Eileen's musings will be moving, as long as I can figure out how to post on my new site. I was on the phone with Go Daddy for almost 2 hours yesterday and one of the topics ended up being my blog. When this site began so many years ago, Go Daddy did not have the tools I needed.
Now they have more than I need plus I had a credit. My new blog will have the same name and hopefully more posts. According to my new buddy, Matt, I will seamlessly migrate all new thoughts to my go daddy wordpress, hmmm, promises, promises. We will soon find out.
The next post will be about two wedding on Saturday, August 19th, the first featuring a bride who sang her "I do" and the 2nd a special wine box ceremony.
Hope you follow me!
Sunday, August 20, 2017
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
Even a justice of the peace is scammed
I received an email in July, exactly one month before the proposed wedding date.
Hi,
Hi,
I want to make an inquiry of your availability to officiate our wedding ceremony which is coming up on August 26th, 2017 in Danbury, CT. My name is Dale Frankie, a researcher with a research company in NYC. I engage my long time girlfriend Kelly Mike at a family event in December. Kelly is awesome lady with a beautiful heart. I met her during a family reunion party in 2012. Our parents are from Toronto, Canada but they live in USA for more than 40 years. We like you to be part of our story by conducting a simple personalized wedding ceremony for us in the presence of our expected family members and guests. We've read reviews and testimonials about your performances exceeding couple's expectation. what are the information you require from us and how much do you charge for the service. I await your urgent response so we can move forward.
Thanks
I let him know I was available and the price of the service, asking for the location, time and if they will be exchanging rings, and promptly received a reply.
HI,
Thanks for the information you provided. I'm also happy about your availability. For the price of $--- I'm much okay with it and the price is within the budget range. My God-father who will be taken care of the bill, he volunteer to pay for some of the vendors handling different aspect of the wedding. He his such a wonderful and awesome man. His method of payment is through certified check for good record,if you are okay with the payment method, send me all your details, full name to write on the check and your full address. Also send me your mobile number so we can
exchange text messages. Me and my fiancee will be available a week before the wedding where we will hand over the marriage License to you and have lunch together at a nearby cafe if you don't mind. We can then talk more and answer any question from you. Please note that we want you to be part of our great love story and we believe that you will make our day a memorable one.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation
Regards
The bells and whistles stating "warning, warning Will Robinson" immediately went off. I did not receive a direct answer to the needed information and did not even have the bride's last name to prepare a program or draft.
I sent him a contract that morning.
My next response was again a thank you with none of the information included.
HI,
Thanks for the information you provided. I'm also happy about your availability. For the price of $--- , i'm much okay with it and the price is within the budget range. My God-father who will be taken care of the bill, he volunteer to pay for some of the vendors handling different aspect of the wedding. He his such a wonderful and awesome man. His method of payment is through certified check for good record,if you are okay with the payment method, send me all your details, full name to write on the check and your full address. Also send me your mobile number so we can
exchange text messages. Me and my fiancee will be available a week before the wedding where we will hand over the marriage License to you and have lunch together at a nearby cafe if you don't mind. We can then talk more and answer any question from you. Please note that we want you to be part of our great love story and we believe that you will make our day a memorable one.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation
Regards
As you can see, the words do not vary, I then received a text asking for my address for the check....
and foolish me sends it.
I received a check on Saturday, August 12 by priority mail. It is for $1,850.00, needless to say, this is a bit over my price of service even with the additional $25 he added to the last email. The money was written as a cashiers check with no contract included. The address on the envelope was the Institute of Technology and of course I looked up the bank, a legitimate institution.
I received a text at 10 pm on Saturday night, I was actually on my way to bed.
from area code 602: Eileen it me Dale. How are you doing today. I send you mail but I've not got your reply. My Godfather send me a mail that the check for your fee delivered at your mail box. Please confirm and get back to me asap. Dale Franke.
I actually texted back and went to bed letting him know there was no check and that I need a time and location. I also noted the difference in spelling of his last name. I heard a response and ignored it until morning
His three next texts asked me to check the mailbox the, gave me the tracking number and actually gave me an address in Danbury.
On Sunday, I looked up the address. The house is owned by a well known couple in Danbury, and although the house is still in both names, I believe the husband passed away last fall. I drove by the house on Monday and there is someone living there with an older car in the driveway, but I did not stop to introduce myself.
On Monday, I also called the bank. The young lady looked up the number on the cashier's check and let me know that it is no good, just as I suspected. She said to rip it up and asked for the remittee name, which I promptly supplied, and it was not Dale.
Dale called last night to ask if I received the check. I let him know that I called the bank and that the check was no good. I repeated the news twice, he stated he will call his "godfather" and hung up.
Is this the end of my latest saga? Time will tell...
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
feet, again...
I have arthritis throughout my body and a lot of it in my feet. My left foot has fused so there is very little movement in the big toe. It has the chronic pain but not too the point where it affects my walking. My right foot constantly hurts with a bone on bone friction and the movement causes more pain. My wearing flip flops is not helping, but shoes hurt more.
Today my right foot is swollen to the point that I cannot even wear shoes or flip flops.The constant rubbing has caused a large callous that I try to remove daily.
I saw a doctor at the end of last year. She took more x-rays and we discussed more surgery. For now she cut the callous. I went back in February and she again scraped but this time it was called in-house surgery and the cost was too much to do on a regular basis.
I'm back to using the scraper every morning and lots of creams.
Advil helps and is becoming a mostly daily med. "whine, whine, whine" I still go to the gym, strength training helps, stretching helps more, and although Zumba is tough on the foot, Zumba is for fun.
Saturday, April 22, 2017
my diamond rings
Traditionally, the marking of the
passage to status of husband and wife is marked by the exchange of rings. These
rings are a symbol of the unbroken circle of love. Love freely given has no
beginning and no end, no giver and no receiver, for each is the giver and each
is the receiver.
May these rings always remind you
of the vows you are taking today.
