Crunch time

You and me, babe

Y'all I'm just cruising by in my dinghy to say I'm still alive.

I have neglected you and I'm acutely aware of it.

There have been parties and celebrations and events and in and among all of that, I have been doing wedding preparation things.

But I do want to bring you up to speed.

Audrey's wedding day is two weeks from Friday so forgive me if I ramble. I am a preoccupied pirate.

Let's work backwards from Monday, because nothing much happened yesterday except that Audrey came over and we took a walk.

I early voted for the first time in my life -- wait; no. I voted absentee once about ten years ago, but I do not remember why. I only know that it was necessary.

There were luscious treats at the bridal shower

With that one exception, and the exception of two days ago, I have always cast my ballot in person, at the polling place, on election day.

I like doing it that way.

But this time, election day is Tuesday of wedding week, and just to save some time, I voted on the first early voting day.

I'm going to be honest here: I don't understand early voting. It doesn't make sense to me; there's a day for voting and that's the way it was done for a very long time, and I don't understand how or why it changed.

So I doubt I'll ever do it again, but this time, I did.

And I waited in line for forty minutes, which is about thirty minutes longer than I have ever waited in line for all the other times I have voted in South Carolina.

Put together.

Rizzo flakes out in the foyer while I work on decorations

And it was majorly sunny, no cloud cover at all, and hot -- although with low humidity -- and I had to stand in direct sun for at least half of that time.

But I consider it a privilege to vote, so I did not complain. When I turned in my ballot to be recorded and got my sticker, the lady told me that I was the eight-hundredth person to vote that day, at that location.

It was then two-thirty in the afternoon, and the line was still a forty-minute-wait long.

But I had other fish to fry, as on Monday evening we met with Mike and Audrey to take some last-minute pictures that I need for the wedding.

After that, we went to get some supper and it was a pleasant time.

Last Thursday evening, we attended Audrey's wedding shower given by the ladies of our church.

One of our charming young women has the job of planning the showers, and she came to me several weeks ago for a word of guidance about what should define Audrey's event.

I found the ringbearer's pillow and flower girl basket

I said: Paris.

That's because our wedding and reception has a Parisian/Marie Antoinette theme -- so much so that if we keep on going, I may have to rent a guillotine -- and because Audrey and Mike are returning to Paris for their honeymoon (they were there this past May).

(That's not the ony place they are going on their honeymoon, but I'll tell you the rest later.)

And M, the young lady who undertook to plan and decorate for the shower as she does for all of the showers (we've had a good many brides in our church this year), did such a beautiful job.

She had a twinkling Eiffel Tower at the table where Audrey and I and Erica and Dagny and a few other friends sat, together with Miss Ann, our beloved pastor's wife, who brought the devotional.

There was a black-and-white stripe motif too, and the gorgeous cake was emblazoned with Bonjour, Mrs. E____!, and there were macarons and other pastry-like treats, and a groaning buffet table of delicious food.

And the shower was well attended by many friends, and Audrey received numbers of beautiful and generous gifts, and she and Mike are nothing if not grateful.

Cardboard birdcage for treats at the personal shower

A week before that, we had yet another shower for the bride.

This was a personal shower, given by me and the bridesmaids (who are Audrey's sisters Stephanie and Erica, her niece Allissa, and her daughter Dagny).

There were only a few gifts but they were nice gifts and Audrey appreciated them.

I had planned the party around a theme of Marie Antoinette. From Etsy I'd bought some lavish ribbon-bedecked Marie Antoinette gift-tag type things, just because they were so pretty.

Everybody got one and the bride got two.

I'd bought a cardboard birdcage thing from Efavormart, and on its shelves I displayed several varieties of sweets for our dessert. I was going for decadent and they looked sort of Walmart (which they were, because I ran out of time), but we're semi-redneck bougie so what of it.

There were also some pretty doilies that were purchased to comprise part of the bridesmaids' gifts, but we used them at the party.

Everything but the guillotine

We held the shower at Cracker Barrel -- I know, I know, mucho lame-o -- but that was because it's relatively easy for our Stephanie to meet us there.

