To My Husband On Our Second Anniversary

Oh Connor, who knew that this last year of marriage would be a tough one to get through. Not because of any friction between us... just that life decided to throw everything at us at once: illness, family deaths, loss of friendships. As it turns out, all that hardship has further glued us together.

The Death Valley trip we went on with Joe

Even through it all, you have been kind and compassionate even when I've fallen apart. You kept up on chores on the weeks I could hardly get off the couch. You've had a good attitude even when things we hoped for didn't work out. Thank you.

The time we went to the Rocky Mountains and took the wrong trail with your family on the way to Dream Lake. 

Despite it being a tough year, we still were able to have fun together. Looking back, I'm really surprised by all the travel we still managed to do. We made it to Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, Kentucky, and Hawaii together. We also traveled to different spots in California like Sequoia National Park, the Alabama Hills, Death Valley, Camp Layman, and Pinnacles National Park.

The time we went on that all-day canoeing trip in Kentucky. We chose the fiberglass canoe because it wasn't hot from the sun. It turned out to be superior because had a flat bottom and didn't get stuck on the rocks.

Looking back, I can now confirm that when we got married I got the better end of the deal.

 Happy anniversary, my love.

To My Husband On Our First Anniversary

Dearest Connor,

We did it! We made it a whole year. It was about right now when we said "I do." You asked me if given the chance, would I do it all over again. I can easily answer that there isn't a unit of time quick enough to describe how fast I'd say yes.

That time you taught me to sail in the Florida Keys. Your Mum kindly loaned me a loose shirt after I got burnt while kayaking... despite reapplying sunscreen.

In this last year we have had tough times with housing, car troubles, and illness. But we've also had amazing times with fun surprises, sharing hobbies (like knitting, snorkeling, and hiking), and traveling. You even earned yourself a new nickname: Mr. Bear Ears.

That time we went to Point Reyes for the day and did the Cowgirl Creamery cheese tour.

Speaking of traveling, did you know that since we've been married we have been to 4 states: Nevada, Arizona, Florida, and Oregon (twice). We've traveled all over California, too. Starting with the Honeymoon, we've been to Big Sur, Twin Peaks, Joshua Tree/Salvation Mountain/Disneyland, Point Reyes, The Valley Of Fire/ Hoover Dam/ Las Vegas, Florida and the Keys, Fort Point, Angel Island, Shasta Caverns/ Crater Lake, Bumpass Hell and Mount Lassen, and Dunsmuir. I always said I wanted an adventure buddy. I can't believe how lucky I am to have gotten exactly what I had wished for.

I'll be honest, I chose this photo because I thought I looked good in it. Also, I really enjoyed this tour. I'm glad we made it just in time.

By the way, you win at being the best pirate this year. 

Can't get more pirate-y than by the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland

I woke up, wandered into the dining room and saw this. I was surprised. The card was really good. You earned tears. I also decided that I'll have to try harder to surprise you next year. 

Of course we all know that surprising you is an impossibility. I get too excited and I give you things early because I can't wait. 

Thank-you for this wonderful year, Connor. I'm glad I got to spend it with you.

First Blogiversary

Happy first blogiversary to me! I have been blogging for a year today. For fun I had a look at my very first post and was tickled to find that I had gone to a yarn shop that day. Guess what I did today.

I did indeed visit a yarn shop, although this time it was Purlescence. I hadn't been there before, but I was quite pleased with the selection and prices. I came away with six skeins of cascade 220, which I've never knit with before, and a back issue of Spin Off I'd wanted for awhile.

I shall be celebrating by adding extra girth to my hips. Much thanks to Joy, who helps my grandfather quite a bit. She sent us a lovely gift from New Zealand.