These are the words I say to most of the couples I marry. I picked out my own engagement ring with my husband, then fiance'. We went to Charlops Jewelers on downtown Main Street and bought a matching set, t.he wedding band had diamond chips, his wedding band had diamond chips, and my engagement ring had chips plus a quarter caret diamond. I was wildly excited and we got engaged for Easter, the same time as his sister, Kathy, and her fiance', before we both graduated from high school two months later. Kathy and Gary got married that December, Butch and I got married three years later.
The ring never came off, and once we were married the ring still never came off. Then one day, maybe 20 years later, the diamond fell out and was no where to be found. I went two years without wearing an engagement ring until one Christmas Butch surprised me by taking the ring and having the diamond replaced. Still small, still beautiful and still mine. Then in 1999, it happened again, and I stayed without a ring until the Christmas of 2003.
November 2003, Butch said, "I want to replace your diamond ring for Christmas. Go out and buy the one you want." What a romantic! Not even, let's go look, what would you like, when should we go out together. Just, buy a ring.
2003 was the year of the forever diamond, a three stone ring representing past, present and future. I took one look as I was browsing rings and said this is it. I did not buy the ring on my own, I asked Butch to go Christmas shopping at the mall and told him we had to stop at Zales. We browsed a few other jewelry stores first, and Zales was having the best sale. We purchased the ring with it's LIFETIME diamond commitment! This meant that I had to have the diamonds checked and cleaned every six months. I added the task to my calendar and diligently went to Zales ever June and December, bringing the paperwork showing purchase and past inspections.
I got the paperwork out to stop at the mall in June 2016, just stuffing it into my purse until I had a chance to stop by the mall. I went to the gym the last week of May, and felt this odd irritation / scratchiness on my finger. I glanced down and the small diamond was missing from the ring.
The next day I found the time to run to Zales, knowing the paperwork is already with me. I explained the situation and the sales clerk looked at my records, pulling it up on the computer as well as comparing the hard copy. He took my ring and said that many people do not come in for the inspections and the guarantee becomes null and void. Zales replaced the diamond at no cost to me. I had no ring for another 6 weeks but happily returned it to my finger the day before my birthday in July.
I was told that I can change the schedule coming in for inspection to both July and January and decided that I would rather stay on the existing schedule.
December is a nightmare for a non-shopper, as I am. I know that the mall is a shopping trip from hell with all the people, but Christmas 2016 I was again going to get my diamond checked, the first time since it's new replacement diamond was inserted.
I stopped at Zales first, expecting no issues. The young man took the ring and the paperwork and came back to me with a strange look on his face. He said, "The large diamond in the center has a chip." He pulled out the eyepiece and had me look, there in front of me was a dark spot on MY diamond!
I asked if it could have boon there and the young man again reviewed the paperwork. He said he was the one who gave it back to me in July and there was no way the diamond was flawed then. We again filled out the paperwork and he kept my ring. He explained to me that if I were buying this diamond now, it would cost more that twice what I paid for the ring in 2003.
I waited another six weeks, getting my ring back on my finger just in time for Valentine's Day, another holiday the my husband and I do not celebrate, but that is another story...
So far a happy ending to my happily ever after.
These are the words I say to most of the couples I marry. I picked out my own engagement ring with my husband, then fiance'. We went to Charlops Jewelers on downtown Main Street and bought a matching set, t.he wedding band had diamond chips, his wedding band had diamond chips, and my engagement ring had chips plus a quarter caret diamond. I was wildly excited and we got engaged for Easter, the same time as his sister, Kathy, and her fiance', before we both graduated from high school two months later. Kathy and Gary got married that December, Butch and I got married three years later.
The ring never came off, and once we were married the ring still never came off. Then one day, maybe 20 years later, the diamond fell out and was no where to be found. I went two years without wearing an engagement ring until one Christmas Butch surprised me by taking the ring and having the diamond replaced. Still small, still beautiful and still mine. Then in 1999, it happened again, and I stayed without a ring until the Christmas of 2003.
November 2003, Butch said, "I want to replace your diamond ring for Christmas. Go out and buy the one you want." What a romantic! Not even, let's go look, what would you like, when should we go out together. Just, buy a ring.
2003 was the year of the forever diamond, a three stone ring representing past, present and future. I took one look as I was browsing rings and said this is it. I did not buy the ring on my own, I asked Butch to go Christmas shopping at the mall and told him we had to stop at Zales. We browsed a few other jewelry stores first, and Zales was having the best sale. We purchased the ring with it's LIFETIME diamond commitment! This meant that I had to have the diamonds checked and cleaned every six months. I added the task to my calendar and diligently went to Zales ever June and December, bringing the paperwork showing purchase and past inspections.
I got the paperwork out to stop at the mall in June 2016, just stuffing it into my purse until I had a chance to stop by the mall. I went to the gym the last week of May, and felt this odd irritation / scratchiness on my finger. I glanced down and the small diamond was missing from the ring.
The next day I found the time to run to Zales, knowing the paperwork is already with me. I explained the situation and the sales clerk looked at my records, pulling it up on the computer as well as comparing the hard copy. He took my ring and said that many people do not come in for the inspections and the guarantee becomes null and void. Zales replaced the diamond at no cost to me. I had no ring for another 6 weeks but happily returned it to my finger the day before my birthday in July.
I was told that I can change the schedule coming in for inspection to both July and January and decided that I would rather stay on the existing schedule.
December is a nightmare for a non-shopper, as I am. I know that the mall is a shopping trip from hell with all the people, but Christmas 2016 I was again going to get my diamond checked, the first time since it's new replacement diamond was inserted.
I stopped at Zales first, expecting no issues. The young man took the ring and the paperwork and came back to me with a strange look on his face. He said, "The large diamond in the center has a chip." He pulled out the eyepiece and had me look, there in front of me was a dark spot on MY diamond!
