June 15, 2023 – It’s hard to believe it’s been 30 years!

Bob and I cruised to Bermuda in June 1993. A horse and carriage picked us up at the ship that morning (Bob and I, my brother Kenneth and sister-in-law Darlene as our witnesses). We went through the town of Hamilton, where people everywhere came out of their businesses to wave at us and wish us well, as we went by. O, now that’s something I never dreamed would happen. We immediately went into royal wave mode, after all, Bermuda is a British territory. Tobey, our driver, took us out through the countryside, to Astwood Cove, on the south side of the island. As we traveled along, Darlene sang the song:

Goin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get married. Goin’ to the chapel and we’re gonna get married. Gee I really love you and we’re gonna get married, goin’ to the chapel of love. Spring is here. Sky is blue. Birds all sing, as if they knew. Today’s the day, we’ll say ‘I do’ and we’ll never be lonely anymore…

June 15, 1993

We stood in Astwood Cove, overlooking the beautiful blue water and pink sand, as we said our vows. A day we will always remember <3. As you can imagine, the sun was intense and later I found the lace of my wedding gown showed every detail in my ‘wedding’ sunburn. Lol.

Seems like we were just going away to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. I will say, that was an exciting year too. Instead of one big trip, we did a bunch of trips to celebrate. Everytime we went, I said this was for our 25th anniversary. I should have said 25th anniversary year. Lol.

In February 2018, we went to The Homestead in Hot Springs, Virginia. It’s one of our favorite resorts and we’ve been several times in various seasons. This time, we enjoyed snow tubing and relaxing in the natural hot springs.

In March 2018, we went to Orlando. The Garden Show at EPCOT was just stunning. We also went to Hollywood Studio’s and one of our favorites, Kennedy Space Center.

Early April, we stayed at a boutique hotel in Niagara Falls, Ontario. The Sterling Inn and Spa was a lovely hotel with a fantastic Farm To Table Restaurant.

American Falls From Canadian Side

Icewine Martini with Maple Sugar

Late April, we flew to Bermuda. We stayed at a very unique resort called Grotto Bay Beach Resort and Spa. The hotel is on the beautiful, blue water but has a cave system underneath where they have a full spa.

In May, we went to Washington DC to attend concert and ceremony’s for Memorial Day. We went to National Memorial Day Concert and Parade. It has become an annual trip for us. We saw Rolling Thunder motorcycles (estimated 900,000), visited several Smithsonian museums, Library of Congress, concert, memorials at night and another celebration dinner.

In June, our actual anniversary date, we went to the Finger Lakes in upstate NY. We stayed in Geneva, Belhurst Castle (Seneca Lake), and had another celebration dinner.

In July, we went to Watkins Glen International for a race.

In August, I took a trip to Iceland with my sister and two nieces to celebrate Alicia’s 30th birthday. Also a beautiful place that I promised to take Bob.

In September, we traveled with friends to North Creek, NY. We had a fun ride on this rail cart.

In October, we traveled with friends to Kentucky to see the life size Noah’s ark.

We continued our trip to Tennessee and visited the National Park, Gatlinburg and Dollywood. We’ve been several times to this area. Always such a beautiful area of the country.

….blink…and it’s 5 years later. It’s 2023. So many things have happened in these past 5 years. I retired in 2019. We went on a partial World Cruise in 2020, came home, sold our house, moved to Florida, built a house and then went through some serious medical issues together. Many surgeries, months of chemo and many, many doctor appointments. “Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours”. (Mark 11:24)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Psalms 3:5

Dinner with friends – Ron, Louise, Chuck & Sylvia at Stirrups (World Equestrian Center)

I know many people that read our blog think, Bob and Karen have a great life. I would agree with that, but please let me assure you, like most people, life is rough. Bob gave me permission to post this picture from just last month. He spent 5 days in the hospital with some very serious health issues (and has had several stays over the last few years). Needless to say, we are thankful he came home. That being said, pray to your Heavenly Father in times of need. He will answer your prayers. But, remember to pray every day to give him thanks and glorification. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

If there is something you’ve always wanted to do or see, plan it! ‘Someday’ will never come. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, maybe something simple. It doesn’t have to cost a boat load of money. Do it! It gives you something to look forward to.

Life is good…enjoy it and be thankful! Love and take care of each other.