Nuptials

It was our pleasure to host the Dec. 21
 wedding of Diana and Aaron Rolfsrud.

 The groom is my brother's son. Complete wedding photos are available with a special link to be shared soon. 

The excitement began with the rental of our community room for the service, and arrangements made for a huge "Kings Table" in our great room. The bride's vision for her winter wedding was magnificent, and came together expertly under her competent direction, despite the hobbled assistance from the groom, who had conveniently sprained his ankle prior to the event.

Loved ones gathered promptly that Sunday afternoon with great anticipation, dressed for the forever photos that would record the event for generations. 

Both immediate families were present at the small ceremony, with a larger common reception to be announced later this year to celebrate the union. A catered dinner followed the service with 20 adults at one table as well as a "kids table" that accommodated the flower girls.

Toasts were exchanged, wishes were made, friendships cemented. A most memorable event.

A senior gentleman from central casting officiated, his gray hair and sweeping mustache giving a classy and august presence. They united under a nuptial arch designed and carried out by the bride. Vows were exchanged, with the bride admitting to overcoming early "red flags" in their relationship. For his part, Aaron said he had never been more sure of this decision to spend the balance of his life with her.

We are so pleased to enlarge our extended family with Diana's relatives and friends, a substantial faction giving Aaron a wonderful depth of support. We are very pleased as well with his bride, no one better for Aaron. . . or us.

Brother-in-law

My big sister was going through her attic this weekend and produced this gem. Years ago, she had painted her young husband, 25 years old. Kathleen and I recognized him immediately. He's presently in his 80s and still has a head of hair to be envied. We hope this work gets hung properly somewhere. It's wonderful.

Ice cream for the deer?

 Wayne leaves his camera behind at the end of deer hunting season. The motion- activated camera runs until June when the batteries give out. He retrieves the captured images and sorts through them later at home. There's always an interesting surprise. 

Getting in the spirit. . .

 Katie and daughter, Marcy, love the Popovers at the General Store in Minnetonka, and try to make a pit stop during the busy errand day, usually a Tuesday. Cafe & Bistro is the name of the restaurant, and they'll often bring Stan a sample for staying home with the cat.

I Do, I Do

Aaron had something special for Diane the other day on our walk through the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

 

Just stopping by to pose

 When the season ended last year,  Wayne left his trail cam behind, mounted near his deer stand. He let it run, until the battery ran out, some time in June. He was delighted to find a trove of game photos when he returned to his stand for the new season, like this one of a visiting turkey vulture. 

Our favorite polar bear family

Soon to be six month old Ellie and her parents made the rounds the other night, and we think they're the best candidate for the cutest polar bears ever.  She's Hai's granddaughter. He misses her dearly from California. He won't stay away long.

Feeding the need for speed

Brother-in-law Ron took a spin on the new trike too. It was chilly and windy out so a few spins around the garage had to do. He gave a thumbs up while perched in the backseat, reaching 17 MPH in the sub basement straightaway.

Historic first light rail train at Southwest Station

At long last (Trump authorized this project in his first term) the Green Line Light Rail extension to Eden Prairie whispered past our place this week. They're just testing the systems and will be for quite some time, but it was fun to see. The red arrow marks our unit, a great vantage point to monitor the future service. There is great entertainment value for us seniors. We don't know how often we'll go downstairs and take a ride, but it opens up a lot of possibilities for trackside restauranting from here to St. Paul. The dangers of freeways with its drunk drivers, speeders, ragers, carjackers, weavers, lane jumpers, black ice, winter driving conditions, construction backups, jams and deadly accidents will be a thing of the past. An occasional mugging would be child's play, be front page news and scare everyone.