Our friends Les and Sophie have made the half a century point in the marriage. To honor them, we joined in celebration in Forest Grove. There were many people we didn’t know in attendance but that was expected because we couldn’t imagine that Les and Sophie only had Old Winnebago Friends (OWF). The OWF folks in attendance were Terry & Carolann, Cliff & Susie, Me, and, of course, Les & Sophie. Only Diane was missing.

Sophie made it clear that they didn’t want gifts but I couldn’t let this significant event go without at least one little present. So, I went shopping around the house for something with meaning.

IN the linen closet I found the perfect gift for Les. since he retired he’s become involved with his American Legion in a role that requires him to dress up at times. What I found, on a shelf littered with interesting things, was a Tie Steamer. Since I don’t wear ties any more it seemed appropriate that Les should have this rare item. Diane found it in one of the many thrift stores she visited over the years and it only cost $8. My first choice for les was one of my old screwdrivers but the tie steamer made perfect sense to me.

For Sophie, I shopped Diane’s Willow Tree collection that resides next to the TV.

I selected one of the angels with wings. The bottom of each figurine has a name. The one I chose was “Remembrance”. It was the first one I picked up so that alone added meaning to the gift. Sophie has an extensive Willow Tree collection, too, so the only danger I had was that I’d given her something she already had. Thankfully, she was shy this one angel.

For the finale, Some of the girls gathered on the stirs to display their garters, even the small ones.

Then the party was sealed with a kiss.