GOING TO SINT MAARTEN AND WE'RE GONNA GET MARRIED!

Well we did it and it was amazing! On December 9th, after an amazing vacation, we got married. We checked back into our hotel in the morning and of course, our rooms were not ready. Kacy, Eddie, Wilson and I all decided to go and hang by the pool. Wilson had a nap, Kacy and I read a book and Eddie did Sudoku. At around 10:30 am, I looked up from my book and saw my future husband sleeping, Kacy was also taking a nap and Eddie was still doing his Sudoku and all of a sudden I realized that in 5 1/2 hours, I was going to be married. At 11:30 am we went and had some lunch - and got yelled at by a waitress. Sint Maarten is great for many, many things but wait service is NOT one of them. Kacy and I went and got a mani and pedi and just enjoyed the time together in a peaceful and quiet environment. If ever anyone needs a world class maid of honour, my beautiful friend Kacy is it!

I got back to our room and saw my handsome husband-to-be! Wilson got himself ready and was hanging out playing with the iPod while started to get myself ready. Kacy came to the room and quickly kicked Wilson out of the room. Kacy gave me the best bride-to-be experience a girl could ask for ever. We tried on jewellery, she advised on hair styles and was just the best friend a girl could ask for. At 3:45 p.m., we cracked a bottle of champagne and drank until we got the call from our wedding planner that the officiant was here (she was 20 minutes late). We came downstairs and got in a golf cart and went to the beach. A funny note - I stressed so much about my shoes for the wedding and we got married barefoot!

We pulled up to the beach, kick off our shoes and walk down to the beach. I cannot wait to get to Wilson and almost run Kacy down to get to him. He looked so handsome and all I wanted to do was hold his hand and say the words that would bind us together forever.






Our officiant started to speak and so much emotion began to well up inside of me. I was holding Wilson's hand and could barely breathe. I have never felt so much love for him ever in our relationship. Of course, I started to cry and I looked up at Wilson and his eyes were wet also. Hearing Wilson say the words that made him my husband, I could barely breathe and I never wanted to look away from his beautiful face.

After saying the words, we were married and I realized at that moment, we were bound together forever. Whatever happens to us in the future, we would always have this moment together. Wilson, being the sweet man that he is, went and made sure that there was champagne on ice for us to share once we were married. We signed the register and 'pop' went the champagne corks. We had our pictures taken on the beach just before and during sunset and I have never felt more beautiful or that Wilson looked more handsome!






We shared a wonderful dinner with Kacy and Ed and as I look back on the day, I can't imagine us doing it any other way. We were so relaxed that we were able to be in the moment when we got married. We were able to laugh and enjoy each moment of the experience and that was why we ran away to get married. Our friends - Andre and Diane - from our cruise came and joined us that day which made the day so special for us. We had congratulations and best wishes from so many strangers and it added so much to the whole event for us. We could have done without Jabba the Hut watching us get married in a blue Speedo, but that is just part of the deal when you get married on a beach.

Not everyone would choose this as their option to get married but I am so glad that we did! We got to be together, say our vows our way in the catherdral of sun and sand and be married without fanfare. It was for us, perfection.






There is more to come on the vacation - which is the best vacation we have ever had together!






Must go wake up Wilson and walk Maggie! Happy New Year internet!





2006 kisses to all!





DiDi

A YEAR IN REVIEW

This was shared with me by a dear friend and I thought since 2006 was a year of change for me, that I complete this quiz.

1. What did you do in 2006 that you'd never done before? Got married
2. Did you keep your New Year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I usually don't make them, but since last year was a year of such change for me personally, that I decided my only resolution was to be true to myself.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Tiffany gave birth to Jonah and Krista gave birth to Pierce.
4. Did anyone close to you die? No - thank goodness
5. What places did you visit? Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, St. Maarten, Anguilla, St. Barths, Tintamarre, Sandy Island, Grand Case
6. What would you like to have in 2007 that you lacked in 2006? Financial security
7. What dates from 2006 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? December 9, 2006 - my wedding day
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Becoming stronger about who I am and what I want. Also, realizing that I really wanted to be with Wilson and moving back in with him and then getting married to him
9. What was your biggest failure? No failures, only events to learn from
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Nothing major - am a total klutz so am always bruised
11. What was the best thing you bought? Steve's wedding ring; my wedding dress
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Pulling my head out of the sand and dealing with my tax mess.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? no one comes to mind
14. Where did most of your money go? The government
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Getting married
16. What song will always remind you of 2006? Gnarls Barkley - Crazy
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? A c) richer or poorer? Happier - Wilson and I are married and making a life together; b) weight is about the same unfortunately c) poorer - but working on that
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? reading
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? worry
20. How did you spend Christmas last year? with my family
21. Did you fall in love in 2006? No, was already in love but reaffirmed my love for Wilson
22. How many one-night stands? nope
23. What was your favorite TV program? The OC
24. What did you do for your birthday in 2006? Had a kick ass party. Wilson made turning 40 so much fun!
25. What was the best book you read? Kite Runner
26. What was your greatest musical discovery? Scissor Sisters
27. What did you want and get? To marry Wilson
28. What did you want and not get? nothing that is important
29. What was your favorite film of this year? The Devil Wears Prada
30. Did you make some new friends this year? If so, who? yes - Roger & Lynne and Diane and Andre from our cruise, Krista from work
31.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? this year, nothing
32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2006? Casual and classic with some funk thrown in for good measure
33. What kept you sane? walking Maggie and red wine
34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? George Clooney - good looks and brains all in one package
35. What political issue stirred you the most? The war in Iraq and the troops in Afghanistan
36. Who did you miss? Kacy
37. Who was the best new person you met? can't think of one person right now
38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2006. be true to myself and also that I need to stop being afraid of past mistakes. There is rarely anything that you can't fix by facing up to your fear.

Kisses to all!
DiDi

DIDI WENT AND GOT HERSELF HITCHED

Well at long last it happened - we are officially hitched! December 9th at 4:30 p.m. with sand between our toes and surf around our ankles we said our vows in a remarkably personal ceremony (especially since we NEVER met the officiant before). I didn't think that it was possible to love Wilson more than I already do but somehow I do.

It was a great 10 days and there is so much to say and so many pictures to share. I am trying to add in a Flickr link so share wedding pictures and honeymoon shots. Needless to say, this will take a while since Christmas is looming and time is running out.

If I don't get a chance to update until after Christmas - the merriest of Christmases to you all and to all a good night!

Christmas Kisses!
DiDi

4 MORE SLEEPS - ST. MAARTEN BOUND

I can't believe it! 4 more sleeps and then Wilson and I are on our way to the lovely island of St. Maarten. 12 more sleeps and I am officially Wilson's wife. I CAN'T WAIT FOR BOTH!!!

