I happened to see a travel show about China and the Great Wall. It brought back vivid memories of my two trips to mainland China. My career afforded me unique opportunities to travel the world. So much so, that I started a wall map to mark my venues. My youngest daughter was entering the business world, as I was ending my career. It became a bit of an international contest, with Mom marking red flags, and daughter marking blue flags. Sunni actually did business in Brazil long before I did the same. She, however, got to enjoy Rio, which I missed.

And she traveled to Australia, a place I would have loved to experience. But I sure had her beat with my extensive Asian travels. We called it even in Europe, but Central America was mine!

Now that she's looking forward to Motherhood, and I'm not traveling for business, we're both content to stay put for awhile. But you never know when that old Mother-Daughter travel competition may start up again - or maybe in time, it will become a Grandmother-Grandchild trip...Actually, I can't wait for that!

Beantown Never Fails to Delight!

 

Of course this trip was extra-special. Daughter Sunni is expecting our second grandchild (and first granddaughter!) in late February. Kevin was in training in Savannah for his new job, so it was 'girl-time' all the way!

The highlight of the trip was of course the doctor's appointment. Sunni's doctor wheeled in a small ultra-sound machine where I could clearly see that healthy heartbeat and precious baby in waiting. What a memorable moment...
We had such a good time discussing decorating ideas, potting plants and printing photos. Her home is so warm and cozy. That beautiful and roomy guestroom will get alot of activity come baby-time!!

Of course two new restaurants were so delicious! Common Ground and Fat Cat were unique and great fun. And we also visited the Museum of Fine Arts and enjoyed a photographic exhibit of Yousuf Karsh, which was amazing...

 

All in all, a great trip!

 

Life After Wedding

Yes, things are SLOWLY returning to normal around here! We are still bouncing back from the 120 people three day wedding fest. It was a fantastic event, and everyone helped make it a glorious memory! Now, we are integrating back into the Real World. But slowly!! We have the rest of the summer to relax and regroup. To all who attended, helped and participated in every way with our daughter's wedding, THANK YOU!

Wedding Wonderful!

Our daughter Sunni's wedding was an extra-special event in all of our lives. Our new son-in-law Kevin is a mother-in-law's dream! And the four day event couldn't have gone any better.

1. 1.  Day One (Evening One) began Thursday, May 22. Our dear friends Steve & Marga Montanino from PGA Village arrived. We shared a Italian dinner at Lake Sumter's Dominic's. A live jazz band punctuated a delicious dinner and a delightful evening with longtime, loving friends.
2. Day Two Friday, May 23 dawned early for David and seventeen guests that had arrived in time for the golf tourney here at Harbor Hills. Bringing and/or borrowing clubs, guests from Europe and the Northeast enjoyed perfect weather and our lovely course. At the same time, I took eleven beautiful women, many arriving from as far away as London, Cork and other European locales, for a brunch at Lake Sumter's Tea Garden. Several of my guests were delighted that the English fare featured many of their favorite dishes, including bangers and mash!
3. Day Two concluded with a Harbor Hills buffet for the reheasal dinner. Our 'immediate family' took up the entire lower dining room!! It was a wonderful fun time, complete with toasts, gifts and recognition of the many people who helped create this event.
4. Wedding Day on Day Three, May 24, 2008. The day couldn't have gone more smoothly. Both Sunni & I were ready ahead of time, and the calmest of the group! The weather held up well (a few close calls w/ raindrops that teased then receeded). A spectacular evening was had by all. Pictures to follow shortly!
5. 5. On Day Four, Sunday, we opened our home to nearly seventy guests for lunch! Our caterer did a superb job, grilling, baking, preparing and feeding us all. Drinks were plentiful and the company delightful! I enjoyed bantering with our multi-cultural crowd. They kept me laughing with jokes and stories rich with Irish and English humor. We finished up in the evening, sitting on the patio with a small, loving group, smoking cigars, discussing Boston politics and favorite wines and vineyards. Such fun!

The couple has left for Orlando, South Beach and the Florida Keys. They are expected home in two weeks. We send them love and best wishes for a long and happy life filled with good health, humor and joy.

The Countdown

With less than seven days left, we're winding up all preparations this week. This strategy is to leave room for 'contingencies' next week! Tomorrow, patio fans will get installed, wedding planner picks up centerpieces, air conditioning man does a maintenance and hair appointments have been set. My dress, shoes, purse - done! Tux's on order - hopefully, they will come in just fine (Wednesday). Caterer for the 'Afterparty' hired and menu chosen. Golf has been set up for the men on Friday.  Most details tended to...now, for the unforeseen contingencies!!! I must remember, "Keep Smiling!!"

A Twisted Movie Plot

In a bizarre twist of the movie, '27 Dresses' (plotline is obvious from the trailer!) this Mother-of-the-Bride continues her quest yet another day for the proper dress for the wedding. Why I am having so much trouble, I really don't know. I think now I have a better idea of what I want, but we're out of time! So today will be my last official dress shopping day. If I'm not successful in finding the Perfect Dress today, one of the last three in my closet will be chosen!

Wedding Plans...

We've all been busy (especially Sunni and Dad) preparing for the wedding. The count is at 108 adults and nine children at last pass. Many many details need to be addressed and the 'team' is doing a good job of it. Barely three weeks remain...We can only get as prepared as possible, summon all our patience and good thoughts, and let the process unfold!