Michael and I married on a Tuesday. I went to school that morning, then came back to our efficiency apartment to clean it up to host a wedding party. That was 35 years ago. We’ve had a great time before and since. Our celebrations have usually been somewhat anti-romantic.

Rather we have devoted our time to working together on projects. Right now, that is taking down the siding on the wall that separates the addition from the original house. The next step will be re-routing the electricity so we can cut two passages between the original house and the addition.

I feel that I channeled some predecessor when I took a hammer and pry bar to the siding this morning. I had an hour before I had to leave to take Irene to her cardiologist appointment.

Michael continued on after I had to leave. He accomplished much more than I hoped. As usual. My hands were already failing at this point.

After Irene and I returned from her appointment, we went out to dinner at our local dive. Tater tots. We love tater tots. We love each other. Celebrating together is the absolute best.

We hope to teach the small ones the importance of work. To tell each other every day, and not only on special occasions, that they are cherished and appreciated. To spread the catechism of daily devotions, mixing the prosaic and divine. Marriage is a long conversation, according to Fred. The more voices, the more complex the harmony. Here’s to adding to the music of the universe.