Oregon Living 2026 – Blog #34 – A Little Lawn Work & Heading off to our Weekend Outing!

 

 

Sunday, August 30^th., 2026…… Last day of little league baseball for me!  I didn’t necessarily want to see the two teams - Nevada and Curacao - play in the final game, but it wanted to see it through. It’s still awesome to see those little guys playing a game they love and that they’re very good at!  Lot of memories for me! That was pretty much all we did today was watch tv. Cat had a stomach ache and so we both just lazed around the house all day.

I did work on Penny’s old laptop. She wanted to take it apart for disposal and brought it to me to finish the job….

Monday, August 31^st., 2026……  This morning after we walked and fed the dogs, we left for the gym. We have decided to only go to breakfast every other week or maybe one place each week. So today, we skipped Kevin’s and got a couple of breakfast burritos from McDonald’s and came back home.  We waited until later in the day but managed to get the lawn mowed. Cat’s lawn tractor has a weak battery so we ended up parking that one on the charger and I mowed and Cat dumped. But – we still got it all done. Zephry and Thomas come tomorrow so we had a chance today to get the mowing done. I also called a guy about having this

removed! It’s a wasp’s nest that the guys found last week. It’s active, but when I called the guy and texted him that pic, he responded that it didn’t look active and he wasn’t interested. So, we will have to take it on ourselves. It will be at night when they are all in there and quiet. We have spray that we can shoot in the entrance and then we can cut it down. More on that as it progresses. Tv and spa and then bed.       

Tuesday, September 1^st., 2026…… Zephry and Thomas got here right at 9:00am to start their day. I took the mule out and staged it so they could load it up. Either Cat of I would take it out whenever it was full. I told Zephry about the wasp guy said and they said they would take care of it for us. Turns out when they sprayed it down really good, there weren’t any wasps coming out. So, they made quick work of it. I poured a little gas in a 5-gal. bucket and they put it in there to soak. Later, after the gas evaporates, we will throw it in the trash. The guys did everything on the east side of the driveway. Next time they will go around the house. We have a few trees that will need to be trimmed back off the house and we have a pole saw they can use for that. Another couple of weeks for sure but it’s sure coming along!  Later, I replaced the pizza stone in the Blackstone oven and we tried it out for dinner with the pizza dough that Frank gave us last week. Not a fan of pre-made dough but the oven works well now!  I think I have the timing figured out. We will load everything up to take to Frank and Maryanne’s for this weekend’s campout. We have decided to just drive there each of the three days, starting Friday for the potluck. We can take the dogs so we can stay for the day/evening if we want.  

Wednesday, September 2^nd., 2026…… I was a little busy with my cardiologist this morning. They texted to see how I was doing on the Atenolol, that they have me trying on a test basis. They want to see if my energy/fatigue levels change any. I asked them to call me back so I could share more than a message in MyChart. I also added the log that wanted me to keep track of my blood pressure, but I waited until they called back. Meanwhile, we are planning on going to the Club’s campout this weekend, so we wanted to go to Costco to pick up a few things. Frank called Cat and asked her to order a sheet cake for the summer birthdays. When we got there, we did that plus got what we needed – plus a lot more! Also, we picked up a few things for Penny that she will come get later. When we got back and unloaded, I received my callback from Fatima from Cardiology. I need to send her the log that I have made and she will be getting that to the Doctors there for evaluation and further action. The rest of the day we hung around the house. It started raining around 9:00am which is good for us since it’s been so dry here and fire watch is in effect. So far, it’s still going this afternoon. The forecast is for more rain this weekend. The guys at Frank’s have already put up a couple of awnings and we will bring one on Friday as well.  

Thursday, September 3^rd., 2026…… Not much on the list today. We needed to go get some items for the campout and we took care of that with no problems. We decided to go out to breakfast and went to Kevin’s today since Kristi’s was closed for the next few weeks. I spent some time gathering everything we would be needing to take to Frank’s tomorrow. I think we’re good to go. Later, we had dinner and settled in to watch tv until bedtime.

Friday, September 4^th., 2026…… After walking and feeding the girls, we loaded up everything we needed to take to Frank and Maryanne’s. We needed to pack carefully because we needed room for Butthead to ride in the back as well! We got there and spent some time unloading and getting things set up. The guys already had the large tents up and they also took the time to add additional tarps on them because we WERE going to get rain! We stayed until close to 4:00pm, then came home with the dogs to feed them and then head back (without the pups) for the potluck and for the rest of the evening. We had the potluck and after that visited and played Swish for several hours then decided to come back home. With all of the tarps in place, we all managed to stay dry for the night! We left around 8:00pm to come back and relax and be with the dogs for the night.  

