The first magical snowfall. If only the whole world could see and feel this magic. Everyone, at once.

Wow. This was my view this morning. Absolutely beautiful. 

 Even though I knew snow was on the way after reporting the weather forecast every hour from 2:00pm to 6:00pm it was still a little shocking. After all it is September 27. The calendar says Fall. Not Winter.  I didn't open the door to let Old Man Winter in. My Halloween decorations and orange lights outside are looking a little forlorn. But not to worry. It's supposed to be in the 60's tomorrow and 70's by Sunday. Whew. Beautiful, but not quite ready for the fluff yet! 

I remember snow a few days before or on Halloween, but don't recall it ever being this early living in Iowa. By the way, my fam reported it was in the 80's today back in my homestate.  Missing this time of year in the Hawkeye state. The beautiful trees, the vibrant colors of my favorite time of year. I love Fall.

No matter what, the vibrant colors I carry in my heart makes me feel like home. No matter where I am.

Grandma Becker's entry on this day in 1990

"Very hot & humid. High in the 90's. Washed, got it in early before dinner. Tired from hurrying around. Marcella here a while.  Should go see Helen but we just stayed home. Took some cucs out to Melody. Hot for school. Talked to Mona, Anne home-".

It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

xoxo

Melody

3:00am and Senior Year

REALLY?!

 Every so often I'm awakened around 3:00am from the years of being on morning radio. Then I'm stuck with not being able to shut my thoughts off and go back to sleep. This was one of those mornings. It's coming up on one year I found out that I had breast cancer and as that day approaches it kind of gives me anxiety. Oh I'm happier than a possum in in the corncrib while the dog is tied up, but those feelings when you first hear - well, those never, ever leave me. 

I started to think back to my senior year in high school as I have a nephew that will graduate this year from Aplington-Parkersburg.   Then I started to think of my other nephew that is a senior at Quincy University. Seniors. One high school, the other, University. What a great time in their lives. One will be going off to College or University with all of the fun and anxiety of being a freshman, again. And I'm not sure what my other nephew will do, but I know he has talked about Grad School. I'm proud of him for his tennis scholarship and doing well throughout his last four years. It will be exciting to see what his next plans are.

 

Two different times in their lives, but both Seniors. My wish for both is to live life to the fullest as this is one of the best times in their life.


Grandma Becker's entry for September 17, 1990
"48-chilly last night. Washed, Baked freezer bread.  Gerald on errands to see about the car. Partly cloudy this P.M. Brought the little heater upstairs.  Gerald fixed screen (shower) on tub. Got repairs from Daltons. Eva called - talked to Mo Rohde-they got back from California yesterday".


It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

xoxo

Melody

Memories of Our Wedding

  Harley Man and I did. Tied it up.

                                    

One week ago today. We said "I Do" in front of a small, intimate crowd that included a few family members and friends. We met each other in front of the fireplace at the historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming.

My daughter was the Matron of Honor and Elizabeth, Harley Man's daughter was Maid of Honor. Standing up for Harley Man was his son, Max as Best Man, and his best friend Denny Rowley. Bryce and Brooklyn, my grandchildren were Ring Bearer and Flower Girl. Actually they were just CUTE. Beyond belief cute. Adorable. Melt your hearts kind of cute. 

I couldn't have pictured a more perfect day. Did I wish more family could have been there? Absolutely!  Would I want more friends there? Yep!   It's a long drive from Iowa and people are busy and have other commitments. We chose to have the ceremony here in Wyoming even realizing this may be the case. Hoping to create memories for all that were able to attend as not only about "our day" but to make the Labor Day weekend a great, crazy, fun weekend of memories being created and to be cherished. And a chance to get family and friends to our home since only a few had seen it since we moved here this last February.

On "The Day", we left the house for Buffalo after hair appointments, a few errands were run and after I was done creating an accessory for my hair. This consisted of cutting part of the shawl (that came with my dress) and and sewing onto a hair clip.  I couldn't find the right vintage barrette for my hair.. Oh well. I was happy the way it turned out!  Harley Man had stayed in a hotel the night before so he was already at the Occidental Hotel overseeing the flowers, cake, and hanging up a couple of strings of vintage lights in the Saloon.

Upon arrival at the Occidental we unloaded the cars and everyone explored the hotel where the likes of many famous people of the Old West walked - including Butch Cassidy and the Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, Calamity Jane, Buffalo Bill, Tom Horn, the young Teddy Roosevelt... and many more were common accessories to this beautiful place that has honored its rich history. 

