WARMTH, FRIENDS, FAMILY ~ THANKFUL THURSDAY STORIES

Winter is winding down, yet one is never quite sure as March marches on whether it will leave wild and windy or softly, ever so gently.  Spring has officially arrived, but as we bid farewell to "ole man winter", we did not want to do so without a big, warm THANK YOU to those who made us warm and cozy, those who made our home very special throughout these days.  Over past months (and once, long long ago) we've been blessed, been gifted ~ both June and myself ~ by dear friends, by the warmth of friendship ... you've likely seen these gifts in photos shared here before, let us tell you their stories.

The beautiful blanket draped over the chair behind June 

(she is not allowed to touch this) 

was crocheted with love by dear friend Linda, of DaWeenies of Florida.

The design, color, detail are all extraordinary and it is a round blanket

nearly 50-inches in diameter.  Linda is also the designer and publisher for the

monthly blog, Our Rainbow Friends and a personal friend of many years.

Of course, who doesn't know we're dotty here at Zoolatry.  

This big 'n' wonderful 'n' warm blanket was a special gift ~ 

and yes, used by both of us ~ 

was a gift from our very good friends, 

Miss Wendy and beautiful Dani, of the blog O Dani Girl.  

When June and I would sit together (yes, that does happen once in awhile) 

in our her polka dot chair, this kept us warmed up

against winters chill!

Now this is surely recognized, as June shows up quite often in her blankie basket.

Sometimes on top of her very own and totally purrsonal polka dot blankie.

Sometimes tucked underneath that same polka dot blankie!

Hers and hers alone ~ handmade with love, just for June by the one and only

sweet Ellen of 15 and Meowing.

June loves this blankie, she loves Ellen, too!

And yes, I can attest and swear to the fact that she does tuck herself

in and under the blankie anytime and anyway she wants!

This story is far longer than the others ~ this is a wedding shawl, but a shawl nearly as big as a blanket, handmade in the fall of 1974.  Although it was once draped over the chair, it is now safely tucked away as the tassels were far too tempting for kitty-play.  And this shawl holds far too many memories ~ 

Knit by the lovely woman and friend who also made my wedding gown, the shawl was her gift to me for a late November wedding in Georgetown, Washington, DC.  Who knew what the weather might be, but it was a warm, blue sky autumn day and this gift was perfect.  Though the gift was perfect, the wedding was not.

The night before an ambulance took my Mom to hospital, ICU, she was in a coma.

My Dad, myself, other family, all were there all night long.

Dad insisted the wedding proceed the next day even though Mom would not be there.

Saturday came, following a sleepless anxiety filled night, Dad forgot to come

pick me up to drive me to the church... so had to come back for me.  We were late.

Father Frank came to the altar in a wheelchair as he'd fallen, 

hurt his back terribly and a few too many pain pills caused his words to slur ... 

we mixed up our vows, he forgot several prayers.

Our musician, Mike, got confused about what to play, when.

But yes, we were officially married!

...

We left Holy Trinity and went straight to the hospital, to ICU.

Never fully sure, but we hoped Mom had opened her eyes long enough to see her

only daughter in her wedding gown, to see her new son in law, to

see her weary husband by her bedside, to receive a blessing from Father Frank.

...

When we finally reached our reception, many of the guests had left,

much of the food was gone, the cake had been cut (by who?).  But I was

thankful that all (at least I think all) signed our guest book!

[And of course, the honeymoon was cancelled.]

...

My Mom recovered well in time, and lived until the wonderful age of 96 ... my Dad passed in his 88th year, together they had shared over 50-years of marriage.  Father Frank remained a friend throughout life.  This November, 2024 ~ had my husband lived, we would have celebrated 50-years of marriage as well.  But that was not to be.  

So, instead, come this November,

 I'll just put on my wedding shawl, let the tassels swing around,

dance and laugh as I think back on a very memorable wedding day.

THANKFUL THURSDAY