Had a lovely weekend -- Wilson had his stag party on Saturday. Apparently a good time was had by all and Wilson drank FAR TOO MUCH! Woke up still drunk on Sunday and then Mr. Hangover came for a visit and stayed overstayed on his visit in the afternoon. Needless to say, I took very good care of him as he does the same when I am in the same condition.

The Sorority had pedis (well Mellie was a poo-head and only had a mani) on Sunday. Always good to spend time with my girls! I have pretty toes to go on vacation with and that is all that matters.

I cannot wait to have some sun on this pale Canadian body and - oh yeah - to marry this wonderful man of mine.

Kisses,
DiDi

Wisdom

Wilson and I have debted about what is more important to have - intelligence or common sense. This was sent to me by my friend Cari and I loved it.

1. Don't worry about what people think; they don't do it very often.
2. Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.
3. It ain't the jeans that make your butt look fat.
4. Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity.
5. For every action, there is an equal and opposite government program.
6. If you look like your passport picture, you probably need the trip.
7. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of cheques.
8. A conscience is what hurts when all of your other parts feel so good.
9. Eat well, stay fit, die anyway.
10. Men are from earth. Women are from earth. Deal with it.
11. No man has ever been shot while doing the dishes.
12. Middle age is when broadness of the mind and narrowness of the waist is reversed.
13. Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.
14. Junk is something you've kept for years and throw away three weeksbefore you need it.
15. Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake when you do the same thing again.
16. By the time you can make ends meet, they move the ends.
17. Thou shalt not weigh more than thy refrigerator.
18. Someone who thinks logically provides a nice contrast to the real world.
19. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never triedbefore.
20. And never, EVER take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the samenight.

Have a good week!
Kisses,
DiDi

I LOVE THE FALL (FASHIONS)...

Fall is one of my favourite times of year - the crispness in the air, the colour of the leaves, a good fire in the fireplace, football (Go Broncos!) and of course fall fashions.

Fall also means that Wilson and I travel for work a lot more but that is now coming to an end for both of us as the year winds down. While walking Maggie recently, I have been trying to remember to take my camera with me so that I can take some pictures of the beautiful leaves in our neighbourhood.

I know that winter is around the corner with all of its own kind of yuckyness (it is so a word) but this time of year has always been special to me.

Anyway, here are some fall foliage pictures that I took recently. I hope autumn brings you as much joy as it does me.

Kisses,

DiDi

Our Japanese maple tree

I know that is a smidge blurry but I loved the colours

It is surprisingly hard to photograph leaves cuz they keep on moving

MORE MARRIAGE ADVICE (can you tell what is on my mind...)

This article was written by Kristen Armstrong, who is Lance Armstrong's ex-wife, and while I do not feel as she does about a lot of things in her article, I agree with some of her advice. I do know that Wilson can identify me as a totally opinionated woman (sometimes too much for his way of thinking I am sure) who is not afraid to stand up to him and fight for what I believe in - which in many cases is totally opposite to what he believes.

I revere the institution of marriage as my parents have been married for almost 60 years, and my brothers and sisters have all been married for 20+years. It is scary to think that at 40, I am just beginning on this journey called marriage. I have seen what is a good marriage and only hope to attain this with Wilson as we begin our married life together.

I know, as we have hit our incredibly challenged potholes, that I fell into a role that he never asked me to play. If you were to ask him, he would tell you that at one point, I was not the woman with whom he fell in love. Thankfully we realized that we want to be with each other and began the process of repairing the damaged areas of our relationship. I identify with Kristin Armstrong in her journey to regain her authenticity as I had to do the same. I know that Wilson respects me and wants me to be feisty, strong willed woman who knows what she likes, doesn't like and is willing to go toe-to-toe with him if it is that important to me. I have learned that I have to ask him for help as he is not psychic and to lean on him when I need support. Most of all I have learned that in doing this, I do not appear weak, just human and that is who I am.

Anyway, here is the article - I am sure that everyone can tell that I am focused on our upcoming marriage. My goal is to have a healthy strong marriage; to be a good wife and share a long life with Wilson. I know that happily ever after does not exist but a happy life does if you work at it.

"What I wish I had known about marriage"
Kristin Armstrong, the ex-wife of cyclist Lance Armstrong, believes that too many women leave their true selves behind at the altar. Here's the wedding day advice she wishes someone had given her.

The greatest conspiracy in modern history is not Watergate or the shooting of JFK; it's something far more ingrained and insidious in the way it distorts the truth. The conspiracy is marriage. It's not that I don't respect the institution and the belief I've cherished since childhood of what such a union could be. One heartbreaking and publicly failed marriage later, I actually revere marriage more at age 34 than I did as a blushing bride of 26.
The problem is that when a young woman announces her engagement, everyone is quick to roll out the matrimonial red carpet by throwing showers and obsessing over wedding day plans. This helps a bride prepare for the reality of marriage about as much as nine months of baby showers and nursery decorating prepare a gestating woman for the awesome task of raising a child: not at all.

Perhaps we are all guilty of holding on too tightly to our own Cinderella stories, thinking that the glass slipper of the perfect marriage will conform to us uniquely. Engagement, like pregnancy, is a fleeting and hopeful time, and those who have gone before hesitate to disrupt this dream with a dose of reality. So we carry a young woman toward the threshold of her new identity as wife and mother and abruptly drop her off at the curb, peeling out on two wheels with a honk and a wave and a wish for good luck.

Here is the truth as I see it: Marriage has the potential to erode the very fiber of your identity. If you aren't careful, it can tempt you to become a "yes woman" for the sake of salvaging your romantic dream. It can lure you into a pattern of pleasing that will turn you into someone you'll hardly recognize and probably won't like. I am warning you because I only wish someone had warned me.

The incredible disappearing woman
Ten years ago I never would have expected my life to turn out quite the way it did. At 24 I had bought my first house and was working for a high-tech company in Austin, Texas. I had adopted a dog named Jake from the pound and drove a cute little green Miata that I paid for in full. I was career-minded and single-minded. I was also headstrong and naive; I treasured my self-sufficiency so much that I scoffed at women who gave up their jobs, stayed home to take care of children or relied on men for anything.

Then I fell in love. I met Lance Armstrong, the Texas cyclist who was battling testicular cancer, at a press conference I'd planned for his foundation's first cancer fund-raiser. Soon I was joyfully sporting an engagement ring with a hefty rock the size of my dilated pupil in a darkroom. I was so enamored with my new stature as part of a couple that I paid more attention to my left hand than to readying my heart for the journey ahead. I quit my job, rented out my house, gave my dog to an old boyfriend, sold my car and moved to France so Lance could reenter the world of professional cycling. We got married and promptly had three children—a son and then twin daughters—who were breast-fed, toted between countries and utterly adored by their devoted, full-time, stay-at-home mommy. (So much for my scoffing.)

