Celebrating 39!

Yesterday was Don and my anniversary, our 39th! A lot of water has gone over the dam in those years. I read my daughter's blog, who celebrated her 12th anniversary yesterday. She did a recap of those 12 years. I'm not sure that I could do 39 years worth but I suppose I can do a little, so, because of her blog, here goes:

We began our life together in 1967, in my hometown, in a 3-bedroom home we purchased for our family. Don, a military officer, had 2 children whom I later adopted; therefore, they are mine, mine, mine!! (Don't ask me how Don's kids are or I may insult you. They are ours!). After being married 9 months, we were transferred to the country of Panama where we had some major trials adjusting to a foreign, under-developed land. Things were just not safe at that time. We were living in the city during the military coup of the late 60's and were unable to leave our apartment for weeks because of the shooting, etc. One year later, we were able to move on Howard Air Force Base. While there, our son was born. I will always remember the neighbor's parrot that loved to curse at the little children in the neighborhood; however, when we brought Thom out, the bird would become so nice and polite. He loved our little boy. Then as soon as we left, his cursing would start right back!

We later moved into larger quarters there when our daughter, Kendra, was born. We were fortunate enough to have a live-in maid who was wonderful with the children. I taught school there but, since we had no cafeterias and no PTA meetings, I was home for lunch, and home early in the afternoons. Thom had to go to the air field every afternoon to see the airplanes. That was a real treat! Then Kendra just loved to be with her older siblings.

In the 70's, we moved to Oklahoma for several years. While there, we did try to do some traveling in nearby states. It was a real treat for us when family came to visit. Our favorite places to show them were the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Will Rogers' home, the oil wells on the State capitol grounds, etc.

Later we moved to North Carolina, then to South Carolina, teaching in colleges and working for the state. We were so fortunate that we never had to put our children in daycare. While teaching in college, Don and I were able to make our teaching schedules, so we arranged them in a way that allowed one of us to be with the children at all times.

Now we are both retired, doing all the things we love to do: traveling, camping, being with family, meeting new friends and enjoying old ones, or just doing absolutely nothing. It has been a wonderful 39 years. In fact I gave Don an anniversary card which I will share the words written thereon (of course, there are really neat pictures included on the card as well):
"Marriage begins with 2 people promising to love, honor, and adjust to each other's peculiar sleeping habits. The first few weeks are referred to as the Honeymoon. After that, togetherness usually involves televised sports or dirty dishes. Marriage demands a spirit of equality and sharing, except for toothpaste and closet space, in which case separate is definitely better. Marriage improves the appetite and energy of most people, especially visiting relatives. Married people keep romance alive with little remembrances, like remembering to write the amount in the checkbook and pick up the dry cleaning, not to mention which way the toilet paper goes! After a number of years, married couples often decide it was the BEST MISTAKE they every made!"