Hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend.

Heidi, I love your wedding theme. Great idea. I even have ideas of what I could send, but I am going to pass this month and hopefully spend more time on some of the projects I'm working on. I will be checking in to say hello.

Blue Taffeta-the Wedding Story

My friend tells this story and I love it. The day of the
wedding comes. The bride, a bit on the chunky side, comes down the aisle. She’s
the picture of a Princess. She stands between her Prince Charming and her maid
of honor, the younger (and chunkier) sister. The maid of honor is dressed in
blue taffeta from bust to ankles, folds and folds of it. These girls have never
looks more regal—or more out of their comfort zone. The maid of honor looks
back and the bride’s train is wrinkled. She delicately steps back, leans down,
picks up the fold, and falls off her high heels. Not being accustomed to folds
and folds of blue taffeta she rolls around like a bowling pin, legs flailing.
Clearly she can’t get back up. The groomsman…after what seems like an
eternity…steps in and helps her to her feet. She calms the taffeta and the
ceremony continues. The bride and groom move to the side to light the unity
candle and when the bride returns…the train is again wrinkled. The maid of
honor begins to lean down and the bride hisses between clenched teeth, “Don’t
touch it!” She leans a little closer. “I said LEAVE IT ALONE!”

My friend likes to ACT OUT this story. She
rolls on the ground like the taffeta-entwined maid of honor fighting for her
life!

Heidi

I remember my Mother telling me that Mock Orange was used for Wedding Boquets way back in the depression days. At my old farmhouse I had a huge Mock Orange bush outside the Dining Room window, (So huge I bet it was around in the Depresion days).It always smelled heavenly when it bloomed. When we got the new "Farm" last year I wanted Mock Orange to plant. A friend offered me cuttings and when I returned to THE new farm yesterday I was so excited to see new leaves on several of the cuttings. I hope in a couple years I will be smelling the Wedding Flowers/ Mock Orange drifting through my windows again. The smell reminds me of Mom and stories of weddings.

Heidi, funny story. Also, just curious as to when you are going to be assigning partners.

I just noticed that you wanted wedding stories. I wanted to tell everyone that I was married on Friday the 13th of July. Yep, Friday the 13th and this year will be our 36th anniversary. It was a hot day and I remember it was so hot that I almost passed while standing in the receiving line. They took me to the Vicars office which was air conditioned and I recovered. The reception was also hot since the air conditioning broke. (Attributed to the 13th). I remember my brother jumping in the pool (our reception was at an apartment clubhouse). I always wondered what happened when he turned in that tux.

Beth, loved your mock orange story as my grandmother had one too. I just loved that bush. Glad to hear yours has returned.

Margo

I'll do partners tomorrow. Anyone else want in?

And now...announcing partners...

Erica and Margo (smitties)

Dawn (dawn1972) and Beth (beth b Kodiak)

Ann (canyonwind) and Heidi (xiangirl)

My husband, Marco, and I celebrated 20 years this summer. And, speaking as someone getting on in age...time flies! (That's all old people could talk about when I was young--how fast time goes. I wanted to invite them to social studies class so they could watch time stand still. lol) I was going to school in Chicago and my best friend was a black lady. At this school there are many Hispanic students because they can get their degree in Spanish. She is dating a guy from Mexico. On Sunday afternoons they all get together for potlucks/picnics. "Come on, Heidi. Come with me. I don't want to go alone," she whines. "No, I don't want to go. The only people I can talk to are the kids," I explain. It's all very junior high-ish. So I go. We have a good time. We all end up in the pool. Well, every time my friend throws the ball to the kids her boyfriend pays more attention. So I swim over to tell her. (Again, very junior high-ish!) As I swim back this guy at the edge of the pool says, "What did you say to her?" Well, I can't tell him the big secret! So I use one of my mother's tricks and say, "Chiquita Banana!" and swim away. The next week he asked me out. He was from Ecuador, home of Chiquita Banana and he thought I knew him!

We date and we've only known each other a few months and one day he says, "Will you marry me?" I can't say yes! I can't say no, but I can't say yes. So I say, "Do you want a sandwich?" He sits and wonders what's wrong with his English. Didn't she understand?

Time goes by. Now I'm ready for the question...and he doesn't ask. So I bought him a ring and invite him to Olive Garden. When we go I tell him I'm buying. He worked 2 jobs and went to school so he was tired all the time. Most of our dates were to the $2 movies on Sunday afternoons. Our apartments are close so I walk over. He is in jeans and a t-shirt. I'm not proposing to a guy in a t-shirt! I make him change. He's cranky. We order and he's mad he had to change and he's hungry as a bear so he orders 4 entrees. While we're waiting I pull out my little box. Now, previously I gave him a little box with an engraved keychain in it. So he thinks this is another keychain. He pops open the box, pops it shut and almost passes out. "Will you marry me?" I ask. Finally he speaks, "But...but I'm supposed to ask you..." he says. "Oh, you did, remember?" "Oh, then yes," he says. Now the food comes and he can't eat. He says the restaurant was full of people staring at us. I didn't notice. I was watching HIM. He took all his food home in doggie bags!