I asked if it could have boon there and the young man again reviewed the paperwork. He said he was the one who gave it back to me in July and there was no way the diamond was flawed then. We again filled out the paperwork and he kept my ring. He explained to me that if I were buying this diamond now, it would cost more that twice what I paid for the ring in 2003.
I waited another six weeks, getting my ring back on my finger just in time for Valentine's Day, another holiday the my husband and I do not celebrate, but that is another story...
So far a happy ending to my happily ever after.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
The perils of being trusting
I got an email asking if I was available next Wednesday at 11 a.m. I emailed back saying, yes I am available, this is what I charge and I also need both names, if you are exchanging rings and where do you want me to be.
I added that I am available by phone the next day after 1 p.m. I received a call from Georgie at 1:03 p.m. the next day. She said they were interested and that they already have the license. They want to get married at 11 a.m. and I told her that I would be able to adjust my schedule to make it happen.
I let her know that I can be available and we discussed the details. I then told her about the different unity ceremonies available and added that since we were going to be in her home, the venue of their choice, I can provide two separate samples as part of the draft and she and David can choose the one they want in the final program. We hung up with date, time and location firm.
When a ceremony is booked far in advance, I ask for a deposit of $25. When the ceremony is within one or two weeks, sometimes up to a month, I trust the couple to their word. I worked up a draft for Georgie, spending the extra time to pull together both a sand and candle ceremony. I sent it off as an email, both as an attachment and in the email text.
On Monday I sent the reminder email, confirming the details and asking which ceremony to include for Wednesday. Within minutes I received the email response, "I just spoke to my fiance, he have inform me that he would like to go with his choice, one of our close friend who is available to marry us. I want to thank you for following up."
My first concern was that they are using my draft, as if I can stop them. I quickly responded stating that they should not have received the draft if they were not committing to me, and that my words cannot be used. She answered back that she is deleting my email.
We are living is such a different world these days, and my cynicism continues to grow. I want to believe in people, I try to believe in people, and to trust them, but more and more, I do not.
I do have a Christmas eve wedding scheduled. The happiness of the Christmas season has yet to take hold of my heart. I've put up the tree, sent out my cards, have been shopping and over spending, I present smiles to the world and hope to be treated fairly and I truly am happy that most people are true to their words.
I've got four wedding scheduled for the new year already, all have made a deposit, and I have added a paypal deposit button to my newly designed website. Let's see what the new year brings....
www.eileencoladarci.com
I added that I am available by phone the next day after 1 p.m. I received a call from Georgie at 1:03 p.m. the next day. She said they were interested and that they already have the license. They want to get married at 11 a.m. and I told her that I would be able to adjust my schedule to make it happen.
I let her know that I can be available and we discussed the details. I then told her about the different unity ceremonies available and added that since we were going to be in her home, the venue of their choice, I can provide two separate samples as part of the draft and she and David can choose the one they want in the final program. We hung up with date, time and location firm.
When a ceremony is booked far in advance, I ask for a deposit of $25. When the ceremony is within one or two weeks, sometimes up to a month, I trust the couple to their word. I worked up a draft for Georgie, spending the extra time to pull together both a sand and candle ceremony. I sent it off as an email, both as an attachment and in the email text.
On Monday I sent the reminder email, confirming the details and asking which ceremony to include for Wednesday. Within minutes I received the email response, "I just spoke to my fiance, he have inform me that he would like to go with his choice, one of our close friend who is available to marry us. I want to thank you for following up."
My first concern was that they are using my draft, as if I can stop them. I quickly responded stating that they should not have received the draft if they were not committing to me, and that my words cannot be used. She answered back that she is deleting my email.
We are living is such a different world these days, and my cynicism continues to grow. I want to believe in people, I try to believe in people, and to trust them, but more and more, I do not.
I do have a Christmas eve wedding scheduled. The happiness of the Christmas season has yet to take hold of my heart. I've put up the tree, sent out my cards, have been shopping and over spending, I present smiles to the world and hope to be treated fairly and I truly am happy that most people are true to their words.
I've got four wedding scheduled for the new year already, all have made a deposit, and I have added a paypal deposit button to my newly designed website. Let's see what the new year brings....
www.eileencoladarci.com
Thursday, December 8, 2016
An evening wedding in the park
John called me on a Monday asking for a wedding on Thursday. I provided the details: get the license from Danbury City Hall for a wedding at Tarrywile Park, explained the cost and procedure to have a quick wedding.
Denise called the next day to confirm an evening wedding on Thursday and we agreed to meet at the gazebo at 6:30 pm.
Thursday was another beautiful summer day and I met the couple as promised to marry them for the first time. Denise was a chemist originally from Chicago, John worked in New York City. They told me they were moving to Florida in two weeks so they both can go back to school. Love wins <3
Denise called the next day to confirm an evening wedding on Thursday and we agreed to meet at the gazebo at 6:30 pm.
Thursday was another beautiful summer day and I met the couple as promised to marry them for the first time. Denise was a chemist originally from Chicago, John worked in New York City. They told me they were moving to Florida in two weeks so they both can go back to school. Love wins <3
Saturday, September 3, 2016
The wedding procedure at it's best and worst
When someone calls to ask me to perform a ceremony, my first question is always, "Do you have your license?" The answer varies from couple to couple and I always explain that the license is good for 65 days and must be from the Town in which the ceremony will be held.
I recently got a call asking for a ceremony the next day. They had heard about me from a friend and wanted to have the ceremony in my home. I DID NOT ask the question. I wrongfully thought since they talked to someone, they knew the law and when I asked if they had their license, they said yes.
We set up a time for the wedding for 4 p.m. the next day. I told them to bring the license with them as well as payment. They arrived with their five year old daughter, Annie, in tow and we settled in to hold the ceremony. Annie, dressed in all pink for the special day, was given some books I keep on hand for such occasions. I asked for the license and upon review saw Ridgefield listed at the top of the page. Hoping I was wrong, I spoke to the couple and asked when and where they got their license.