Many times the bar keep and hotel staff had to "shoo" away Harley Man away as yours truly had to honor some tradition...I didn't want us to see each other until 6:30pm. 

One of those times he had to be "shooed" away was when I realized the wedding cake had arrived and...located in the walk in refrigerator. I had to pass him to get a glimpse of the "cake". Now I was very excited because we had met with one reputable baker and was quoted $650.00 for 75 people.  We both about fell out of our chairs. I politely explained we were on a budget. But REALLY-$650 DOLLARS FOR 75 PEOPLE? Cake? Nothing fancy?! Unbelievable! We felt fortunate when leaving Sheridan and noticed a store front advertising wedding cakes. We felt it was meant to be. The nice cake lady was only charging $125.00 for the same request. Harley Man couldn't whip out the checkbook fast enough. We were sold. She was so nice. Plus the pictures of her past work were quite impressive.

Ours wasn't impressive.  I did mention this was prepaid, right?

It was crooked, uneven, and....ugly. After all of the previous drama the last couple of days all I could do was have a couple or three Bud Lights and laugh. Sit down and laugh.

Anyway, I went to my daughter and son-in-laws room to get ready. I forgot about the lighting. Or the lack of lighting for an important day.  I'm talking make up here. Since it is such an old hotel, lighting wasn't the best. Oh my gosh all I could think about was not to look like a clown.

 At 6:30pm I walked down the historic grand staircase to meet my fiance.

So much happened I wish I could record it all. Like the fact that the Minister, Harley Man and I passed around my reading glasses, to the fact we couldn't find my ring for a few seconds. I pointed out it was lying on the floor.....and to the fact the processional was the theme to Peanuts which the minister played on the piano. A beautiful tribute to Harley Man's brother Stephen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16xNlqtZg08

 My vows to Harley Man:

"Larry, this is the greatest moment in my life. To marry my very best friend, who freed my soul to love, who opened my eyes and heart to a deeper love that I have ever known. A man of tradition. One who calls his mom every Sunday to talk and just to say I love you. Tradition. A father who is and will always be there for Max and Elizabeth.  A man that loves Casie, Bryce and Brooklyn and baby girl Bass. A loyal man that stands firm for what he believes in and without a doubt will always be there for me.  Through the pain and scars of cancer you were my pillar of strength. Through your love you have given me a new reason to stand proud and soar. I believe in you, love you, and will always stand by your side. This is the best chapter in our life. I love you". 

BABY WE DID IT!!

Thank you to all that traveled hundreds of miles to a few miles to spend this best day of our lives with us. Thank you for helping us celebrate! 

Grandma Becker's entry for this day:
"Another day and a bit cooler.  Baked choc. chip and oatmeal cookies for Charles to take on fishing trip to Canada. Connie stopped on way from work and left them at Charles'.  Still phone calls coming.  Fixed pork chop, cucs, tomato dinner. Home all day. Got my new glasses. 

It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

xoxo
Melody

Check out the Historic Occidental Hotel:

http://www.occidentalwyoming.com/our-story-gallerynav.html

Grandchildren....How Wonderful Life is When You're in the World.....

Big Brother and Little Sister together at the Historic Occidental Hotel in Buffalo, Wyoming

I haven't had the time to sit down yet and chat about our wedding day....but I do want to share the joys of having grandchildren. They made the sun shine alot brighter the minute I saw them. I was sad to have missed greeting them when they pulled up to the house as I was out doing last minute errands.....one of those being shoes for the big day! But when I walked downstairs to the family room I was greeted with a huge hug and a "I missed you Grandma" from Bryce. Sweetest words to hear. 

It melted my heart to see them both playing in the yard, as this was the first time for them to visit Grandma here in Wyoming. The three of us had a great time visiting the tree house for the first time and running through the sprinkler(s) during the hot Friday afternoon sun. 

It was more than I could have wished for to spend time with them and it was great to see a few toys scattered through out the house and knowing they were here. Pretty soon they will have a new little baby sister to welcome into the world! Can't wait to meet her....grandchildren are so special. 

Grandma Becker's entry for September 5, 1990
"Tired this morning. Sleep was sort of mixed up and I think I am more so today! Very hot day! Nice inside, made 12 pint of spaghetti sauce. Sure makes alot of dirty dishes! But had the tomatoes and didn't want to wast them. Lots of telephone calls today. Had a letter from Virginia and Charles today and so glad as we hadn't had word since last Feb. Virginia had heart surgery in March and then had her other eye done. Ruth called and her brother Dave has cancer. Letter from Jennings. To Janesville - "500" here". 

It's a great day to be alive~make it a great day!

xoxo
Melody