Saturday, August 04, 2012. The day dawned bright and clear, as they say, and much to my relief. Today is the goodbye party for Jean and John Smith which is to take place in our garden from noon to two. It’s an open invitation for all of the Oysterville postal patrons to bring a potluck picnic dish and come to wish them well.
There are some 190 mailboxes at our little post office and, since I thought that an RSVP (even regrets only) would be nuts-making – and, besides, it is a potluck – we have no idea how many people will be here. We think we are covered in the paper plate and utensils department and we have beverages for those who might not think to bring their own.
During the last few weeks, several people have called asking how they can help and my answer has been a standard “bring tables and chairs, if you have them.” We asked Diana and John if we could borrow their little pop-up tent so we can put the food table(s) under it and… I think we are good to go. Or will be by noon.
Our ace in the hole, of course, is houseguest help. The Bays Boys, ages 8 and 11, can be counted on to do all manner of fetching and carrying and their parents are no slouches in the pitching-in-department, either. I am relaxed in the knowledge that ‘many hands make light work’ and am looking forward to a most memorable send-off for our friends and neighbors of thirty years!
Meanwhile, there was a little building project happening at the end of Clay Street yesterday. It seems that there is a wedding taking place there this afternoon and this is the ‘bridal platform.’ At our objection to the public right-of-way being used as a wedding venue, Nyel and I had an unpleasant confrontation with one of our up the street “neighbors.”
I learned during that conversation that wanting to follow the rules is “typical of me,” that I am “old” (I think in the context of not being sympathetic to a wedding happening on the county road) and, most curious of all, that I had told this neighbor that there are weddings “all the time” there.
I concede the first two points, but I don’t know of any weddings that have ever taken place on Clay Street and why I am accused of saying so, is beyond me. I’m the one who rents out the church for weddings. Wouldn’t it be counter-productive to suggest having a wedding in the road? Oh well… It was an upsetting conversation and in the interest of salvaging some neighborly feeling, I capitulated and she agreed not to offer that alternative again…
The most important news, though, is that today is Nyel’s birthday! Did I even remember to get him a card??? YIKES! As I said, I do concede the ‘old’ part…
Wow! what a day readies itself for being lived! A wedding in Sonoma County also, a long time family friend to marry her “best friend”…In Boston, my great granddaughter to “shoot” her first wedding! Some of us may be “old fuddie duddies” who follow the rules, hoping others will also, but our lives are filled with happy, tender and sometimes sad, but real memories. Not many faces by the side of the road that we have trod upon. And Nyel, my dear, young friend, may the day fill up with abundant memories for you!
A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO NYEL FROM US.!!! It will also be a wonderful farewell party for Jean and John that you are hosting and we certainly wish them well. Sydney, both you and Nyel do so many nice things for the village and you are to be commended.
Marion & Larry
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NYEL! And I hope the potluck goes well as well. Can’t beat the weather today, that’s for certain!
What a glorious day to celebrate your birthday Nyel. Happy Birthday! Although I am not an Oysterville Postal Patron, I do love chatting with Jean and John when I stop in the store. I have Jean to thank for such a warm welcome to Oysterville when I first came to visit and stayed. Many good wishes to Jean and John.
(Sydney, I just noticed that the picture of the cake–which is lovely–has the cake perched on the washing machine? Wow, and I thought my kitchen was short of counter space, giggle giggle!)
I don’t know about your kitchen, but mine definitely runs out of counter space in the midst of preparing for a picnic for 100+ people! Any flat surface was fair game!
To be honest, Sydney, I hope I never find myself in the position of having to prepare food for 100 people. The last time I had to cook for a large group, it was a group of about 35, and I had essentially a commercial kitchen at my disposal (and was part of a group!). Brave, brave, to take on 100. Will the September anniversary celebration be that big?