Day: June 6, 2010

I’m entering my last days as a single man, and thinking hard about what marriage means to me. Lots of people have asked Maria and I why we are marrying. Why bother? Why not just live with one another? A lawyer friend says he will never be “shackled” again. Another friend says there is no reason to get married later in life, unless you are having kids. Speaking only for me, I don’t quite agree. I believe in marriage.

Maria is entitled to half of what I own. She and I are both entitled to security and commitment. I don’t want to be introducing her as my “girlfriend” for the rest of our lives. I want us to built a life together, and take responsibility for one another. Maria has brought me back to life. The farm is returning to life. Donkeys and sheep are here. I think the donkeys will stay. Maybe some of the sheep.

That’s what marriage is, I think. Commitment to a shared life. I choose life.

Mary Kellogg came over yesterday to read us the wonderful poem she wrote for us to read at our wedding and while she was talking I hung around the hanging basket and got some shots I really liked. Beauty in small things.

We didn’t hear a thing,but this huge limb came down during the night and wrecked some of the garden and a chunk of the fence. Didn’t go onto the road, didn’t hurt any dogs (this is where they hang out) and didn’t bring any wires down. Part of living in the country and maintaining a big farm.

Heavy downpour today. Always grab the camera when it rains, as the water on the flowers is beautiful, soothing, touching. Getting tense about the wedding. I have no doubts about it, but it’s one of those big life changing things that make you nervous. At least I get nervous. Giant limb just fell down in the front yard.