I'm getting married next week!

To my friend, Annie, who I've been chasing for 35 years (yes, I was in junior high school when all this started). It's going to be a simple ceremony at the courthouse, as each of us have been through, um, multiple marriages before. But I've adored her since I was smitten with puppy love way back when and I want to spent what years we have left together.
I've already told Matcom and my aunt, sarge 43 -- but, hey, we've all been talking about everything else here in the Lounge for the past six years, and this seemed at least important enough to merit a mention.
All questions and congratulatory messages can be posted on this thread. If you want to send expensive gifts, DU mail me for my address.
John
And, to my Texas buddies I've been talking to over in your state's thread, Annie is my friend traveling with me to your state in March. We can call it a honeymoon now. And we're still looking forward to meeting all of you. To DUers elsewhere, come to FUNDAY here in Saginaw in June and we'll drink some champagne for the occasion.

and Texas welcomes you back anytime.

I've never been to Texas and Annie hasn't been there since the 60s. We're flying into Dallas, probably on March 2 and will be spending most of a month touring your state. Hope to get a chance to meet you -- and let's compare notes about the trip over in the Texas thread (it's over 80 posts long by now).
John
Annie's only told me "no" about a hundred times over the years. I'm still kind of dazed she finally said "yes."

:toast:

I thought I'd share the good news with my best cyber-buddies.
John
And, for a touch of irony, my old pal Andy the Right Wing Republican is going to be my best man. I told him that the bad news was he was going to help get a couple of liberals married -- while the good news is Annie and I aren't going to reproduce. He seemed satisfied with that.

I wish you both a lifetime of happiness together. :toast: I am so happy for You! :bounce:

Many Blessings, my friend. :loveya: :hug: Love, Cheryl

You have sent me many kind blessings of the day, and I've appreciated each and every one of them. Getting your blessing on this means the world to us. NOW let's see if you can make FUNDAY this coming June and we'll all finally meet.
Love you,
John
Thinking many kind thoughts of you as well.

I wish you much happiness. :toast:

Thank you from both of us.
John
Who has to find his suit and get it pressed.

Now _that_ is patience man :D

More like cement-headed obstinacy.
John
And the dress shoes -- where did I leave my dress shoes?

May you have many happy years together.

The preceding years have been happy (if filled with fits and starts and some arguments and, between us, five other marriages), so I'm certain the coming ones will be just as joy-filled.
John
And socks!! I can't get married in white athletic socks...

We appreciate the sentiment.
John
Oh, and I should probably get a haircut -- I'm starting to look like a damned hippie (which means my hair is over an inch long).

Congratulations and may you be very happy together :toast:

Thank you for the thought. We do appreciate it.
John
A marriage license! We HAVE to have a marriage license!!

I'm glad so many DUers are so happy for us!
John
And not just a marriage license -- but a judge or a sea captain who isn't drunk.

The fact all the folks here on the ground and all of you out there in Cyberworld are happy for us means a lot.
John
Thank you again. From both of us.

Wow. 35 years? I'm glad you two finally brought it together. :toast:

I used my old van to help her and the man who would be her until-now last husband (a great guy -- who passed away seven years ago) into her current house, and I got married to my first wife in the living room of that same house fifteen years ago. Talk about friendship!
John
Now let's see -- "something old." That's us...

That's wonderful news. :)

Thank you for the nice words.
John
"Something new" -- that would be a marriage of mine that lasts more than 24 months.

Make sure while in Texas to visit Austin and San Antonio - both great party towns. Just stay away from San'tone on the weekends. The place crawls with baby zoomies on day pass.

back in the 101st Pterodactyl Sq

And I well remember hitting Louisville on a day pass after six weeks of basic training all those years ago. I don't think I could have possibly been as bad as those baby zoomies but, then again, I probably was. Advice taken.
John
"Something borrowed" -- a Berlitz translator to translate Andy the Right Wing Republican's reception toast from the original German.

:toast:

That should say something about the regard I hold you in, matcom. We've been here six years and you've given me a laugh just about every day of it. So thank you for that, too.
John
And "something blue." That would be all the people who laughed up their sleeves when Annie and I were having one of our arguments (plenty of those in 35 years, too).

All the best to both of you. :)

And the fact that her kids and my friends are happy for us (and many wondering why it took so damned long) is gratifying.
John
What to serve at the reception? Granola and drugs seem a bit light...

I DO consider myself a nice guy (and, honestly, sometimes Annie is too nice for her own good) and it's a win I've been wanting for a long, long time. In spite of the nerves one has to expect to have just now, I know this is not just the right thing to do -- but the cosmically right thing to do.
John
Planning on some reception music in addition to the usual Ramones.

in matters of the heart
HUMOR and persistence are *KEY*!