Heidi

Heidi -- What a fantastic story! It put a big smile on my face and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing!

Margo -- Your pack is all set to go out with the mail tomorrow. You should receive a tracking number from the USPS. If you don't let me know and I can send it to you.

Dawn 1972 please contact me if you are still playing. We need to exchange addresses.
Bethb

Take this quiz and let us know what your floral style is! Only 5 questions. Just put down your first answer and move on. I'll post my results at the bottom.

Take our quiz to find out which blooms will match your wedding style!

Keep track of whether you answer A, B, C or D!

1. What is your dream wedding venue?
a) A beautiful chapel filled with fragrant roses and flickering candles
b) A chic city hotel
c) A beach, a cliff top, a teepee – anywhere that’s a little bit different!
d) A gazebo in a pretty flower-filled garden

2. You’ve always wanted to walk down the aisle wearing...
a) A breathtaking fairytale white gown with a cathedral-length veil
b) A slinky little number with sparkling statement jewellery
c) Something with a splash of colour and flowers in your hair
d) A beautiful antique lace dress, complete with heirloom accessories

3. If your fiancé was to arrange your fantasy date, you’d most like to...
a) Indulge with a romantic dinner at an intimate restaurant
b) Book your own private box at the opera for an extravagant night of culture
c) Try something different like a Thai cookery class or salsa lesson
d) Stumble across a surprise Champagne picnic after a long country walk

4. Which of the following best describes the style of your home?
a) I love to be surrounded by beautiful things, such as ornate mirrors and fresh flowers
b) We have a contemporary home with minimalist furnishings and sleek chrome details
c) Our house is full of lots of colour and mementos from our travels, creating an eclectic and vibrant atmosphere
d) We love the shabby-chic look and use floral fabrics and white-washed wood to bring a homely, country feel to our living space

5. Which of these trips is closest to your dream honeymoon?
a) A week in a private Tuscan villa
b) Chilling out on a yacht in St Tropez
c) A wonderful adventure around Vietnam and Cambodia
d) Escaping to a cosy cottage in the beautiful Scottish Highlands

Your bridal flower style revealed...
Mostly As: Romantic

Choose pretty pink roses and flowers in pastel shades for your big day to create a soft, feminine look.
Mostly Bs: Glamorous

Bring on the glitz with pure white blooms, parkling accessories and monochrome reception details.
Mostly Cs: Exotic

Be inspired by the vibrancy of the East with exotic flowers and a striking jewel colour palette for the finishing touches.
Mostly Ds: Country-garden

Wild flowers and chintzy china will create a laidback garden-party theme.

Heidi here! I came out A and D. I love the country[garden theme in my life, but not for the wedding--definitely more A!

Hrmm... I guess I am romantic, glamorous, exotic and country! Yeehaw! My answers: C, D, B, A, D. Fun quiz though. :)

three D's , one C and one none of the above,

Erica, you probably needed a more clarifying question like, "What kind of tomato plant would you have for centerpieces?" I know you're the queen of tomato varieties and you're always willing to try something new and exciting.

Heidi

Heidi -- That would have been a tough question to answer. There are so many choices and I do love my tomatoes!

hey Heidi, i came up with 2 Ds and 2 As, we are alike :)

I took it for fun: A, C, None and A/C split. Romantic and Exotic and none of the above. Dream date: horseback riding in the sun dappled woods am, live thoroughbred racing in the pm and dinner at Alinea. Or pizza at Lou Malnati's, my treat. Vacation: (what's that?) Riding Arabian horses in the Morrocan desert or seeing the Lippizans perform in Vienna, and their art museums. The Viennese, not the Lippizans.

Wedding story: My sister gets married, I had never been in high heels. Three sisters, so two of us are bridesmaids in peasant type skirts. Second bridesmaid/sister runs away from home two weeks before wedding. Cheerful, fun aunt to play organ, small venue. Wedding practice, my first time in strappy heels: Aunt Fun cannot, CANNOT stop laughing "I can't play the organ if she is going to walk in those heels". I wore my cowboy boots under my peasant skirt. (Don't worry, the runaway sister came back later, not in time for Mojave desert wedding.) Mary E.

