Monday, January 11, 2010

JUST AN OLD FASHION LOVE SONG


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It was a time of raging turmoil and yet a time of unclouded innocence. Young men were being summoned from their familiar surroundings to fight a bloody conflict (war) in Vietnam. The bells rang out as the Dow closed above a thousand for the very first time. Even though cars were lining up at the pumps and the oil crises had made OAPEC a household word, we could still fill up the 1965 Pontiac GTO for .385 cents a gallon. Tony Orlando and Dawn were tying a Yellow Ribbon 'round the Old Oak Tree while Elvis performed his final farewell concert in Hawaii. Sherman Hemsley made his first appearance on All In the Family just a movin' on up and Police Story made its television debut. The Miami Dolphins had finished a perfect 17-0 winning the Superbowl. A kitchen could be well stocked for under ten dollars a week purchasing apples for 59 cents a pound, Ajax cleaner for 15 cents, four rolls of toilet tissue for 13 cents and ground round for 79 cents a pound. This sheltered Ozarks farm chick had packed her bags two years before leaving Tinytown behind to go to college and find herself. One warm October evening I went on my first and last blind date. It felt like I had been hit in the gut by the helmet of NFL's star quarterback runnin' full force with the ball as I walked down the stairs of the Phi Mu Sorority house. Hold me back mama~~somebody grab the paddles and shock me 'cause this boy took my breath away!

He could be heard by his Frat brothers broadcasting, "I'm in love" walking into the Alpha Gamma Sigma house after our first date. My sorority sisters surrounded me with enthusiastic remarks like, "boy he really likes you," and " he didn't let go of you one time at the dance." Yes, I guess it was thoroughly evident that I was as twitterpated as a Disney character in his presence. His basilisk gaze made me week in the knees, put my head in a whirl and sent this chick walkin' on air. Evident to everyone except 'The Parents.' My mothers first response was, "I sent you to college to meet a doctor or a lawyer and what do ya bring home....another farmer." Daddy remarked, "well in my mind, anyone with hair that long has to squat to pee!" Yes, his hair touched his earlobes! Oh, how they wanted his number to come up in the draft. My future mother-in-law was NOT gonna sign for her twenty year old son to marry, besides she always wanted her boys to marry hometown girls. The saving grace was that my future father-in-law saw how very smitten we were and besides after raising three boys I think he kinda liked the idea of having a daughter. He loved to tease and I could take it, stir it up and serve it right back at him on a warm silver platter, with that I stole his heart.

On the sixth day of January, nineteen hundred and seventy three the day I dreamed of all my life had arrived. Every bride dreams of the perfect wedding day. I was no different besides I had just been a bridesmaid in such a wedding the week before when the temperature was a balmy seventy degrees. During the rehearsal dinner a horrific Ozark's ice storm set in covering the earth with a solid sheet of glossy ice slicker than snot on a glass door knob. My husbands brother, the best man, drove all night at a snails pace from Searcy, Arkansas picking up his parents and grandmother along the way forging ahead to the wedding. It was not the day I had visualized but it was my day and I was about to marry the man of my dreams so I was determined to make the best of it. Things went array, the florist from a nearby town delivered the wrong flowers intended for another wedding at a different location. In a calm manner,(cryin', screaming and stomping of feet),this was corrected in the nick of time. The little ring barer stepped on my train rippin' it off at the waist. Thank God for safety pins. The photographer booked did not bother to travel the sixty miles of icy roads, or pick up a phone. We just requested the guest to take loads of pictures with their Kodak Brownies. The Stockton Christian Church was filled with the correct flowers, wonderful friends and loving family to share our day. This moon~eyed chick had just said," I do", to the love of her life so it was a perfect day. It was my perfect day!

After a beautiful reception we headed to Branson to begin our life together. In 1973 Branson consisted of the Presely's and Baldknobbers variety shows and Silver Dollar City, all closed for the winter months. Lovestruck people just don't think well. The couple hotels there stayed open where a blizzard snowed us in the Holiday Inn for three days. From there we went to Little Rock and swung by Searcy to visit the brother-in-law and his wife where their Shitshu peed on our bed. Yep, their Honey~ mooned our bed! Slippin' and slidin' all the way, we made it back to the Ponderosa where we still forever sing about our thirty seven years together and how it's "Just an Old Fashion Love Song!"