My memories tell the real story. I remember being a bride of two weeks, writing thank-you notes and pondering the strange ache in my heart as I grieved for my old name and independent self. And postpartum me in 1999, weeping for apparently no reason in the middle of the night as I sat on a sofa-size maxi-pad and rocked my crying newborn, Luke, while feeling utterly and terrifyingly alone.

If you ask me today what I truly love, I can easily tell you I love God, my family, my friends, fireworks displays, a good red wine, staying up late with a mystery novel, a sweaty run, painting abstract art, indulging my organizational compulsions, laughing until no sound comes out and taking my time. If you had asked me when I was married what I loved, I would have automatically told you the things that I loved about my husband: the confident, easy way he traveled between countries adapting to cultures and languages, or the way he could fearlessly MSH (our acronym for "Make shit happen," something we both excel at), or the little-known fact that he is a good photographer. I forgot my own list (and I'm a list girl!). Making him happy became my happy.

So this once-devout Catholic stopped going to church because it was inconvenient. Between my husband's seven-day training schedule and the impossibility of my attending solo with twin infants and a rowdy toddler in a cathedral with a Latin mass and no nursery, I gave up. I quit reading late into the night because the light was bothersome to a tired athlete who needed sleep. I put all the energy and skills that made me a good manager and account executive into errands, planning and mothering. But the beauty of a wife is not found in those things. The beauty of a wife is in her being, not in her doing. During those years I perfected my doing and neglected my being. I remember the day that revelation first hit me: I made a joke to Lance about being opinionated, and he looked at me, sincerely confused: "You?"

Getting back the real me
If I were to do things over again, I wouldn't have thrown myself so irrevocably into my new life. I would have guarded the things that made me feel like me —the places, the friends —and above all I would have spoken up about my needs. Instead, I will leave you with a lesson about how a woman can hold on to the bright, hard flame of who she is.
If your husband asks what you think, tell him. If you have a preference, voice it. If you have a question, ask it. If you want to cry, bawl. If you need help, raise your hand and jump up and down. I spent five years juggling kids, travel, cooking, smoothing. I never once said that I couldn't do it on my own, or that I was just plain tired. I became a prisoner to my own inability to say uncle when life squeezed me too hard. The warden was pride, and I remained in maximum security.

The time may come when you realize that the only way to restore the meaning to your marriage is to get back the real you. It requires warrior-size courage to take a stand against the miscommunication, deception and emotional distance that breed in the shadows of inauthenticity. You will have to boldly step up to the line and speak from your heart. You will have to own your words (spoken and unspoken), your actions (done and undone) and the consequences of both. If I ever marry again, I will have cue cards prepared with "Yes, I do know what I want," "Make me laugh and I'll get over it" and "I need you, please help me."

I know that one day my daughters will face these same challenges. At age four they are already starting to form their own dreams of a handsome prince on a white horse. Without destroying the beautiful elements of their innocence, I long to prevent them from a disappointment like mine —so with each step between now and then, I vow to myself and to them to be real. I hope that as they watch me painstakingly reclaim my hard-earned authenticity, they will manage to guard their own. And when they do decide to wed, they will bring to their marriages the greatest gift of all: a unique and unshakable sense of self.

Kisses to all,
DiDi

HALLOWE'EN SORORITY STYLE...

ReRe inspires all with her love of Hallowe'en. Not only did she and iPod man win at their party this past weekend, due to her diligence our team at the office won Best team costume.

Here are some pictures of us looking very stupid. Please note how mushed our faces are and yes these pictures do equal a lot of pain! There are only 2 of the sorority members in it as Mellie and her damn ambition left us 2 years ago.

Yes, it is true, we are the Blue Man Group

DiDi is on the right, not that you can tell and ReRe is in the middle.

We are idiots, but prize winning idiots!

Happy Hallowe'en Everyone!

Kisses,

DiDi

Rules for Marriage

As I was reading a blog (Suburban Hippie authored by Gretchen) that I frequent regularly, I came upon this entry which struck home for me as I am getting married in 4 short weeks and our Mellie got married about 5 weeks ago. I know that there is no perfect prescription for marriage and even though I believe that we have a healthy relationship (now that is), marriage is still a daunting prospect. I know that you have to work to keep it healthy and a happy place but I take all advice from people who fight the good fight everyday to heart. Here is the advice that Gretchen passed onto her daughter before she got married.

Marriage Advice - courtesy of Suburban Hippie
The best thing I can tell you is that there is no room in a marriage for deception; or I should say that once deception creeps in, there is all sorts of room, because it shoots your marriage full of holes. Always be honest with each other. That means accepting each other, warts and all. So don’t be hypercritical, either.

Don’t let arguments escalate. When things get too heated, walk away for a while — or grab him and hug him, or say something that will crack him up. And no fair, when angry, storming out of the house and taking off for God knows where and refusing to answer your cellphone. Walk away from him, but don’t ever deliberately make him wonder and worry where you are.

Be faithful to him. Protect him. Support him. Men don’t think the way we do, and just when he’s being completely impossible and thick-skulled it will transpire that it’s just him acting like a man. Try to forgive him for all that. Boys are different.

If you want him to be a good husband, be a good wife. Remember that he adores you and the you adore him.

Thanks Gretchen - appreciate the good advice.

Kisses to all,
DiDi

SO MUCH TO UPDATE, SO LITTLE TIME!

So much has happened since my last post. Here is a quick recap...

- Mellie got married (see previous post for pictures of lovely event)
- Mellie went on honeymoon with Jewemy
- Mellie did not have major accident at Armani
- Mellie got sick when she got home
- DiDi got engaged to her beloved Wilson
- Wilson does not like the word engaged - would prefer to just be married
- DiDi and Wilson set the date - December 9th
- DiDi now on 'Bride Diet' - full on campaign to lose 15lbs prior to big day
- DiDi and Wilson are running away to St. Maartens to do the deed
- DiDi bought her wedding dress at JCrew.com - very pretty and yet fairly inexpensive
- ReRe getting thinner by the day - keeping DiDi company on the Bride Diet
- ReRe now the mother of a child in High School
- DiDi and Wilson having a reception at their house for friends and family on Jan 13th

I know that this is an incredibly boring entry but am drowning in work and other piles of crap! However, after next week things calm down and hopefully I can become my regular updating self again.

Kisses to all,

DiDi

MELLIE WENT AND GOT HERSELF HITCHED, DRUNKENESS ENSUED...

