StockHolm

The preparations are complete. We are dressed and ready. So in the time we have before the Big Event let me introduce you to StockHolm. The Holmers have Lower StockHolm, the brother and sister-in-law, the Stockstads, live next door in Upper StockHolm. 

First, Upper Stockholm as viewed from above and below. The view of the Puget Sounds is beautiful.

Lower StockHolm, site of the wedding tonight...

Finally, the wedding flag. The Holmers have a wedding tradition of using familiar letters to denote marriages. Hence, there is A&W, Q&A, etc. Sharon and Will are S&W, which unfortunately is not Smith and Wesson. Will's father got permission from S&W foods to use their logo for the wedding and got a flag made. Note reformed former member of Destructo setting up:

And there is this:

Wedding Day Addendum

An interesting twist in that Holmers take delight in their Swedish heritage. And they take delight in Sharon's Swedish heritage. Which is only 25% but it's darn sure enough to count! All part of the fun.

Wedding Day

There has been great business and industry. And we are prepared.

Photos have been taken. They are in my wife's camera. I had the camera and was about to download some pictures but she snatched the camera up and disappeared to catch the ferry to get her hair done with the bride and bridesmaids. I asked her if she was going to use the camera for a hairstyle selfie and she glared at me and said, "YES!"

So there are pictures and someday I'll post some of them. When the camera comes back.

There as been laughter. There are a lot of Holmers and they like to have fun. They really, really like to have fun and they're a happy bunch. They like to hear stories about Sharon. There are blonde kids running around. The little girls are excited about the wedding. Emma, age three, is fascinated to see Will marrying "Uncle Sharon". Sharon's soon-to-be brothers and cousins include a Catholic priest, a medical doctor, a filmmaker from New York, a metal sculptor, and suchlike. All truly good, friendly people. You can spend hours having delightful conversations at the edge of the water watching the sun slowly set or around the fire ring. Interesting that there is absolutely no hint, anywhere, of underachievement, dysfunction, negativism. I find that exceptional. There are personalities, of course, but that's half the fun and nobody minds. Really. People are too busy having fun and enjoying each other to bother with minding. It looks like my daughter is marrying into an absolutely wonderful family.

There has been late summer Puget Sound weather. Hot and clear and perfect for evenings on the water's edge. 

There has been some exceptionally good local beer and food. That's always important. Calvin is cautiously sampling the beer under the tutelage of his older brother. When his mother isn't watching.

There were speeches at the rehearsal dinner--tables in a large U under mature apple trees next to the boathouse. Once every ten or fifteen years I'm able to give a fairly good speech and, apparently, last night was such a time. There was much laughter and merriment. I think the wine and beer put everyone in a good mood.

There were pictures, too. But they're getting their hair done...

Searching For Lake Monsters

Wedding Ramble Update: Day Two Anderson Island

Friends and family are rolling in. Will and Sharon have arrived. Sharon brought one of her dearest friends, Katherine, in from Vienna by way of Montana (long story). Meanwhile, Calvin is making the most of his vacation:

For The Ages

Two Small Marinas on the Island

What could be more cool than an abandoned ferry on an island? Not much.

There are fresh water lakes on the island, too. My older son has committed to helping me explore them for legendary lake monsters. Our goal is to capture photographic evidence. Stay tuned, devoted blog followers!