Dawn 1972, please contact me so we can exchange addresses. I have two different Dawn's this month.... both new to me and I got confused ( nothing new there). I don't want to mess up what I'm sending to each of you. Thanks
Bethb

LOL...funny quiz!! I have to say, I was not crazy about any of the choices on any of the Q's. I have been married for almost 30 years, love my husband and I am not a dreamer...but I would not care to get married again!! But I answered the best I could...1)D, 2)B, 3)C, 4)C, 5)B or D...depending on the time of year.

Knowing myself the way I do, I know that I am not a Romantic...far from it and I am not a Country Garden type of gal......Heidi, working on your wedding wonders surprise. I should get it out next week sometime...may be after the 15th. I would not go near a PO on the 15th...LOL!

Will try to come up with a wedding story and a pic in the next few days.

Happy weekend!

Annie

Ever see a tulip with 6 points? I have 1 and it's yellow. It looks very regal.

Heidi, I wondered how your "gardens" were coming along! They look great, you've done a great job!

Beth, do you need Dawn's address? Email me with your email address and I'll get it out to you. Sorry about the delay!

Hope everyone is having a great early spring. It was beautiful here today, in the 60s!

Later!

Shirley!

Thanks Shirley but I am finally straight on addresses. I hope to mail either Wed or Sat. I'm going on an outing with my daughters and think I might find a nice goodie to include "IF" I wait until Sat. I'm betting that Dawn won't mind.

We're not interested in the Bride, we see her every day. When do we start the Cake?

Me does not mind. It will probably be this weekend or early next week before i will be able to get yours out Beth.

LOL, flowergirls. I had two adorable little redheads in turquoise, a little too photogenic. They were not going to smile for any more pictures, halfway though the reception.

Hi all my FOTESS friends :) Sorry I've been away so long....I have missed y'all bunches!...I'm just figuring out my way around this new site now lol...I looked for a place to post to see if I've left anyone hanging when I didn't have time a couple of years ago and just basically had to quit the forums....I'd like to become a member of this group again, although I may not participate in the swaps for a little while...I gotta get back into the groove :) ...I know this isn't the right place to post it but if anyone can point me to the thread to post to ask anyone if I owe them anything from a couple of years ago please help me out...

And this wedding trade idea is awesome! Last year me and my hubby renewed our vows...he surprised me :)

*Hugs to all*

Here's a beautiful video if you want a few moments to enjoy an English Garden. (Skip the ad.)

An English Garden – https://www.youtube.com/embed/9H9IojB9iYY"

Heidi

I was a flower girl one summer. I had two Aunt Lindas, one on each side of the family. I was flower girl for both weddings. I was so nervous about doing everything right. Then as I walked down the aisle I was spreading the petals just like they told me, carrying my basket very carefully. Then the man sitting on the end of the pew said, "Put more petals on the left side." There were more on the right side since I was using my right hand. I was only 4 and I remember thinking, "Hey buddy, if you think this is so easy you come do it." lol

Evening, All!

Beth, how pretty those little girls are! Granddaughters? Love the dresses!

Welcome back, Diane! Nice to hear from you - hope you can join in some of the future swaps.

Great video, Heidi, I want the first house that's shown. Now. Reminds me of Ireland.

Cool here today, supposed to warm up over the weekend.

Just so it doesn't snow.

Off to bed, have a great day tomorrow,

Shirley!

Yes, the girls are pretty and they were excited, just not about the Bride.
Now, the boys want equal time too, LOL. GreatGrandsons with their Gramommie and Auntie Kate. I don't get to see any of them nearly enough.

Ann, yours is on the way! tracking number: 9114999944314549626384

Heidi

Hello everyone. I am sorry I have been missing for a while. I have been away on vacation and I was trying to get on while we were gone but only had my cell phone. I
didn't remember my password to get on here and my computer automatically
lets me on since I had it save my password. Since it wasn't saved on my phone it was too much of a hassle
to get it all figured out on that little screen. It was frustrating not being able to get on here.

I have been keeping up with posts and let Erica know her package will be late. I did receive hers while we were gone and opened it as soon as I got back. She sent me a bag of after dinner mints, a spool of white ribbon, a package of organza bags, a package of thank you notes and a seeds relating to a wedding. I don't have them in front of me right now so hope I didn't forget anything. Thank you Erica for the wonderful wedding package. I had mine ready before we left but didn't know where it was going to go. I will get it out by Monday as I need to get our camper unpacked and cleaned up.

I will let you know when I get it mailed off. Thank you again Erica, Margo

Margo -- So glad my package made it to you. Hope you had a great vacation!

Heidi, your wedding wonders are packed up. I will be sending your way on Monday!!

Happy weekend to all!

Annie

I work on a few city flower beds. I asked the city for dirt and they gave me a lot (and that gave me an idea)! I had to talk my husband into help, but now I have a Flower Bed Bed! I've had the idea for awhile. We've had 2 days of rain and this morning I direct sowed flower seeds around the perimeter. On the 'bed' I am going to plant Bishop's Weed so it will look like a smooth comforter of green and white foliage (some day). The walking track is in the background. Should give people something to look at!