Our beloved Mellie is now a Mrs. and we have never seen her so beautiful. ReRe is very delinquent in wedding minutes but I thought that the Internet should see our beautiful friend in all of her wedding glory. In lieu of wedding minutes - which will include a mention of many things not including our lousy accommodations, the search for a Dairy Queen, ReRe's love of my curling iron, much drunkeness, Miss Mew's wardrobe malfunction, DiDi leading a Neil Diamond sing-a-long and much, much more. Mostly it is about our Mellie and her happy day. We love you Mellie!!!

The Kennedy Compound

Mellie arriving by boat

Isn't she lovely!

Isn't he lucky!

Mrs. Divine

Jewemy wonders to himself - "How did I get so damn lucky!"

First Dance

We love you Mellie! There has never been a bride so beautiful or so loved by her sorority. We can't wait for the honeymoon recap (a.k.a. Accidents at Armani).

DiDi

ALWAYS READ THE PACKAGE DIRECTIONS...

Though regretably ReRe missed the tail end of the evening and cannot, therefore, capture anything funny that happened after her departure, and given her unfortunate condition when she left, there are no promises that she could remember everything from when she WAS there, but as always, she is a trooper and gave it her best shot.

Pre-wedding sorority minutes...

• Wedding plans appear well underway in spite of absentee wedding planner
• Mellie intervened with bossy wedding planner and alcohol will be served prior to the blessed nuptials
• lifting staff has been secured for inappropriate footwear wearers
• said staff to be located near bar
• DiDi and ReRe reminded NOT to step up to the mike and yell MELLIE repeatedly for own amusement
• no promises made
• Marnie's staff perplexed by MELLIE voicemails
• Marnie claims no knowledge of this strange Mellie person
• All in agreement: all respect for Mellie gone since bow hat incident
• Though only a Heb-hag and not a real Jew, DiDi shares the Jew habit of serving enough food for 8 times the number of invited guests
• still unclear as to origin of potatoes and chicken breasts on steroids
• On the topic of Jews, Jewemy apparently has not yet come to accept his given name
• ReRe and DiDi abandon all pretense and refer to the Jew directly as such, much to the Jew's surprise
• DiDi refrained from wearing yoga pants and Birks
• the Jew greatly relieved
• Things ReRe said about which iPod man has taken her to task: NO I do not believe in soul mates (oops, out loud voice); no woman wants to see a flacid penis (though seriously, do we?); no amount of money will give you any musical talent (ok, harsh, but true)
• All in agreement: skinny jeans and leggings =NO
• next shopping GNO to take place at Talbot's
• The Jew raced to kitchen sink a la iPod man (as any Jewish boy would do) after touching Maggie's bowl, but to much surprise volunteered to dog-sit Maggie
• Mellie unwilling to believe Jewemy up to having a dog "until I see you pick up poo, mister".
• ReRe and iPod man horrified all around at dog-related discussion.
• Number of times iPod man washed hands while there: must be at least 4
• ReRe kind enough to refrain from sharing DiDi's Lorraine Colitan story
• ReRe taught lovely new song "Only Men Have Penises"
• possible new Sorority themesong to replace "HooHooHoodia"
• Dessert portions also Jewish
• Definitve age of cougars could not be determined
• All in agreement re: multiple orgasms and peeing standing up
• Mellie and Jewemy deemed equally likely to fall into an Armani suit in Italy
• trust fund had better start opening more frequently to account for accident prone couple
• DiDi still baffled by apple kugel
• ReRe to read medication labels BEFORE combining with alcohol
• Can't wait to do wedding minutes!

Have a great week everyone.

DiDi

GOING TO THE CHAPEL AND WE'RE GOING TO GET MARRIED...BUT NOT UNTIL SEPTEMBER!

Our Mellie is getting married to Jewemy in September and she had her last shower this past weekend. ReRe and I could not make it as we had commitments but the unspeakable happened. Our Mellie was forced to wear a bow hat. This is Mellie's worst nightmare and we have pictures to prove it did happen.

Oh Mellie, say it isn't so....

Oh but it is true....

Here is a direct quote from Wilson - "God that is awful, why do women do that to each other?" "I do not even notice her hooters with that ridiculous thing on her head!" and for Wilson to not notice a fine pair of hooters is saying a lot!!! (Editor's note: Mellie, this is a compliment as Wilson apparently thinks that you have a good set of knockers!)

But here is our beloved Mellie sans Bow Hat

Thank God she is back to normal...

Mellie, we love you but we NEVER want to see you with a bow hat on your head again!!! And for the record, since ReRe and I were not there, you cannot make us do this when we get married.

Love you bunches Mellie bow hat or not (preferably no bow hat),

Kisses,

DiDi

DEPENDS, SUSHI, PARTY, TIFFANY & Co., FAMILY, FRIENDS, TIFFANY & Co., SURPRISE GUESTS AND DID I MENTION TIFFANY & Co.!!

The day started like any other - wait no it did not as I turned 40. I will wait while you all gasp in horror and scrape your jaws off the floor. I know, how can such an immature woman actually turn 40. It boggles my mind let me tell you. However, Wilson started my birthday off by accidentally waking up at 12:30 am, rolled over and check his clock and then rolling back and wishing me a happy birthday. So schmoopy but I loved it!

I arrive for work early as I knew with the hordes descending later that I would need to get much work done and Whoops! I surprised the young Janelle decorating my cube. It was a tacky delight of all things that would scream 40 to everyone around. I have a hanging 40 chandelier, streamers, you name it, I had it. They even got me a pointy 'Over the Hill' hat and made me wear it to go and get water. ReRe thinks that I will forget all of this by her birthday next year - but I will not let me tell you!!!! I feel a billboard ad coming on... Then we have our team meeting and I walk in to a veritable smorgasbord of old age gifts. Depends adult diapers, a Hot Flash fan and a pillow that reads 'Put on your big girl panties and deal with it'. ReRe, Janelle and Liz all giggled themselves silly at their funny-ness.

They think they are so funny!

Then we all went to lunch at the lovely Gonoe and ate ourselves silly on excellent sushi. There was even a guest star appearance from Ashley. He took time away from diamonds to come and wish me happy birthday. Much hilarity ensued especially when Sonya (who hates fish - especially raw fish) tried to eat an avocado roll. I thought she was totally going to hurl on the table - but she managed to spit it into a napkin before we all were totally grossed out. All in all, much hilarity and fun over lunch.