94 comments:

  1. Happy Anniversary - what a beautiful story - I'm so happy for you.

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  2. Happy Anniversary, Nezzy! You were so gorgeous on your wedding day. Whoo hoo! And handsome groom as well.

    Many, many more happy years together. And have a wonderful day.

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  3. Happy Anniversary! Today is my parents anniversary! 31 years!

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  4. Happy Annie! All the best for you both. Hope you had a wonderful New Year. Look forward to seeing more of your blog in 2010.

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  5. Happy Anniversary!
    Blessings, andrea

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  6. Wonderful story! Just think how boring it would have been if it had all worked out perfectly.

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  7. What a charming bride and groom!

    So, You went to your "first and last blind date" - and despite everything, you've made it big.

    Happy Anniversary, Nezzy!

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  8. What a sweet love story. Nezzy, yours and my life parallels in so many ways, it is scary. We also honeymooned in Branson 7 months earlier. Fortunately, we were married in June, not January, so SDC was open. And we talked about what a beautiful area of the country it was and how we should buy a piece of paradise. After all, land in that neck of the woods was dirt cheap. Seriously. Just think how seriously rich we'd be today if we had done that.

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  9. Happy Anniversary, Nezzy. Such a sweet love story. And we are all counting blessings... ~bangchik

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  10. Happy Anniversary Nezzy!!!
    Girl, you need to write some racy novels or romantic ones at least! A beautiful, fun and crazy story, thanks for sharing, you always keep my attention! Cindy

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  11. hmmm Stockton MO?? Just a stones throw from here.

    Yours pretty much sounds like my wedding, except it was in February 1975...oh and you stayed married.

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  12. Congratulations on those 37 years. Every thing you wrote about the times then sure did bring back memories. My hubby was one that signed up and didn't get drafted. You a just a few years younger though as by '73 I was having my 2nd baby. I love it that people like you actually do stay married. Have a wonderful anniversary!

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  13. Loved it!!! Happy Anniversary!!

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  14. Those were the days, my friend, and you made the most of them. Love the wedding picture. Here's to the next 37.

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  15. I love the way you tell your stories! Just love it. Happy anniverary - sounds like you did a great job at pickin' your guy!

    Getting along with the inlaws is a great plus.

    (Did you ever see Chevy Chase in Christmas vacation? He used a pizza pan and I just saw that show over Christmas!.

    Happy anniversary and many more.
    Sandie

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  16. What a sweet story. I think sometimes make that often the wedding becomes bigger than the marriage and that doesn't work.
    I would love for you to join the Writer's Challenge if you can find the time. If not then maybe next time. Oh ya, tell that guy of yours to get a haircut. Look at that photo.

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  17. What a wonderful love story!

    My inlaws thought I was pregnant, our minister said "God bless their infections" instead of affections.

    Happy late anniversary and may you have a hundred more happily married years.

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  18. What a beautiful story. Happy Anniversary, Nezzy. You really captured that time. So glad I was around to experience it, too Sounds like you've been blessed with a real "happily ever after." Good for you!

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  19. Loved this story, Nezzy, and I'm having fun imagining listening to you tell it :)

    Happy, happy anniversary - and MANY more!

    Lucy

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  20. Aw Nezzie...love the picture and the story. Love at first sight really does happen, eh? Congrats on your anniversary.
    We here just ticked off our 51st year of marriage...high school sweethearts from the age of 13 & 14. Whenever I complain to my hubby about something he's doing wrong he says it's my fault because I raised him!
    All the best to you both,
    Joanne

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  21. A beautiful love story. Explains why you are so lovely yourself. Chin Chin Nezzy! Really, truly, deeply-I'm so happy I found you on blog land. xoxo

    SC

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  22. Awwww..im smilin and teary at the same time..a little goosebumps too...that is really sweet..I love to hear that..these days its such a rarity...HaPpY AnNiVeRsArY...!! to You Both..!you know out of all of our friends at the time of marriage..me and my hubs are the only ones still together...22 years married..and still kickin it...you write with a such a flair..very enjoyable..!!

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  23. Oh, happy anniversary, Nezzy! I loved reading the story (as I do all your posts) and seeing your lovely photo up there.