Saturday, September 5^th., 2026……  This morning, we walked and fed the girls, then ate breakfast, before loading everyone in the car for day 2 at the Silo party. Most of the day was rainy, so we ended up finding cover under the canopies or else in Maryanne’s house, playing cards. The dogs love to be outside and when we could walk them, we did. Cat took them out to the pond and of course, Rylee had to lay down at the water’s edge.

No worries, she texted me and Frank had an old towel we used to dry her off!  Later, we were told that Shaun was making apple slushies, with or without Fireball!  Of course, we had to go try them!  We were the first there so I guess we were his test dummies!  They were great!  I had to take a picture or two and especially one of the Ninja machine he had. Hmmm, may need one of these soon!  But we were careful because we would still be driving back home to drop off the dogs before coming back again. Later, when we got back, Frank got out the hay trailer. Note: this is the same trailer we always use for our float in the Strawberry parade in June. But it does double duty, hooked up to his big tractor. We loaded up a handful of folks and Frank took off across the field. He has 200 acres so we had plenty of room to ride! We were out for a bit and it was nice. Then it wasn’t!  We all got wet on the ride back but it was still fun and we got some good pics…..

That was the end of the rain and the weather was excellent for the rest of the day and evening. Later, we played cards and talked and then it was time for the second potluck. This one was spaghetti and all the fixin’s. We have some great cooks in this Club and they showed it tonight!  Everything was plentiful and tasty. One of my favorites was the frog eye salad. It has acini de pepe pasta and canned fruits and whipped topping and a silly name!  But it’s delicious!  The different spaghettis and garlic breads were good too, as were the veggie snacks and desserts.  More visiting and cards and it was time to head home again.  Last day tomorrow....     

 

Oregon Living 2026 – Blog #33 – A Nice Bit of Yard Work, Loaning Out Our Honda, and Back to Dancing!

 

Sunday, August 23^rd., 2026…… Weather is really nice today!  Cat took the dogs out and then fed them while I went off to get us breakfast and coffees. Once back, Cat settled in outside on the deck while I worked on my blog and watched the LL World Series. Today is the  2^nd round of playoff games. I still have taped motocross, Indycar, and Nascar to watch but while the world series is on, I’m all in!

Monday, August 24^th., 2026……  Today, the weather is really nice!  Temps in the high 70s and low 80s for most of this week. We walked and fed the dogs then headed out for the gym and breakfast. I brought Cat back home because Zephry is coming this morning for his usual Monday morning appointment. I left immediately and headed off to have the Honda washed and then stop to fill it up with gas. Penny will be using it starting tomorrow because her car is going into the shop for a new windshield and to have the dent in her door fixed. It’s supposed to take 2 days or so.  No worries for us – we have enough cars to get by! Today, Zephry worked for a few hours. He said he would like to bring some help tomorrow and really get on the task of getting the trees and shrubs on the west side of the driveway done. Even though it would double the labor costs, Cat agreed because it would be completed sooner, and we have a limited timeframe before fall hits and Zephry is only able to work on Mondays. So, this was good for us!     

Tuesday, August 25^th., 2026…… Today, Zephry and Thomas hit it hard!  They are workers! The plan is to have the mule out there so they could load it up. When loaded, I (or we) would drive it out and dump it. Rinse and repeat. I think, all told, I made 10 trips!  The burnpile is really high now!  Those guys did a terrific job and got everything done west of the driveway. Here are before…..

and after pics from the day…..

 

It really looks good. Of course they are only one section in so far and we have a lot left to do. She and Zephry talked and they are planning on having another double-team day next week if they can.  Once they were done, we cleaned up and came in for a bit. Later, I left and met Penny at the garage where she dropped off her car. I drove her back home and we visited for a while. After she left with our Honda, Cat and I went out to Dos Arbolitos for dinner.  Each of us had drinks as well. It was a great end to a great day! But alas, we heard of Dolly’s passing. Dolly was a true American icon and national treasure whose kindness, music and legacy reached far beyond Tennessee. We each remembered seeing her in different concerts. Mine was at the Hollywood Bowl with friends Gary and GG, and was phenomenal. I have also been to Dollywood years ago.  Cathye and I also went together to the Dolly Parton Stampede in Branson. I know we both feel that we were incredibly lucky to have experienced a little piece of the world she created. The love for Dolly was everywhere. Heaven just gained a beautiful voice. Rest in peace, Dolly! 