And then, home I go to a housefull of family. My parents and sister and Wilson's parents had descended upon our abode. Our house had family hanging from the rafters and Maggie was very glad to see her grandparents. Hugs and kisses for everyone - especially Wilson who entertained everyone while I got stuck at the office. My mom, sister and I walk Maggie and get caught up on family gossip and all that is juicy. We arrive back at Party Central and Wilson has dinner prepared and we sit down to eat. It is lovely and then we look at the clock and realized - Holy Crap, people will arrive soon and we need to change and get food out and ready. People are changing, clothes are flying, make-up is being applied, food is being put out and the doorbell begins ringing. Guests start arriving and the socializing begins. So many lovely friends and so little time to talk to any of them. For some reason, most of my friends brought wine as a birthday gift. How did they ever know what to get me??? My parents were in the living room and my dad acted as the party greeter. Ding-dong goes the door and my dad stands up and in his deep voice says "Hello, I'm Diane's dad and this is her mom and sister". He is just so damn cute! Our basement fills up with people, the outside fills up with people, the dining room fills up with people - there is a lot of people in our house. IT.IS.AWESOME!!! Wilson has truly outdone himself with the party arrangements. There would have been more pictures but I never picked up my camera.

My sorority sisters arrive - first ReRe comes in looking all pretty and Mellie follows not to long behind. Mellie arrives with the Sorority gift which totally leaves me speechless. Actually more like gobsmacked (I do love that word!). It came in my very favourite store bag - Tiffany & Co. - in a beautiful blue Tiffany box tied with the white bow. Frankly if the box was empty, I did not care, just that they brought me a little blue box tied with the white bow was divine. But empty the box was not - it contained the prettiest silver ring a girl ever did see. Hugs for everyone after that and I was well and truly gobsmacked! I know that I was totally obnoxious showing off my ring like a crazy woman! But seriously - it is Tiffany & Co. people, if that alone does not merit a little (or a lot) showing off, nothing does. I know that Mellie no longer feels the need to show off her T & Co. as she has so much of it - but ReRe and I are not as lucky!

Isn't it just the prettiest thing ever! Everything looks better in a pretty, blue box!

Friday dawns and Wilson and I take his parents to their favourite stores - that would be boating stores like West Marine and The Dock Shoppe. Truth be told, they are Wilson's favourite stores as well. Mine favourite stores involve purses and shoes not props and fenders. However, they are from a small town and do not have ready access to these kinds of stores and are very happy to be able to look at all the stuff. West Marine to Wilson's dad is like Holt Renfrew to me. We make our way to Summer Breeze and head out for an afternoon of being on the water. We boat all around the city, Ontario Place, the lagoons around Centre Island and then make our way back to the marina. By this time, I really need a nap as I have a monster headache and want to go home. It is late in the afternoon and we will probably hit rush hour traffic - I am not feeling all that happy and shiny. My contacts feel like cement in my eyes and I really need to lay down. Remarkably, we get home in record time and I head for bed. Wilson and Maggie head out for a constitutional and his parents are relaxing in the den. I can't seem to fall asleep so take myself into the shower thinking to myself that that will make me feel better. That and removing my contacts and putting on my pretty Chanel glasses. I feel much better after that and head into the kitchen to make pre-dinner cocktails - a round of Caesars for everyone.

Am just finishing the Caesars when the doorbell rings and Wilson's mom says "Diane, I think you better get that". The voice inside my head says - "Geez Pam, is your leg broken why don't you get the door" but somehow I manage to keep that in my head. I make my way to the door and open it to find my best friend Kacy standing there. I scream hug her and begin to cry like and idiot. Again, I am totally gobsmacked. Wilson has managed to surprise me again and he and Kacy have been plotting for weeks. I truly am so gobsmacked!!!

If you could see my face - you would know what gobsmacked looks like!

Wilson is making dinner and what a job he does - everyone eats, drinks and makes merry! Much wine is consumed and the most memorable moment for me is when Ed says to Pam - "So Pam, I guess the hip operation put the kibosh on your sex life?" And Pam answers with a "Yes, it did. In fact, it made it boring". This is something I never wanted to ever have a visual on - EVER!

At some point in the evening, my beloved friend Kacy tells me she is really drunk (this is very obvious to all) and I take her to bed. Then she says to me to go and get my pyjamas on and come to bed with her. I do this and quickly fall asleep (with my glasses on) and am in a coma. Apparently I was also really drunk. Ed comes down an hour later and finds us both in bed - he is trying to figure out how he can get in the middle but then realizes that he just wants to lie down. Small problem - he can't get me to wake up. Finally I stir and he kicks me out of bed to go and sleep with Wilson.

The next morning dawns and Wayne and Pam leave early to go and visit Wilson's nana in Brockville. I make a kick ass breakfast and then off to the boat we go. We have the best day on the water. It is so come and pretty out that we all decide that we never want to go home. Since Kacy and Ed do have to leave us at some point, we relish the fact that we get to spend 7 days together on a lovely catamaran in St. Maarten together. See how happy Kacy and Ed are on Summer Breeze.

See how happy!

We meet up with our friends Terry and Lori on their boat Manhattan and spend the afternoon together - pretty much drinking. We go home and continue drinking - with dinner, after dinner, after everything. We drink 2 bottles of champagne, 5 bottles of wine and then Wilson decides to mix up a batch of chocolate martinis. Hello Mr. Hangover - always good to see you invite yourself into my house.

Needless to say, it is not pretty the next morning. All but Wilson are hungover and DiDi is REALLY hungover. As we drive Kacy and Ed to the airport, I really just want to lay down and die. Kacy and Ed feel the same and they have to get on a plane. They win the "who is the most hungover" contest as they flying with a hangover and that is pure hell! We drop them off - hugs and kisses all around - and I get my hung over self back in the car with Wilson. We head to the boat where I have a nap. It was the best damn nap I have ever had. I wake up and no longer feel like I am going to hurl my stomach up through my ears and quickly scarf down some cheese puffs (Shut up, they are so nutritious, they are sticks of puffy cheese). I move my tired and hung over ass out to the dock and I was poured a drink. Our dock neighbours, Captain Kevin and Stinky, are very mean people. However, they give me a birthday present so they are not so bad. I nurse my rye and ginger - which at that moment became like chicken soup to me - until I realize that I must go to bed. I realized this at 7:00 p.m. but did not want to be mocked for crapping out that early. I made it until 9:00 p.m. and then took my tired, hungover self to bed. Wilson made it to bed at some point but have no idea what time. Frankly he could have brought a marching band to bed and I wouldn't have known.

Monday dawned and it was a bee-you-tif-full day as I was no longer hungover. I could look at the sun and bend over and touch my toes without the top of my head coming off. It was good to be me. Maggie and I had a long walk while Wilson slept and then we came back to the boat and I finished an amazing book - The Kite Runner. Outstanding, fantastic and amazingly well written. I recommend it to everyone who reads this blog (Mellie).

It was an absolute blast to turn 40 and I recommend it to everyone. Wilson did such a good job that I want to turn 40 every year. Baby - you are one amazing man. Not only did you manage to surprise me - which I always thought was pretty hard to do - you made turning 40 an absolute blast. Thank God that I have 4 years to figure out what to do with your 40th.

All Sorority men (Jewemy & iPod man) take notice - Wilson has set the bar pretty high for how a 40th should be celebrated. Take notes and throw your women the best damn time EVER!

