Catherine and Johns Saga, Ch - 31, Wedding Rehearsal

The flower garden is in full bloom. There were Roses, Marigolds, and impatiens and many foliage plants. In the west center of the garden is the statue of Virgin Mary. On the eastern center is a beautiful cross. I will walk up the aisle from the south.

O Riley was the name of the priest that was marrying them. Catherine thinks to herself. I’ve come a long ways. I’m brought up German Lutheran and I’m being married by a catholic priest. My minister from the German Lutheran church will be giving me the hall of the ceremony.

John’s heritage was Italian. The people from Italy knew how to put on a wedding. Everyone was related to someone. The whole town would be invited to the wedding. The women in the family spent days making food, for the wedding dinner. The priest would come and stay overnight at the bride’s family. If they didn’t have room he stayed with the groom’s family. The wine was brought from the local winery. The bride wore the traditional white dress for purity. She had at least five attendants plus the flower girl. The bride’s family usually had three or four brothers. The oldest one would have to keep the younger ones in line. If they got into a fight or other misbehaving, the oldest had permission to discipline them. The boys knew they didn’t dare spoil their sister’s special day. Sometimes e brides brother didn’t think the groom was good enough for their sister. That was just enough of an excuse for the boys to fight with the groom’s family. This would sometimes spill over into the next day.

Catherine was German when you think of Germany you think of beer sausage and heavy dark bread. The people liked to celebrate anything to have a party. Their weddings are more somber. They have to go to the court house, and got married again in church, or the other way around. The men in their lederhosen and the ladies in the dwindle skirts. The bride all in white, and her attendants in colorful dresses. They would have an accordion player, drummer and horn player. They played old Scottish, waltz and polkas. The old traditions linger on. It’s nice to see that is has been kept up. When they had the wedding the bride would be kidnapped and taken to the local bar. The groom has to pay to get her back. He has no money so the groom would ask for a collection of money to get his bride back. The weddings are more family ornate. You would have grandparents and usually an uncle or aunt living with you.

I’m having a traditional wedding. I’m not having a candle lighter. No young children in our families. So I’m having Rita’s cat. She will be flower girl. She has long white fur and beautiful large green eyes. We will have a ring of flowers around her neck. She is about nine years old. She has mellowed out and things don’t bother her. We will put kitty treats down the main aisle. Rita is thrilled to have her “baby” in the wedding.

John’s having his dog as ring bearer. He has had Buster since he was a pup. John had many a day that Buster would ease his troubled mind. He would take off for the groove and spend an entire day with Buster. If you saw one of them you knew that one was close behind. Buster got bitten by a coyote. John’s father was outside to see what was going on and he had his rifle with him. The Coyote didn’t have rabies. Buster was scratched and bitten though. The doctor didn’t know if he could save him. John didn’t eat anything he was heartbroken. He didn’t want Buster to die. They had to have him locked up and away from the other animals. So John was still attached to Buster. He is starting to slow down. He is getting older. Fifteen years is a long time for a dog. With a line-up of that anything could happen.

John’s brother was going to be groom man. Catherine is having her sister as bride’s maid. Her friend Maryann would tell the guest the seating arraignment. East side is brides seating and west side was grooms. John has to talk to his brother again about paying too much attention to Rita. Brother is like that with every girl he likes.

Catherine and Rita are sitting outside on the swing, on the porch on the far.

“Tell me how and what are you doing now a day. We don’t seem to have time like we used to. Remember when we would sit up half the night talking about dating? I told you what to do and what not to do, told you about the birds and the bees. You said you wouldn’t do such things when you grew up. Well did my talk do any good?”

“I’m interested in sports than young men. I’m saving myself for a special man. What about you, you’re not wearing a white dress.” Rita said.

“I just like the cream color better. I’m saving myself for John.” Catherine said.

“I hope you are happy as I am.” Rita said.

“Do you remember our pastor telling us not to do sex before marriage?” Rita asked.

Catherine was baptized by Pastor Paul. They went to Sunday school and every summer we went to libel school and church camp every summer and I would get home sick. We got confirmed when we were thirteen years old, and now I’m getting married by a priest. I don’t know if I want to give up my religion. I’m 31 years old, still celibacy, and I never did any hanky panky.” Catherine said.

