TUNICA, MISSISSIPPI

'On the road again, we can't wait to get off the road again.
Driving hours upon hours in this pouring rain.
We can't wait to get off the road again!

I'm kidding!  Well, not about the rain!  It was definitely coming down
in torrents!  Making visibility not so good for my husband.  I laid my
hand on his leg.  A little gesture of affection.  Wanting to snuggle up closer.
Knowing I shouldn't distract him from his intense concentration.
He gave me a quick sideways glance.  'I'll give you 20 minutes to stop that.'
That would the first of many times I heard that sweet little warning from him.
Naturally I loved it.  And took the 20 minutes plus!

We both agreed that a fast food lunch was the best idea.  As much as my guy
hated drive thrus, he agreed it was the best alternative to getting drenched!
If the rain continued at this rate, I thought it possible we may be forced
from inside the warm car to enter the ark!

Back on the road again. I offered to drive. I thought my love might enjoy a
break from the intensity of driving in such heavy rain.  No.  He was fine, but 'thanks, honey.'
It was later I remembered something I had said to him before our wedding.
Something he obviously took very seriously.  Something I will share later.  Another day.
I didn't drive even one mile during our eight day honeymoon.  Although I offered more
than once.  Aha!  I believe his daughter, Sally, may have been close to right when she
made the comment about her dad being stubborn.   I preferred to more kindly think of him
as 'strong willed.'  Possibly a little set in his ways.  But not stubborn.

Yes.  Finally.  Tunica!  I had never been here before.  I had never actually been to a casino.

My husband thought it would be something fun to share together.
 We stayed in a really nice hotel.
I believe it was the Isle of Capri.

While neither of us needed 'handicap' accommodations, we were
given one of their rooms.  Which turned out really great.  One of the benefits being a huge walk in shower.  Which we enjoyed.  Hmmm...I guess the 'learning to share' my mama taught me wasn't
such a bad idea, after all.  (smile).

We stayed there two nights.  And had a really good time.  The casinos were fun to check out. . .all the pretty lights and excitement.  We had a little fun there, but didn't get rich, and didn't go in expecting to.  I decided early on that going in with high expectations only set people up to be disappointed.  We were far from high rollers!   If we were to ever become wealthy, we knew it wouldn't be from playing machines!  It would come from using the good sense God blessed us with.

The best part of all was just the 'being together' part.  Enjoying the closeness.  The relaxation after the long, rainy drive.  The thrill of another step in this new and beautiful journey as husband and wife.  I think if one word could describe how I felt when my husband gave me that special look, it would be 'radiant.'  Because you see, I was so radiantly in love with this amazing man.

The delicious buffets didn't hurt, either!  (wink).

Remember I mentioned our nice room?  I forgot to mention the nice coffee cups.  The ones
Odell really enjoyed drinking from.  The ones he thought were his to take with him when
we checked out.  You know.  The little memo pad and pen.  The extra packets of coffee.  The little soaps and shampoos we didn't use.  The coffee cups.  Light tan melamine coffee cups.  I told
him that I thought those were supposed to stay in the room.  He honestly and truly believed in his very honest little heart, that I was mistaken. The coffee cups went home with us.  I never drank from them.  He drank his coffee from them every day.  I am smiling as I write this.  They are special to
me now.  Stained.  But special.


Next destination would be the last three days of our honeymoon.  That is, the official honeymoon.
I believed our honeymoon would continue long beyond these eight wonderful days!  That's
what my happy heart was telling me.  And judging by my guy's smile, I knew he felt it, too.

So. . .we were back on the road again. 

And, the sun was shining.  With more rain in the forecast. . .

THE ANGEL AT ROSE HALL

Don't you just love that name? This is the B & B where we would enjoy the second and third
days and nights of our wonderful honeymoon together!

We drove away from J.R.'s Hideaway the next morning after a very leisurely breakfast out on the deck.
It was a rather cool morning and looked promising for Spring rains a little later in the day.  The woods in the background looked so peaceful.  The deer roamed freely within close range.  It had been a romantic night and morning, but we were now packed and ready to move on.

We had a pretty long drive ahead of us.
A little less than a mile, actually.
What a big, beautiful home!  Our suite was upstairs and couldn't have been lovelier! It was split level, with a jacuzzi, a nice fireplace, and such pretty decor!
Shades of pink with roses. Very Victorian. We loved it!
Downstairs in the kitchen, there were homemade, freshly baked cookies for the guests.
And there was champagne, as well.  All made so special for the many couples who chose to stay at
this lovely B & B.  We knew we had found a great place to continue our honeymoon.

Of course, when two people are so in love, it doesn't really matter where you are, 
as long as it's together!  And yet, given the choice, naturally we would choose to be
exactly where we were.

