I am so appreciative when I get emails regarding our website and its contents. The tradition of writing these monthly columns is part of my routine and I look so forward to the subjects and the creative time I spend with each of you. I have learned a bit about myself as this process has grown through the years and although I haven’t thought much about book material, I sometimes think that these stories and the recipes that correspond could be good reading…there I go with another idea!

I was privileged last month to witness the marriage of my niece Katy to her new husband, Dan Mallory as they celebrated their union at the Wolf Mountain Vineyard in Dahlonega, GA. The first signs of fall and the gathering of family and friends made for the perfect weekend. This was one of those times when I just didn’t want it to end as we all enjoyed visiting and watching this lovely new couple begin their lives together. I just had to share these wonderful photographs of Katy and Dan I hope it’s alright with you if I say that she is just beautiful! www.cariadphotography.com (password is Mallory) This is truly one of the most beautiful bridal photos I have ever seen. It really says a lot about how magical the entire weekend was and I am so proud of what this exceptional young woman has achieved in her life.

I remember how lean and long she was at birth. I remember that she used to do what we referred to as “corner of the eye” and look at me sideways and smile. I remember that she loved to visit Aunt V in the summer and I remember visiting her in the upper peninsula of Michigan when she was just a little girl and how I cried when I flew back to Georgia because I didn’t know when I would see her again. Her Mom is my younger sister and while we have never lived very close to each other as “parents” we have shared a great deal of ups and downs to parenthood via long phone calls. I never was much help when it came to girls since I’m the mother of two sons, but I can say that the oldest of six children, Katy, has always been a sweet and loving child. As she dressed for her wedding day, I stood back as though I watched a butterfly come out of the cocoon. I know her Mom was mustering up all of her strength to hold it together as this beautiful woman, who just a few short years prior was crying when she fell off her bike, was about to marry the man of her dreams (and he is CERTAINLY that!) Katy has matured into such a fine person and the girls that stood with her on her wedding day and the brothers and sisters that wrapped their arms around her left words not necessary for the love that radiated for Katy that day. It’s just one of those times in your life that seems to be in real time and in past time all at once. If you’ve married a daughter or son, then you know what I mean.

Katy chose my favorite time of year for a wedding. The colors, the temperatures and the food choices for fall are at their best and all of these elements were in full swing on October 4th. I hope you will visit the website above and look at the beauty of that day as it was amazing. I look forward now to enjoying our next family gathering for Thanksgiving as we hope to celebrate from our home in Beaufort, SC. There will be all of the traditional favorites and might I suggest if you “don’t want to be bothered this year” to check out the “Everything but the Turkey” package on our website. Our new holiday catalog is in the mail as I speak so check it out. If you need a copy, give us a call or fill out our Catalog Request Form online. Enjoy your family this month and start counting those shopping days ‘til Christmas. Just call us…we’ll make it easy for you!

Fondly,

Vera

(11.2008)