My Garden of Friends...

Thursday, August 21st was the monthly meeting of Club Knit Witz. This is a wonderful group of ladies that gather once a month for good food, lively conversation and, of course, knitting!! I look forward to the meeting each month. However this Thursday, tired from a hectic week at work and getting both boys off to their respective colleges, I actually debated not going. In the end I decided to go...really good decision, really good!!! Those same lovely ladies had planned a surprise bridal shower for ...you guessed it....yours truly!!! And surprise it was; I had no idea what they had up their collective sleeves! There was the usual delightful food and requisite knitting, but to my surprise (and delight!) there were bridal decorations and an Italian "Princess" cake (who's your Princess? I'm your Princess!!) and presents.

It was a beautiful evening and I am not just saying that because I was the guest of honor and got to open all the gifts (although I have to be honest and admit that those thing did contribute to the overall fun that I, myself, had!!!) I received so many lovely, thoughtful things (you guys know me just a little too well!!)- wine and cozy, a monogrammed travel set and plate, nightie/top and chap-stick, a honey gift card (although I think I'll skip the Full Monty), Olive oil and dishes, citrus soap, a cookbook and springform pan, knitted bowl, lavender and a silicon hotpad, a map of Florence and oh, so much more. And lastly a beautiful pillow adorned with flowers, each lovingly made by one of my wonderful knitting (and crocheting... Donna!) friends. It is already sitting in a place of honor in our living room for all to see.

I am a truly blessed person. Not only do I get to marry the most amazing man alive, I am surrounded by gifted, generous and loving friends who fill my life with joy and sunshine. Thank you so much for giving me such beautiful, thoughtful gifts and especially for making me feel like the most special person (Bride) in the entire world. I will treasure my "Garden Pillow" always and each time I look at it, I will think of each and everyone of you....and smile.

A Whole Lota Hats.....

Sunday, four of our close friends (Yvonne, Chris, Karyn and Juanita...where's Belinda, the good twin??) and Debi's sister, Pam (chauffeur eccellente!) took The Bride (as she prefers to be referred to ) and The Groom (just check out the shirt!) to San Francisco for a Pre-wedding "celebrazione". We all gathered at The Bride's house at 10:30 and loaded into Pam's Great White Van. It was so much fun! We were all in the van, talking and laughing and knitting. The one thing we were not doing is giving the poor driver any navigational help! We arrived in San Francisco and after a lot of misdirection on the part of all the navigators (you can either have no direction or five different suggestions!!) and a few aborted attempts at fitting The Great White into a parking garaged, we disembarked at the Club Fugazi to attend a performance of Beach Blanket Babylon! After getting Pam, Juanita and Karyn a quick snack, we got in line, made some friends (one couple is now planning on attending the wedding...) and took some pictures (not inside...that's for sure!!).

The performance was amazing. It was as if they had written it just for our attendance. The very first scene was.. .you guessed it Rome! And the next...Paris of course (just for you Yvonne!). There was Prince for Karyn and chocolate for Juanita! Chris laughed so hard that she was sore. And at the end, just for The Bride, a giant Wedding Cake hat! After the show, Chris flirted with the band and came away with souvenir drum sticks for the special couple (thank you Chris!!)

After we took a few more pictures, made a few more friends (who's the tourist with Jim???) we had a tasty dinner at Capp's Corner. Friends, food, fun, hats, what more would we have asked for!

We really want to thank everyone for such a delightful day. It was a wonderful way to celebrate all the fun that lies ahead and share some time together. We are blessed with the best of friends (and sister...we love you Pam!!).

It was a party!

On the one month preversary, the wonderful people that worked with Jim at the City of Stockton threw us a "Pre-wedding festa". There was really good pizza (Jim, quit making that face at the Hawaiian pizza!!), salad and bread sticks, a beautiful cake and of course, the cookie pizza (thank you Lori!). We had a wonderful time visiting with all our friends. And as if that was not enough...we were presented with a card containing a perfect sentiment and a VERY generous gift. We really want to thank all of our friends at the City. It is touching that you are all so happy for us.