Dd's photographer ran the photos last weekend. He started with my sisters and I and all of our families, then down into our family, our dd with my dh and I separately, and even had my dil and the kids step out of a photo, so it was just us and our three kids. See if he can be the one cutting down the size of the group. He probably has a list of photos you can request.

We just paid 20%, but they (the venue) catered the food, ran the buffet line, set up the tables and chairs, and supplied the bartender, too. Figured it was for paying the help. She also helped us gather up our table decorations since no one was at the bar. This venue was 1/2 the cost of other venues. Worth the cost. It was a great experience.

My dh is a year younger than me, and now both of us are almost retirement age. My younger sisters that were much more driven to work than me retired a year and a half ago. One's dh has had health issues and she's trying to travel all she can with him. The other has always been a traveler. Dh made a comment one day that he probably has only X years of life left, comparing with his dad and brothers. I will drop work in a heartbeat when he's ready, so we can accomplish the travel or other that he has always wanted to do. Until 6 months ago, I was ready to keep building our business. Changes in corporate staff have left me thinking yes, I am ready to retire. But it will take time to iron out all the details of selling our business. Think dh is saying Jan of 2026 now. I have mentally changed my outlook. I get my work done, but if I wasn't able to pick my hours or if I do them at the office or at home, I wouldn't be able to finish out. Since dh and I have worked side by side (with his partner) since the business started, and I do care about the family we've built there, I will stay there as long as he does. Just food for thought. You never know when health will change for either of you.

I'm reading the newest C J Box book Three Inch Teeth, and If The Creek Don't Rise by Leah Weiss. A friend just returned Kristin Hannah's The Great Alone, and just loved it! It's a keeper.

I used to wake the boys with 'X o'clock and all is well!' from the old Robin Hood animated movie. I would also sing 'They call me meanie mama... That's right..' They'd ask if it was a real song and I'd say yes. They didn't know it was 'They call me Mello Yello.. That's right'. Yes, definitely dating myself with that old commercial.

Good night Gorilla is my first choice. I second the big Richard Scarry Cars and Trucks and Things that Go. Harold and the Purple Crayon.

i wanted lemon, too, but the filling didn't thicken in my lemon meringue pie, so that flopped. I will go with the frozen lemonade pie next time. i was in a rush needing to get the pie baked so i could get the ham in the oven.

Beautiful! Hope you've enjoyed the planning, even tho it got stressful. Now enjoy the wedding! My dd gets married next Friday. Thank goodness everything is local, and she decided on April. She could have had a hard time getting things set up if she'd tried to plan a summer wedding in four months. 😉 I have enjoyed our time together. She just had her dress fitting yesterday, and I got two dress choices in the mail the day before. Thank goodness both fit. Yeah--last minute folks, but it all works out. lol

Yes, I checked three where I bank.

I was wearing the right size cup, but the band felt tight. An onine company on bra sizes said to buy one side up in the band and one size down in the cup. Bought again from the first company but followed the online sizing. Much better for this busty gal!

A handful of banks I checked with wouldn't cash paper bonds. They have to be mailed in.

Ham, mashed potatoes, pineapple fried rice, roasted asparagus and carrots, deviled eggs, homemade rolls, strawberry cheesecake salad. Also tried a new recipe for gf brownies with a peanut butter topping. And I may make a lemon meringue pie, too.

I fill a 9x13 with about half lettuce, and now use a head of iceberg and a bunch of spring mix. I like my greens GREEN. If you can cover it decently with only part of the dressing, go for it! lol

There are a few blogs about putting lemons/limes in a jar with water to preserve them for a while.

Praying for all of you. Hugs.