 We have the flag at half-staff…

 

Also, we got the news later in the day that Mike Berkey’s mom also passed today.  We are so sorry, Mike, for your loss. Sad news all around…  

Wednesday, August 26^th., 2026…… Today is a rest day for both of us. Cat had to go get some stuff for her canning project that she wants to start today, but that’s about it. Ok, it’s later now…  Cat started in on her canning. I was drafted once or twice as her sous chef. She made blackberry jam.  Later, we fed the girls then changed and headed off to the Cascade Grill in Albany to help Maryanne celebrate her 80^th birthday! There were a lot of us there! The server did a great job. We split the seafood platter and ordered an extra soup. We still had leftovers!  Here are a few pics from the night….

Thursday, August 27^th., 2026…… HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE!!  We have a couple of massage appointments later today. But, first up we headed off to the gym and then to breakfast. I had sent a text to Toni and Moe to see if they wanted to join us. Toni was going to yoga but Moe met up with us. We had a nice meal and talked a bit. Later, Cathye left to go pick up Jamie for his birthday lunch at Abbey’s Pizza.  She said later that they also stopped at the hospital on the way back so he could do his labs. While she was off with Jamie, I headed over to make it to my 1:15pm appointment.  Cat got Jamie back and she told me later that she barely made it in time for her 2:30 time.  After we both got back, we ate leftovers for dinner. I had pizza and Cat had fish and shrimp from last night. Tv and then bed.     

Friday, August 28^th., 2026…… Another great weather day! I had given some thought to mowing today. I actually left and got 5 of our 5-gal. jugs filled. But, when I got back, it was still too wet to mow (the sprinklers were left on last night!).  So, I settled in watching the programs I was backed up on since the LL World Series has been on.  Even later than that, I went out and worked on installing a rack up on the wall in the shop garage. This rack was donated by Penny to our Club's yard sale but I snagged it before that!  That gets the bottles and jugs of lawn chemicals up off the floor and I will have space for more items in the future.  

While I was doing that, Cat spray painted one of our small tables we have on the back porch. It had been yellow before and she had enough paint left over to touch it up. Later, she got it put back on the porch. It now is looking good!

Later, I got a call from Penny that her car was almost ready and she wanted to come by to pick me up to go there. We got there just before the guy drove up in it. It had been sent out to a third party to get the sensors on her new windshield calibrated. But once the guy got there, she picked it up with no issues. Later, we ate and watched our programs until bed.

Saturday, August 29^th., 2026…… No plans for today. We want to go to the new caller dance later this evening in Springfield, but we’ll see. We had no plans for today so we hung around the house for the day. Tv and reading for each of us. Later, we fed the girls and got changed and headed down to catch the dance. Our friend, Nate (Lila’s dad), is returning to calling from many years ago, so we wanted to go support him. It’s about an hour’s drive down to the hall in Springfield, but it was an easy drive. These new caller/cuer dances are not something I look forward to.  But when we got there and found out that several of our friends and family from the Lebanon Square Circlers would be calling or cueing, we really got into it!  We danced the first three tips before resting for a bit. In addition to supporting Nate, we square danced to both Kye and Doug. Also cueing were Marlana and her brother Jaiden. It was a fun night and definitely worth the drive down there!    

                                                    Jaiden                           Nate       Doug   Kye  Marlana

 

Oregon Living 2026 – Blog #32 – A Pretty Quiet Week

 

Sunday, August 16^th., 2026…… Today was Charlotte’s Garden party. We planned to go. I was up and out and got breakfast. When I go to Starbucks, I usually get her a Chai Latte. She said she didn’t feel like anything that sweet this morning so she made it at home. Later, she headed off to church while I worked on the blog and watched my races. We fed the girls early and made the drive to Charlotte’s home. She and her late husband used to professionally grow and sell flowers so, needless to say, her gardens are beautiful!

 

Her son prepared hot dogs, chicken, and hamburgers and the rest of us brought the side dishes. They always do a special ‘bridge dance down the road at the covered bridge, but this year we decided to just hang out and stayed put when they walked down. Here are pics I borrowed from Naomi…

 

Later, we ate and then after that, said our goodbyes and drove back home. The pups got their special treats and supplements and we were in for the rest of the evening.  

