Marilyn's Musings

Here I am with my Valentine of 60 years. Yep, we did it, even though everyone said it wouldn't last. No wonder, when we married we really didn't know much about one another. We came from opposite sides of the country and different kinds of families. He grew up in a tiny town in Maryland, I grew up in Los Angeles. He was raised by a grandma and two aunties and had no siblings. I had a mom and dad and younger sister. And I could go on and on about our differences. No, it wasn't easy. We had many problems along the way--but we never gave up. After a few years and five children, we began to realize besides being man and wife we'd become best friends. We not only have five kids, but we also have 18 grandkids and 12 great grands. I hope that each and everyone of them will find that someone who will go through life as a best friend. Eldest daughter Dana and her hubby and best friend, Mike. Grandson Gregg and his girl, Kaitlyn. Youngest daughter Lori and h...

Every year our church has had a Valentine Dinner. This year was no exception. We've done it many different ways, with the dinner being catered, one of the members doing all the cooking, the youth doing the serving, twice we've met at a local restaurant. We have a new fellowship committee this year and the male partner used to own a restaurant and he volunteered to do all the cooking. What a meal we had! Avocado, tomato and shrimp salad served on spring greens. Stuffed pork loin, broccoli, baked potato and a roll. For dessert, a strawberry sundae. Of course the tables were decorated with red heart candles and other Valentine goodies--including little cups with candies inside. You didn't have to be a couple to attend and we did have a few who came solo. The couple who had been married the longest had 63 years under their belt. We came next with our 58. And there were others all along the way down to the nearly newlyweds with five years. Everyone shared funny stories and we pl...

Our church is having a Valentine's dinner, not sure exactly what's happening. Last I heard the men were cooking--but my husband knows nothing about it. Paid my money so I'm going. In year's past, they've had other Valentine's dinners--great food and lots of silly games. One of the women who did a lot of it is now in the hospital, so makes me wonder if it's really going to happen. We live in Central California, in the foothills, east and north of Bakersfield. During the winter, the mountains surrounding our 1000 foot location are covered with snow. Once in awhile the snow comes down right here. That's what's been happening. For those of you who trudge through snow all winter probably can't appreciate how delighted we are when it does snow here. One year it snowed a lot. The school closed. Of course all the kids were everywhere playing in the snow--including the school yard. At the time we had two grandkids living with us, one in grammar school and...