Convalidation on February 25, 2006 in CA

It was the end tail of the "Almond Blossom Festival" last Saturday afternoon, February 25. The weather was nice; the day was bright and sunny. It was cool for an early spring afternoon. It was the busiest time of the year in Ripon since it just celebrated its annual “Almond Blossom Festival Parade” in the morning. By mid afternoon, many people were still strolling in our neighborhood and walking by to the carnival site (5 minutes on foot from where we live). Our parish priest, Father Morres of St. Anthony of Padua in Manteca came by at home at exactly 3 P.M., driving all the way from Carmel (2 hours' drive to Ripon) to officiate our convalidation of marriage in the Catholic Church. Husband and I were previously married (legal ceremony) in Nevada in spring 2004.

On February 25, 2006, we once again said our "I do's..."

This time it is with the blessings of the Catholic Church. Our witnesses were our close friends, Corey and Ute Anderson. Rachel, their daughter, was present, too. The ceremony was short and sweet. Home cooked meal was served. Homegrown memories of fun and laughter about our life and times as kids (and adults) made our time of sharing to be quite lovely and meaningful. Father Morres left shortly after dinner while the Andersons stayed on for a little while then drove back home to San Leandro. Once our guests were gone, we cleaned our abode and prepared our needs for our one-week trip to San Francisco for the next day. The evening ended with us feeling happy about all that transpired. Just unforgettable.

Photo in round frame was taken on December 25, 2003 in Yuma, Arizona by Nancy Cook; Photo enhancement by EOJ