Greetings!

One thing my readers need to know about me is that I tend to get depressed when signs of autumn arrive; and then I often withdraw into my shell, where I have been known to stay until Spring shows her lovely face.  That doesn't bode well for the life of my blog, at a time in my life when I've almost stopped blogging anyhow.

Facebook has taken its toll on many of the blogs I used to read as well as mine.  It's so easy to just spill one's guts and share pictures instantly on Facebook, while a decent blog entry is liable to consume an hour of time.  I'm pretty sure if it weren't for Facebook, I'd still be making several entries a week on my blog.  However, I refuse to call it quits here.

The child we babysit keeps us occupied and happy, and I suppose has also been a distraction from blogging.  She turned two in August; every day she is more fun than the day before.  She's talking; she's potty-trained; she is still as loving as ever, giving "I-love-you's" and big hugs often.  She has been the light of our lives for the time we've had her.  She's in currently in Iowa with her grandparents, and for some reason, knowing we are without her for two weeks, we have both been rather downhearted.  As I told Cliff, this is probably good for us, because we need a reminder that the child is only loaned to us; the time will come, whether next month, next year, or later, that she won't need us as babysitters.  She isn't ours to keep.

Last weekend there was a wedding here on the property, which was a fun time for all.  The oldest grandson, now the owner of this property on which we live, got married.  I have always hated weddings, but this one was all right in my book.  It was casual, for one thing; I hate dressing up.  And the wedding came to me, so I didn't have to leave home to attend!  I am sharing three pictures to illustrate just how unique the ceremony was:

I've seen lots of comments from people who loved this idea

Instead of a "flower girl", the grandson's best friend's daughter carried a sign:  "Uncle Woody, here comes your girl!"  

The bride was delivered on the back of Cliff's largest tractor.

The kids are in Ireland on their honeymoon, and their absence next door has helped make our world seem emptier this week.

So yesterday we shook off the doldrums and went on a road trip that was just what the doctor ordered.  It included ice cream, barbecue, and a couple of museums.

We are alive and well, and I hope not to wait so long before my next entry.