Congratulations to you and Annie from me and Luke!

Here's another good reason to pay us a return visit in June. You know, when the heart is touched, "time" as we know it in our mortal lives, is nothing. I would've waited until our next lifetimes to marry Annie if that had been what it took. And I was beginning to suspect that was going to be the case.
John
As, as to the humor, we amuse the hell out of each other. It's probably why we make such excellent traveling companions -- we can ride in a car for hours and hours and enjoy our time together immensely.

All the best to you and Annie! :hug:

Thank you for the sentiment and for the cyberhug.
John
My day is getting better too -- I'm almost finished with my second quart of coffee (which makes me happy) and Annie is preparing to go shopping (which makes her happy).

Nice story...FWIW, I still email my high school sweetheart, he JUST got married at 46 first time. We always thought we would end up together.

I thought I was ancient when I did my first one at 34.
John
Leaving Annie and my mutual ages out of the conversation for the moment.

:hi:

We're happy as can be. In fact, we've only ever been miserable when we've fought and then not talked to each other for extended periods of time.
John
And we'll save that until at least a few weeks after we get married.

We do both appreciate that so.
John
We have five cords of firewood inbound as I type. I think a cozy fire tonight would be appropriate and I just don't have the gumption to pour a gallon of hi-test around the living room.

What a sweet story. Congrats 5th and best wishes to the two of you!:toast: :party:

Toast!!!!
John
And booze -- we're going to need to buy lots and lots of booze (us for the reception, some of the wedding party for breakfast).

What a sweet story. Somethings are worth the wait. Wishing you all the best. :toast:

Later, when I get some time, I'll be happy to sit down and share the story with point and counterpoint with all of you here. It really is a long, romantic, but vaguely twisted tome.
John
But why wouldn't two people get married if they weren't a bit twisted these days?

Thirty-five years?? At least no one can accuse you of rushing into anything!

Mazel tov!!

:toast:

We're at least sure of the fact that our friendship is solid beyond compare, and that's probably as good an indicator of future success as any. And yours is our first "mazel tov," so thank you again.
John
Hey, at least for the first time in 35 years, I'll know for sure what Annie's last name is!

I am hopeful that the Maryland Supreme Court will rule that the current ban on same-sex marriage violates the state constitution. If so, Bertha and I will get married next year!

Annie and I both send our most positive hopes for you. I tire of the KKKristian KKKrispies who try to dictate who should be married and who shouldn't. Annie and I want to marry for exactly the same reasons you both do: Because we love each other and because we want to take advantage of the legal protections.
And we're serious about that invite. If it's a small wedding, invite us to the reception.
John
Whose parents were married in Baltimore in 1951 and who both would feel exactly the same way about your nuptials as we do (even though Dad was a Republican, he was one of the last not-crazy ones).

The only part that sucks is that some of my friends can't get married because they decided to be gay.

Dudes and dude-ettes: You need to stop being gay, stop eating shrimp, and own a few slaves. Then, and ONLY then, will I be truly happy.

And your slaves have to be Canadian or Mexican or some other sort of furriner, if I recall correctly. As for the rest of who should be able to get married and who shouldn't, see my post just above yours. And thank you for the best wishes.
John
As the old joke goes -- get married. That'll knock off that "gay" thing quick enough.

"When you're married, it's always the same sex."

(With thanks to Robin Williams)

:headbang:

Annie's daughter, Julie -- the maid of honor -- just showed up with her SO, Paul. I told her she's got about six days to get that title changed to "matron of honor." Meanwhile, her SO Paul is out in the kitchen fixing up some quesadillas. All I have to do now is type with one hand.
John
Who has had lots of practice doing things with one hand. But enough about me.

:-)

What a wonderful love story, John.:hug:

I wish you every happiness in your new life together. Congratulations, and may you have many years together. :toast:

It has a certain Tracy/Hepburn touch to it -- other than the politics (liberal, her even more than me) and a well-honed love for second-hand stores, we really aren't all that similar. But, Lord, I knew I was smitten with her the first time I saw her all those years ago and that's never changed through all of this.
Maybe we're both just finally getting what we deserve. Karma does that, y'know.
John
I have a picture of her on my refrigerator, taken circa 1978 -- about the time she first realized there was something more than mere friendship between us. She looks beautiful and vaguely dazed and still does all these years later. We're going to do just fine and I thank you again for the kind wishes.

I wish both of you the best and
here's to a long and happy union!