I then explained that we will have to hold the ceremony in Ridgefield. I also said that I allow three to four hours for each couple and if they want to go somewhere in Ridgefield, I would be willing to follow them. We packed up the youngster and we all traipsed to the two cars for our unexpected journey. I followed the young couple to their home in Ridgefield.
By the time we reached their home, Annie had enough. She started whining and then flew into a full tantrum. I decided that we would hold the ceremony anyway. We gave Annie a doll to play with, she quieted a bit, at least enough that we were able to hear each other, and I quickly had the couple repeat their vows and pronounced them husband and wife.
Hoping that I could get to Town Hall before they closed, I rushed to the center of town. I missed the closing time by 15 minutes and texted the groom that I will go to Ridgefield again tomorrow to drop off the license. I got a quick text acknowledging my text and happy to report another happily ever after <3
I recently got a call asking for a ceremony the next day. They had heard about me from a friend and wanted to have the ceremony in my home. I DID NOT ask the question. I wrongfully thought since they talked to someone, they knew the law and when I asked if they had their license, they said yes.
We set up a time for the wedding for 4 p.m. the next day. I told them to bring the license with them as well as payment. They arrived with their five year old daughter, Annie, in tow and we settled in to hold the ceremony. Annie, dressed in all pink for the special day, was given some books I keep on hand for such occasions. I asked for the license and upon review saw Ridgefield listed at the top of the page. Hoping I was wrong, I spoke to the couple and asked when and where they got their license.
I then explained that we will have to hold the ceremony in Ridgefield. I also said that I allow three to four hours for each couple and if they want to go somewhere in Ridgefield, I would be willing to follow them. We packed up the youngster and we all traipsed to the two cars for our unexpected journey. I followed the young couple to their home in Ridgefield.
By the time we reached their home, Annie had enough. She started whining and then flew into a full tantrum. I decided that we would hold the ceremony anyway. We gave Annie a doll to play with, she quieted a bit, at least enough that we were able to hear each other, and I quickly had the couple repeat their vows and pronounced them husband and wife.
Hoping that I could get to Town Hall before they closed, I rushed to the center of town. I missed the closing time by 15 minutes and texted the groom that I will go to Ridgefield again tomorrow to drop off the license. I got a quick text acknowledging my text and happy to report another happily ever after <3
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
April 18 continues
This wedding was originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 19 at 2 p.m. I called Luca and suggested we change the date because of the weather. Knowing I was going to be out anyway, I was the one to suggest 4 p.m. on Monday.
Luca is from Italy and he and Sarah said they found my website and knew I would be perfect. They saw I was Catholic and liked that I posted it. Luca has turned Sarah back onto God and they want to include a prayer in the ceremony. Of course I have no problem with it.
Luca was dressed business casual and Sarah had a simple dress with flowers in her hair and flowers to hold. They also put white balloons at the end of the parking lot so I would know where to turn in, but I arrived first after my earlier wedding at Tarrywile in Danbury. We walked to a flat rock farther into the park overlooking the water. The trail was a dirt path, following the rocks, down hill. I wore flats, but they were not sneakers or flip flops for comfort and ease to hike. The view was spectacular. The sun was out and it was a perfect day.
Luca is from Italy and he and Sarah said they found my website and knew I would be perfect. They saw I was Catholic and liked that I posted it. Luca has turned Sarah back onto God and they want to include a prayer in the ceremony. Of course I have no problem with it.
Luca was dressed business casual and Sarah had a simple dress with flowers in her hair and flowers to hold. They also put white balloons at the end of the parking lot so I would know where to turn in, but I arrived first after my earlier wedding at Tarrywile in Danbury. We walked to a flat rock farther into the park overlooking the water. The trail was a dirt path, following the rocks, down hill. I wore flats, but they were not sneakers or flip flops for comfort and ease to hike. The view was spectacular. The sun was out and it was a perfect day.
They wrote their own vows, speaking to each other of love and what they mean to each other. They said their I dos when I asked, and then Luca said the Our Father in Italian and Sarah repeated it in English. The moment was breathtaking and then they exchanged rings. I pronounced them husband and wife and the whole ceremony was caught on video. They brought out glasses and champagne. We toasted to love and happily ever after and I left them to celebrate their new love.
waiting and waiting and waiting
As a Justice of the Peace, I always try to be early. For a small wedding, most of the time the couple is there on time or a few minutes late.
Because Danbury has a beautiful park with a mansion, grape arbor and gazebo, I tend to recommend the use of the gazebo if the couple has not chosen a venue. April 1st I received a call from Joy. She and Dennie wanted to get married in late April and she wanted three children incorporated into ceremony, Leena, age 6, and twin boys Lemond and Larson, age 3. She scheduled the ceremony for noon and I suggested she call the director of the mansion to see if the gazebo was available.
I did not hear back from her and was ready to add the two names to a cancelled list that I keep in my records. The day was I working on my record updates, Joy called me back. She did call the director and the gazebo is available that afternoon but she asked if I could change the time to 2 p.m. I had an outdoor wedding at 4 p.m. at a park in Ridgefield scheduled but quickly calculated the time and distance knowing that I could still do both.
I agreed to the new time and arrived at 1:45 that afternoon. There was a women there, dressed up for a wedding in an airy, flowered sun dress, with four children in tow. She was chatting with an older woman in a deep purple dress. The children were all quite young, ranging in age from one to about ten. Two girls were in shorts and two had on dresses. The temperature was around 80 degrees and the sun was hot for April. Although there were no men in the small group, I introduced myself, hoping that one of the women was the bride.
Hope introduced herself as Joy's sister stating that she came down from Waterbury and thought she missed the wedding. I reminded her that the ceremony was to start at 2 and she said she was told to be there at 1 p.m. She introduced me to her aunt and to the girls, all were Joy's nieces. She added that thye stopped at a store on the way to Danbury so the girls could each have new outfits for the wedding. The six year old let me know they changed in the car.