TG and I and Audrey and Erica and Dagny drove ninety minutes, and Stephanie, Melanie, and Allissa drove about the same amount of time, to meet there.

This is the same restaurant where we have met for several times each year, for many years, for my Tar Heel grandchildren's birthday parties and, on occasion, other birthday parties too, such as Dagny's.

Only, when we arrived, right away we realized that it is not the same restaurant.

The first clue was several PODS sitting in parking spots along the side of the Cracker Barrel.

Then we noticed that the front doors were completely different (said front doors being the only different thing that I liked). And that upon entering the general store part of the establishment, there was tons more light, and what seemed like acres more floor space between the overwrought displays.

Eventually we figured out that all of the tables and seating in the restaurant were new and different, and the entire interior design had been altered, and there was drastically lurid lighting.

Our beloved Miss Ann spoke at the bridal shower

Horrible, too-bright, garish lighting. Fake wood tables and chairs. No more cozy lanterns on each table.

I hated it.

In fact I cannot think of enough words to tell you how much I hated it, except to say that I will never step foot in that restaurant again.

It ruined my party. I needed the cozy, darkish, familiar confines of Cracker Barrel the way it's supposed to be. I had brought candles and special touches, and everything looked dumb and fake in the blinding light.

Plus, it was horribly loud in there. Awful. Awful. Awful. Whoever decided that this was the way to go in remodeling that American icon, should be summarily fired.

Just my opinion, but may I remind you that I'm entitled to it.

We'll find another place for the birthday parties -- the Charlotte area has lots of restaurants -- and remember "our" Cracker Barrel the way it used to be.

I've used well over 3000 pins in the decorations

Now it only remains to be seen whether they remodel all of the Cracker Barrels in the same hideous vein. Let's hope not.

Meanwhile, I do realize that the information I just divulged is not going to be earth-shattering to very many people.

But I hate change and we have had enough change and we need more of things staying the same.

Some things.

Anyway. That was almost two weeks ago and it almost brings us up to date.

Many days I have sat in the front room, at a table TG set up for me there where the light is good and I can be comfortable, making things for the wedding.

You'll see them all in due time. Rizzo wants to be near me, so I plopped his soft mat down in the foyer where he could flake out while I worked.

The gang -- except for TG and Melly -- at the personal shower

The girls and I were in a minor tizzy about where I'd stashed the ringbearer pillow and flower girl basket from Erica's wedding six-plus years ago, which I needed to find so that we can use them in Audrey's wedding.

I had to clear off a shelf of the guest room closet, but I found them. Along with fake pink rose petals. So we're all set for Ember and Rhett to be their cutest and most useful on the day.

I also found all of the tulle I used in Erica's wedding -- untold yards and reams of it -- to decorate the pews and front of the church, and I've reworked all of that for Audrey's wedding.

Anyone need thirty really nice pew decorations? Because after November eighth, if you want these, they are yours.

Of course I'll show you pictures of them in a few weeks.

I spent several hours last Friday in the empty church auditorium, measuring and planning my designs.

The wedding shower decor was charming

We are closing in on things, having a few last-minute issues to deal with, but everything is going smoothly as of now.

Audrey has sold her house; in fact her closing was held yesterday afternoon. She didn't have to put the house on the market.

Someone we know approached her a few months ago and said I want it, and she said Let's make a deal, and they did, and yesterday the papers were signed and money exchanged hands.

I guess that means she's renting from the new owner for a few weeks but I don't know all of the details.

She is relieved that that's done.

We're having exquisite weather. Chilly at night, sunny and warm during the day. A tad bit too warm for my liking this time of year -- highs of eighty and above -- but again I won't complain.

A few more weeks and we're off to Paris

Our winter will come but it will be mild and short.

I don't think I have forgotten anything but if you think I have, do speak up.

Also, what is going on with you? Tell me in the comments.

And that is all for now.

=0=0=0=

Happy Tuesday

Comments

[Dianna]

Jenny, it was so good to see a post up from you. Girlfriend, you do know how to keep busy! I'm so glad that you are making memories for years to come. Thank you for the heads-up on Cracker Barrel. I haven't been to ours lately, so not sure if they have changed it or not, but I do remember seeing somewhere that Cracker Barrel is changing things up. It sounds, from your description, that they changed them up a little too far.

