Well, hello there!

At lunch before the change-of-appointment parade.

The combination of house guests and a 10-day Internet failure has meant that I've been incommunicado for about two weeks. I've been so busy that I haven't really missed it, but I have periodically felt frustrated that I couldn't share news and pictures with you.

It was a very busy couple of weeks, indeed! Rather than blasting you with all the news in a single post, I'll split the highlights over the next two or three days. Here's the first instalment.

Fifty-Two Years

Note the candles.

Shortly after my last post (about my sore foot), I turned 52 and celebrated with family at home. No big deal, but there was cake.

Change-of-Appointment Parade

We were so very glad Steve's parents could join us for this day.

For the past two years, Stephen was the Canadian Forces' Communications and Electronics Branch Advisor. It was this "secondary duty" that involved Stephen in all the preparations for the visit of Princess Anne last fall.

I've described a military parade before -- it is not at all like a civilian parade where people "march" (I use the term loosely) in costumes and with decorated floats and an occasional band. In this military parade, the band was stationary and troops marched in in regimental lines with percussive bootsteps, strict alignment and solemn demeanours (mostly).

Stephen signs the change of appointment certificate.

I had a front-row seat in the shade while some 200 troops stood in full uniform under the sweltering June sun as (mercifully short) speeches were given and awards and promotions were presented. They stood, alternating attention and at-ease, while the branch banner (officially given to the branch by Princess Anne last fall) was passed from Stephen to the two-star branch leader and then to Stephen's successor.

Major-general Neasmith passes the branch banner to Stephen's successor, while Steve stands at attention.

(No fewer than three troops fell to one knee in exhaustion by the end of the parade.)

A(nother) Graduation

He loathes having his picture taken, but had to accept that this was a worthy occasion.

Much to our dismay, our youngest child has finished high school. I say "dismay" not because we didn't expect him to accomplish this, but because we can't believe our baby is that old. It doesn't seem that long ago that he needed to fall asleep in my arms.

He is full of plans to follow his uncle, grandfathers, and father into the military.

Depart with Dignity

When we left Colorado Springs, I mentioned that the military really knows how to say goodbye. This is especially true when it comes to retirement. Last week, family (including Stephen's parents, brother, and sister) and colleagues gathered to more formally mark his retirement.

We had a buffet lunch followed by a fun slide presentation and then some certificates, including one for me and for each of our children. There were also beautiful floral bouquets for Steve's mother, our daughters, and for me.

A portion of my bouquet.

That covers some of the major events that took place during my e-absence; there are two more posts. Stephen has only a few days of work left, and then we will toddle off into the sunset together.

Can't wait.