Hope called Joy for me at exactly 2 p.m. and did not get an answer. I called 5 minutes later and was able to talk with Joy. I was told they are on the way. The kids played, ate candy and got messy, the aunt and sister talked, played on the phone and chided the kids. The afternoon dragged on and Joy finally arrived at 2:45 with Leena in tow. Joy was dressed in a tux, Leena had on a pretty white dress with white shoes, perfect for her mom's wedding. Joy said she talked to Dennie and that she is on the way with the boys and will be there shortly. I just continued pacing, gazebo, down sidewalk, up sidewalk, gazebo, repeat. I was a nervous wreck knowing I had to be in Ridgefield at 4 p.m. I did a quick map search on my phone and found that I can get to the park in twenty minutes.
I called the next groom, Luca, and asked if we could meet at 4:30 instead. He said no problem and that Sarah would prefer the later time. With a sigh of relief, I turned back to the problem at hand.
Dennie showed up with the two boys and the license at 3:30. Joy had paid me when she arrived. All the women tried to pull the twins outfits together, they were dressed up, black pants, white shirts, shirt tails hanging out, shoes ready to come off, suspenders falling off. I explained that I had to leave as soon as I was finished with the ceremony and suggested that we do the ceremony under the tree rather than at the gazebo because I knew moving the small crowd intact would be a difficult task.
You are now a family and I now pronounce you partners for life! I rushed back to my car to race to the next wedding in Richardson Park in Ridgefield. Not knowing exactly where I was going was even more stressful. I pulled into the parking lot at 4:15 pm, took a deep breath, found the next program, grabbed my purse to put in the trunk, picked up my robe and got out of the car. I made it there before the bride and groom.
Because Danbury has a beautiful park with a mansion, grape arbor and gazebo, I tend to recommend the use of the gazebo if the couple has not chosen a venue. April 1st I received a call from Joy. She and Dennie wanted to get married in late April and she wanted three children incorporated into ceremony, Leena, age 6, and twin boys Lemond and Larson, age 3. She scheduled the ceremony for noon and I suggested she call the director of the mansion to see if the gazebo was available.
I did not hear back from her and was ready to add the two names to a cancelled list that I keep in my records. The day was I working on my record updates, Joy called me back. She did call the director and the gazebo is available that afternoon but she asked if I could change the time to 2 p.m. I had an outdoor wedding at 4 p.m. at a park in Ridgefield scheduled but quickly calculated the time and distance knowing that I could still do both.
I agreed to the new time and arrived at 1:45 that afternoon. There was a women there, dressed up for a wedding in an airy, flowered sun dress, with four children in tow. She was chatting with an older woman in a deep purple dress. The children were all quite young, ranging in age from one to about ten. Two girls were in shorts and two had on dresses. The temperature was around 80 degrees and the sun was hot for April. Although there were no men in the small group, I introduced myself, hoping that one of the women was the bride.
Hope introduced herself as Joy's sister stating that she came down from Waterbury and thought she missed the wedding. I reminded her that the ceremony was to start at 2 and she said she was told to be there at 1 p.m. She introduced me to her aunt and to the girls, all were Joy's nieces. She added that thye stopped at a store on the way to Danbury so the girls could each have new outfits for the wedding. The six year old let me know they changed in the car.
Hope called Joy for me at exactly 2 p.m. and did not get an answer. I called 5 minutes later and was able to talk with Joy. I was told they are on the way. The kids played, ate candy and got messy, the aunt and sister talked, played on the phone and chided the kids. The afternoon dragged on and Joy finally arrived at 2:45 with Leena in tow. Joy was dressed in a tux, Leena had on a pretty white dress with white shoes, perfect for her mom's wedding. Joy said she talked to Dennie and that she is on the way with the boys and will be there shortly. I just continued pacing, gazebo, down sidewalk, up sidewalk, gazebo, repeat. I was a nervous wreck knowing I had to be in Ridgefield at 4 p.m. I did a quick map search on my phone and found that I can get to the park in twenty minutes.
I called the next groom, Luca, and asked if we could meet at 4:30 instead. He said no problem and that Sarah would prefer the later time. With a sigh of relief, I turned back to the problem at hand.
Dennie showed up with the two boys and the license at 3:30. Joy had paid me when she arrived. All the women tried to pull the twins outfits together, they were dressed up, black pants, white shirts, shirt tails hanging out, shoes ready to come off, suspenders falling off. I explained that I had to leave as soon as I was finished with the ceremony and suggested that we do the ceremony under the tree rather than at the gazebo because I knew moving the small crowd intact would be a difficult task.
You are now a family and I now pronounce you partners for life! I rushed back to my car to race to the next wedding in Richardson Park in Ridgefield. Not knowing exactly where I was going was even more stressful. I pulled into the parking lot at 4:15 pm, took a deep breath, found the next program, grabbed my purse to put in the trunk, picked up my robe and got out of the car. I made it there before the bride and groom.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
fur and purrs
Woke up at 3:30 am, stressed, not able to sleep and over thinking everything. I got out of bed, planning to read, possibly sleeping on the couch, and I was joined by Peanut. We settled in, Peanut cuddled into my arms, over my chest in full purr mode.
I stroked her soft black fur for more than 45 minutes as she went back to sleep, now how can anyone be stressed while petting a cat, in full relax position?
She finally moved at 4:15 and I pulled out my nook until 5 am, when we both got up for the day. Routine kicked in, fold the blankets, check for the paper, FEED the Peanut, make the coffee, go out for the paper as Peanut follows down the stairs and waits patiently as I come in to race her back upstairs.
Today is total chaos with the added worry that mom-in-law fell yesterday, mom sees cardiologist for the first time since hospital stay and I am missing a 2 pm meeting after two meetings at work this morning, whew!
"....time to make the doughnuts" I loved that commercial, I believe it showcases the everyday life we all lead.
