So, first thing, the couple made the decision to have an outdoor wedding in DC in summer; hot won't exactly be a surprise to anyone. And second, they won't even notice if you repeat an outfit, I absolutely promise you. Hell, they won't notice if *they* repeat an outfit at that point. It won't just be "fun anyway", it'll be fun period. Not to mention a joy and a blessing and a fine excuse for cake and champagne.

Some weather ~ma headed your way, bonny.

Fortunately I haven't seen those, Daniel.

-t! Good to see you. I've been thinking of you so much. Know I am here for you if you need anything.

I am having my first larger gathering today at the new house. Lots of good food and family. It is only immediate family types and my son's girlfriend's family. Still 15-20 people. Let's hope the thunderstorms hold off or take place early. It will be mid-90s so some rain this afternoon would be good.

I'm hoping for a casual mini-intervention for my son. He didn't finish his HS stuff in time to graduate with his class. Somewhat because 2 days before the final date they told him he needed another science class. He likely couldn't have finished on time anyway, but that was the final straw. He hasn't done anything about it since then. If he doesn't get on it he won't finish in July either leaving him out of contention for a diploma pretty much.

It is incredibly frustrating. He could easily have blown through all his virtual classes and finished up last fall. He's just floundering about with no life plan at all. We've begged, bribed, punished, rewarded, and pleaded with no success. He is staying at his girlfriend's house. Her mother knows a car repair guy who will hire him, etc., blah, blah. Of course those of us that know him realize he wouldn't know which hand to use with a wrench and would freak if grease got on his shoes. He's brilliant, but rather paralyzed with not knowing what to do with it.

We bought him a car for $5000 which he totaled. Then he took my car without permission and did $700 damage to it. Bent the inside of 2 rims and displaced the bumper and has no clue how it happened. I believe he probably was oblivious to whatever he ran over at some crazy speed. He can't really drive a standard and doesn't get that a car with 4" clearance can't jump over bumps.

I'm at my wits end with him. In my heart I know he is smart and will find his way, but I still can't help but feel I have failed him. All I hope today is that perhaps having a dozen or so of his loved ones asking him about graduation and his plans will help him formulate that plan.

Back to cooking up good stuff to eat and drink.

You know, you are right. Even if they DO notice the same outfit...or the rest of the wedding party does...they will also notice the smile on my face, as opposed the the sweat stains on my silk dress.

It's also the first time I am officiating as a practicing pagan. BUT, where I am very, very quiet and calm about my faith as a rule, one of the grooms could be called HIGH CHURCH pagan. I wouldn't say over the top...but definitely over the altar! So, now that I think about it...what I'm wearing won't even end up on the radar.

Thanks for that amych. I think you unstuck me!

Oh Laura, that is so frustrating. Here's hoping your son finds a way that will ease your stress soon. I honestly don't know how I would deal with stressors like that and am in awe of parents who do. Bless your heart!

(((Laura))) I'm so sorry that things with your son are so frustrating right now. As hard as it is to accept, it sounds like he is going to have to figure all of this out on his own. You're a good mom.

I'm glad I don't have kids, I'm glad I don't have kids, I'm glad I don't have kids . . .

I am not up for that kind of lifetime slog.

Laura, that is so frustrating. I would not have the slightest idea what to do.

bonny, have a good ceremony! Can't wait to hear about it!

So Frankie got out of my friend's yard yesterday, for no more than twenty minutes. Now he seems to be feeling a bit poorly, and his tummy is making funny noises. No barfing as of yet. ::sigh:: I hopehe didn't eat something damaging.

I'm glad I don't have kids

I am in constant awe of the parents here. I would be one of those mommies who had to go away with the nice men in white coats for a while.

It is harder on his dad than me in many ways. Dad is more of a "fix it" type that needs a solution NOW. Personally, I was very much in the same place when I was 18. It wasn't until a 2 week stint as a waitress that I figured out that college was a much better plan. I believe in my heart that the only thing I can do is keep communication open and his home a happy safe place for him to have as an option. I gave him the tools and know that he will figure it out and be a successful adult. Being his age is tough and I don't want to be the enemy. I can't do it for him; he has to do this on his own.

I just hope he and the girlfriend's family show up. I'll be heartbroken (again) if they don't.

{{{Laura}}} I think the summers I spent working in a bindery loading JC Penny catalog pages into giant machinery helped me want college more than ever. I hope he can figure his stuff out without further misery to his parents.