That afternoon we ventured out to check out different things we might enjoying seeing or
doing while here.  Mostly we drove around, stopping for lunch, and later visiting shops at
a strip mall.  While there, we purchased tickets for an evening comedy show.
Because we both loved a good laugh!
In case you've forgotten our unique sense of humor, you can read about it here and here.

Just driving around Eureka Springs was quite enjoyable. It's a town full of winding, twisting
roads.  And hills.  Lots of those.
Everywhere you look are antique shops.
Historic hotels and churches.
Adorable little cafes.
Horse drawn carriages.
A dinner train.
And, of course, countless Bed and Breakfast homes.
These are only a few of the things to see.  However, what I loved seeing more than anything else, was
the smile on my husband's face, and the love in his eyes.
I know. You are probably thinking that I'm a little crazy.  And you would be right.
I'm crazy about my guy!

The rest of the day was leisurely enjoyed in our suite.  And how sweet it was! 

Later, after dinner in town, we attended the show, and quite enjoyed it, after the initial little,
only slightly rough beginning.  To our surprise, just after we found our seats, my husband saw a couple guys from his job.  'Honey, I'll be right back, okay?' he said and proceeded to go
over to say hello.  I waited for him to return to me.  It was only a few minutes, but
I began feeling just a little upset that he wasn't excited enough to take me with him and
introduce me as his wife of one day!  When he returned and sat next to me, he was smiling.
It was pretty obvious that he didn't think he had done anything wrong. Okay.  I confess.  I had
to ask him why he didn't take me with him.  He looked so surprised. He told me he hadn't
even thought of it and why hadn't I just gotten up and gone with him?
Then I felt bad.
Naturally.  Our first little misunderstanding as husband and wife.  What hurt the most
for me was the 'hurt' I saw in his eyes!  This tiny misunderstanding was settled quickly.
We went on to totally enjoy the rest of our evening.  Knowing that while this was so small
and seemingly insignificant, we would have others, and we would learn and grow from them.
But more importantly, we would love one another through it all.

Remember the promise of rain?  It came that night.
Just after we returned to our place.
We stood there on the huge, country style front porch, arms around each other,
just enjoying being together.  Not wanting these moments to ever end.
Don't you just love the fragrance of rain when it first starts?
It only added to the peaceful, romantic feeling all around us.
We finally decided to go back to our room for the night.
 I remember Odell mentioning that it sure felt chilly.

It was that evening I discovered  my husband's love of fireplaces!

I didn't think it was cold in our room, but apparently he did.  He got a fire going all right.
In the fireplace.  I could think of more fun ways to get warm! (smile).
It was electric and, unfortunately, malfunctioned.  The temp stayed at hot!
I love being all warm and toasty as much as the next person, but this went way beyond that!
Covers were definitely kicked to the floor later!
I don't know if either of us dreamed, but if I did, I feel sure we were
stranded together somewhere in the Mohabi Desert!

We awoke to a beautiful day, Easter Sunday morning.  It wasn't raining. Which would make
it much more pleasant strolling downtown later.  And,  thank God, our room was at a
comfortable temperature once again.
Evidently, the malfunction corrected itself.  I sincerely hoped my dear husband wouldn't feel
the need for the fireplace again that night. 

Our breakfast was enjoyed in the 'Morning Room'.  And what a gourmet
breakfast it was!  There were a few other couples enjoying it, as well and as we ate, we could

hear beautiful chimes from an ancient church just down the street in downtown Eureka Springs.
Those chimes were calling us to worship.  We knew it.  But somehow we just wanted to
'do our thing' all day.

We believed the Lord would understand. . .after all, He understood
honeymoons!  Marriage was all His brilliant idea!

We took off for downtown and just enjoyed checking out all the cute little shops.
Looking and dreaming of some of the things we might want to purchase later to
begin setting up our own home.
Together.  (sigh). Of course we bought a few small souvenirs.
We would save the bigger things for the next time here, which we hoped wouldn't be too
far off in the future.

 Dreaming of our future was just beyond exciting.  Honestly.  There were times I didn't know if I could contain so much!  I'm glad God designed our hearts to hold this much joy and happiness and love!  One of life's simplest pleasures was just walking side by side, holding hands, and just
loving being together.  The glances, the smiles and laughter, and several stolen kisses.
Could it get any better than this?

Looking back, I will have to say that the only thing that would have made it even better than this, was taking more pictures!  We took only a very few.  That was later our one regret. And still my regret today.  The memories are sweet and strong and I pray will always be.

Anyway, back to our story. . .

Finally exhausted of shopping and lunching,
and more shopping,
we were ready to give it up for the day.
We ended up stopping at a quaint little grocery store where we each got a pint of ice cream to enjoy back in our room.  We even picked up a movie from the selection just down the hall from us.
To be honest, I don't remember finishing the movie.
Or even what movie we watched.  I do remember the coziness of just leaning back together on the floor with pillows behind us, enjoying our ice cream, and at least starting the movie!