I stroked her soft black fur for more than 45 minutes as she went back to sleep, now how can anyone be stressed while petting a cat, in full relax position?
She finally moved at 4:15 and I pulled out my nook until 5 am, when we both got up for the day. Routine kicked in, fold the blankets, check for the paper, FEED the Peanut, make the coffee, go out for the paper as Peanut follows down the stairs and waits patiently as I come in to race her back upstairs.
Today is total chaos with the added worry that mom-in-law fell yesterday, mom sees cardiologist for the first time since hospital stay and I am missing a 2 pm meeting after two meetings at work this morning, whew!
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| Beware the "ides of march" - tired, the morning after |
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Bella vs. Peanut
Bella still comes by every day to spend the day with us. Chris leaves his home in New Milford, drive to Danbury to drop Bella off and the goes to Sandy Hook to spend the day at work. Bella has been the center of our attention for almost two years so bringing home a kitten can be a big deal.
The first day Peanut hissed as soon as Bella was in her view. Three days later Peanut is tolerating Bella and Bella is trying to get closer.
The first day Peanut hissed as soon as Bella was in her view. Three days later Peanut is tolerating Bella and Bella is trying to get closer.
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| Bella on the water Spring 2015 |
Monday, July 27, 2015
2nd day at home
Peanut has settled in quite well. She slept with us the first night, cuddling into Butch. He was afraid to move through the night. The next day she was raring to go. She is an amazing eater, I'm already afraid she is going to be fat.
Bella came over at 7:30 a.m. and greeted her. Butch and Bella dropped me off to work and returned home for the morning. Peanut was no where to be found. The two of them looked for her a bit but then let her sleep or hide, whichever she was doing.
I arrived home at one, called out a "Peanut, where are you?" And there she was, at the top of the stairs waiting for me to come up and join her.
This has happened every time I've left the house, and Sunday night, after spending the entire afternoon at the pool, I got absolutely nothing done because she sat on me or with me for the whole evening, oh well, life is good.
Bella came over at 7:30 a.m. and greeted her. Butch and Bella dropped me off to work and returned home for the morning. Peanut was no where to be found. The two of them looked for her a bit but then let her sleep or hide, whichever she was doing.
I arrived home at one, called out a "Peanut, where are you?" And there she was, at the top of the stairs waiting for me to come up and join her.
This has happened every time I've left the house, and Sunday night, after spending the entire afternoon at the pool, I got absolutely nothing done because she sat on me or with me for the whole evening, oh well, life is good.
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| Peanut - black on black - very difficult to get good pictures |
Friday, July 24, 2015
Time for a new Cat Story
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| As Winnie, the black cat explores the bedroom with blankets protecting my ivory colored bedspread |
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| Midnight escapes from Bella |
From that day on, Chris and I started looking at cats online. We found Kitten Associates and the next day we saw an ad on Craig's List for 12 kittens. Kittens Associates and the ad were the same kittens. We made an appointment to stop by on Wednesday, July 22 (10 days after my birthday) to meet the cats and possibly bring one home. I emailed back and forth with Michele for a few days leading up to our visit.
Baybrook Farm is in Sandy Hook, almost on the Shelton line. We brought Bella with us and she was in her glory, visiting with the rabbit, the goats, the calf, the cow and the sheep. She saw the small horse, heard the two horses up in back and Butch held her tight when Michele's dog cut through the yard.
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| Peanut checks out the living room |
Michele explained that she gets her cats from Tennessee and goes down there three times a year. She picks out only kittens she feels would be good house cats, brining them back to Connecticut, fostering them until they find a good home. The kittens have all had their shots and that is the only cost she asks for. She added that this batch is hard to give up because they are all so friendly. Her daughter has one picked out that she is hoping to keep and her husband sits to watch TV in the cat room because he enjoys the fun of all the kittens.
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| Peanut finally looks at the camera |
Winnie came home with us and we discussed a name during the ride home. Butch decided Midnight was a great name and I agreed it was appropriate, but I promised Tristan he could name the new kitten. When I got home I texted a picture of the new addition to our family to both Richie and Jenna, explaining that the kitten now has had two names and it is up to Tristan to make the defining decision and name the new all black cat.
I got an audio message from Tristan that night, "I think the cat should be called Peanut."
So our new baby is now Peanut.
At the Amber Room
I arrived at the second wedding of the evening expecting to perform the ceremony and go home within thirty minutes.
The best laid plans never work out...
The wedding was set out at the lower gazebo, very pretty, but also down a hill. Silly me decided this was the evening to wear heels. I went down the hill to speak with the DJs. I asked if they have seen the bride or groom, and the answer was no but they are both here. There are some pictures being taken up the hill, so I trudge my sore feet back up the hill. I find the groom and we chat. I get the license and my payment, move my car closer to the ceremony location and return to the gazebo, down the hill.
I returned to the gazebo and talked to one of the DJs about a mike, knowing that an outdoor ceremony needs sound assistance to allow the guests to hear my words of love. I put on my robe and got wired. And waited, the guests started to arrive and we waited, time passed and we waited, and while we waited, my back was soaked, and then my hair started to drip, and then my hair was soaked.
As the guests arrived, I waved to the many of them that I knew. I stood in the front of the array of chairs as I saw my hairdresser join the small crowd. Although I never join the guests, this time I had to talk to Diana just to let her know that I did not start out like this and my hair looked great earlier in the evening. I love her, she said I looked great anyway!
The ceremony was beautiful, the newly married bride and groom were happy and I stayed until the guests were sent up to the cocktail hour at the main building. I then took off my robe, went to my car, and took off my shoes. My dress, dry clean only, was as wet as my robe.
I got home, poured myself a glass of wine and reflected on what a special evening it was as I appreciated how much I enjoy being a JP. <3
The best laid plans never work out...
