One disturbing event did happen on the drive up, though. We were following a string of cars with a delivery truck at the front. Suddenly, a fox ran out in front of the truck and was killed right there in front of us. Traffic was pretty heavy so we couldn’t stop. We missed the poor critter but it was an awful sight.

We got to my folks’ place, and I was so whacked, I just went to bed. The next day, we went to get family photo’s taken at a local studio. That was fun. We all wore black and white – casual dress but pretty sharp anyway. Everyone played around and the photographer had a great sense of humour. There are lots of cute candid shots too. I might post some when I get ‘em.

Then we went around town and met up with old acquaintances. Enh! We ran into my uncle Snagglepuss. That guy’s nuts. The noise level goes up bye 30db when he’s around. I mean, he’s in his 60’s, for God’s sake. He’s just like a cartoon character. His arms and legs are flying all over the place his face is beat red, and he’s screaming at the top of his lungs. And he never knows when to quit.

The anniversary dinner was pretty typical. There were about 25 people there, mostly old, and I mean old, friends of the family. Lot’s of food in a tacky hotel banquet room. People gave speeches. My sister talked me into giving a toast. I love my sister very much and if it had been anyone else, I wouldn’t have done it.

Anyway, I talked about what 50 years means in this day and age - about deep, well-aged love, and I talked about how my birthday and their anniversary are really close together. They’re about seven months apart. My mother always told me I was born premature. I couldn’t be that premature. So I embarrassed my mother and everyone got a good laugh.

The next day, we drove that long grueling drive home. I found my favourite sweetie had returned and posted a bunch of stuff.

And now I’m back to work and I’m pooped.

Arc