Heidi -- What a great idea! I can't wait to see it all grown out!

Out of town for a couple of days....returned home last night and found a package from Heidi.

* a lovely wedding card with several varieites of seeds tucked inside, cosmos purity white sensation, onion walking egyption, coneflower white dove and three packages of old fashioned garden flowers.

* Heidi wrote, "Something new....and no open flame! Romantic!".....two battery operated tea lights
* Heidi wrote, "Something blue!".....raspberry lemonade blast blistex in a blue package
* Heidi wrote, "Something borrowed, but I don't want it back!"....Eclipse gum
* Heidi wrote, "To chew on after the garlic surprise reception and the honeymoon!"....Eclipse gum
* Heidi wrote, "All brides need chocolate!"....Russell Stover coconut chocolate

Thanks so much Heidi....your package is headed out today!!

Annie

Here's what I think is going on, but correct me if I'm wrong:

Heidi to Annie: Rec'd

Annie to Heidi: Sent

Eria to Marco-Rec'd

Marco to Erica-Working on it

Beth to Dawn:

Dawn to Beth:

Say a prayer for me and my family. My daughter is a senior in high school and we had to put our foot down this weekend. My husband is Good Cop and I'm usually Bad Cop. It should have a been a fun weekend of prom and graduation in 4 weeks, but she wrecked her car and is making bad choices.

It rained Friday. Saturday I direct sowed all around the Flower Bed Bed. Saturday night it rained again. I'll be excited to see what comes up! It's cool now, but nice and wet so when it gets warm those seeds should POP!

Heidi

I did finally get my package to Erica to the post office yesterday. It will head out today. They had a delivery date of the 22nd and will post a DC number later. The wind is horrible here today so nothing outside getting done.

On a good note, I found the dress for my daughters wedding. Sent her a picture and she approved. LOL

Margo

That's no small assignment, Margo! Good job! You even got approval from the bride--you did great!

Heidi

Margo -- Thanks for letting me know. I'll keep an eye out for it tomorrow.

Dawn, your package was mailed yesterday. Should arrive by the end of the week.

I took a break and went on vacation with my Daughters. WE saw some shows and went zip lining. What a blast. Now I'm back home and starting to tear out the old kitchen. It will be such fun to burn up these old kitchen cabinets. Then the hard part starts. The rebuilding will be much tougher but most of that is for Jack to do. I'm just "unskilled help".,Willing but not very useful.

Looks like fun. I did it last year. Nebraska is pretty flat so you have to get out of the state usually to do it. "Unskilled Labor" is usually code for "extra hard work" so kudos to you!

Heidi

Margo -- I received your wonderful wedding pack today. A million thank yous. There were so many great things, and so many purple's, which is my favorite color!
Here's what Margo sent: Bath Tea, Lavender potpourri, Notecards, decorative flowers, photo album, floating candles, and an assortment of purple and white seeds.

Heidi, you are right. For my Dad I was the Gopher. Being unskilled labor is more challenging. LOL More rain here. In AZ we pray for rain. For the last two weeks we have been praying for it to stop here in MO. Well, I can hope for tons of May Flowers

Problems getting a pic on here....hopefully this works.... walking down the isle after we have become hitched!! Almost 30 years ago, time really does fly when you are having fun!!

Heidi, hopefully you received your package. I did not get a tracking number but have a receipt that says you should have gotten last Thursday.....I never believe what they say. If for some reason, you do not get it, I, of course, will resend.

I am hosting FOTESS for the month of May. I will post a new thread in the next few days!!

Annie

We are back from the wedding. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding-about 55 degrees with sun filtering through the newly opened oak trees in Missouri. It was at a lodge. They had chandeliers handing from trees, lanterns, white xmas lights in the trees as it turned dark.. It just fit the couple and was so pretty and eclectic. It was 4 days of crazy and a lot of driving, but it was fun.

I got my package today (Monday), Annie. You get an A+! She sent me all kinds of seeds, a Reese, a set of rose stickers, a knife (I can't spell it) and a lizard for my flower bed. I never thought of a knife, but you're right, newlyweds get new cutlery! You're right, I don't want that lizard in my bed, but it sure is cute! Pic 1: wedding couple who got married 2. Annie's package 3. My allium. Blooming earlier than usual this year. Don't know why, but I won't complain!

Heidi

Heidi,

Thanks for a wonderful month of Wedding Wonders.....

Hoping all is better with your daughter.....nothing wrong with being the "bad cop".

Annie

Things are much better with my daughter. She seems to be focusing on what is most important.