Monday, August 17^th., 2026…… Today we had our yard guy, Zephry, come for his regular appointment. After he left, Cathye left to run some errands. She wanted a library card. Funny, since we live just outside the city limits, we would have to pay for the card which is free to residents. But she wanted one and spent the $40. Anyway. She also wanted to stop by Les Schwab to get the last three pressure sensors replaced in the tire stems on the Buick. But the wait was well over an hour and she’s not patient enough for that, so next stop was an oil change. Again, the line went out into the street, so she came back home.  I stayed home, because we had a mobile mower guy coming over to service all three of our lawn tractors. He said he is a bit more $$ than the local lawn/farm place here in town, but using him means I don’t have to make three separate appointments and wait 2 months or more to get each one serviced, and also don’t have to load them up three times to transport! So, we tried David. He got here and got going. He has a cool new van, which he is working on to fill up with his necessary tools.

Each mower took about an hour. No issues, other than on the oldest mower, where he couldn’t get the bolt loose on one of the blades. So, he had to move the blade cutting area into the discharge window so he could get the grinder on it in place. He wrapped that up after Cathye took off to go to a birthday dinner at The Point for Misty and her family. I got the mowers put back and was done for the day. She brought back her leftover seafood fettucine for my dinner, which was yummy!   I am still waiting for Paul to come over to get me and the mule to go pick up our tables from their wedding last week. I am in no hurry and closed up for the evening when he didn’t come by. They had folks over there today picking up items from the caterer and the chairs and such so I’m sure they were busy. Probably tomorrow. Tv and bed.     

Tuesday, August 18^th., 2026…… The weather is great these days!  Temps are in the 70s so we try to get out and do things in the yard – when we have the energy! Cat worked on weeding her raised bed while I tasked myself with cleaning up a few of the broken sprinkler heads around the house. I noticed when I was outside a few nights back that one of them was broken and shooting onto the house paint. We know we can’t have that because it will discolor so I rebuilt that one as well as a few others. Later, I got a text and Paul came over to get me and the mule so we could go get our tables. We got them stored away and talked for a bit. He gave me a heads up on the cost of his new workshop. His bids are really high, so for now, it’s a no-go. He also gave me info on what he paid for the new roof they had done last September. Wow! I’m not in a hurry now to do ours!         

Wednesday, August 19^th., 2026…… Cat’s dentist appointment is today. So, after breakfast she headed off to do that.  When she got back, she said everything was good to go for another year!  Sure wish I could get reviews like that!  For Cat, today was spent working around the house. She went out and picked a few more blackberries. For me, it was time for the Little League World Series to start! I had been watching the regionals last week, but now they are in Williamsport PA!  There are ten US teams and 10 international teams there. It’s a twelve-day, double elimination tournament with each division playing each other until they meet for the title next Sunday. I have been following little league ever since Randy played in the tournament when he was 12 years old. Of course, I chart all of the scores and team records until the end!  Later, tv and bed.

Thursday, August 20^th., 2026…… Nothing on the agenda today. We did our normal Thursday – walk and feed the dogs, go to the gym, then go to Kristi’s for breakfast.  The weather is supposed to get hotter starting today. Temps are expected to hi 92°.  Well, it’s later now and we made it to 92!  So, we made it a point to spend most of our time inside!  Cat spent time cleaning out the freezer in the garage. She found we had many items in there that we would never eat. So, she placed an ad on The Lebanon Buzz asking if anyone wanted/needed them. She immediately started getting several responses. She chose the first one and we headed out to drop off the two boxes with her. Once we got back, we were in for the day.  Later, we did go out to the deck later after the sun went down. But the air was so still, we came back in for the night. Well, we did go back out to hit the spa before bed!

Friday, August 21^st., 2026…… This last half of the week has been pretty quiet for us. The local square dance clubs are all dark for the summer and we are not looking to go anywhere distant just to dance. So, we stayed around the house for the day. Cat went out to read and relax on the deck…

We did laundry and Penny came by to check on our schedule for when her kids come up to visit in October. She said they told her that they want to come back again for another pumpkin carving session!  We talked about the kids coming down as well so it will work out. Looks like I’ll be doing some more bbq for that one!  Later, I asked Cat about dinner and she said she thought she might like to try a smashed burger from Jack in the Box. So, I took off and got us dinner. Tv for a bit, then we called it a night.