:toast:

Here's another toast to your perseverance!

:toast:

It isn't just the perseverance -- it's the intensity. I promised myself on my 50th birthday in October that I was going to live the rest of my life the way I wanted to -- and I just can't see doing that without her. I'm just surprised she came to the same conclusion at the same time I did.
John
Delighted, but very surprised. And all it took was asking her for the 217th time.

His grandmother's favorite story:

When he would visit, Mom would ask him what he wanted for breakfast.

"John, do you want pancakes?"

"Yeah".

"What about some scrambled eggs?"

"Yeah".

"Oatmeal?"

"Yeah."

"Some French toast?"

"Yeah".

"A twelve course ala Russe?"

"Yeah".

We come by our snarkitode naturally.

I have a naturally deep voice (people who meet me after talking to me on the phone usually remark that they were expecting to meet someone 6'5 and 300 pounds -- whereas I'm really 5'8 and an honest 155). The voice has little if anything to do with having achieved (if that's the right word) puberty. I've talked like this pretty much since I could talk.
So pitch that "yeah" response of mine to the tone of, say, James Earl Jones and picture a ten-year-old kid talking to get the full humor of it.
John
Never thought I'd see a family story on DU that I didn't bring up. Oh, and breakfast up at the grandparent's "cottage" up north including trout from the Swanson's pond next door as often as not. It was damned good, too.

Along with the fresh grilled trout, a side of sliced, lightly sauteed morel mushrooms, home made wild strawberry jam on Mom's toasted home made bread. Then, a mug of tea on the porch while enjoying a Michigan autumn morning, bright and crisp as a Baroque trumpet. O8)

Don't forget Pa used to have Chuck and I split and stack cord after cord of firewood to pay for our upkeep (no free rides with Pa). I used to go back to school in September in the best shape of my life (other than right after basic training, maybe) and it had a lot to do with why I could play sports reasonably well -- even though I weighed maybe 120 pounds in those days. And I can still swing a mean ax when I have to.
Happy memories, AuntieA. It's nice to think back on them.
John
I love you very much. We're not the type to say that very often, so I'll say it now.

You're my guy. :hug:

I wish you all the best. Your future is so bright you gotta wear shades.

From the TX DU forum: :applause::toast::applause:

Sonia

"When you're cool, the sun always shines."
Thank you for the good wishes, Sonia, and we sure hope to meet you when we come down to Texas in February.
John
Not cool. Not wearing sunglasses. Trying to type with a cat in my lap.

35 Years?!?!? Now, that's perseverance!
The Professor

If you knew Annie, you'd understand my perseverance. Thank goodness she's just as fond of me.
John
I mean, it isn't for the money -- other than the computer, I don't think I have a thing in this ol' bachelor pad worth more than $129.95 (and that on sale).

Here's wishing many many years of happiness for both of you!

:hi:

RL

I notice you're a man after my own heart with that library of yours -- I live in the house I grew up in (the family moved in 1961, grandmother G bought it ten years before that) and, after buying it from my mom's estate in 1994, I converted two of the three bedrooms into a library. I only have 5 or 6,000 volumes here (almost all of it non-fiction, biographies and histories, mostly) -- but I've also got a lifetime of memorabilia from a life well-wasted as a sportswriter and cartoonist.
I thank you for the warm wishes.
John
And let me know if you want to move some of that shelving -- I can always use it.

if you want to move any of those books!

:hi:

RL

If you appraise books as well as sell them, I have some pretty rare first editions that have come down to me over the years (thank goodness my family always put a high value on literacy) and, though they're lovely, they are frequently about topics I'll never get around to reading.
I moved a hand-signed limited (1000 copies) edition of Harry Truman's "Mr Citizen" through John King Bookseller in Detroit a couple years ago and, in exchange, wound up with an entire shelf of books on Michigania, which I've always studied.
John
You'll be the first person I'll talk to. Aren't personal libraries a wonderful thing?

:toast:

I think I've seen more clinking cyberglasses than I did at both of my bachelor parties.
John
No bachelor party this time -- but, oh my, the party we're planning of having at the reception.

:hi: You both sound made for each other! :bounce: :toast: I'm very happy for you!

"Made for each other" might be exactly the best way to put it. I can't see how else it would have worked for so long, otherwise.
John
Other than that "cement-headed obstinacy" thing I mentioned earlier. We both come from long lines of rock-headed Saxons and Visigoths (we've evolved).

Was Annie at FunDay 2003? (I'm losing count)

I think I met her...


