Though it is probably just foolish pride on my part, I often feel like a "protector" or "father figure" for all of the regulars here and the newest members of our klatch quickly discover how much vicarious genuine pleasure I take in the good things that you folks do, accomplish and experience. Such is the case again and I am unabashedly bursting with pride. I cannot control my joy in making this public announcement of good news about one of our own.

On Thursday of this past week, Miz Honey (Honeychile) and her fiance did the deed. Her two grown and accomplished daughters were there to witness Honey and Gary "jump the broom." She and Gary will endure a long distance marriage for a brief time as she attempts to train her replacement as manager of one of the most efficiently, effectively managed public housing facilities in the entire United States (according to folks who know about such things). Honey will leave huge footprints for her successor to fill and a trail of accomplishments to follow. In today's madhouse world, she leaves a legacy that would cause Bella Abszug and every feminist alive and dead panting in awe, envy and admiration. She makes "working mom" an understatement. She overcame natural disasters - a home that almost collapsed around her ears due to natural forces (subsidance), uninsured, of course - professional challenges - economic slowdowns that made doing her job even more difficult - and personal challenges - an internet lizard who brought her personal and financial disaster when she was most vulnerable - and she emerged victorious in every case. This woman wasn't satisfied with just being a "Superwoman." She took THREE jobs to work her way out of the devastation piling up around her and made herself invaluable to her employers in all three cases!

If ever there was someone worthy of praise and admiration, it is Honey and I am far beyond the simple English language word "proud" to count her among the special people in my life. There will always be a unique place in my heart, mind and memory for Honey and I cannot hope hard enough for good things to come her way. I don't know if I were more excited and elated over her news or my own recent reprieve from that bony bastard who has been stalking me for over 35 years.

I want to wish Honey and Gary a lifetime of joy, happiness and shared love. I hope each one who visits here, however infrequently they have posted in the past will add their own well wishes for the happy couple and let her know that her internet friends share my joy for her and him. Perhaps we will even flush Miz Patsy out of hiding for this memorable event.

The meds I take daily these days have put an end to my alcoholic intake, but I raise a glass of Carnation Instant Breakfast in their direction and pose a toast in her honor...

"May the days ahead be filled with sunshine, light and goodness for both of you and may even the darkest storms you encounter together serve only as harbingers of the rainbows you shall discover and explore together."

If you'll pardon me folks, I have to go slip on one of my old t-shirts that now hangs on me like a sock on a rooster. This shirt with the buttons popping off as my chest swells up with pride and happiness just can't keep up with my happiness for her.