The slate blue of storm clouds hems the view this morning. A southern breeze sways limbs and leaves on the locust tree beside the patio. While we sip coffee and eat our breakfast, Randa and I reminisce about last night’s wedding and discuss plans for tonight’s company. The cat poses along the retaining wall as a mourning dove calls from the top of the dead spruce tree. Although there is more than a hint of rain in the air, it is pleasant and cool. Not the typical northeastern Kansas August morning.

Nor is it a typical week for us.

Some of it focused on the preparation for hosting a very private marriage event. Thanks to a fair amount of coordination and quite a bit of cooperation and collaborative effort, everything came together late yesterday afternoon. A makeshift arbor of wrought iron frames fastened to the peach tree, some flowers and ribbons strategically placed and a bit of yard work set a nice stage for the wedding. Leah outdid herself making the corsages and the cake, which was nothing less than a work of art. My part was a lot easier.

After doing a short and simple ceremony for Jay and Leah, I left to do a poetry reading at the library of the college where I have worked for the past eleven-plus years. Jay grilled steaks for the small wedding party and I hoped there would be some left when I got back. There were and they were good.

Tonight, Lord willing, my sister and her husband will arrive from North Carolina, via stopovers in Tennessee and Kentucky. If the weather continues to cooperate, we’ll probably have waffles and sausage served on the patio. Later tomorrow morning, my niece and her husband expect to finish their trip here from Oklahoma. Around noon, I plan to drive over to the Kansas City airport and pick up my son Sam as he returns from a week visit with his family in Texas. (Sam is living with us while temporarily stationed at Ft. Leavenworth.) Then, in early afternoon, we all plan to go over to St. Joseph for a book release party hosted for several new authors by our publisher, Amazing Things Press.

Other than that, it’s just been a lazy sort of week, finishing drywall and painting in the dining room and working on the new ceiling in the entry way. Taking our morning and evenings on the deck or the patio, giving thanks for cool breezes, hot coffee and the blessing of living with someone we like. And for other lives with which to share ours.

H. Arnett

8/28/15