wedding preparations

. . . are under way. Invitations went out at the end of last week, finally. Karen and I are in jersey for a few days trying to organize what we can. It's been a busy few weeks for me--intense boat work then a shoot in prague then to jersey the next day and returning this sunday to the west coast just in time for work on monday morning. The farm is wicked hot and muggy, though secretly I'm really enjoying it as a welcome change from the eternal chill of the bay area.

The wedding is going to be fun, I'm getting much more excited about it as the details start to come together. we owe my mom and dad big time for hosting--I am really thankful to be having it on the farm, it perfectly fits the two of us.

Karen and I were worried about the cost of the hotel and getting to and from the farm (it's 25 minutes away and $100/night), so we drove all around checking out other prices. unfortunately we couldn't find other good hotel options, everything was still right in the 95-100 range. I know that's not a lot in the grand scheme of things but some of my friends don't have two quarters to rub together (like the two guys I bought the boat with), and are likely to camp out behind the barn and shower in the ditch if we let them. We are going to arrange some sort of a shuttle back to the hotel for the night after the wedding, and the following morning for the picnic. Karen will post everything to the wedding site when we figure it out.

off now to arrange some sort of platform (?) for us to stand on for the big day

oh, and my brother showed up this week--a surprise, rare occurrence. He's currently laying on the kitchen floor playing his new pitbull puppy, which is cute, but insane.

This is what George meant by the "cake" pictures...

Ha! She loved her cupcake SO much! Amazingly, she also learned how to use a spoon that night so she could have some icecream cake!

Eve is one year old!

What a great birthday party for little Eve!. Dana and Rob put on a great spread.Helen and I, Kathy and Don, Sandy and Dave, and Derek and Lauren represented the Hepbron tribe along with many of Rob's family and many friends of Dana and Rob. It was a fun party with plenty to eat and drink. Little Eve had a ball. She was so excited. She was perfect throughout the whole thing. I hope someone will put up some of the pictures of Eve at the party- particularly the ones of her eating the birthday cake. Priceless!
Helen and I enjoyed our time with Sandy and Dave. As usual, we all went to New Egypt to the Dirt Mall ( the New Egypt Flee Market). A visit to Sandy's is not complete with out the Dirt Mall visit with Sandy and Kathy. The farm looks great and will be a great location for the next Hepbron gathering- the wedding in October.
I had a chance to see Tom Powner again on Friday ( He is in Care One in Hamilton). He seems well enough- but is beginning to talk about wanting to get home. He has lost a lot of weight but still seems to have his wits about him. It's hell to grow old!
On Sunday we heard that Paul Haring is still alive and kicking. Some of you may remember him as principal of the high school before Scarborough. Paul is 96 years old and living in Pa. near his son. Fred Wian is going to try to get in touch with him.
Helen and I hope to see many of you soon at one of our gatherings.

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4th of July

Hope you all had a safe and happy 4th of July.......where do the months go?????? I finally figured out how to change the name John and amp;Deb on my blog!!!!!!! I don't even know how that got that way!!!!!! I know I can't type but that was way out there!!!!! Thanks to Sue .....we were able to put our minds together and she walked me thru it!!!! Sue is very good on the computer so if you ever have any problems call her!!!!!! We will be headed to NJ to visit with Jen and see her new place....then Sue and Lloyd will be heading to the Outer Banks for a visit.....can't wait to see the pictures from the wedding!!!! take care Love Deb and John

virgin blogger

My very first time at blogging and I'm speechless!  Dave and I are babysitting for our granddog, Max.  He is not happy to be left by his mother and father who are vacationing in the Keys.  Andrew says its beautiful there.  Matt and Karen are spending the weekend in the mountains camping.  Matthew said the altitude is so high it gets into the 40's at night and the 70's during the day.  Dave and I are at the farm working and taking care of the dogs.  What's wrong with this picture?  Now lets  see if this gets posted.   Sandy

I just wanted to show everyone how much Eve is enjoying the summer