November 14 – “Tightening the stranglehold”

Cailyn was with us all day today.  Her Mom and Dad went to the Renaissance Festival in whatever town that is that it's in.  They went with a bunch of their friends, so I'm sure they had a great time.  I know we had a pretty decent time here, too.  How could we not with that gorgeous little girl running around?    She actually didn't totally reject me this time.  That was a real plus about the experience.  She still preferred Chris when the going got tough, but we played together and she even came up to me and initiated play.  She was just tightening the stranglehold she already has.  That would be me around her little finger.   Chris was excited that the trash men actually hauled away the tree we cut down.  I was wondering if it would be considered too much or too heavy.  She said they did stand there for a very long time just looking at it.  I guess they were deciding if they could handle it.  I'm glad they took it, though.  Nathan said he found his harness, so now he wants to finish cutting down the magnolia tree.  He also said he would tackle trimming the pecan tree if we wanted him to.  I don't think his Mom or his wife will let him do that much.   Speaking of Nathan, he just called.  They are stuck in traffic.  It will probably be at least two more hours before they get here.  That means Cailyn may have to spend the night.  Ah, gee.   I did a wedding this afternoon.  It was a last minute, fill-in thing for one of the wedding coordinators at the San Luis Hotel.  We have become friends, and she and her husband have even been to Seaside.  The wedding was outside in the gazebo, and the weather was great.  The unity candles stayed lit just long enough for pictures before the wind blew them out.  Everybody was dressed to the hilt.  The reception spread was immense.  I didn't stay, but it was one of their best.  There were a few snafus, though – as usual.  One of the groomsmen didn't show up.  Nobody would tell the bride (would you?).  Instead, one of the other guys escorted two bridesmaids.  That guy was my favorite "character" in the wedding party.  He was funny, smiled all the time, and talked to anybody.  Oh, and he looked exactly like Magic Johnson, only shorter.  I didn't get paid for this one.  The wedding coordinator who called me would be horrified if she knew, but I think the couple thought the pastor was included in what they paid the hotel.  It's OK, though.  Other times I get a lot more than I would expect, and all the money comes from God, anyway.   Psalms 115:15 says, "May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."   Father, thank you for the blessing that Cailyn is.  And Caleb.  And Micah.  And Zakary.  And Jachin.  Amen.