Today marks 21 years of wedded bliss.  We went out for a nice dinner last night - didn't make it to the Museum due to the time so we'll go next week. 

We always keep things simple. We don't exchange gifts - and we didn't even give each other cards.  I just have never cared for holidays or these special days for myself. I've never cared to be the center of attention. It's uncomfortable for me.  I like the good old, regular days much better. I don't know where that comes from, but thankfully it works for both of us.

Sure we acknowledge it to each other - I'm making his favorite meal, Lasagna. We just try and make every day special and I am content. 

Yes, here we are - 21 years younger. 

In the past 21 years, we have had eight close family members pass away

I had two of my absolute best friends die, unexpectedly

We've had four moves

four jobs between us

lost two beloved dogs and five cats

Saw the wedding of my youngest son

and the divorce of my stepdaughter. 

No grandchildren, but we have gained a daughter (in-law) 

There have been two car accidents where the vehicles were totaled

and we've bought three new cars. 

We've had good times, and trying times. We're still here. 

A year into our marriage Michael died. That was a hard time for us because he wanted to fix it all and he couldn't.

 We've gone through hard times financially in the beginning to being comfortable. I think the hardest was blending our children together. In the beginning, my sons didn't like him. He has one daughter up in Washington, that doesn't want anything to do with me, her dad, and her bio mom. I've never met her. I don't expect I ever will. Then there is his youngest daughter who is 42. She has an intellectual disability, however, she is 100% independent and lives on her own in the same town as us. She can be "trying" at times - but I let her father handle her and stay out of it.

Now, my two remaining sons, love and respect him. They don't call him, "Dad" but they do like to be with him - they go hiking and camping on their "all guys weekends." They have a good relationship. It's nice now. When Navy married, they asked my husband to pray a blessing over them at the altar with his tallit. It was a very special moment that brought me to tears - especially after the hard times in those early years. 

The LOVE BIRDS

I am pleased to announce that Liberty (the Mom) and Guardian (the dad) laid their first egg on Valentine's Day. How cool is that? 

I have been watching the Redding Eagles on the webcam since I moved here in 2008. 

We did have a scare yesterday - It was noted that the mom, Liberty, left the nest at 6am and left dad to sit on the egg. 12 hours later she still had not returned. We were getting ready to go out to eat - eagle watchers like myself were concerned. 

Here this majestic male eagle had the instincts to care for the egg - turning it, repositioning himself, all the while looking for his mate. The group, Friends of the Redding Eagles, had boots on the ground, to look for her. 

By the time we came home, I checked, and she had returned! 

Maybe she needed a spa day after laying that big egg! 

So now we're waiting for Liberty to lay her second egg, possibly tomorrow.

Here is the live webcam for your enjoyment. 

Enjoy,

Debby