“I don’t believe a word of it.” Rita giggled.

“Oh shut up.” Catherine says.

Meanwhile John and Brother are out in the groove talking about themselves. Its such a nice evening. The full would be out tonight.

John and brother were quiet for some time. John was thinking of his life so far. How he had been baptized in the church, Father O’Riley was the priest at that time. He had been a alter boy at twelve years of age. He did that until he was confirmed. They had a youth group for younger members at the church. It was a socializing group. John had his eye on a pretty red headed freckled girl. Sometimes john got to stay in town after school. He would take the little red head to the movies. He had almost forgotten about her. He helped at all the church suppers and was ushering for a few years. Brother didn’t do any of the things John did. He was baptized and confirmed but was busy in sport in school. He was planning to take college classes this fall.

“Are you behaving yourself with the young girls?” John asked.

“Yes I don’t date them kind of girls.” Brother said.

“I like Rita. So that’s a good family, why not? We both like sports.”

“Keep it that way, now we better go for rehearsal. We don’t want to keep anyone waiting.” John said.

“I’ll marry Rita.” Brother said.

“Are you crazy? They would team up against us. Are you going to stay on the farm?” John asked.

“Yes I’m going to take care of mom and dad.” Brother said.

“She’s a city girl she wouldn’t want to be on the farm. You have to look for a farm girl.” Jon said.

“Are you going to introduce me to some girls?” Brother asked.

“Yes.” John said.

“Okay then I’ll leave Rita alone.” Brother said.

“Good, the girls are coming.” John said.

The girls were ready to go to rehearsal. Mom and dad would follow in their car. They were going to have a groom’s dinner after they finished rehearsal. Father O’Rily and Pastor Paul were already at the church. They were discussing Christianity.

“Oh Riley now a day’s young people have a concept of clarity. It’s different, he likes to help people. John is a social worker. My Catherine I suggested she become a physical therapist. Both of them are young and like to serve people.” Pastor Paul said.

“We each have a different interpretation of Christianity, but we are reaching for the same goal. We are interpreting the words of god in different ways. Do you see how happy Catherine is, she almost glows. I hear catholic and Lutheran leaders are planning to work together to unify churches.” O’Riley said.

“Our young people have put us together to assist us to know each other.” Pastor Paul said.

Everyone was in attendance at the rehearsal. Even Buster and Rita’s Cat. Catherine’s mom and dad were there and John’s parents also. They were visiting with each other. Everything went well at rehearsals even the animals did alright.

When they were done they all got in their cars and headed to the restaurant. Catherine’s parents would stay in town at a motel. John and brother would share a bedroom at the farm. Catherine and Rita would have a room to themselves. She was sonly wearing down, so she was going to have a short night out.

Most of the parents at the bridal party had shrimp or fish. It was a very nice dinner. They were all visiting with each other. It was as if they had known each other for years. They all left looking forward to tomorrow.

Catherine and Johns Saga, Ch - 30, Wedding Shopping

Catherine wasn’t ready to get out of bed yet. The alarm rang but she felt tired and lazy. She looked at the clock. It said 4:30. Today was the day to do wedding shopping. John wants to get on the road by 5:00 or after. She had taken her shower last night. All she had to do was wash her face, brush her teeth, and fix her hair. They would get some beverages and sweets on the way. She double checked the electric stove, it was on low. She turned it off.

John was getting ready also. He put some bottled juice and water in a cooler. A few power bars and grapes also went into the cooler.

Catherine would be here soon. John got his duffle bag from the bedroom and put it by the door. His door buzzer went off and he opened the door and it was Catherine. They kissed and hugged. They both smiled and said, “I love you.”

Catherine asks, “Is everything ready? I called Rita to tell her we are leaving. See you in two hours at the farm.”

John says, “I think so. Let me check the other rooms.” He had left the light on in the closet. He turned it off and came back to the living room. John says, “I’m going to drive my truck.”

Catherine says, “Good, it will be useful at the farm.”

They gather up everything and go out to the door. John locks the door and they head out the main door to the parking lot. John opens the doors on his truck. They put everything in the back of the cab.

Catherine asks if he has had any tea or coffee yet.

He says, “No, I thought we’d pick some up at the drive thru.”