Kisses to all - these are now official cougar kisses!

DiDi

I HAVE THE BEST BOYFRIEND EVER!

My 40th is around the corner and I can't believe that I am that old - seriously ask my friends how immature I am and you won't believe it either. As the oldest member of The Sorority, I have to blaze the path into the 4th decade alone. ReRe doesn't get there for another year and Mellie - it seems that she will never get there (damn her and her youngness).

However, I have been saying to Wilson for months and months regarding my 40th - "I want Hoop and La mister - Hoop and La - not just hoopla - HOOP and LA!!!!" My theory is - if you are going to hit 40 anyway, you might as well do it with people you love around you and lots of alcohol and snacks. Anyway, Wilson listened and is going to great expense to give me Hoop and La for my birthday. On the actual day of my birth, friends and family will congregate at our house for drinks and snacks and to make fun of me for being old (I prefer the term experienced). I do not know who has RSVPd which is a lot of fun - but I know that I will like everyone in the room. Wilson's parents are making the 4 hour journey, mine and my sister are making the 3 hour journey and so many friends from within the city. Lots of love, laughter, food and drink - which is exactly how I love to live my life. In fact, it is how all of us in The Sorority live our lives - especially the drink part!

I had no gift expectations as Wilson is spending a pantsload of money on this soiree but a present I did get! It is a doozy of a gift let me tell you! My Wilson has chartered a 50' catamaran to take both of us and our dear friends Kacy and Ed around St. Maarten and the surrouding isles. We have our own captain and a cook and we can help sail if we want - or not! I think I may opt for the not part but who knows. We arrive on a Friday in December, stay one night in a hotel and on Saturday - the 4 of us depart. We come back 1 week later, relaxed, tanned and happy and depart for home on Sunday. Now is that a gift or what!!! Just 9 days in the sun, on a boat and with my best friend (who lives far away and we don't get to see very often). I know that you all want a Wilson for yourselves - but you can't have him - he is mine. There has been, apparently much too and fro-ing with dear friends that involved copious discussion on party date, gift and a myriad of other details. What a man he is and he is all mine! Baby - just in case I forgot to tell you - I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! Not because of the gift or the party - but that you show me you love me in so many ways. You are a wonderful man and I am so happy to share my life with you.

I am a very lucky woman let me tell you. Not only do I have the best Wilson in the world but the best girlfriends EVER!!!! These women are not only beautiful and smart but true, blue friends that you can count on through anything. I am honoured that they chose me to include in their lives and call me friend. I wish for all women to have friends like mine in your lives - if you do you are truly lucky. I know that I am!

DiDi

AND ANOTHER SUMMER WEEK HAS COME AND GONE...

Well, a very long week has come and gone then a very lovely weekend aboard Summer Breeze! The week was especially torturous as ReRe left me for a week so that she could take a vacation. Why she felt that a vacation, to spend time with her children would be so important and good for her, was something she had to do is beyond me. She left me all alone at work, no one to play with or anything. Never fear, I will get her back at the end of August when I leave for 2 weeks of vacation - 2 weeks in a row!

After a stupidly crazy week of crap and bullshit, Wilson and I met at the marina. Wilson walked Maggie and I went to the grocery store to get us some dinner. Once back, cocktail hour began. See the picture below to see how happy Wilson was that we had begun drinking!

I was just as happy but our neighbour Kevin did not take a picture of me with my large cocktail! I was very, very happy to have a rye and ginger or many glasses of wine in my hand.
Saturday dawned and Mags and I had a lovely morning walk together after which we went back to bed. I have to say, I love a good nap - whether it is first thing in the morning or in the afternoon. On Saturday, I had both - it was truly decadent.

As you can see from this picture, Maggie totally supports her mom's view of napping! Frankly all this is a reason to show off a really cute picture of her.

Saturday night was a classic drunken DiDi evening. It begain with copious amounts of drinking - that started around mid-afternoon. We continued drinking cocktail and then moved to wine with dinner. While enjoying a lovely, I bit my own finger - so hard that it left a mark on the fingernail and was subsequently mocked by all. Then I proceeded to keep drinking after dinner and at some time that evening managed to drop my shoe into the marina. I did fish it out and then tried to snuggle into a camping chair - under the guise of being more comfortable but really I wanted to sleep. It was at that point that I realized that I was well and truly drunk and it was time to go to bed. I know it sounds like I have finally learned my limits - and perhaps I have in some way. But truly, when you try to snuggle down and have a nap in a camping chair - while still fully clothed and have one wet shoe - it does register with your drunk brain that it is time to go to bed. Somehow I made it through these 2 days of drinking without a hangover. I am not sure what I did that made this happen but when I find out - I will be repeating this over and over and over.

Sunday involved more sleeping and relaxing and then our weekend came to an end with take-out and movies. We finally saw Syriana as well as Matador. Still don't understand Syriana and am really glad that I closed my eyes and plugged my ears during the George Clooney torture scene. All Sunday ever makes me wish for is more weekend or a very large lottery win so that everyday is Saturday. Mental note - must go to buy large amounts of lottery tickets.

Here is to having ReRe back at work on Monday and another weekend very soon!

DiDi

GNO FROM GONOE (A.K.A. THE BEST SUSHI EVER)

As promised, the GNO outing happened today. Much hilarity ensued as it always does when we 3 gather. As DiDi sent out the meeting maker for the day, ReRe was in charge of minutes (truthfully, she does do the best at it - Mellie is never allowed as she will never do them). ReRe was challenged as she/we experienced car difficulties, but Sorority Sister that she is, she did these on her Blackberry while waiting for VW Roadside Assistance.

Minutes
Note: minutes written from the Gonoe parking lot where I still sit at 3:18 waiting for a tow truck as my stupid car has decided it is perfectly happy in park and is no longer willing to even consider another gear such as reverse or drive. So, in the interest of making good use of this time...

