Skating in the Park

Yesterday, after my brother's classes in town, we went to Woodland Park with the Comstocks and Matt Underhill. You may recall my post two years ago, when I had bought myself a pair of old skates. I hadn't used them for quite awhile, (there doesn't seem to be much pavement around here) and so I finally got a chance. I'm sure I looked rather pathetic out there, failing and rolling ever so slowly, but I wasn't alone, 'cause my BFF Megan was there rollerblading with nearly the same amount of grace and prowess. My, did we have fun though! It was great, getting to skate around the pond and such, watching all the little kiddies at play. We finished up by posing by our favorite climbing tree and having Mom document our fun.

'Shrooms

Some of my followers may remember this post I did a couple years ago. Well, I still haven't lost my love of small odd things (don't say it, I know what you're thinking) This year, the inedible mushroom crop has gone gangbusters. When I went to check our mailbox yesterday, I noticed how many different kinds there were, so I rushed back to the house, grabbed the camera, and took a self-guided fieldtrip through the woods. Here is some of what I found. This splendidly ugly specimen was right near our water spigot.

These little buttony bumps were in the front yard.

Oooohh yuck!

This one is almost inverted.

I thought this looked like a birdbath.

The spiked horror. Strange, but true.

Disclaimer: I do not eat mushrooms, nor would I advise anyone else to. They are disgusting, and furthermore, wild mushrooms must be properly identified prior to consumption by those who insist on eating gross stuff.

New Blog

If you want to take a look at our wedding website, now you can! I'm not done with it yet, but I figured I'd get the word out.

Jolly Good

Okay, official new favorite stuff alert. Today I found the most fantastic brand of nail polish: butter LONDON. The colors are cute, the name is mahvelous, and I am angsting to get myself some.

London isn't known for being sunny, but no matter the weather, yellow like this can brighten your day.

Is it turquoise? Wedgwood? Lagoon? Whatever it is, it's simply splendid.

Every girl needs at least one bottle of a good, reliable red with some serious oomph.

This one I put on specifically for my future niece's benefit. A pink for the ages. Bright enough for tots, sophisticated enough for those who wish to be sophisticated. (laughing at self)

And last but not least, an old standby for those of us who like our nails naked, thank you very much.

Go to the site & see all the other colors!! They also carry a black tea lotion with a bright and sassy union jack on the bottle.

Insufficient Postage

Sorry for my laziness. I have been up to other stuff, honest. We've been getting the wedding together, and so far, when I have despaired of life, Ridge has proved an able therapist. Decorations are underway, all the attendants' outfits are nearly done, and yesterday we bought Ridge's ring and met with his friend Eric Dye, who will be playing live music for our prelude and reception. *whew!* We've also been planning our honeymoon together, and by all indications, we are going to have a lot of fun.
Last weekend, we all went to Lake Koocanusa to camp. I never sleep well when I'm camping, so I'm usually a grouchy old toad, but I did really enjoy shopping in Eureka and Libby. (yes, we go camping so we can shop- I thought everybody did that?) I found a Betsy and Aiden cocktail dress for the rehearsal dinner, a couple vintage Pyrex storage containers, some gorgeous yarn, and in the thrift store, I got a new /w tags Banana Republic pink silk blouse. Size? Petite small.
So, the trip wasn't so bad after all. Getting to shower & shave can change a girl's retrospect.

Last Sunday

Megan offered to take some of our engagement pictures, so on Sunday, we went to Sliter's park and a little bitty park off the Swan River. It was lovely weather, and a lovely way to spend the afternoon.

It took a minute, but we got this one figured out before too long. Romeo entreats Juliet's love. Juliet laughs.

I like this airy, sun-washed effect.

We also got some funny outhouse pictures, but those are for another post.

more news...

Due to unforeseen practicalities, we have moved the wedding date to the 23rd of October.
Same place, same people.

*gasp*

For a long time I've read those stories about gals and their wedding dresses, and how, when they find "The One," they cry and shriek and jump around and......yeah, basically a huge emotional overreaction. I knew I wouldn't get that way. (I figured that I'm...you know, sensible) I'd tried on a pile of dresses in Missoula, and hadn't found "The One," so I was resigning myself to the prospect of sewing my own.

Don't get me wrong, I'm a perfectly decent seamstress, but having my wedding gown done in 9 weeks was daunting. So this morning, when Mom suggested I give Mimi's Bridal another try, I was somewhat reluctant. I hadn't had good luck there before, so why would I now?

The proprieter helped me in and out of a couple lovely ones, none of which were like "WOW! Super Amazing!" Then, she introduced the next one as being designed by Christina Wu.

Oh.

It's.

PERFECT!

It fits like a dream, and with the exception of hemming, it needs minimal alteration.

No, I didn't scream, but since it took my breath away, I know it's The One.
I would describe it here a little, but I happen to know that my fiance has a habit of dropping by my blog now and again. Suffice it to say, it is simple, elegant, and now it's my own. :-)

An Update

We have set our official wedding date for October 16, at Mountain View Mennonite Church.
Hooray!

He Asked....

Well, here we are at long last, and happy as clams!
On Monday morning, Ridge left me a package on the front step. Inside was a lovely grey silk dress, a pink gossamer shawl, and instructions to meet him on one of the trails near Strawberry Lake. I walked part of it with my parents, and went farther on my own. Ridge met me at the top of a hill, and led me to a beautiful fairy bower, within which he had prepared a picnic with roses, fruit, and coffee. :-)We were both fairly nervous, but once he had me ringed, (or is that rung?) we were back to ourselves again, only happier.

That evening, we celebrated with our closest friends and family, (thanks, everybody!) and now we are headlong into planning for an October wedding.