Catherine says, “I want the largest one they have. I’ll also have an oatmeal raisin cookie. I dreamed of you and woke up late so I need a big coffee and I need the cookie for energy.”

The girl at the drive thru was very pleasant to them. John ordered, “Two large coffees black, one oatmeal raisin cookie, and I’ll have the large chocolate doughnut.” It came to $6.25 for everything. Catherine said, “Why are you getting a large coffee?”

He says, “I dreamed of you also. I need some sugar for my blood.”

They both hugged their coffee cups. They needed it badly. He got back 75¢ and he checked it to see if it was right. John figured out that they would drive the freeway. They would need to get there as early, as they had a lot to accomplish these two days.

Catherine didn’t talk. Looking out the window, she thought, I’m not saying anything until I have my cookie and coffee.

John was different. He was fine early in the morning. She needed more sleep than him. He turned on the radio to some light music. It looked like a nice fall day, chilly enough for a long sleeved shirt. The sun was coming up in a large red ball, a few fluffy clouds in the sky and the temperature was going to be 72°.

Catherine felt better after she drank all her coffee and ate her cookie. John hadn’t eaten his doughnut yet. Maybe he would share it with her.

John says, “No, I’m going to eat it now. You can have some juice or power bar.”

John let her have one bite.

She got out a bottle of juice and power bar. In another hour, they would be at the farm.

John says, “I called Jack so he could get up this morning.”

Catherine says, “I better give my sister Rita a call.”

Rita answered the cell phone. Yes, she was 10 miles away from the farm. So they should all get there about the same time.

John and Catherine got to the farm. Jack was up and at ’em. They decided to eat a small breakfast: cold cereal, yogurt, fresh fruit, toast, and coffee. Catherine helped Jack get the table set and put the food on it.

Rita came shortly after they got things on the table. Greetings were exchanged. They were all relaxed after eating. They rinsed the dirty dishes and put them in the dishwasher. John was going to do the driving to the city. Jack first tried to become romantic with Rita, but Rita didn’t respond. They thought they would try the mall first for dresses and suits. When they arrived at the mall, Catherine and Rita went to the bridal shop, hoping to find what they needed. Rita was upset about Jack flirting with her. “Don’t pay it any attention. They do used to do it all the time at college,” said Catherine. John and Jack went to the store for Tuxedos. They would all meet in two hours by the coffee shack.

Catherine and Rita went to the Bridal Shop and talked to a sales clerk. They told her what they were looking for: a short cream colored dress. The clerk says, “I’ll show you some in the back room.” Rita wants to know why they were in the back room. “It’s so no one can see them. They have to have large dressing rooms.” They had four that were suitable. They didn’t have any that were outstanding. She looked at some white ones also. There was one in cream color that had a lace bodice. The skirt was an A-line fitting. It was okay but not special. White is for purity, cream colored for white hairs, black for widowed, and gray for divorced.

Rita looked at the dresses also. She couldn’t buy one until they knew what Catherine’s dress was like.

They decided to go to the department stores. McKnight’s was the largest clothing store in the city. The clerk was very helpful. She knew what kind of dress Catherine wanted. They were able to find one that was suitable but it was long. Catherine was looking for a street length dress. They had seen a dress suitable for Rita at the Bridal Shop. It too was long. No need for flower girl nor ring bearer. We don’t need any child in the family. No candle lighter either.

It was time to meet the men at the coffee shack. They had better luck with their shopping. The suits would fit like a glove. Brown suit, cream colored shirts, rust colored tie and cumber bun brown shoes.

Jack tells John that he’s interested in Rita.

“She has a steady boyfriend. Don’t embarrass the family,” John says.

Catherine said, “I can’t make up my mind if I want a long dress or a street length one.”

John says, “It doesn’t matter what you pick out. I’m sure you will look beautiful.”

Catherine says, “I have one more store to go to. If I can’t find one, I’ll get the long dress. Rita can get hers from the Bridal Shop. What are you guys going to do?”

John says, “We are going to the bowling alley and do several frames.”

Catherine says, “Let’s get together for some lunch. Mexican sounds good for me. How about you guys?”

Jack says, “There’s a new Chinese restaurant. It took over the Italian place. Redecorated, it’s quite nice and they make everything fresh for you.”

