Simple Gifts

I enlisted some of my talented co-workers who also have had the pleasure of working with T to help me with her wedding gift. The gift had to be handmade - that was a given. Surprisingly, there was no knitting! Four lattes, eight cats, a glass of wine, five phone calls, two slices of buttered cheesy toast, and three hours later, Jane and I had sewed up four gratitude wraps 'sans' binding. We made four wraps so we would have room for three errors. To be honest, Jane did all the sewing, and I cut, ironed, and pinned. I am a Grade A assistant - just ask Jane.

I then drove across the city to chill with Heidi and baby Andile where we stamped a gazillion note cards. Good times. Heidi was a pro stamping cards with one hand and holding onto Andile with the other. That's no easy feat as he is one chubby bubby!

How 'bout a toast to good friends?

N

Go Forth and Explore

Sunday morning at 8 a.m. (I had to wait until it was light outside), I went for a walk to the Farmers Market.
On my half an hour walk to the market, I saw one man. He peed on a tree while keeping eye contact with me. I am a competitor at heart, and I, too, kept my eyes locked with his, and at the same time attempted to appear non-chalant. I held my breath as I passed him, and he zipped up. I don't think I breathed again for about a block. If that was some sort of test, I hope I passed. By the way, the tree above was not the tree with pee.I have had the pleasure of passing this garden each day so far, and I am glad I was able to get a decent picture. Below the garden was a cozy Italian restaurant smells wonderfully delicious. I wish I had had the nerve to eat by myself. I'm kicking myself in the butt for not going in and gorging out on pasta and cappucinos!
How can one not enjoy a walk when the buildings are covered in wonderful art?

I was too in awe while browsing the Farmers Market, and I only took one picture of the fall bouquets - I picked up one for T. I have NEVER in my life seen so many tomatoes, peppers and onions in every colour under the sun. It was insane.
Here's the Basilica recovering from the wedding the day before. It was still standing. Can you believe that T has the privilege of attending Sunday mass here every week? I'm not Catholic, but this could convert a person easily.
Some very thoughtful and creative soul decorated the crosswalk sign. Sweet.
This was the view from the wedding suite - I got a peek while they were checking out yesterday. It was breath-taking.
Later, the T's took a bunch of us for a driving tour of the City, and we stopped at Lake Harriet and took more pictures. There were lots of sailboats out, bicycles zooming by, and families out strolling around the lake.

I only have one regret about this day. I forgot to go back to the booth that was selling Obama buttons for a dollar. That's today's goal. And maybe some yarn shopping!

Toodles,

N

Wedding Bells

I may have slummed it down to Minneapolis on the Greyhound, but I went all out on my accomodations! I just had to take a picture of the room - I have actually been caught referring to it as 'home'. :)
This one is for all the non-believers that I truly wore my hair down at T's request, and get this! I blew dry it all by myself. That's right. Truth is, I was too afraid to go down to the salon. Apparently when push comes to shove, I can churn out a fairly good 'do. I can NOT take a good picture of myself however. The bride and groom looked spectacular, and everyone was crying all over again.
It was the perfect day for a wedding. The sun was out, and it was very warm. Absolutely everything was perfect. Congratulations, boy-T and girl-T!

Next up: Me wandering around the City in which I discover that people pee on trees everywhere in the world.

N

Vietnamese Tea Ceremony

"Ugly Vietnamese Shoes" as declared by T. I couldn't disagree so I remained somewhat silent. I probably made it worse by trying to get a good picture of them. Unfortunately they were hidden beneath her beautifully intricrate Vietnamese dress. T absolutely sparkled.
Her sister styled her hair in what could be appropriately described as Vietnamese too. I was blown away by this family's skills. Don't get me started on the FOOD!!
While T was upstairs deep-frying the last of the spring rolls, the groom's family handed over gifts for the bride's family (I got to be one of them!!). I was bursting from pride and a little anxiety over getting it just right, but I didn't have to worry - her sisters had me covered.
T's dad gave us the history of the tea ceremony, and T was presented to the groom's family, and everyone got a tad teary. She looked amazing as always. Gifts were opened and introductions were made. And the parents clinked their tea cups, and it was official. Everyone was one family! It was BRILLIANT!

T's little niece kept exclaiming "Wedding!". Right on. Today is the big ceremony at the Basilica. I should really get ready. I have just three hours to dress and get all ready. Are you ready for more pictures?? I almost don't miss the girls. I am subsiding on cheeky emails from E. That girl is hilarious and smart as a whip. How did that happen?

Cheers!

N