    Here's to more years of happily married blissdom. :)

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  24. Aw Nezz, congratulations to you both! Happy Anniversary. Doesn't happen for many folks and it doesn't happen without the requisit sweat equity. Great job.

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  25. Happy anniversary! What a wonderful story! Wonderful times you will always remember

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  26. Oh Nezzy - it is a beautiful story (your story!) I love it! I believe no wedding will go as perfectly planned and it is all the little things (good, not planned, bad, whatever) that make it so very special! Happy Happy Anniversary - and of course, many more!

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  27. Happy Anniversary! Loved the story and the fact that you proved them wrong.

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  28. Love is grand and I don't think love like that happens often..not sure why, but if it happens to you...how very fortunate you are! Lovely story, Nezzy!

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  29. I love this story! I remembered that you had told me about your first and last blind date before - I think it was one my post about Willadean's blind date - so I'm happy to have "the rest of the story."
    Happy anniversary to you and your lucky young man.

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  30. What a funny, romantic and wonderful story! Happy Anniversary to y'all!

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  31. Awwww, so very romantic! What a love story. Happy Anniversary to you both!

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  32. Happy Anniversary. What a real cutie in that photo and you weren't bad either :)
    Just a delightful post that had me laughing all the way. Adored your Mom and Dad's comments. I see you came by your sense of humor via DNA.
    Many, many more happy years for a great couple.

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  33. Happy anniversary! What a well crafted story and so romantic!

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  34. Happy Anniversary! I was married in Nov 1973 so I can really relate to the times...We were rebels who married at 18...and are still deeply in love 36 yrs later...

    I remember Old Fashioned Love Song!...Our fav was First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Roberta Flack...

    You give me inspiration to Blog about our wedding when Nov rolls around...I am fairly new to blogging...Our honeymoon was in the Poconos...PA...Entertainment was quite diff back then in the clubs...remember polyester suits too!

    Wishing many more happy days! xoxo
    Cheers! Jennifer aka Gigi (by my grandkids)

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  35. What a beautiful, beautiful story from first meeting until honeymoon! All the quirks and snafus made it all the better and more memorable.

    You always have one line that slays me. Today's: solid sheet of glossy ice slicker than snot on a glass door knob.

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  36. What's the matter? El Dorado Springs not good 'nuff for ya? HA!!!!!! Or wait a minute? Why not Filley Christian Church? Just teasin' you of course. I was there over the Christmas break. We drove 18 hours there, spent 2 days and drove 18 hours back. My next trip will be for the El Do picnic and my 30 year reunion.

    By the way, do you ever read "Sugar Pie Farmhouse?" It's on my blog roll. Ruthie lives in Branson and has a wonderful blog. I think you'd like her. I'm planning to meet her when I go back this summer, I'd love for you to join us. It has to be in Springfield, though!! The past few times I've been back I have NOT had the opportunity to visit some of my favorite stores.

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  37. Oh, I love it! 37 years is something to be proud of in this day and an age. Thanks for sharing your story with us.

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  38. What a start to married life! And just look at you now. Happy Anniversary!

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  39. Happy Anniversary! Thanks for sharing your story with us!

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  40. I so enjoy reading love stories. Happy Anniversary!

    Thanks for watching the video that my daughter made.

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  41. Hi there, Oh my gosh, I loved reading this. Fancy being able to stock the kitchen for under 10 dollars!

    Your Dad sounds a real character ... hair all the way to his earlobes, how hysterical. What a Wedding day and honeymoon.

    Congratulations to you both,
    xoxo DJ

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  42. Beautiful love story Nezzy...a real hankie moment for you....Happy Anniversary to both of you my friend and may God bless you with many more...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

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  43. Nezzy, I do thank you for stopping by and visiting this Oklahoma Granny. Please come back anytime. Of course, when anyone comes to call it's only polite to return the favor.

    You do have a way with words and I so enjoyed several of your posts. I definitely plan many return visits.

    I do make my own truffles from time to time but the Lindt ones were out of this world yummy. My favorite chocolate bar is from Norway. The name of the bar translated is Milk Chocolate. I've never felt a more silky smooth chocolate on my tongue than Freia's Melkesjokolade. I used to work for a group of engineers at a major oil company and they would bring me those bars when they had business in Norway. You can find it over the internet and I did find some in the Norwegian area of Epcot at Disney World. Haven't seen it anywhere else but then we don't live in or near a large city.