• DiDi and ReRe extremely tardy (due to very large accident that caused us to rubberneck like never before), leaving little blonde girl to order unlikely quantities of food;
• DiDi and Mellie to have Blackberries confiscated prior to future GNOs due to insufferably poor cell phone ettiquette
• Mellie thoroughly pleased with Tripod photos - see good photos of Stumpy below

• ReRe unable to appreciate Stumpy's sex appeal;
• ReRe somewhat concerned that Mellie and DiDi are oddly attracted to the Floopala
• Jewemy slightly wounded by others' less demeaning terms of endearment but still happily answers to Poopalla and Jalalloo (sp?)
• ReRe and DiDi not permitted to call Thurston and Lovie by their new names, nor to refer to any members of the Jewemy's family as Kennedys at Wedding Extravaganza brunch on Sunday
• All in agreement iPod man is lamé; ReRe much appreciative of sorority therapy but still considers her life a disaster
• Decision re breakup vs. anniversary celebration still TBD
• Mellie successfully persuaded The Jew to honeymoon in Italy;
• Mellie in serious danger of accidentally falling into an Armani suit;
• Mellie now accepting cash donations for wedding
• iPod man unable to contribute more than $1.95 as monthly entertainment budget already used up at Burger King
• ReRe and Jewemy in agreement on spending philosophy; buy now, earn (hopefully) later
• Mellie in full pre-wedding workout frenzy;
• lipo out of the question due to unsightly arm girdles;
• wedding guests unlikely to follow direction to avert eyes;
• arm flattering chicken-like elbows-out stance preferred
• DiDi considering new dress or Exlax-Metamucil combo plan to fit into lovely but small Carriere;
• strange rustling sounds on dance floor will be due to DiDi's Depends
  Mellie wearing white but DiDi true to form with severe soy spillage; three Tide-to-go sticks on hand but still a shmutzy shiksa
• DiDi and ReRe disappointed in not seeing Mellie's 5-year-old barrette-pigtail hairdo; will forward drawing later
• Mellie unable to return to work due to distance from car to entrance;
• unsure if "but I flat-ironed today" considered suitable excuse for illegal parking
• ReRe STILL in Gonoe parking lot at 3:48 Must go yell at someone.
• Next GNO - location: Cozy Nails. Date: TBD

ReRe car update - 4:14 p.m., still stuck in Gonoe parking lot as tow truck arrived but cannot budge ReRe's car due to location of restaurant. ReRe is now going to live at Gonoe, can eat lovely food, get a drink although the booths would not be comfortable sleeping quarters.

Email funny lines while ReRe waits for tow trucks

• Pretty sure I just watched my tow truck drive right past me. I may be here for days. Someone please send wine
• Is it bad to have sushi for lunch AND dinner? What about breakfast?
• Also REALLY have to pee but don't want to risk missing the damn tow truck. DiDi - wish you could have left me some of your Depends
• I think I am small enough to fit in one of the industrial sized sinks to bathe - don't you think DiDi?

God my friends are funny! They are even better in real life!

AND YET ANOTHER WEEKEND HAS COME TO AN END...

After a non eventful week, filled with work and wine, we find ourselves at the boat for another lovely weekend of relaxing and more wine. We were social butterflies this weekend as we have guests each day of the weekend. David and Michelle on Friday, Dr. Josie and Monte on Saturday and Eddie on Sunday.

Didi was a student at Wilson's School of Boating this weekend as I learned how we wash the exterior of the boat and I practiced docking the boat - both backing in and going in bow first. The goal is to be comfortable enough that by the end of the summer, I can dock the boat without Wilson calling out instructions to me and me being a nervous Nellie. I will never be the boat expert that Wilson is but I will be competent. I have to say that Wilson is a very good teacher. He is very patient with me and never gets anxious (that I can tell) which is very good with me as his freaky student. This is just one of the reasons why I love him.

Here is a picture of Summer Breeze at sunset. It was taken by our friend Kev who is a dock neighbour. You can see why we love to spend time on it - it is just so damn nice to be on the water. Also - here is a picture of Wilson and I - I would like to say all shiny and happy but we are just windblown (and yes, happy). The amount of freckles that are now on my face is very disconcerting. Also, here is Wilson and Maggie on the dock - papa and puppy all snuggled together in the sunshine. Shiny, happy marina love!

Sorority Update
ReRe is in upstate New York this weekend visiting family. We carefully perused the Chanel and Hermes sites before she left just in case there might be a whirlwind visit to Canal street. Alas no shopping trip happended but no worries, fake purses are going no where thank heaven, so we live to shop another day. However we are now have indepth knowledge of the recent Chanel line and there are many items we will immediatly purchase when we win the lottery (especially the white clutch with the interlocking Chanel C's as the clast). We were meant to own Chanel!!!

ReRe, have a good visit and come back soon. Work is dull as dishwater with out you (even though you are a workaholic now).

Mellie - chatted on Monday and Mellie has called for an ESR (Emergency Sorority Rescue). ReRe, DiDi, Miss Mew and significant others have been asked to attend a wedding brunch for Mellie and Jewemy in swishy Rosedale. Wilson is giving up precious time on the boat to go with me to the party. Thank heavens - although it will allow us to meet some of Mellie and Jewemy's family before their nuptials. When a Sorority sister calls and requests and emergency assistance all other sorority sisters come to their aid. See you on Sunday Mellie - you can say hello with a lovely mimosa.

Ciao for now and there is a sorority lunch scheduled for this week. I will make ReRe do her funny minutes and there will be a post from the lunch.

Kisses,

DiDi

HAPPY CANADA DAY PEOPLE (I know I am late but the sentiment is real)!

At long last a long weekend. Doesn't it just feel good to say the words long weekend - say it with me know - LOOOOONNNNGGG WEEEEEKKKEENNNDDD!!!! For me it was 4 days of total relaxation.

June 29, 2006
I woke up a with a titch of a hangover as we killed 2 bottles of wine the night before. I was on vacation but Wilson was not so I was celebrating. He had a breakfast meeting and then I was to drive him to work so that we would not have both cars at the marina. Needless to say, I quickly adapted to the day off - pretty much since the minute I hauled my tired ass out of bed and quickly moved to the couch to watch Good Morning America (I grew up near the Detroit border and have watched it since the David Hartmann/Joan Lunden days). Prince was on that morning - shout out to Patterson as she loves Prince more than anything (even her boyfriend).

Sidebar story - 3 years ago or so, Terri buys herself a ticket to Prince (this was in his jazz/blues, I don't want to play my previous hits phase) and takes herself on a date to see him. The seat was on the aisle on the floor and he walked throught the audience at one point and touched her arm. Please know that at the time she was wearing her Purple Rain shirt from high school. At that moment, as the man in purple wearing his mom's high heeled shoes touched her arm, I do believe she had an orgasm. When she came back to my place and recounted the story (this through a herb induced haze) and while watching copious amounts of Sex and the City, I think she had another orgasm.

So he played his new song - 'Get on the Boat' which I quickly downloaded from Limewire as I thought it was appropriate for the weekend. I then realized I had to get off my lazy ass and get dressed and get stuff packed for the boat and our weekend. At this point, my brain is mush and I forgot to pack so much stuff - like the food in the fridge for the boat.

