Happy 61st Wedding Anniversary to my bride, Proverbs 31, (New Living Translation), 28) "Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: 29) 'There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!'”

Good morning and welcome. It is Thursday, December 18, 2025, and, this is one of those very special days for us, here at the ole blogger ranch. It is on this day, 61 years ago, that a very young lady, 17, stood beside a very young man, 18, and, we both answered in the affirmative in saying, "I do." As it typically turns out we have holiday related commitments and we will postpone an official celebration until the smoke clears on the season. Life goes on and this afternoon I will be at the medical facility having an ultra-sound done on my liver. I am not altogether clear, but given the long term intake of medications I think they are checking it for wear and tear. Oh well. Back to the subject at hand. Sixty one years. Our conversation these days often revolve around reminding each other to take our medications, double check our schedules, and, other similar reminding kinds of talk. One thing is certain. She remains a one of a kind and after all these years I continue to know in my heart of hearts how much I thank God for her because just like every year before, "Baby, you're the greatest!" 

I suppose I will need to prove my point by reminding her to read my blog since today's issue has her as the main subject. When people ask me about the secret to a long marriage I can only tell them what I know to be the truth, "Only by the grace of God." Not every day of our time together has been idyllic and we have no illusions about it all being a tip toe through the tulips where it all makes for a happily ever after experience. However, 61 years later and we are still at it. Making it work. Seeking God. Overlooking. That's right. A lot of overlooking, from both sides. Do we still know how to have a good fight? You betcha! I'm thankful they are not as frequent as they were at different times, however, that 'old man' nature is still around and at any given time, well, you do know what I mean, right Vern? My conclusion is this: I am blessed by God with the woman He placed in my life and I thank Him for her. Thanking Him daily for your spouse is a good way to have a healthy marriage. I just thought of that one and decided to pass it on. Y'all enjoy the day and I will now hurry back to studying for my liver test scheduled for this afternoon. Ha! Relax. It's a joke. May God add His blessings. Amen.