    Have a blessed day!

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  44. Oh Nezzy...I do believe this is my all time favorite post ever! Thank you for sharing your amazing love story and in a world that is so quick to throw up their hands and move on to the next...it warms my heart to read how lovingly you speak of your husband after 37 years!

    I hope you two get 37 more wonderful years together! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

    Love and hugs,
    Karyn

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  45. I enjoyed this post so much and the beautiful photo. Happy Anniversary.

    Thank you for your kindness and prayers for us. I'll keep in touch.

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  46. I loved your love story and it sounds like you are still smitten with that cute Frat boy:) Honestly I think we wore the same dress and helmet head piece. Oh how I wanted to be like Juliet in my little bridal cap. What was I thinking???? I had to laugh at the train on your dress. My maid of honor lit a cigarette and you guessed it...my viel/train went up in a puff of smoke and there was no pinning that large smoke hole together. I still have the dress and it almost zips so that is a good thing. Happy Anniversary to you and your cute Frat boy!
    Joyce

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  47. Happy Anniversary! That was a very well written story--I really enjoyed it! Stop over to my farm for a visit! :)

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  48. Happy Anniversary!!! I love your charming story...it made me smile!!!

    Enjoy!!!
    XOXO
    Cathy

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  49. "Lovestruck people just don't think well." I love that line! Ain't it the truth...

    Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm glad I stopped in and caught your sweet love story.

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  50. What a love story! Best wishes on your anniversary. There are a few of us who marry young and under great odds make it work and have joy!

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  51. Happy anniversary (belated). I hope you are off somewhere not icy, enjoying a well-deserved 37th honeymoon. What a great story!

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  52. That is so sweet that you fell so fast!!! Happy Anniversary!!!

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  53. You always have me in stitches with some of your sayings!! This was such a fun story to read, especially what your dad said about your hubby when you first brought him home!

    Wow, your wedding day did go array, didn't it? But all that aside, you were marrying the man of your dreams and it doesn't get any better than that!!

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  54. Happy Anniversary Nezzy! Nice hearing how people meet and you both were meant for each other! Congratulations.

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  55. I'm late, but this is divine and reminded me of my childhood and my fave aunts wedding xx much love

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  56. Happy Anniversary Nezzy! and thanks for your visits. Catherine

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  57. 37 Years!

    Happy Anniversary! (doesn't sound like the shitzu peeing on your bed was a sign of things to come!)

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  58. Congratulations on your 37 years!! That is WONDERFUL! I loved the post, your wedding story is a doozy!! :) and I love love love that picture!!!

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  59. Awww, what a great and romantic story. Love Wins!!! Thanks for checkin' in on me, wish I had more time to blog but little people and grocery shopping has been keeping me busy especially when taking little people grocery shopping with me... you haven't lived til you've been in Costco with two fussing kids... now that's living!

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  60. Happy Anniversary! What a lovely story.

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  61. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing such a sweet story! And who did your mom think you were going to meet at an AG Ro party?

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  62. You sure can turn a phrase!

    Happy Anniversary! Beautiful love story beautifully told.

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  63. Oh Nezzy, it's been crazy around here and I'm late to the party but I'm so glad I didn't miss this wonderful post. I could picture it all-- you're such a great story teller.

    Thanks for sharing your special day! Despite the ice and cold it sounded perfect. And you were a gorgeous bride!
    xo

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  64. You got married the same year I was born!! what a fun story... Congrats to you and your man.

    Thanks for the sweet, encouraging words left in comment form earlier today. I so appreciate it.

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  65. I love old fashioned songs - the classics, those that I hear over my parents' player.

    Nezzy, you write so well that I get lost in your words... Fabulous writing!

    Very sweet romantic story . . . with a never ending beauty! :)

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  66. What a great love story! I loved the photo,your curls..the veil and the dress too..so much in the same style as mine! Congrats on thirty seven years..and I wish you many more. I think y'all are probably soul mates!!:)

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  67. Happy Anniversary. Such a lovely photo of the two of you. What a story! You poor girl.. having the train ripped off your dress and all the other things.... But in the end... you married your prince charming and that is what it is about. Blessings!
    Gwen

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  68. Oh, that is such a cool photo. Happy anniversary daaaaaaaahling! May you have many more to come and no more pee on the bed.
    *kisses* HH

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  69. Happy Anniversary, even though it is a bit late. Interesting post. I see blind dates can be eye openers after all with happy endings. How great for the two of you!

