I'm Ready for Another 15 Years!

What a full weekend it's been!

I surprised Tammy with tickets to see Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit on Wednesday night at Vetter Stone Amphitheater in Mankato. We'd seen him back in February but the show left us wanting more because it was less of a concert and more of a podcast production.

We sat through the first two acts while doing our best to make the most of our obstructed view. Just prior to capturing this video, we were seated right behind this guy getting his groove on. Someone got up to move so we scooted over. He kept us entertained. We made our way toward the front of the stage before Jason and his band came out. Tammy was fortunate enough to score a spot on the rail just to the left of center-stage. I was really happy for her.

The weather was perfect and so was the night. What a great way for us to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary!

Speaking of our wedding...




Without question, Tammy and Rachel coming into my life have been the best thing that's ever happened to me and I literally thank God every day for bringing us together.

I'm ready for another 15 years!

I got up Thursday and knocked out my Jordan Loop before heading down to Rochester with Tammy to spend the afternoon with Rachel. She invited us down to check out the sights of Thursdays on First and Third. It's a weekly thing in downtown Rochester where vendors sell artwork and other handmade crafts along the sidewalks. Oh, and lots of food, too! It's always a nice time in addition to being one of the highlights of my summer. With Rachel's busy schedule, it's not always a given that we can make it happen.

It never fails that as we say our goodbyes and drive away, we talk about Rachel and how we think the world of her. I'll typically mention how fun it would be to be able to go back in time and relive some of those moments from years earlier. We miss all of that but there's also something to be said for watching her embrace life and step out into the world.

When Tammy was in her 20s, she lived with her friend Sue in a house in Minneapolis and together they fostered four siblings (2 boys and 2 girls) for several years. It's been over 20 years since she's seen any of them. She got a call from Sue a few days ago to let her know that John would be in town and she was wondering if Tammy would want to come up to Alexandria and see him. Whatever other plans we had could wait.

She got up there early Friday morning and they all spent the day together talking about the past and their lives today. Tammy was impressed by John and what he's done with his life. She said it was a really nice time. I'm hoping to meet him one day as well.

While Tammy was in Alexandria, I was doing my loop to St Bonifacius and hurrying back so we could make it for the last couple hours of the Uptown Art Fair in Minneapolis, which we did. We kind of had to hurry our way through the fair but we still had a chance to chat with some glass artists that we'd never met before as well as some friends who were participating in the fair. Another milestone of summer has come and gone.

Like I said, what a full weekend it's been!

Comments

Marielle said…
Congratulations to you and Tammy on your 15th anniversary! ❤ May you have a lifetime of happiness together!
August 5, 2014 at 7:47 AM
Kevin Gilmore said…
Thanks, Marielle! Haha...or at least another 15 years and then another 15 years and then... :)
August 5, 2014 at 8:13 AM
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