I have been hanging photos and artwork in Irene’s new space. I ran across these photos:

My mother made me promise her two things when I told her I would marry Michael: that I would wear a dress and that I wouldn’t use a mail order minister. You can see I wasn’t much into keeping those particular promises. I had more important ones on m… — My mother made me promise her two things when I told her I would marry Michael: that I would wear a dress and that I wouldn’t use a mail order minister. You can see I wasn’t much into keeping those particular promises. I had more important ones on my mind.

We got married just outside our efficiency apartment on a Tuesday evening.

I am being sentimental because Michael has been gone for 8 days now. We aren’t exactly sure when he will be back. He flew to New Mexico to pick up the Suburban my father gifted him.

While in NM, my mom made use of Michael muscle.

Making the landscape less labor-intensive now my dad isn’t there care for his flowers.

While Michael was in sunny NM, it rained 2.25” over three days.

Caring for the ducks became a very muddy job.

The rain finally let up long enough to allow me to begin digging the garlic garden.

A day’s hard labor, and I’m not quite done. It snowed the next day. I’ll get the garlic in later this week.

Michael was due home today, but he is still in Colorado, taking care of our Grand Girl while our daughter recovers from surgery. She fell ill the day he arrived. Surgery was successful and she should be back in fighting form soon.

Bedtime stories as only Michael can tell.

We are both thankful that he can be there as long as they need him. In the meantime, I can handle the daily chores. Yet, working with Michael is a lot more fun than doing the same things alone.

I have to admit, my daily chores are pretty spectacular as they are. I need my partner back to share these moments, and by sharing, make them even better.