John thought Chinese sounded good for him. He said to Catherine, “You can get Mexican at home. Then you know it’s going to be good.”

So they decided that they would meet at the restaurant at 1 o’clock. It was going to be Chinese food.

Rita and Catherine went back to the McKnight store. Catherine tried on the long dress. It had net lace bodice and the sleeves were long. It would look good being it is Fall. The length had to be altered to be shorter. For shoes, she had spaghetti strap high heeled sandals. She got her veil and garter here at McKnight’s. Her veil was a short one, just to her shoulders. It has pearls on the crown of the veil. She would wear a pearl necklace. The color of the dress was cream. It would be ready in two weeks’ time. For Rita’s dress, they would have to go back to the Bridal Shop. That dress would also have to be altered. The waist had to be taken in. The clerk said no problem. The dress would be ready in two weeks. Then they can get both of them at one time. Rita’s dress was long and fitted at the waist. She had cape sleeves. Her shoes were thin straps and sandal style.

Catherine and Rita finished with time to spare. They would take the bus to the restaurant and meet the men. They got on the bus and were talking to a senior citizen. She was asking what they were doing in the city. She takes the bus every day and says she knew that they weren’t regulars on the bus. The lady tells Catherine and Rita how her grandson got injured in a car crash. He had been hit by a drunk driver.

They arrive at the restaurant and the men were there already. Catherine and Rita sit down at the table. They were hungry so they ordered right away. The girls ordered the buffet. The men couldn’t decide. Finally, they ordered the buffet too.

Catherine was telling John about her dress. He said, “Don’t tell me as I like to be surprised.”

Jack was telling Rita about his life history. He worked with his Dad growing avocados on the farm.

Rita says, “I love avocados.”

“We can check and see if there are any left on the trees. You can take some home with you.”

They went to the buffet and got their plates. John liked the egg rolls, Catherine the beef with peppers, Jack had the lo-mein, and Rita eats the Mo Go Guy Pan. Everything was hot and fresh. They went back three times for the food. They must have been thirsty as they all ordered some more tea.

For dessert, they had small lemon bars and little cookies, just enough to satisfy the sweet tooth. Jack ordered shrimp fried rice to go. He better get some Mo Go Guy Pan to go. Mom and Dad will like it when they get home.

Jack paid the bill. It is an early wedding gift. They went out the door and to the truck. John said, “Jack you drive, I’m full and tired.” They got into the truck and drove to the farm.

They got to the farm in plenty of time to see the priest about the ceremony

John and Catherine went into town and parked by the Catholic Church. Father O’Riley was in his office. He welcomed them and congratulations were in order for their engagement. They asked him if he would do the wedding ceremony. It’s on the last Saturday in September. He looked at his calendar. He wasn’t scheduled for anything. The secretary brought in some hot tea for them. There were little cookies to go with the tea.

The priest told Catherine about the time John got lost. “John’s parents were talking to me and John was running around the Church. He decided to hide in the changing room. Somehow the door locked. And John couldn’t get out. I heard banging on the door. His parents and I were getting worried about not finding him.” They went outside and looked everywhere for him. it was getting late and Father had to change for Mass at 6 o’clock. When he opened the changing room door, he was surprised to see John. John was so happy to see his mother and father that it was a long time before he left them.

They said their good byes and headed back to the farm. They would be seeing the caterer on Sunday. They would see her at 9 o’clock. She would come to the farm with her books with pictures.

John and Catherine said all they wanted for supper was a sandwich. Rita and Jack were having a bowl of homemade vegetable soup. Mom and Dad would be home late that night. Rita could sleep with Catherine in the big bed. They decided to play dominoes. It was getting late, they went to bed. John and Catherine were tired as they had been up since 4:30.

Jack’s parents came home about midnight. John’s brother was raiding the refrigerator. He had this hunger all the time. “I think I’ll have a ham and cheese sandwich toasted.” Mama and Papa came in the kitchen when he was eating his sandwich. A glass of milk and a slice of spice cake should tide him over till morning.

Mama and Papa said, “How are things going? We’re going to bed. Very tired.”

Jack says, “Fine. Everybody is in bed sleeping. I’m going now.”