The wedding was set out at the lower gazebo, very pretty, but also down a hill. Silly me decided this was the evening to wear heels. I went down the hill to speak with the DJs. I asked if they have seen the bride or groom, and the answer was no but they are both here. There are some pictures being taken up the hill, so I trudge my sore feet back up the hill. I find the groom and we chat. I get the license and my payment, move my car closer to the ceremony location and return to the gazebo, down the hill.
I returned to the gazebo and talked to one of the DJs about a mike, knowing that an outdoor ceremony needs sound assistance to allow the guests to hear my words of love. I put on my robe and got wired. And waited, the guests started to arrive and we waited, time passed and we waited, and while we waited, my back was soaked, and then my hair started to drip, and then my hair was soaked.
As the guests arrived, I waved to the many of them that I knew. I stood in the front of the array of chairs as I saw my hairdresser join the small crowd. Although I never join the guests, this time I had to talk to Diana just to let her know that I did not start out like this and my hair looked great earlier in the evening. I love her, she said I looked great anyway!
The ceremony was beautiful, the newly married bride and groom were happy and I stayed until the guests were sent up to the cocktail hour at the main building. I then took off my robe, went to my car, and took off my shoes. My dress, dry clean only, was as wet as my robe.
I got home, poured myself a glass of wine and reflected on what a special evening it was as I appreciated how much I enjoy being a JP. <3
Two weddings in one very hot July evening
I have worn my robe for all weddings for a long time now. After this evening, I am questioning my choice.
Saturday, July 11, I had the honor of performing two weddings for two beautiful brides. The first at 5:30 at a home, the second at 7:00 pm at the Amber Room.
At 5:00 pm I arrived at the home of Bianca's parents. Carrying my robe, I was greeted in the yard by a young man. I introduced myself and we chatted about the many cars and the tent set up across the street. "They are always having a party," was the response. I was ushered into the house by the dad, with the greeting of, "I am so glad she is getting married before the baby comes, she is my only daughter." Bianca was very, very pregnant and the baby was due any day.
Bianca was marrying the love of her life and even joked that she hopes to say I do before her water breaks. The young lady had on a beautiful short white lace dress and her family was surrounding the couple with love and support. She asked that we wait for a few more special people and of course I did.
I stood there with the program in my hand, the sweat poured down my back. Thirty-five minutes later I'm in my car with the air conditioning blasting, the radio blaring and mentally preparing for the next wedding forty-five minutes later.
I stopped home for a few minutes, combed my hair, reapplied my lipstick and got back in the car.
Saturday, July 11, I had the honor of performing two weddings for two beautiful brides. The first at 5:30 at a home, the second at 7:00 pm at the Amber Room.
At 5:00 pm I arrived at the home of Bianca's parents. Carrying my robe, I was greeted in the yard by a young man. I introduced myself and we chatted about the many cars and the tent set up across the street. "They are always having a party," was the response. I was ushered into the house by the dad, with the greeting of, "I am so glad she is getting married before the baby comes, she is my only daughter." Bianca was very, very pregnant and the baby was due any day.
Bianca was marrying the love of her life and even joked that she hopes to say I do before her water breaks. The young lady had on a beautiful short white lace dress and her family was surrounding the couple with love and support. She asked that we wait for a few more special people and of course I did.
I stood there with the program in my hand, the sweat poured down my back. Thirty-five minutes later I'm in my car with the air conditioning blasting, the radio blaring and mentally preparing for the next wedding forty-five minutes later.
I stopped home for a few minutes, combed my hair, reapplied my lipstick and got back in the car.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Rita
My sister Rita was a strong woman but everything around her touched her heart. She felt any slight deeply and I am the total opposite, protecting my heart from the cruelties of the world around us. Rita was an adventurer and tried to keep up with Sharon. She jumped into a project with both feet and if the time spent did not live up to her expectations, she felt the agony of defeat.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Back at the Gym!
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| TRX training |
I continue to go to the gym three times a week. One of the contraptions we use is the TRX training straps. Although there are many ways to use this contraption, each of our trainers only used them to strengthen our arms. The main exercise we do is to lean back and pull our body weight up in a reverse push up. The lower you start, the heavier your weight and the better the results. I have also had to use the straps for stability as I do lunges. Some days the stability is just not there, even with the straps and I use a stationary source to hang on.
Friday, February 27, 2015
Cat Tales continue
Chris lost Iesha to an illness a few years ago. Bailey is on medication for thyroid problems, which was discovered when she lost a lot of weight and was down to under 5 pounds. She is now under control and weighs more than 7 pounds.
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
time goes by so quickly
With the new year, I've been reflecting about all I've done, the many wonderful people who have touched my life and how much I love my family. I've decided to write my timeline, including all the touchstones and so much more. I will be adding the dates to this same posting as I think of them and have time.
