Kelly and Connie’s Place

Pre-Wedding

A few months ago, my niece and nephew approached Kelly and I about performing the ceremonies of each of their weddings. Trad’s big day was set for July 4^th. It would be held against a lush green background at Sculley’s Golf Course, run by his parents (my sister & her husband).

Shari’s special day would be the next day, July 5^th, with a picturesque garden setting at Hermitage Country Club in Nashville.

This worked for us; 2 weddings, one trip, a chance to visit with family followed by a little R & R. The only pre-requisite we set for the 2 couples was that they get pre-martial counseling. Shari and her guy ran into a scheduling conflict, so Kelly and I ended up meeting with them weekly for 6 sessions.

How did we do that, you ask, all the way from Orlando? Simple! This is the 21^st century. In the midst of work and travel, we were able to schedule in counseling sessions—live, over the internet, using a webcam. There were reading assignments, homework and great discussions. It was not our first choice, but it was workable.

Two Weddings

We feel so blessed after spending a great week with family in Jackson. My 2 brothers and my sister (on the right-who live in Jackson), and my brother from California standing next to me on the left; we all gathered with my parents for the festivities.

My sister hosted 2 bridesmaids luncheons in her home to honor each of the brides, one being her new daughter-in-law, Gretchen. I loved the cold strawberry soup that she served.

We had two supper nice wedding ceremonies, with great weather and excellent family time. PHOTOS BELOW: 1st picture Kelly performing Trad & Gretchen’s ceremony, 2nd picture is Kelly performing Shari & Gavin’s ceremony.

Following the 4^th of July wedding ceremony, the bride & groom (my nephew) provided a spectacular fireworks display for the guest.

The next day we headed to Nashville for the 2^nd wedding. The groom’s family came from as far away as Canada and Ireland, what a treat! (Next 2 photos: 1st Trad & Gretchen then Shari & Gavin, both now happily married.)

Below is a photo of all the Harmons who were present. Unfortunately, our 2 sons in Tulsa were not able to attend. But, they were in Jackson with all of us last year for my parent’s big 80th Birthday bash.

And A Vacation

With the weddings over, Kelly and I began our R & R vacation time in earnest. Monday evening my 3 brothers treated us all to a Harmon tradition of fried potatoes with fluffy biscuits smothered and covered with creamy sausage and gravy. All cholesterol and fat were left out…yeah, right!

How often do you see a kitchen full of men?! (Photo Below) Not often in the Harmon household, …unless biscuits and gravy are on the menu.

Tuesday we enjoyed a gourmet dinner at my oldest brother’s home. His wife Edith out did herself with a special dish called, zucchini boat creamed corn soufflé. WOW!

Edith is not only a great gourmet cook, but she is also an accomplished artist working in pastels. (Photo: Edith is sitting in front of one of paintings. See more of her work by clicking here.)

She gives art lessons in her home studio and invited me to join a session. It’s been 20 years since I last approached a blank canvas, and I’ve never tried pastels. But Edith is very convincing, and I had a blast giving it a try. (Photo below of my first pastel. I have named it: “Three Chairs in Pastels”. How’s that for original?)

And what did Kelly do for fun once he changed into more comfortable clothes and could kick back?

He enjoyed his day out, browsing through Gander Mountain outdoor store and Best Buy. He thought he was in heaven. We’re back in Orlando now, and Monday we head back to the office all rested and ready to go.