42nd anniversary - family ties

We decided to explore our new state for several weeks to celebrate our anniversary.

1st trip: Westport, near Aberdeen, a beach within an easy day's drive. Photo of Norm at beach.

2nd trip: To Forks, WA for Chelsea. Stopped at South Beach on one of the most perfect days at a beach. Wonderful sun, little wind, pleasant temperature, sparkling water and sky, wonderful company. A glorious day. One photo of "good company."

3rd trip: Sylvia and Norm to Mt. Rainier for another perfect day, glorious beyond description.

Photos: Norm on the trail. Sylvia looking at Mt facing Mt. Rainier, also beautiful and interesting.

Mt. Rainier and Paradise Lodge. Sylvia on paved trail to Myrtle Falls. Mt. Rainier and fields of wildflowers, an extreme experience with abundance of life and gloriousness.

Photo of hydrangeas and geraniums, home where we started and returned, ala Mr. Snow from the musical "Carousel".

This was, as usual, a humbling experience with technology. The pictures were not placed as I wished. You will see progress - I hope.

Following are musings from the night of the 9th, our actual anniversary. We watched a PBS special on Pavarti's life. The special was organized by themes in his life, which led to our discussion of themes in our marriage - a wonderful discussion with Pavarti's voice in the background.

42nd Anniversary: Themes in Our Marriage

Children and children’s families
Shared interests
Beauty
Music
Books
Nature
Bookstore
Mutual support during service to others
Mutual love and enjoyment of Sylvia’s family
Mutual love and devotion to church
Love of people, sociality
Cohesive partnership in all things - unity
Five-year commitment to singles’ ward
China Teachers service

Of the five languages of love (words of affirmation, time to enjoy each other, gifts, service, physical affection) our strengths have been words of affirmation and service. “Gifts” may be the joke of our relationship but we have become equally conservative. It took me a couple of years not to expect my father’s language of love to my mother 'corsages to my mother' and realize Norm’s expression of love was different and for me, even more security producing. And a balance to “gifts” has been a mutual caring for other’s needs and the family as a whole. Cars were kept serviced, the home was kept orderly and reasonably clean, money for needs was always there even if it meant 3 jobs, etc.

For the future we are focusing on the following themes and languages:
Time together
Physical health and vitality
More knowledge and appreciation of Norm’s family through family history
Enjoyment and relaxation as well as service