08/68 first job at meat department of A&P
01/69 job at New York Bake Shop, an iconic bakery in Danbury
06/70 graduation from DHS
07/70 began at mailroom, Grolier Ext., moving on to "new orders"
07/72 Turned 20
04/73 married the love of my life, Butch
10/75 first born, Chris
09/77 second son, Rit
06/79 lost my dad at age of 53
01/80 lost my father-in-law, just as devastating, at age of 56
05/80 taught my first exercise class
09/80 became a certified exercise instructor
02/81 lost my grandmother, still have the memories of Spring St. Bakery
07/82 Turned 30
06/85 returned to school, began with a calculus class
01/88 Internship at State Capitol
05/89 graduated BA, political science
06/89 began working for State Senator James H. Maloney
08/89 began my first political campaign
11/89 won my first election, Danbury Common Council
07/92 Turned 40
05/96 received MHA from WCSU
04/99 began as a University Assistant at WCSU, working via a grant on an art project
03/03 lost my sister-in-law, Kathy, my maid of honor and dear friend at age 50
07/02 Turned 50
10/04 began the many trips to Jersey to see Sharon and enjoy time with her
02/05 lost my sister Sharon to cancer, valiant fight, aged 51
01/11 love of my life, Tristan was born to Rit and Jenna
02/12 worked at Alumni Relations office
07/12 Turned 60
08/13 turned down full time position as Assistant Alumni Director
04/15 sister Rita passed away unexpectedly at age of 55, bigger loss for Krysta and Rachel
08/68 first job at meat department of A&P
01/69 job at New York Bake Shop, an iconic bakery in Danbury
06/70 graduation from DHS
07/70 began at mailroom, Grolier Ext., moving on to "new orders"
07/72 Turned 20
04/73 married the love of my life, Butch
10/75 first born, Chris
09/77 second son, Rit
06/79 lost my dad at age of 53
01/80 lost my father-in-law, just as devastating, at age of 56
05/80 taught my first exercise class
09/80 became a certified exercise instructor
02/81 lost my grandmother, still have the memories of Spring St. Bakery
07/82 Turned 30
06/85 returned to school, began with a calculus class
01/88 Internship at State Capitol
05/89 graduated BA, political science
06/89 began working for State Senator James H. Maloney
08/89 began my first political campaign
11/89 won my first election, Danbury Common Council
07/92 Turned 40
05/96 received MHA from WCSU
04/99 began as a University Assistant at WCSU, working via a grant on an art project
03/03 lost my sister-in-law, Kathy, my maid of honor and dear friend at age 50
07/02 Turned 50
10/04 began the many trips to Jersey to see Sharon and enjoy time with her
02/05 lost my sister Sharon to cancer, valiant fight, aged 51
01/11 love of my life, Tristan was born to Rit and Jenna
02/12 worked at Alumni Relations office
07/12 Turned 60
08/13 turned down full time position as Assistant Alumni Director
04/15 sister Rita passed away unexpectedly at age of 55, bigger loss for Krysta and Rachel
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Trainers - Kelly, then Steve
After two weeks of no trainer, Kelly entered our lives. Kelly asked if we would be interested in stretching as well as strength training. Both Marge and I agreed that it would only enhance our training program since the virtual trainers offered all types of training and we chose our programs randomly.
Kelly began each session with a stretch, deep breathing and knee bends. We used machines and brought our mats with us each week. She arrived every on time Saturday mornings, sometimes looking like she just rolled out of bed. She was coming in from New York State and had other jobs.
We enjoyed her workouts and she provided us with a bit of Pilates and stretching, some yoga moves including a variation of the cobra that she called a superman move in which we lifted up and pulled our arms back. We have provided this move to our recent trainer and it is in our regular routines now.
Kelly was a very good addition to our repertoire and respected us, as women and as dedicated morning exercisers. She provided tips as we worked out, smiles when we did well and pointers to improve our form. Kelly stayed with us for eight weeks. We had no trainer for the remaining weeks in December.
Steve joined us in January. He refused to come in on a Saturday morning so our training moved to a Wednesday evening at 7, continuing our 7/7/7 regimen. We were very excited thinking that the first Steve was going to work us hard and there will be some major training as part of our program. We were very disappointed when our new Steve was a bit like Kevin and was afraid to work us hard. We asked to be pushed.
Steve ran us through a machine workout and made almost no impression on us either way. He did what he had to do, walked us to various machines and then we went home. His second night, the following Wednesday, Marge could not be there, so Steve worked with just me. It was much like to previous week, he walked me through a few machines, I lifted a few weights and the evening was over. The following Wednesday it snowed and Steve cancelled.
The last Wednesday in January, Marge had to cancel again, Steve and I did a workout, many machines, a few weights, nothing that stood out, then the following Wednesday it snowed. Again no session, no Steve and no Marge. Steve had "no car" the following Wednesday, and then there was no Steve. We found out on Monday, February 17 that Steve was not coming back and of course, that Wednesday we had no trainer. Marge said to me that she remembers nothing about Steve, I agreed, but she has even more reason to forget. She met him once.
hmmm, there seems to be a pattern here...
Kevin - 6 weeks
Kelly - 8 weeks
Steve - 3 weeks
Are we scaring them off?
Kelly began each session with a stretch, deep breathing and knee bends. We used machines and brought our mats with us each week. She arrived every on time Saturday mornings, sometimes looking like she just rolled out of bed. She was coming in from New York State and had other jobs.
We enjoyed her workouts and she provided us with a bit of Pilates and stretching, some yoga moves including a variation of the cobra that she called a superman move in which we lifted up and pulled our arms back. We have provided this move to our recent trainer and it is in our regular routines now.
Kelly was a very good addition to our repertoire and respected us, as women and as dedicated morning exercisers. She provided tips as we worked out, smiles when we did well and pointers to improve our form. Kelly stayed with us for eight weeks. We had no trainer for the remaining weeks in December.
Steve joined us in January. He refused to come in on a Saturday morning so our training moved to a Wednesday evening at 7, continuing our 7/7/7 regimen. We were very excited thinking that the first Steve was going to work us hard and there will be some major training as part of our program. We were very disappointed when our new Steve was a bit like Kevin and was afraid to work us hard. We asked to be pushed.
Steve ran us through a machine workout and made almost no impression on us either way. He did what he had to do, walked us to various machines and then we went home. His second night, the following Wednesday, Marge could not be there, so Steve worked with just me. It was much like to previous week, he walked me through a few machines, I lifted a few weights and the evening was over. The following Wednesday it snowed and Steve cancelled.
The last Wednesday in January, Marge had to cancel again, Steve and I did a workout, many machines, a few weights, nothing that stood out, then the following Wednesday it snowed. Again no session, no Steve and no Marge. Steve had "no car" the following Wednesday, and then there was no Steve. We found out on Monday, February 17 that Steve was not coming back and of course, that Wednesday we had no trainer. Marge said to me that she remembers nothing about Steve, I agreed, but she has even more reason to forget. She met him once.
hmmm, there seems to be a pattern here...
Kevin - 6 weeks
Kelly - 8 weeks
Steve - 3 weeks
Are we scaring them off?
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