Great Weekend!!

I just had a great weekend with lots of old and new friends. This is the weekend where by Sara Wonder Watson-to-be officially became Sara Watson (a Wonder in her own right).

The festivities began on Friday night when the available HCBC members gathered at Casa ABBA for drinks and snacks and general catching up (as many of the folks were traveling from all parts of the country and we don't see one another very often).


Picture: ABBA, Kim1Champ, Andrea, Laura is Jane, and Diane

Leo found much love from all that came to visit. As each new person joined the group, he gave them each his special love (that is except for Ash and David, our token men as Leo isn't around men very often and doesn't quite know how to take them). Kim, however, seems to be the only one who had his lovin' caught on film, and we all think is a sign that she needs a dog.

On Saturday, Laura and Ash took me to lunch at Mi Cocina's where Laura had a Mambo Taxi and I had a glass of Sangria. After lunch, and feeling the effects of our midday beverages, we headed to DSW, whereby Laura left with seven pairs of shoes and I left apologizing to Ash for being such a bad influence. It was then home and quick change to get ready for the real reasong for the gathering...The Wedding!!

Sara and Randall exchanged vows in a lovely ceremony attended to by both of their immediate families (including participation of numerous nieces and nephews).

The audience was full of friends and more family all filled with joy at their combined happiness and love for one another. Post ceremony was, of course, the reception. Where we were finally able to see the true love and joy (and relaxation that it was finally done) on their faces.

Aren't they a lovely couple?

The reception included a wonderful spread of food and drinks and music provided by Diamond Dave:

We were all out on the dance floor with him spinning the tunes. The evening was filled with joy and happiness and lots and lots of laughter. I couldn't have had a better time...I can only imagine that my enjoyment was just a tenth of what the bride and groom felt, though.

Sadly, though, the evening came to an end. We sent the lovely couple off in style, headed back in for a few final dances, then home to bed. I was surprised when we returned home by a gift from Laura and Ash as they felt that I needed to have a coffee maker in Casa ABBA:

I have now found that I'm very fond of having a coffee maker and am finding myself drinking coffee (with lots of cream and surgar) and really enjoying it. With that being said, I can thank my caffeine addiction to my wonderful Phoenix friends now.

Sunday morning saw everybody headed off to the airport. Ash and Laura left Casa ABBA bright and early. I was sad to see them go as it had been a whirlwind weekend and not really much time spent really visiting...of course that goes for all of the folks that were in from out of town (which just means that we must plan more frequent gatherings). Later in the morning I did have the priviledge of running into the Bride and Groom as I was picking up a friend to take to the airport. Needless to say, they looked relaxed and happy and back in their natural element...by one another's side.

I want to wrap this up by saying congratulations to the beautiful couple and thank you for inviting me to join you all in your happiness and celebration. I also want to thank the HCBC members for visiting me in my home and loving my Leo as much as I do. And, especially to Ash and Laura for staying with me; I so enjoyed having you and hope that you will come again to stay at Casa ABBA, where there are always sloppy dog kisses from Leo and warm hugs (and now coffee) from me.....of course that goes to all of you.