1999 Sharon & Tony

I think maybe some of you may be interested in your Dad's (Brother's, Uncle's) life in the United States since Tony came over here. So....we'll begin with April 24, 1999...our wedding. Pictures show Tony carrying the sign to point people in the right direction.









We were married by a preacher in the Grange (a farmer/rancher building that is used for meetings and gatherings). The next picture shows a bit of the landscape around Pullman and the Grange as well as Tony & Sharon prior to the wedding. Our "wedding coordinator" a friend of Sharon's persuaded us to help strip and totally repaint the whole inside of the Grange just before the wedding. In return, she took care of all decorations and food for the wedding and the reception. There were about 75 people at our wedding. One end of the Grange was for the ceremony and the other end for the reception.


This picture is of Tony & Sharon cutting the wedding cake with granddaughter Cally looking on. Cake was made by Sharon's sister-in-law, Judi from Seattle.










And then a picture of Tony speaking to Sharon's Dad, Ken, after the wedding. Not sure you have heard the story about Tony going to Ken and asking for Sharon's hand in marriage. Sharon wasn't there, but the story goes that after Tony nervously asked, there was a pause, and then Ken said "She can't cook, you know". :-) Now if you were planning a trip to visit, and you are getting worried about where your meals will be coming from because I'm sure you know Tony is not a real whiz in the kitchen....what Ken really meant to say is that "she doesn't like to cook". However, Sharon thrives on organization when company comes - and cooking is part of that organization....so no need to worry...you'll be fed when you visit.

After getting married, we took a trip to UK for three months. During that three months, we spent a short time with Neil in London, Jonathan & Rachel in Barcelona, and Terry & Jacqueline. We took a honeymoon to France, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, and Spain. Pictures are of Sharon and Jonathan in Jonathan & Rachel's apartment in Barcelona, Sharon sitting on Jonathan's furniture - first the "sofa", and then the chair. Believe the chair was in a store where some of Jonathan's furniture was being displayed.









The next picture is of Sharon in Barcelona walking down the LaRambla - which was within walking distance of Jonathan & Rachael's apartment. As you can tell Tony was the picture taker on most of this trip. :-)

The next pictures are of Tony; and Terry, Jacqueline & Tony in the middle of a crop circle in UK. They indulged Sharon (probably because she was new to the family) by going to the crop circle because she had never seen such a thing. :-)

Next pictures are of Sharon & Tony looking at the interesting sofa and table & chairs - possibly in London when we were with Neil....which reminded me of our latest trip to London when Neil & Becky took us around the South Bank and we saw huge pieces of furniture being displayed!

After returning, we stopped off in Seattle for a niece's college graduation, and then rushed home to finish preparations for Sharon's Dad's 90th birthday party for over 30 people at the condo recreation room where we were living at the time in Pullman WA. Picture is of Tony playing Twister at the condo recreation room - Sharon put this one in for Jonathan & Neil - just so you know how Sharon has corrupted your proper British Dad.

Our next adventure was in September - a trip to Sedona AZ to see Terry & Jacqueline on their honeymoon. Not many brothers would invite.... or... accept this kind of invitation!! But...we all had a great time. Sharon & Tony riding horses on a trail ride - horses that only went straight to the BBQ - and no other way.

Other pictures are Terry, Tony & Sharon; Terry, Jacqueline & Sharon; and all four of us at various places in Arizona.

November brought a 50th anniversary party for friends in Spokane WA, and a trip to brother Dick & Cindy's home in Riverton WY for Thanksgiving. Tony is shown with Sharon's sister-in-law Kathie carving the turkey for the dinner.

Of course, in between all of this Sharon was still working at Washington State University in Pullman and Tony had landed a job as a hydraulics consultant in between driving farm trucks during harvest.

Now...in case all or any of you were wondering why I (Sharon) have time to do these blogs....like maybe I don't have a life....well, the answer is that all of you are participating in my therapy....therapy that keeps my fingers moving on the keyboard, therapy that keeps me scanning pictures...therapy that keeps the brain active....all therapy that keeps me from smoking. October 21st was the "Quit Smoking" day for me...and because you all have indulged me with this blog....which encourages me to write more blogs, the "quit smoking" is working. Thank you all.

And...I hope you look forward to more episodes in the USA lifestyle, as we look forward to seeing more from all of you!

The latest thing received this morning from Jonathan was this site http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y--bq_eJzT4

Tony had to explain to Sharon about "Adam and the Ants" and Jonathan's "former?" obsession with them. Very cute video. Thanks.