John got up at 7 o’clock and showered, brushed his teeth and combed his hair. He got dressed and went downstairs to make coffee. He needed some toast to go with his coffee. He found some apple raisin. The butter was on the cupboard. He buttered a couple of slices. Coffee was done dripping so he poured himself a cup.

The apple bread was very good. He heard someone come down the stairs. “You better get dressed as the caterer would be here at nine.” Catherine says, “Don’t talk to me till I’ve had my coffee.” She gave him a big smooch and said “I love you. I’ll get dressed when I’ve had some coffee first. Rita is still sleeping.” “Mama and Papa should be getting up soon,” says John.

Catherine says, “We got a lot of things done this weekend. The dresses were the hard part. I’ll go upstairs and get dressed.”

Mama and Papa came into kitchen and said, “How are you, John?”

“I’m just fine. Don’t go making a long breakfast. We can stop somewhere on the way home. There is Chinese food in the refrigerator for the both of you. We ate out yesterday for lunch.”

Catherine comes in the kitchen and gives Mama a hug. She says, “I have to tell you about my wedding dress. The color is cream. The men are wearing brown, rust, and cream. The flowers will be fall ones. The caterer is coming at 9 o’clock. You are welcome to sit in on our kitchen discussion of dinner with John and me.”

There was a knocking at the kitchen door. Mama went to see who it would be. It was Sally the caterer. She came into the kitchen and sat down at the table and had some coffee. She opened her books with the pictures of weddings in them.

She asked if they wanted just appetizer or the cold cuts with buns and potato salad.

Catherine said, “No, as everyone has been eating that all summer.”

John says, “How about prime rib?” Sally says that would be alright but it is spendy. “We’re only having 30 guests plus wedding party.”

Catherine says, “That’s okay by me. What about you, Mama?”

Mama says, “That sounds alright by me. Are you going to check with your mother?”

Catherine says, “Maybe I will. Sally, why don’t you take everything down on paper so we have a definite price. We have to get the cake on the list. I would like a marble cake three tiered one with real flowers on it.”

Sally ordered everything up and told Catherine the price. Catherine says, “Okay, I will run this by my mother. I’ll call you this coming week one way or the other. Also, we will need six dinner of fish.”

Sally says, “Good bye. I’ll wait for your call.”

John says, “We better get going home too.”

Catherine says, “Mama, what do you think? Are we spending too much money?” “It’s what your parents think that’s important,” said Mama.

Rita came down from the bedroom all dressed and ready to go home.

Catherine said to Rita, “Would you bring these papers home and give them to Mother and Father? Have them call me right away tomorrow. Time is running out. I don’t want someone else to get my time slot.”

Rita had some coffee and apple bread. She put cream cheese on it. Catherine got a piece and ate it plain.

John says, “I’d like to get started to go back home.”

Catherine says, “We have to see about the canopy for the back lawn.”

John says, “I just finished talking to your Dad and he’s going to order one for us at the rental place.”

John, Catherine, and Rita went to their vehicles and opened the doors. It was warm out already. They all hugged each other and got into the car and truck. Rita says, “I’ll see you in two weeks for the fittings of the dresses.”

Buster was jumping all over everyone. They got into the car and truck, started engines and drove out of the yard.

Catherine and Johns Saga, Ch - 29, Wedding Planning

Catherine was busy at her kitchen table. She was addressing envelopes and signing her wedding invitations and had the printing company make them up for her. They turned out better than she thought they would.

She had all day to get them done being it was Saturday and she had nothing else planned. Her eyes were getting tired. She went to the sink and put water in the tea kettle. A cup of hot tea would hit the spot. She got the ginger root out of the refrigerator. She then got a sharp knife and cut thin slices to put in the tea pot. Ginger tea would be good for her stomach, because of the wedding anxiety. She put two slices of raisin bread in the toaster and pulled down the lever on the toaster. Then she took the butter out of the fridge and cut a piece off of the big block, then put it in the microwave for 5 seconds. The boiling water was hot now so she poured the water into the tea pot. Just then the toast popped up so she buttered it, and then added homemade strawberry jam from John’s mother. She put everything away in the fridge, then went to the living room and sat on the couch. She looked out the front window. She could see a buck and a doe at the end of the property.

Catherine hadn’t heard from John too. He said that he had some paperwork to get done. Maybe he is taking a break also. She punched in his number on the cell phone. It rang and John answered.

