Celebrating a Very Special Occasion

So, just what would bring me to Phoenix, with Christmas less than two weeks away?

The answer to that question is:  the nuptials of my long time friend, Tammy to her now-husband Gerry.

  Tammy and I go way back, to second grade, I do believe (I'm certain that she remembers better than I), and it was a pleasure to be able to make the trip to attend this special event in her life.  I'm fairly certain that I could win the award  for being the "oldest" friend in attendance, not that I think that I should have any bragging rights to that.  But it was definitely enjoyable to meet so many people who are now a part of her life and see how many lives she has impacted in such a positive way.

Tammy and Gerry were married in a Quaker ceremony on a bright sunny day in a Friends Meeting house in Phoenix.  I was completely unfamiliar with this type of ceremony,  and you know how I love to take photos, so I was sure to ask and was encouraged to take as many as I felt comfortable taking.

Now, how's that for a challenge?  Don't worry....I was discreet.

I had read enough about the ceremony to know that Tammy and Gerry would be sitting next to each other, facing the people in attendance.  

Note the tissues under the table

Good thinking!

On the table was the official certificate waiting to be completed as part of the ceremony.

The event began with the couple walking together 

Then they stood to voice their intentions

Tammy first

Then Gerry, with cheat sheet in hand

Then the couple sat down, side by side, and enjoyed the testimonies as many in attendance offered their well wishes for this happy event.

The marriage certificate was signed

Then, everyone in attendance did the same.

There was fellowship in the hall afterwards, where we realized that we weren't the only Geisler's  in the place to call this special couple friends.

Of course, we had to get a photo with the newlyweds sandwiched between us

Ok, I'll be honest and mention that the couple on the left actually spells their name with two "ss" as Geissler, but they were certainly surprised when I introduced myself, and we all got quite a chuckle out of that coincidence.  Note the Quaker bonnet that Tammy is sporting in this photo.  Never a dull moment, that's for sure!

The reception was held in the evening at their home, where the house was lit up with decorations celebrating this special occasion,which was held on the feast of Our Lady of Guadelupe, who holds a special spot in Gerry and Tammy's life.

Congratulations, Tammy and Gerry

Thanks for inviting me to be a part of this special celebration in your lives!

Apple Shoobah

So....just what is Apple Shoobah?

It's a delectable creation made with the help of two eager bakers who love to help Gramma G.  

And, just how did it get that name?  Well, the other day, when I asked my grandchildren what type of pies to make for our Thanksgiving feast,  my granddaughter, who loves to make up words, announced that she thought we should have Apple Shoobah.  I told her that I'd see what we could do.

So, imagine their surprise when they showed up at my house and I told them that we needed to get busy making the Apple Shoobah.  They both giggled and insisted that there was no such thing, but I assured them both that it did, indeed exist.

So, we set about making the dough in the bread maker, then I put them both to work peeling apples.  

Luckily, I have two apple corers so each could get to work peeling.

And Aunt Amy decided to get in on the fun as well.

Then it was time to roll the dough:

The filling was mixed and placed right down the middle, and the top was braided to make a beautiful finished product.

And, here you see the creators of Maddie's Apple Shoobah.

Obviously, they are quite pleased by their creation, and if you're wondering, it tasted just as wonderful as it looked.  

If you don't believe me, just ask this little one!

Yummy!

A Delightful Day with the Dogs

It's mid-November! You know what that means, don't you?

 The air is brisk; the leaves have nearly all fallen; and it's once again time for the dogs!  Lots of them,  congregated in one location, within easy driving distance, for the purpose of competing in the Purina National Dog Show.

Marty and I experienced the excitement of this competition several years ago when it was actually held nearby, and ever since then, we've put it on the calendar to enjoy if we happen to be in town. 

We've been driving the turnpike quite frequently as of late, but as luck would have it, this weekend we had a reprieve, and so we headed out early to the Oaks Expo Center to see just what kind of fun was in store for us today.

And we certainly were NOT disappointed.  (Before you read any further, rest assured that there are NO spoilers in this blog.) 

We were entertained by a dog jumping for a frisbee

and another jumping through hoops.

But the best part of the day was spent walking through the expo center, meeting the dogs and their handlers.  You just can't beat it for entertainment.  The dogs are generally friendly, and most are eager for a pet or two.

This Cairn Terrier was itching for a pet.

And this dachshund had the softest coat that I've ever felt. 

This basset hound was eager for some attention.

So much so that he took the opportunity to jump on Marty and give him a kiss.

all while his friend looked on, smiling.

It was hard to miss this new breed, the Bergamasco, as there were at least a dozen in attendance.   

There were so many different personalities to check out:

The pug on the pedestal

and the bejeweled silky terrier.

The content Golden Retriever

The worried afghan 

as well as the Borzoi who wasn't so eager to get powdered.

Marty made it his mission to capture many of the close up faces. 

Here you see an Airedale.

with a side view.

a beagle

corgi

and another Borzoi (formerly called a Russian Wolfhound)

a long haired dachshund, giving him the eye.

Then, there were the dogs whose eyes were a mystery.

A Hungarian Puli who looked more like a rug than a dog. 

 The Lagotto Romagnolo, another new breed recognized this year.

as well as the Spanish Water dog, very similar to the Portuguese Water dog.

And then, there was the poodle, who looked like she was having a bad hair day.

Was this guy looking at me?  We may never know.

 Although, I think this little fellow was, and when the breeder saw me take this photo

she insisted on an "after" picture so that we could see his cute little face.

By now, it was time to head to the viewing area so that we could watch some of the official competition.  The announcer was all set up and ready to go.

While John Hurley settled in for his live commentary to be heard during the television broadcast on Thanksgiving Day.

The judging of the groups is actually quite long as there are many more dogs that one actually sees on tv.  Here are just a few entertaining highlights from what we saw today. 

A Westie sits tall for the final judging

A Stafforshire Terrier has a grand time showing off 

This little Russel Terrier may be small but he had great personality.

And the basset hound needed his own little table since he is so short to the ground but too heavy to pick up.

And that's it for the sneak preview.  I'm not divulging who won the independent groups that we watched today, and I'm perfectly content to wait until Thanksgiving Day to see who wins the overall competition.  It's another tradition that we all look forward to while the turkey is cooking in the oven.

I hope you've enjoyed our adventure today. But there's one more thing I'd like to share with you, just in case you were wondering:

All I have to say is:  Thank goodness for that!  

I'm sure you agree!