Yeah. Ok, I see what you're talking about.

Papa (or rather Chef Papa) really stepped in it when he fell for me.  I love familiar tastes.  I like pork chops to taste the way they do in my head... the way they did last time I had them, and the time before and the time before, and the time... well, you get the idea.  Chef Papa has a fancy degree that hangs in the kitchen and says that he can make delicious pork chops 4000 ways and you will love them every time (or else).  I do my best, really I do.  But, I want my pork chops to taste like their "supposed to", and when they don't its a little hard to feign excitement over a dish that anyone with taste buds would rant and rave about.  I accepted this about myself a long time ago.  Chef Papa is still coming to terms with it.

Let The Sun Shine In

When we planned our yard, the raised bed was in full sun.  Fast forward 4 years later, and the house next door has been vacant for 2 years.  During that time, the vacant-house backyard has sprouted dandelions 8 feet tall and three (what I believe to be) poplar trees ON the fence.  Literally.  Not only were these trees shading my summer garden, they were threatening to ruin the new(ish) fence between the two yards. 

  

He's 41 Folks!

I love this man more than I knew I was capable of loving another - farts, flaws and ugly truths are pieces of what make him endearing. He is joy and light, pain and sorrow, comfort, and the discomfort that comes from personal growth. He is, in short, the air I breathe, the water I drink, the food that sustains my soul. He is not perfect, but his imperfection, his humanity, comforts me; reminds me that I'm human; reminds me that humanity is beautiful. I am not completed in him or by him, but made whole by his love. I am not greater because of him, but made greater in his affection for me.

Our love and affection, our dedication and admiration made life. Beautiful life. And in his children's eyes there is joy and sunshine. Thank you God for bringing him to me. Thank you God for this day, for without it I would not be whole.