“Hello Honey.” John answers.

“What would you have done if it had been someone else?” Catherine asked.

“A person can never have too many friends. What can I do for you?” John asked.

“I was lonesome for you.” Catherine said. “It’s good to hear your voice. I’m working on the invitations. I should be done in a couple hours.” Catherine ended.

“I’ll be working later than that.” John said.

“How about I make something for supper that we can share? Come eat at my place.” Catherine said.

“It sounds good to me. I’ll be over if I get done early. Maybe around 5 o’clock. Love yah!” John said.

“Right back at you, see you then. Bye for now.” Catherine said.

5 o’clock came and John rang the door bell. She had been waiting for him. She lets him in the apartment and gives him a big hug and kiss.

“mum mum you smell so good.” John said.

“So do you come sit down supper is ready.” Catherine said.

She had made pork chops baked potatoes and corn on the cob. Then there was blue berry cobbler for dessert. Catherine talked about the dress she was going to buy. She was taking a day off next week to go to the city to see what they had to offer. She knew what she wanted. John and Catherine talked about the flower garden at the farm. That’s where the ceremony was to be held. Rita and Brother were to be attendance. Buster the do was to be ring bearer. They had to talk to the priest about the ceremony. The avocados should have been picked by then. Catherine had picked out her colors for the wedding. For the men brown suits with cream colored shirts, and rust colored ties. Fall colors. White canopy, fall colors, cream colored rug down the center walk way. The violin player does the ceremonial music. We have brown cream colored petals on the rug. People can bring tents and sleep outside. Otherwise they can stay at a local hotel. That’s all there is to say about that subject.

“We will have to go to the farm and see about the priest, canopy, and the flora list, the catering about the food.” John said

John’s parents would provide the wine for the reception.

“We will see what they have to offer.” Catherine said.

Catherine’s parents would be paying for the catering.

“When do you think we can go, we don’t have a lot of time?” Catherine asked.

“Let’s plan for next Saturday and Sunday.” John said.

“I have another hour and a half of paperwork to do. I’ll help you clean the table.” John said.

“no you won’t, go and do your work.” Catherine said.

He gave her a kiss and a hug and thanked him for the nice meal. John told her that he would go to sleep late tomorrow.

“I’ll see you in the afternoon. I have to see if my parents are going to be available for next weekend. We can get fitted for our suits. This is if brother is around, I’ve got to work some more.” John said.

Catherine opened her front door and John disappeared from the hallway.

Catherine and Johns Saga, Ch - 28, Engagement Party

Catherine was still busy at work. There more and more new cases every day for both her and John. His latest case brought him to the courts. This case was on the custody of a little girl who didn’t want to go to either her mother or fathers.

John wanted relaxing to do. Like going to the zoo and feeding the animals. He liked the monkeys. He decided to call Catherine when his doorbell rang. It happened to be Catherine. He asked her if she wanted to go to the zoo. She said she would have to change her clothes.

After she left t go to her apartment he went to go put on something more appropriate. Tan dress pants and a brown dress shirt. Sandals for his feet. He checked the apartment. Everything was turned off. He went to Catherine’s door and waited outside. Catherine was almost ready. She chose a brown print shorts and a tan short sleeved blouse. Sandals on her feet and brown stone jewelry. Her light brown hair was bouncing off her shoulders making her look angelic. She smiled at her reflection in the mirror. The doorbell rang. When she opened the door it was John. She laughed at him and said

“We dressed alike.”

“Are you ready?” John asked.

“I have to check everything first.” Catherine said.

She went into the apartment and looked at everything quickly. She had left on the bathroom light. She turned it off and went to John and closed the door, and locked it. They walked to the car in the parking lot and John opened the passenger door for Catherine. She got in and fastened her seat belt. John got in and closed his door, and fastened his seat belt, and then he started his car, opened the windows and drove to the zoo. Traffic was slow, but the weather was nice. A soft breeze was blowing from the west. The parking lot wasn’t full yet. He thought it would be being it was such a nice day. When he parked he thought he saw a friend’s car. He asked Catherine if she remembered Dick, from the picnic.

“Yes I do, very nice guy.” Catherine said.

“Maybe we will run into him. Give me your hand otherwise you will get lost. You walk too slow.” He says with a big smile.