What have I been up to? I celebrated my 75th birthday a few weeks ago. Our son and daughter-in-law came down from Maine to make it special. Other than that, doing a bit of Swedish Death Cleaning and getting out in the fresh air and sunshine have been occupying my time. :)

[Jennifer]

@Dianna ... I read about your Swedish Death Cleaning. Wow girl I know just from hearing the term that it's something I need to do! Maybe in the new year. Certainly not in this one, hahaha! Now, some people may love that new Cracker Barrel vibe but to me, they just up and ruined it. So sad. A belated but no less sincere happy 75th birthday to you! What an incredible blessing of a milestone. I hope it was as happy for you as you dreamt of it being. xoxo

[Mari]

It sounds like the showers were so nice! Except the issue with the Cracker Barrel. They haven't done that to ours yet, but it sure sounds like it doesn't go with all that they are! Who came up with this crazy plan?
I can only imagine how crazy life has been for you. It's been crazy here too, but I just work next week, then I'm retired! We're getting ready to be Master and Mistress at my nieces wedding this Sat. And then in a little over a week, we'll be heading your way. So excited for this wedding!
Love the pic of Mike and Audrey...

[Maryellen]

I can feel the excitement from your post! The shower photos are lovely, and I cannot wait to see the wedding photos. Be 'extra' with that, when you can. Show us tons! I have one daughter and cannot imagine the excitement if she marries one day. It's a beautiful thing to see our children happy. Enjoy every moment!

[AC]

Sorry about the disappointing venue, but then I had to find out if there are Cracker Barrels in Canada. I think I saw one quite a long time ago, but I had to check. Yes, there is even one in Ottawa although not where i have been. It has a rating of 4.5/5, so I guess people do like it.

[Ginny Hartzler]

I had no idea about Cracker Barrell! I'll have to keep an eye on ours. Life is change, but I hate change as well. Your skeleton married couple are so adorable and funny! And the treats in the cardboard holder are gorgeous, no matter if they are from Wal-Mart or not. How ironic about your early voting experience! Because I think one reason to do it is to avoid the long wait!

[Skunk (aka Mike Bay)]

Those of us who visit and read your posts recognize that you have a full and very active life there. We know you post when you can. And each post you do is quality. Speaking for me, that's more than good enough.

[Jennifer]

@Mari ... well here's the thing: Cracker Barrel's entire vibe is, and always has been, late 19th century and early 20th century Americana. It was in everything but the water. So why change it? Now it's sort of like that, but not really. Like Cracker Barrel lite, which for me is just awful. Get in or get out! It's like they want everyone to just ignore that nine tenths of their reason for even existing, is now gone. SIGH but YES I was thinking just tonight, one more week and Mari is RETIRED!!!! Can't wait to hug your neck! And you'll have to tell me what being master and mistress of a wedding means because I have never heard of that! Hahaha now I am curious. Can't wait to look up and see you and Bob on our big day! xoxo

@Maryellen ... Oh I will be extra, just you wait and see! Can't wait to tell about all of our plans and how they all worked out. It's a good thing I have only three daughters and this is the last to get married though, because planning and executing three weddings (albeit staggered over 23 years) is enough for any mom, hahahaha! And I'm sure your daughter will get married, and when she does, you'll know exactly what I mean, haha! Meanwhile I'd appreciate your prayers. xoxo

@AC ... Well you and Sue need to go to Ottawa and visit the Cracker Barrel! What a nice outing that would be. Did I ever tell you that my sister lived for many years in Lachute, near Hawkesbury? In fact her seventh and last child was born in Hawkesbury, my niece Joanna who we went to see in Cleveland a few months ago. I was up there three times and two of those times it was so cold I thought I'd die, hahaha! xoxo

@Ginny ... Yes do go and check out your CB and make sure they are not changing it! Ugh! And I agree with you about early voting. I was flabbergasted when I saw the line and then how slowly it moved! I don't know if it's good or bad, but we are praying about the outcome. God bless America! xoxo

@Mike ... That is so nice of you to say and I appreciate you more than you know. #TRUMP2024 my brother! xoxo