I go shopping and run an errand (it was too an errand, I did not arbitrarily go shopping and leave Maggie in the car on a hot day). Traffic is terrible and by the time I am going downtown, it is much later than I thought it would be. In fact, it is so late that really I should have bought the food and be on the boat right now but I am all - la-di-da relaxed and singing in the car. Wilson calls and says that he is almost ready to be picked up and where am I. OOOPS - so much for being Miss Organized and on Ball. We go and get get groceries (at this point he is not all that thrilled with me and is good mood buzz kill) and my good mood kind of starts to go away. Our friend TV is launching his brand new 40' sailboat - called Manhattan - and Wilson really wants to see it in the water. We haul ass and get to the boat, rip Maggie off of her usual lengthy walk and sniff the entire marina and get the boat out and go.

We find Manhattan all her crew on the backside of Centre Island and this is where the story gets interesting. Wilson, sees them and speeds up - no problem. I am thinking, are we coming up on the starboard (right) side (like my use of the nautical term???) but no. He decides to hot dog it and turns the boat at the last minute to come up on the port (left) side. What was DiDi doing at this moment do you think - getting her cameral line up to take shot of Manhattan. What happens to DiDi when Wilson cranks the boat...she goes flying and slams (that's right people - I slammed) into the side of the boat. I have a large purple bruise on my ass to prove it. I think that Wilson was still pissed at my pokeyness earlier in the day and got me back but good. Needless to say - I was not amused. The boys on Manhattan loved the hot dog move - DiDi not so much.

I take a pile of pictures of the boat - here are some of the best ones...




Anyhoo, we follow along as TV makes his way to his slip at the RCYC (for those of you not in the know - Royal Canadian Yacht Club). Snob and sail central. They dock the boat and all get off and get her secured. At this time, Wilson, Maggie and I are blowing do-nuts outside the RCYC harbour waiting for the sign that they are ready for us and are going to show us where to dock Summer Breeze (Wilson's boat). We are patiently blowing do-nuts when a very large sailboat asks us to wait around as their engine is dead and they can't get their anchor up. The RCYC is sending our their Zodiac to help tow them in but just in case the Zodiac wasn't enough, could we wait and help. Sure we say as you always help a boater in need and so we do. We wait and watch the Zodiac can't move the sailboat as the anchor is stuck in too much kelp/seaweed/gunky stuff (at this point Wilson tells me that the anchor Bruce Plow type of anchor that is made to dig into kelp/seaweed/gunky stuff. Not that any of you needed to know this but it was Wilson's addition to the story. So in we come to help and they toss us the line from their boat. Let me segue for a moment and tell you that as we approached RCYC, I went below in our boat and on make-up, change my shirt (lovely white shirt) and otherwise make myself much prettier than before as we are going to a swishy private club. The rope that they throw me is older boat rope and not only that it has been in the smelly water for quite some time. The sailboat throws me the rope and, yup you guessed it, it hits me square in the chest of my lovely white shirt. Dirt is all over my shirt, white capris and my face. Wilson is giving me instructions and I am listening and trying to feed the line out so that we can tie them to our boat and then tow them in. Wilson is slowly trolling out so that we can extend the rope and the the sailboat shifted and moved really fast one way while we wre going the other. The next thing I know is that my left arm is being slammed against the back seat as I try to hold on to the rope and if I hadn't had my leg braced against the side of the boat I would have been pulled out the back of the boat. That would not have been good. I haul some rope back and tie it off and then we slowly and carefully manage to tow the sailboat back to their slip at RCYC. They are very thankful and then TV shows us where we are to park Summer Breeze.

We pull the boat up to the spot where we are to park the boat and get ready to tie it off. All hands are helping us and it is quick and easy. At this point, Maggie needs to have pee BUT we are told by our friend Mel (a long time member of RCYC) that dogs are not allowed on the island. At this point, you can imagine my reaction -- we have just towed a members boat in and out sweet and beloved fur-child needs to pee and she can't cuz of the pretenious club people (can you tell that I am not really a private club person). Mel says that we need to carry her off the dock (yup - carry our girl off the dock) and then walk her on the outer grounds and I know that she is hoping that no one will see us. My cynicsm and "I can't believe that you are serious about this attitude" is coming through in every pore of my body but this is what we have to do, so I do it. Wilson gets the boat secured and I take care of Maggie. She is thrilled by the new ground to sniff and all is good in her world. Wilson come to find me and we walk back to Summer Breeze and some member from her sailboat calls out to us that 'dogs are not allowed on the island'. Wilson takes this one as I think that he saw my 'seriously people' attitude and answered for the 3 of us by explaining that we just towed a members boat in and blah blah blah. We carry Maggie back to the boat, get her settled and then proceed over to Manhattan to see what see looks like and toasther maiden voyage.

We are on the boat long enough to get a glass of champagne each and for DiDi to have a piece of bread with cheese when our friend Shave says "Hey isn't that Maggie in the water over there?" At this point, everything goes into slow motion for me. I turn, see my baby in the water and panic. I turn, get off TV's boat as fast as I can and start running (in my ungainly, klutzy way) down the dock to get to my baby as fast as possible. Wilson is right behind me but has taken a moment to relieve himself of wallet, BlackBerry and keys as he believes that I am going to jump in the water after my baby. He is very smart because that is what I was thinking I would have to do. I get to our boat and jump aboard and Maggie gets closer to me and I grab her harnass to haul her out of the water. At this point, Wilson is right behind me on the boat and I am holding my sweet puppy for all that I am worth. She is freaking out and so am I - but we are both calming down sitting there together. After a few minutes, we move her into the boat and dry her off. At this point, I say to Wilson that he can go back to Manhattan but I am not leaving her. Wilson goes back to the boat to collect his wallet, BlackBerry and keys, finishes his beer, says goodbye to all and sundry and makes his way back to Summer Breeze.

We leave RCYC and head back to the calm and un-snobby atmosphere of our marina to make dinner, dry off and relax. Maggie is much calmer and so is her mom. We have a great dinner, a nice bottle of wine and laugh at the beginning of our long weekend. At this point, anything else would be anti-climatic. We spend Saturday at the boat and when I get up, I realize that I have a bruise on my left arm the size of Manhattan and it is swollen as well. After discussing what I did and how I could have done this to my arm, we piece it together that this mammoth bruise is from my arm slamming against the back seat of our boat before I could tie it off. Owie, owie and owie. It hurts a lot let me tell you. We spend Saturday night and some of Sunday at the boat. We leave mid-afternoon on Sunday to come home, water the garden, walk Maggie and get ready to go to Eggsy's house for dinner with him, his girlfriend The Young'n and the rest of Wilson's university friends and their wives. We sleep at home Sunday evening, in air conditioned comfort and then head to the boat for the last day of our weekend.

Monday arrives hot and wonderful. We spend the day on the boat in the sunshine and wind and have a great day together. We leave the marina and come home, relaxed, tanned and happy. There is nothing better than a long weekend!!! I hope that you all had a weekend like we did - a bit of excitement but overall very relaxing and happy.

Happy Canada Day to all and to all a good night!

DiDi