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Today was an opportunity to head down to the lake. 

Our honeymoon is on the Okanagan Lake in a small town (11,000) called Summerland.  A mere 20 minute walk takes us to the lake and the joys thereof.

The lake was calm today.  Children played in the splash pool just beside the shore.  Others dipped their toes in the lake.  I threw rocks, trying to skip them across the water – got up to 5 or 6 skips at one time.

A family next to me was watching.  I hadn’t seen them at first, but soon I heard them counting.  Two young sons took up rocks and tried to skip them as well.  Two  consecutive skips was as far as they got.  But the fun and laughter was there.

The walk down to the lake and back up passed through a forested area bounded by a stream.  We dipped our toes in the cool water and refreshed our feet for the next leg of the journey. 

Days like today bring back great memories of years past.  Days of childhood, days with family and days just walking for the sake of a venture into nature!  God has been gracious on this honeymoon.

And to think that this all took place before the noon hour was over!  Imagine what the rest of the day will hold!

A little more than a week ago our honeymoon began.  We determined not to do any corresponding during that first week.  Although a few messages slipped in and out, overall the silence has been quite quiet.

Today is our first day back on the grid.  Not entirely – just enough to contact some family to let them know we are still alive.

Cynthia and I were rating our honeymoon to date.  We chose the “VG” rating.  Sort of like the thoughts on the days of creation.  Each day was considered good.  And then the “very good” rating appeared!

We have enjoyed no schedule, times for naps, a geology tour of Summerland (where we are honeymooning), a movie night out with a gift certificate, and just now – sitting quietly writing and playing games.

Each day is a new opportunity to share experiences and continue to grow together in our marriage.  My wise brother had stated at one point that you can spend a lot of time on the wedding, but the marriage is what endures.  Our times together just keep confirming our desire to make this marriage a solid one, where we both are comfortable in getting to know each other, in working together with others and in seeing that God has rightful place in all we do.

And so, the silence of the honeymoon is over, the honeymoon will continue for a few more days, then back to “work” and the adventure of our new life together continues!

I am looking very much forward to these next few days.  Family will begin to arrive soon.  I will meet new relatives and see those I haven’t seen for some time.

I wish this were the white picket fence story.  Everyone comes with no messes in their lives.  No one is worried about things like relationships or finances or other messes that crowd our daily lives.

This is not that type of gathering.  I’m not sure there ever has been that type of gathering.

So, we will all listen to each others’ stories.  There will be friendly advice and laughter about foibles, and the desire to keep in touch when we all leave.

For those who are unable to attend the wedding of Ron Baker and Cynthia Bellamy this weekend – you will miss a great time together.  I’ll try to keep you posted in the next few weeks of some of the happenings.  And, I’m sure there will be happenings – which makes for great memories!!

Today is my daughter’s birthday.  Half way between our houses is a small town named Saskatoon (OK, it’s a little more than a town!).

We will meet for a birthday supper at Bonanza.  I’ll take along a few coupons to defray some of the costs of the meals.  As well, we will sit and chat and celebrate! 

Of course, I’m reminded of the more than two decades ago when I first met my daughter!  She was cute – which daughter isn’t!!  She had a twinkle in her eye – at least I thought so.  She was a wonder and wonderful to behold.

With three children of her own, she knows what it is to be a mother – and a good one at that.  She has proven to be a loving wife.  For me, she has also been one who watches out for her father.

For all this I am thankful.

Happy Birthday, Alli!!