    Also, I wanted to say, "A big thank you, for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment."

    Enjoyed my visit, and will visit often.

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  70. Boy, Nezzy I had to scroll a long way to get my little comment on here! Great Following! But much more important Happy Anniversay! I LOVE your LOVE story! I wasn't even one yr old yet until the 20th. But enjoyed hearing about the way it was when I was one! My Big sis was 18 and getting married about that time. I love how you and your FIL hit it off as well. And um your comment about hubbys from another post sent me over today. If your hubby is still writing sexual remarks in your card after 37 years then 1)I'd better get used to my dh's ways of wooing me now and get over my romantic daydreaming 2) That does say something about your marriage!!! Will he still be saying that after 50yrs? We can only hope so!

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  71. Happy Anniversary, Nezzy!
    What a beautiful bride you were!
    <><

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  72. Oh, Nez! I absolutely LOVE that picture of the two of you! Happy Anniversary, my dear! I hope we are all as blessed to share such memories with our husbands. Have you ever thought about having your blog made into a book/scrapbook? You're kids need to have that story in writing somewhere. Just a thought. Have a beautiful, blessed day!

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  73. OH Nezzy your such a romantic and with reason to be. I do love this post and so happy you shared it with all of us. What a beautiful picture of the two of you. You compliment each other.
    Nezzy you so deserve this happy life with your great husband. I wish you a very Happy Anniversary and many many more happy years together.
    Love
    Maggie

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  74. Absolutely precious!! Happy Anniversary!

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  75. aren't we smart getting married in missouri in January!?!
    there were 10 inches of snow on the ground at my wedding.

    aah well...we are doing all right anyways

    here is to many more years of wedded bliss!

    love~
    chas

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  76. Happy Anniversay....what an adorable post!!

    Thank you for stopping by A Girl's Gotta Nest and for the awful sweet comment you left...do hope you stop by again soon...I also have another everyday blog at www.auntmimiscreations.blogspot.com.

    Have a great weekend!!

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  77. I am enjoying reading your blog. Thanks for jumping over to mine. And, Happy Anniversary!

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  78. What a sweet love story. Happy Anniversary.

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  79. What a wonderful love story. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip down memory lane too.

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  80. Wow, you're doing much better than me if you can remember all those details the year you were married! LOL!

    Congratulations! May you enjoy many more sweet years together, Nezzy!

    Blessings,
    Tammy ~@~

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  81. Happy Week-end Nezzy,
    You were a cutie patooy bride, but your just as pretty now! Hugs, Cindy

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  82. I love this! Happy Anniversary and nice to "meet" you!

    Cheers,

    Anna

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  83. What a wonderful story.

    Just wanted to say thanks for stopping by my place. It was nice to see you again.

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  84. happy anniversary! Love the picture. Great great.

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  85. Congratulations on 37 years of a loving marriage! You were right -- it was a perfect day, because you married your true love. I wish you 37 more.
    :-)

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  86. Happy Anniversary and congratulations on 37 years! I remember those times very well. My hubby and I married in 1971. Thanks for sharing memories!

    Cheers!
    Julie
    Julie Magers Soulen Photography
    Blog of Note

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  87. oh dear one, you are such a fun lady!!! and one proud mom ;) Your family is blessed to have you :)

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  88. What a sweet and happy post. You describe the era and your precious day so vividly.
    I'm glad to know blind dates can be successful.
    Thanks for visiting, Nezzy.
    Enjoy your anniversary and all your blessings.
    Robyn

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  89. Comin' down in 3-part harmony!
    Great, there's the song stuck in my head for today, LOL!

    HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY! What a great post!
    I was just thinking to myself...as I was reading your bio in the sidebar with your pic...'she's a grandmother?'

    OMG. You are a wonderful looking Gram!

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  90. what a lovely recount - felt like I was there :) thanks for stopping by whoop whoop - off to read some more - best le

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  91. That's a great love story. I hope you'all had a wonderful Valentine's.

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