John took Catherine to his favorite exhibit. The monkeys were buys swinging on the tree limbs. Chatting to each other one monkey was holding two baby monkeys in her arms.

“That will be me after we get married, we will have twins.” Catherin said.

Catherine wanted to see the tigers. They are so beautiful with their stripes, and big rawres and head.

John suggested that they go see the snakes. He knew Catherine had a fear of them. The zoo keeper took out a small snake so she could hold it. She put a finger on it and that was all she would do. While at the polar bears exhibit they saw Dick. He was John’s friend the one from the BBQ, he did the grilling. They decided to go see the penguins. They are so funny in their black suits. The planetarium was so busy they didn’t stay too long.

Dick, John, and Catherine go to the restaurant and have a cup of tea and a sandwich. Turkey for John.Ham for Dick, and egg salad for Catherine.

“How is the engagement party coming along?” Dick asked.

“We’ve been so busy at work that we haven’t given it much thought.” John said.

John asked Dick if he had been introduced to Catherine’s friend Mary Ann.

“I don’t think so.” Dick said.

“I’ll introduce you I think you will like her. She is pretty and smart.” John said.

John asked Dick if he would do all the grilling for the party. Catherine added that they would have a small party. 25 or 30 people were enough. This was how the planning of the party got started.

They finished eating.

“I have to meet my girlfriend, and I’m late already.” Dick said.

“Who are you going out with now?” John asked.

“Her name is Maggie. It’s short for Margaret. You will both meet her at the party. She is a red head with lots of freckles.” Dick says.

“We need to go too; we have to check with our parents, about the party, and see if they are planning anything for them.” Catherine says.

She punches in the number for her parents’ home. Father answers the phone and asks how she is doing. Catherine tells him that she is fine and she asks him if him was planning an engagement party for them. He tells her no but tells her to ask mother. Mother was doing the dishes.

“Hello, how are you?” Mother says.

“Fine, we are wondering if you are doing anything like an engagement party for us?” Catherine asks.

“No.” Mother says.

“John and I were planning a small beach party, 25 to 30 people, would you send a list of family to invite to both party and wedding? Remember John has people to invite also. Just send it to me in the mail. Good bye. Love you.” Catherine said.

They got their ice-cream cones. Mint chocolate chip for Catherine and raspberry sherbet for John. It’s been a long time since he had sherbet. He forgot how good it was. John gave Catherine a big smooch on the lips.

“The mint ice cream is good.” John said.

They went to their apartments.

“I’ll give my parents a call.” John said as he dialed the phone.

Mama answered the phone.

“Good to hear from you, How have you been?” Mama asked.

“Did you plan an engagement party for us?” John asked.

“No. We haven’t given it much thought.” Mama said.

“Good as we are thinking of a beach party. We have decided on 25 to 30 people. Please send me a special list of people you want to come to the party and the wedding. Remember that means that Catherine’s list is small also. Send an e mail with the list. How are things at the orchard?” John asked.

“Everything is fine now.” Mother said.

Three days later they receive the list of guest. Catherine made the list of invitations on the computer. She addressed them, put on stamps and mailed them. The party would be the first Saturday of august. Their list was 30 people.

Catherine bought the products from the warehouse. She put in her orders for the brats and hamburgers from the butcher, assorted cupcakes from the bakery, and potato salad from the deli. John put his order in for 2 kegs of beer, they had 3 weeks till the party. Time went by fast. John parents couldn’t make it. Catherine’s parents came but were disappointed that John’s parents couldn’t make it. They would meet at the wedding. They stayed at the motel being that Catherine would be busy with the party. The day of the party everything went like a breeze in spring time. They had a volley ball net set up and a large boom box going with dance music for the dancers. There was plenty of water to swim in. Dick was master of ceremonies at the beginning of the party he introduced John and Catherine as an engaged couple. A toast to a short engagement, and a long marriage. The evening went along as smooth as slik. By 11 o’ clock they were ready to close everything down. John’s and Catherine’s friend help clean up everything. Catherine’s parents stayed at her apartment for the night. Dick did a good job grilling as did his helpers.

Everyone was tired when they arrived home. Especially John and Catherine. Catherine’s parents told her not to wake them because they would sleep in late.