The next morning, after another wonderful breakfast, we left Angel at Rose Hall. In heavy rain.
All the way to our next destination.

Did I mention it was raining?  And the rain would continue all day.
Increasing in its strength.
Increasing in its intensity.
Like Odell and me.  Like our love.  We would be just fine. . .

Oh, and have I mentioned lately how much I adore my husband?  I watched him as he drove so compentently through the pouring rain.  I knew in my heart that he would always steer us through
any crisis we may have up ahead in our journey together.  He turned his head just for a second, winked
at his girl, and said, 'I sure love you!'



Next destination. . .slightly more than a mile ahead.

LET THE HONEYMOON BEGIN

What an exhilirating feeling as we drove away from the chapel.
Husband and wife.  Finally!  It felt Absolutely Amazing!
Beyond Estactic!  Completely Wonderful!

We had driven away amidst our host of well wishers.
We could still see them waving and laughing.
And the car looked so adorable.
But not as adorable as my handsome husband.
Hmmm!  I loved thinking of Odell as my husband now.

I was smiling at him and so engrossed in just watching his profile and his happy, relaxed grin.
It took a few seconds to realize he had pulled into a car wash.
'Honey, what are we doing here?'  I asked him, surprised.
He turned and looked at me like he thought I should know why he had stopped there.

'To clean all this stuff off the car, honey.'
I told him I wanted to leave it all decorated for the rest of the day, at least.
I wanted everyone to see that we had just tied the knot!
I wanted people to honk and wave as they passed us.
He shook his head and laughed.
He knew I would get my way about this.
I knew it, too.
I smiled and he leaned over and kissed his happy bride.

We were on our way to Eureka Springs to begin our honeymoon.
The honeymoon that began when we were pronounced husband and wife.
Married.
One with each other. And God.
In love.  So much in love!

We took our time getting there, stopping along the way for supper.
Another first.  There would be countless firsts in this new 'married' venture.
A sign in front of a cozy little place read 'Smoke House Cafe.'
We both agreed barbecue sounded really good.  We parked and went inside.
Yes.  Barbecue did sound tasty. However, the owners of 'Smoke House' didn't seem to
link 'smoke' with barbecue!
It seemed a little crazy, but since they did have a pretty decent buffet,
we decided to stay and enjoy what they had to offer.

If I remember right, I don't think I was all that hungry.  Not for food.
I found myself just staring into Odell's eyes.
I don't remember his appetite being as affected as mine.
Which was definitely a good thing.  I planned to work to 'fatten' up my husband.
Funny, though, as much as I felt I needed it, he had no plans of 'thinning' down his wife.'
I loved hearing him tell me he loved me just the way I was.
That I was the 'perfect package.'
I'm sure glad that old saying has some truth.
'Love is blind.'
Which reminds of a little rhyme I heard as a teenager. I might as well share it.
'Don't make love at the garden gate.  Love is blind, but the neighbors ain't.'

Returning to our story.
Thank you for indulging me.

Just as we arrived in Eureka Springs, we both spotted a Dairy Queen simultaneously.
This was the first time we discovered that we both loved DQ.
Especially the dipped cones.
It sounds just a bit crazy getting so thrilled over an ice cream cone.  But hey, we are talking

DQ dipped cones.
No contest! 
We went inside together and discovered one more new fact about each other.
His favorite was Chocolate.  Mine was butterscotch or cherry. Butterscotch this time.
No disappointment here.  Actually better than the Smokehouse Cafe.
The one with no barbecue.

We arrived rather late at JR's Hideaway.  The name was most fitting, as it set way back in
a woodsy, romantic setting. 
Our two room cabin style suite was really nice.  It even had a nice Jacuzzi close to
our bed.  Where we would be sleeping.  Eventually.

I can't begin to describe our heightened emotions.
Here we were together. . .joined as man and wife.
And sharing all the joys God planned for us.
Just two people who loved one another completely and unconditionally.
Who were soul mates.  Best friends. And best of all,
Looking forward to many happy and joyous years together.

We had several days of our honeymoon to enjoy and to build special memories on.
Some of which I will share with you over the next day or two.
And some I will keep for myself.
Close to my heart.

Until then, you may rest assured we were joyfully and amazingly happy and blessed
as Mr. and Mrs. Odell Edwards.

"I, ODELL, TAKE YOU, BARBARA. . ."

I remember waking up and just smiling.
The sun was shining through my bedroom window.
My bedroom window?  It seemed strange.
After today, it would become Our bedroom window.
I stretched luxuriously for a few minutes.  Letting my mind wander.
From this day forward everything would be ours.
Our new beginning!

