Slipping out the Mitten

Some of you may or may not be aware that I have met friends on the internet. Three of us hit it off on an author's page. Nicole, Paige and I have been friends for about 7 years now. Nicole lives out east. Paige has moved around a bit, but her home is just outside the Cuff of the Mitten. This past weekend Alan, the kids and I went to Paige's wedding. Since this was not the first for her or Tim, they opted for a very casual event. Paige's daughter Mac wanted them to have a ceremony.

During the toasting of the couple, it was easy to see why Mac wanted this event. Tim's oldest son and Paige's son, both spoke of the family they have become. They are 17 and 19 years of age, respectively. Tim also has a 13 year old son with a happy soul who obviously, loves Paige as much as Tim.

This whole internet thing really opens up a new dimension in friendship. Nicole and I are in touch weekly. Paige joins us when she can. The affection we have for each other is not virtual. They are my friends.

Walking into the clubhouse where the wedding was held was a little daunting. Paige and I had met up two years ago. She and her kids were camping with her Mom and Dad. Jenée and I went and spent a day with them. As I walked in I recognized her nieces from pictures. Oh, her sister tried blogging for a little while, but it was not for her. I saw her too. However, I could not go up to them without creeping them out! (Hi, I saw you on the internet.) When we did meet it very comfortable and they welcomed us.

Now, I would like to note that when Alan saw Paige he commented on how short she is. As you can see, Paige has a little bit of height on me. She is wearing a thin flip-flop and I have a tiny heel.
Paige's sister set the tables. The flowers were beautiful. Also on the tables were fish; not the betas in vases, that are so popular now at weddings. These were tiny lake/pond fish. The back story has to do with a slip of the tongue. One of the boys was trying to say, "Rule with an iron fist " and it came out "Rule with an iron fish." So the boys went out and collected a bunch of fish and added them to the decorations. It was fitting.
On the way down to the wedding we stopped to get gas and found this drive-in restaurant:
I don't think I could ever say with a straight face, "Hey! Let's eat at Mr. Weenie's tonight."

This next picture was taken about 30 minutes after Cole announced that he just cannot sleep in cars. Maybe it takes an SUV.
Finally, As Paige and I were saying our good-byes and plotting out how we are going to find a way to meet-up with Nicole (Paige and Nicole have met in person), we gave our families a little insight as to how this internet friendship works. Paige said something about not knowing what to do with the fish. I suggested they ceremoniously release them into the pond on the property. She liked the idea, but noted that there were big fish in there and they would probably be eaten. In unison we both said, "The circle of life." And that is why she is one of my dearest friends.

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OK. I am a loser!

Happy 40th birthday Tammy!

On to our 5th decade of life we go.