Marcos-

And FUNDAY XIII is coming in June (as always). The house gets better every year and should be spectacular by the time you get here then (you ARE coming, yes?).
Annie just came through here enroute to shopping (for primer paint and god-only-knows what else), remembers you, too, and sends her very best regards.
John
Who will skip the FUNDAY countdown clock in this particular post, as I have an even more important event happening before that. Sending you my very best regards, too, buddy.

All of us in the family Grumpy wish you and Annie all the best in health and happiness.

Much love,
Laura

P.S. How are you feeling these days?

I'm feeling great (love works wonders even on a damaged heart). It's worth mentioning that Annie is retired from the Saginaw Public School system and has a very good medical and dental plan, so I can finally stop picking shit with the chickens trying to get the medicines I need.
Please come on up in June and join us again for FUNDAY.
John
I hope everything is going well down there for you and yours, too. You have a swell family.

I wish you all the best that life has to offer.

sincerely.

aA
kesha

Three straight Michiganians in the thread!! I appreciate the kind thoughts and hope you'll join us in June, too. It would be lovely to see you!
John
Life is looking ever so much better these days. I finally have a reason to WANT to live to be 90.

:hi:

For the congratulations and for the belly laughs over the years. You're one of the best ones here.
John
I truly appreciate you for both.

We hope to meet you and all the other Dallas-area DUers when we come to your fine state in February for our honeymoon. Right now, we're figuring Feb 2 as our most-likely arrival date and will probably be spending a month there. All the details (such as they are) are over in the Texas forum. See you then.
John
And thanks again for the good wishes.

Who shall we cast?

Congratulations!!!

Annie is blonde and size-zero petite. I have no idea which modern actor looks like me (although I've been told French Stewart more than once), but my dad (sarge43's brother) looked a lot like John Garfield. I'll have to think about that once my poor brain calms down a mite.
John
I don't think I look like French Stewart at all, for what it's worth. And thank you for the kind regards, soleft.

for a long and happy life together :toast:

I don't think we've bumped into each other here before, so it's nice to meet you under such happy circumstances. I hope we get a chance to chat at length in the future.
John
So many clinking glasses! I think I'll grab myself a beer.

Congrats and hugs to you both! What happy news to hear! I loved her house--how are you two ever gonna pick a place to live? Can you divide time between the two??? :)

Blessings on your marriage and to you both!


Laura

Annie and I are well aware that the smart move is to keep a bit of space involved here. There's no way she would ever give up her (very beautiful) place and, of course, I live in the family home of 45 years.
If I'm not here, I'm usually over there and vice-versa. And we only live six blocks apart from one another -- she (as you well know) loves being the hostess and having company over as much as possible -- while I treasure my solitude. At such a small distance, it isn't like trying to maintain a cross-continental relationship. We'll both have two houses is the best way to put it (and she LOVES camping out here when all the companionship there gets to be too much for her. It happens).
She has several changes of clothes and a toothbrush here. And each of our beds are plenty big enough for two. It may not be conventional (believe me, it's the question most frequently posed to the two of us), but we know it's going to work just fine.
Love to you, Kevsand and Material Girl. Come see us in June and we'll all make a real weekend of it.
John (and Annie)
And tell Kev this Tiger fan admires the way the Cardinals put the boots to us in the World Series. I didn't like the outcome but, honestly, the better team won.

she sounds wonderful and for you to have known her since junior high school days is extra special too.

My toast to you both, :toast:
"John & Annie, Enjoy Many Happy Years Together!" :toast: :hug:

I haven't seen you around much lately (heck, I haven't been around much lately), but you know you were one of the first DUers to welcome me here (way, way back when) and you'll always be special to me for that. All the kind words from all my companions here are taken deeply to my heart -- but your words on this happy occasion touch me to the core.
Thank you for the kind thoughts. Thank you for having welcomed me to DU and for having made me feel like I belonged. Thank you for being a rock here. Just thank you.
John
So many years, so many words -- and I still can't quite say what I want to. You're extraordinarily important to me and to us and I hope you never forget that. Love to you from both of us and from all of us.

May you and Annie have many years of happiness, true love, cherished memories and bliss. I wish you both the very best in congratulations and best wishes as you enter into this new and wonderful period in both your lives.
:toast: :toast:

You know, we've already had years of happiness, true love, cherished memories and bliss. She's been great to me and, my, we've already done and shared so much. This is going to just be a new chapter in one of the most important stories in our lives.
What are my weaknesses are her strengths and vice-versa. To paraphrase that corny line of Renee Zellweger's from 'Jerry McGuire,' "she completes me." I'm really looking forward to this and I want the world to know we're together.
John
Thanking you again for the sentiments.