It was certainly an interesting show watching Matt get used to driving in a car, going over 10 miles per hour, in traffic.  He is normally the calm, cool, collected one, but in this instance he had a few choice words for fellow drivers.  We both needed a drink once we arrived at the hotel where the festivities were to being immediately upon arrival.  We were here to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of our good friends Donald and Ruth.  Yep, you read that right – 50 years together!  What’s equally amazing is that Ruth’s sister will be celebrating her 50th wedding anniversary in a few months, another couple had their 50th anniversary a few months ago, and another couple is going on 54 years.  It is such a blessing to see that type of love is still thriving in so many couples.  It gives you hope that your love can endure despite so many people throwing in the towel.  Donald and Ruth certainly set an amazing example of how it is done and they are an inspiration to us.   I just did the math, Matt and I will be 88/89 respectively when that time comes around for us so we are going to need to ensure we stay healthy!

Upon arrival, we checked in, dropped our bags and bee lined to Shrimp N Stuff, one of Donald’s favorites, where we met the happy couple and Ruth’s brother Gene and Annette.  Early Friday morning Matt and I headed out to run some errands to buy some “boat stuff”.  But first, we had to make a stop at Chick-Fil-A, my favorite and boy was it beyond scrumptious.

Afterwards, we hit Bed, Bath, and Beyond to pick up some kitchen supplies and a mattress topper (we’ve been sleeping on egg cushions on top of a typical boat mattress and although its fine for a few weeks, it is a little hard on the back after a few months).  Then we hit Target and Super Cuts where Matt got his lovely locks cut off by a sweet girl who fresh out of cosmotology school, complete with purple hair and nose ring.  We headed back to the hotel where we met Donald and Ruth in their room and shared stories as I went through our stash they so delightfully brought to us, which included some sundry articles easier found on amazon than in the islands.  I sent over 40 items ranging from courtesy flags, dry bags, ditch bag & medical bag replacements, new windlass remote, essential oils (from my sister) and of course tons and tons of mail from our mail center.  It was like Christmas in April.  Now I just needed to repack it all, in addition to our new purchases in such a way that we can check it all on to the plane.  Friday night a huge group of us headed over to Olympia for dinner which was a precursor to the fun we were to have next night.

Saturday we woke up to a day of fun.  Our hosts had a room blocked for breakfast and then snacks throughout the day.  After breakfast, Matt and I wandered around the historic downtown seaport area.  There are tons of shops, eateries and galleries.  After about an hour of walking we ran into Donald and decided to go to the Children’s fair which had just about every type of activity a kid could want – including Big Bird.  So our resident “Child” waited patiently for her turn in line.

Is Big Bird giving the camera the bird?

After the fair, we headed over to the Texas Seaport Museum (Maritime Museum).  What an interesting museum with information on Elissa the magnificent sailing vessel that we saw during Navy Days in Corpus Christi, to the history of Texas immigrants and more.  It was wonderful.

Matt and I dressing up as arriving immigrants.

Afterwards, lunch, Matt and Charlie headed to the Ocean Stars Offshore Oil Drilling and Rig museum.  Then Matt and I had to learn how to play dress up again, using a blow dryer, full make-up, panties, and heels.  Oh dear, I hope I don’t make a fool of myself in these things.  Everyone looked so gorgeous and happy as we entered cocktail hour. I designated myself the photographer (and sure wished we brought the nice camera) of the weekend and occupied myself by floating in and out of conversations, snapping photos and enjoying a refreshing cocktail.  Kathy and Kerri, Donald’ and Ruth’s daughters gave beautiful heart warming speeches that made everyone laugh and then put on a slide show reviewing Donald and Ruth’s life.  It was so uplifting and beautiful.  Of course, many guests chimed in with their stories and good times were had by all.

The weather had been absolutely perfect since we arrived, but it had to come to an end on the day we were leaving. I think Texas was just sad to see Matt and I leave 🙂  We were expecting a huge storm, with possible tornadoes so we got up early Sunday morning to ensure we made it to the airport in time.  We had to feed and return the car, hop on the shuttle and check all of our baggage.  We had plenty of time to spare.  We loaded onto the plane thinking we made it before the storm.  Pulled away from the jet bridge and sat….the weather had turned and we waited to depart for over 45 minutes.  Normally not a problem as AA had the individual TV screens and I was in the middle of a great movie, but we only had a 60 minute layover in MIA so it looked like we were going to miss our connection.  We landed in MIA 40 minutes late, sprinted to the gate (luckily it was in the same terminal, but the opposite end) and boarded on last call.  What are the chances our luggage made it?  We landed in SXM with no problems, and so did our luggage.  We grabbed everything, hailed a cab and met Contrary Mary folks at the SMYC for some late sun downers, would that be called moon uppers?  It was a whirlwind trip, but so worth it to be side by side with our friends as they celebrated such a beautiful milestone.

Galveston was a celebration of friends and extended family.   Celebrating the commitment and longevity that seems to be hard to come by these day.  Over the years we have learned tons from Donald and Ruth. Recipes, Sailing, Communication, Respect, and of course the Texas history as they knew growing up in Texas for so many years.  We were luck to be included as part of the extended family in their 50 years celebration.. Which is longer than either of has been kicking ourselves.  Inspiring and amazing.