Saturday, August 22^nd., 2026…… Another quiet day. We both seemed quite lazy today so we ended up spending most of the day in the house. The temps are in the 80s so it probably was a good call for now! Later, I got out the Blackstone pizza oven and got it going. Cat had bought pre-made pizza dough because that is what we will be using when we take the oven to Frank and Maryanne’s next month for their yearly Club campout. Last year they had two little ovens and they had tons of folks stacked up in line, just waiting, to cook individual pizzas. The plan is to have three this year. We found out later that, with ours, we will now have four!  Anyway, I wanted to test these new pizza doughs before we take it there. I made my choice of toppings and took it out to cook. Cat did the same. Mine turned out ok. I managed to not overcook it. As a matter of fact, I think I could have left it on for another minute or two. But it was ok. Cat said hers was good too. We didn’t have the Boboli brand that they will have next month, so we sill try to find those so we can try it again. I did go back online and ordered another pizza stone for the Blackstone, since the disaster last time when we cracked the old one! For this order, I did find a package deal, this one coming will have a metal pizza paddle which will help.  I thought about that so I used my griddle spatula for the bbq and that worked well to get the pizzas in and out of the oven.

 

Complete with crack!

Later, we settled in for the evening with tv and then bed.    

 

Oregon Living 2026 – Blog #31 – More Family Time and a Nice Neighborhood Wedding

 

Sunday, August 9^th., 2026…… Today was hotter than we wanted.  We were up and out early. I went to get breakfast and coffee while Cat walked and fed the girls. We then started in on prepping for the afternoon. I got the ribs out and in the roaster to pre-steam. They would be in there for at least 3 hours on low. Then I got to be sous chef for prepping the oatmeal raisin cookies Cat was baking for today! I also cut up the watermelon that we had got from the Hermiston truck on Friday. Once that was done, we were ready. The girls came over around 3:00ish and I already had the grill ready to go. The ribs got coated with bbq sauce and I had them cooked in no time!  I also did some green onions that sis had asked for. Penny and Jody brought potatoes and salad and Cherrelyn brought eclairs to add to the cookies. The meat was ok I guess because I didn’t get any complaints! Everything else was good too! We sat around and rested and enjoyed the ac in the house because it was up 86° outside today. Here are pics from the day...

After everyone left, we settled in our own rooms. I worked on my blog and watched little league baseball and Nascar races, while Cat watched some of her Dateline shows she has taped. We rested from the day and actually went to bed early. 

Monday, August 10^th., 2026…… Today I have a dentist appointment. But it’s not until 3:00pm. Zephry was scheduled to come today around 9:00am to get started. We went to the gym and to breakfast and got back just after he got here. After that he and Cat got on track for today. After seeing him out there, I can say, “he is a worker!”  He’s not the fastest but he’s thorough. Cat likes him too! I think it will finally work out. Later, I made it to my appointment. Today was the last of three deep cleanings. I was really sore last time because they did two zones at once. This time it was just one and it was ok. Last visit they advised me to switch from my OralB to a Sonic, which has a larger brushhead to get more coverage. I have had it a week and I like it!  She commented that whatever I was doing in my hygiene, it was working!  Yaay!     

Tuesday, August 11^th., 2026…… We didn’t have much on the agenda for today, other than going to the concert in the park tonight in town. So, we worked around the yard a little. I spent some time out in the shop but it was mostly for a little cleanup. Cat worked on her raised bed. We have some really nice juicy tomatoes now!  This is after Cat picked and you can see we still have more to pick later when they ripen…

And some of the ones she got already (she’s already cut up the larger ones for sandwiches).

They are very flavorful!  As a matter of fact, she made subs with them to take with us for the concert tonight. We fed the dogs then loaded them up and left for the concert. Penny had saved us an area next to her group and we settled in. Rylee wasn’t bothered by the music but Jama doesn’t like loud noises so she was in our lap most of the time. Tonight, the artist was Jackson Michelson. He’s a country western singer from Corvallis (an alum like Cathye!). He’s been on tour for a while and is winding it up around here. I was impressed with his voice and like his variety in songs, and he did well, but he tried some artist’s songs that just weren’t quite in his range. Still good anyway!  

We stayed until the last song, then packed up and made our way to the car and got out before the crowd dispersed. We said our goodbyes to Jody, who would be going home tomorrow. It was fun visiting with her. Later, we got home and all of us rested from the evening. Tv and then bed.                       

Wednesday, August 12^th., 2026…… Today we have the housecleaner coming. Plus, we have appointments for haircuts. Stephanie got here before we left and got busy cleaning. We left and got our haircuts and we were done for the day. Steph left a little later. Nothing else on the to-do list for today so we relaxed and enjoyed the day. 

Thursday, August 12^th., 2026…… Today was the day I wasn’t looking forward to!  It was my urology appointment and I have to do a cystoscopy. That’s where they insert a catheter with a camera into your urethra!  I hadn’t had one yet but I wasn’t looking forward to it at all!  But, first up, we needed to cut the grass. It was only Cat and me today because we weren’t doing the field. It’s really dry out there and there is a risk of fire with just a rock strike from the blades, plus it’s not tall enough to mow anyway. So, we just concentrated on the lawn, where it was still wet from last night’s sprinklers. It turned out to be a little too wet for me on my side of the yard because the wet grass kept getting clogged up going to the bagger and I had to spend a lot of time clearing that many times. Once we were done, we came in and I showered and we headed out for my appointment.  Turns out I was right to be nervous!  I got a short insert of numbing gel then he got started!  They had said it wouldn’t be painful, but more uncomfortable. Well, it was VERY uncomfortable and the numbing didn’t ease the ‘uncomfortableness’ at all!  I jumped and yipped a bit and felt like a baby - but afterward, they said I did better than most!  This scope checked to see if the bladder had any residual cancer or bleeding, or remaining spots. We (Cat was there too) all saw on the screen as he did this. Anyway, the doctor said everything looked ok and I was good to go for today!  He wants to repeat this procedure every three months for a while and since I already have a scheduled appointment for my prostate check (PSAs) in October, we will do it again then. Good to go. On the way home, we stopped at dairy queen and I got my treat for being a ‘good boy’ today! Later, Paul came over and we loaded up my mule with all eight of our folding tables for their use at the wedding/reception at their home tomorrow.  I drove us over and we unloaded them. They sure have a beautiful setting in their manicured back yard. Perfect for wedding and parties. They have three girls and we have been to weddings and parties there before. Saturday will be hot but they have enough trees to make it a nice afternoon. Later, for us it was tv and spa and then bed.  

Friday, August 14^th., 2026…… Since we did the lawn yesterday, today was pretty uneventful. Until later, when we went and picked up Penny and headed off to Albany High School for a production from the Mid Valley Musical Theater. Tonight, it was Guys and Dolls. It’s mostly from the theater group from the high school, but sprinkled in with adult teachers, choreographers, stagehands, etc. These kids do an excellent job and the productions are first class!  This one was no exception!  We enjoyed the whole night – except for the length of the show! Cathye had a backache so we will have to remember to bring her pad for next time!  

Saturday, August 15^th., 2026…… Today was busy!  We walked and fed the girls and then headed out, stopping at McDonalds for breakfast. We were on our way to Sweet Home to work our annual backpack giveaway. I think this is the fourth time we’ve done this so we have it down pretty well. We got everything set out and we were ready for the 9:00am opening!  Seems I’m always put in charge of the junior and high schooler’s backpacks! The middle school kids get smaller packs, filled with school gear, while the big kids just get empty packs. But they will be given Chromebooks when class starts. That’s pretty cool! And some of this year’s backpack choices for them have external usb ports so you can plug in your laptop inside and just plug in outside while it’s still in the pack!  Throughout the morning, I was pretty quick to point out this feature as well as one that even had a rolling dial padlock on the thing! Anyway, when we were relieved at noon, they still had plenty to hand out.  We came home and rested for the afternoon. Then, it was time to change and get ready for the neighbor’s wedding. As I said before, Paul and Cori do a fantastic job getting their backyard paradise ready for the wedding and reception. They have a team come in for the arbor and chairs for the wedding, but Paul made a dancefloor and a backdrop (you can see in the pics). Seriously, he could go into the business and rent out this beautiful space for weddings and special events! Here are pics from the afternoon.

Before the toasts, the mc announced that the dancing will be going on until 11:30 and last call from the bar would be 11:00. But we had NO intention of being there then. After the toast, we visited for just a bit more (we sat at a table with the neighbors) and we all left after the cake cutting but before the dancing got started. We got back and changed and relaxed and watched tv. Later, we went out to the spa, with some Fireball, and listened to the music and watched the car lights as guests were leaving the party. It was a great ending to a fun day!