My heart was so full of happiness, I didn't know
how it had room enough to keep beating!
I sighed contentedly.  Several times.
Okay.  Enough of the contented sighing.
 I really must get out of bed!
There were things that weren't going to get done by themselves.
Like making myself beautiful for that handsome groom of mine.

I loved sharing this special time with my sister.
You would love Cynthia.  She's almost as sweet as me.
Pretty, sweet, and older.  I love pointing out that last part!
Even though the difference is only eighteen months.

The part she loves pointing out.

Doing my hair and makeup went pretty smoothly.
I enjoyed taking my time to look as pretty as possible for my guy.
Well, actually, today it would be for my handsome and distinguished groom!

You, my readers, surely remember I'm a list person.
So naturally I had my little list for packing.
For the wedding.  And for the honeymoon to follow.
It was about that time now.  Time to drive to the chapel.
You know.  'Goin' to the chapel and We're Gonna Get Married. . .'

Yes.  I am singing it as I tell our story!

My sister and her son carried my luggage
and wedding gown to the car.
There.
Tucked all safely and carefully inside.
Their special attentions made me feel like The Princess Bride!

We arrived at the chapel and headed straight for the
dressing rooms where we were met with a rather disturbing issue.
The AC was not working in the dressing rooms.
Or the reception area.
I had a quick vision of melted icing on my wonderful cake.
Warm punch.
Cranky guests.
Thank God it was April and not August!

I could feel the heat increasing as I slipped my wedding gown over my head.
(Carefully so as not to mess up my hair, of course.)
And I knew the men had to be really uncomfortable in what
my groom loved to call, 'monkey suits.' 

Still, I knew nothing would ruin this beautiful day!
It was our day and we would soon become man and wife.
At the end of the day. . .
When all was said and done. . .
We two would be joined as one.


It was time to get everyone in their places and my friend, Margaret, was doing the honors!
With her assistance, things went quite smoothly.
I peeked into the chapel from my place beside my dad.
He smiled at me.  I was so happy he was feeling better.
Wedding songs were playing on the piano. 
Guests were arriving and being seated.

Then I heard the harmonious blend of trumpet and trombone.
My sons, Don and Randy, were playing 'Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us'.

I knew the candles were being lit.
Aww!

And how precious to watch four of our grandchildren as they walked down the aisle.

The two little flower girls dropping a bed of rose petals before me, while the boys carried the rings and a small white Bible.

I realized I was holding my breath.
I forced myself to breathe.
It was time.
The Wedding March. How beautiful!

It was now my turn.

I loved every second of that walk.
My handsome groom stood there smiling.
It seemed as if he couldn't take his eyes off me.
And my brown eyes were locked on those beautiful blues.

I was now standing at the altar with my Dad.
He was giving me away.  For the second time.
For the last time!
And to the most loving, amazing man in the world!
When Dad stepped away and we came together,
I knew I never wanted to let go of that big, strong hand.

The first song was my daughter, Lori, and friend, David Jackson
singing 'Household of Faith.'  So beautifully done.
Followed by our Pastor Gremillion praying a lovely prayer with us.

Now my oldest daughter, Christy, began singing
 'Surely the Presence of the Lord is in this Place'.
Immediately following the first verse, I heard
a lovely harmony of voices join hers in the chorus.

I turned slightly and there to my complete amazement
were my other three children singing along with her.
I later learned they had arranged to surprise their mama!
And, oh my goodness, was I ever surprised and happy!
It was a truly lovely gift from them to us!
I was already so emotional it was no surprise that tears came.

After exchanging our vows and rings, we stepped up to light the unity candle.
My sister, Cynthia, sang a song I love, that begins with . . .'please don't let this
feeling end. . .', 'Theme From Ice Castles.'  It was so pretty! 
As we stood there, hands joined, we gazed lovingly into each
other's eyes.
I don't remember the words I was saying to him.  What I remember was the way he
smiled at me, and being the gentleman he was, he tilted his head in that cute little
way he had, to hear my  softly spoken words.  I loved it!  I loved him!

In addition.
You know how usually something unusual happens during a wedding?
Something did. During this lovely surprise,
my youngest daughter, Lori, covered her mouth and ran back down the aisle.
A little later I learned that she had gotten really sick and almost lost it!
Bless her sweet little heart!  Well, at least she was still a part of the gift to us.
And I'm sure everyone appreciated her not losing it at the front of the chapel.

My son-in-law, Don, performed the ceremony.  We were his second wedding since he had been licensed.

He did fine.  He just did fine for a very long time!  (smile).
The very best parts were when we repeated our vows to each other.
And when he pronounced us 'husband and wife.'

And told my groom 'you may kiss the bride.'
Which he did! Oh, wow, did he ever!  It was the perfect first 'married' kiss we shared.

Then. . .finally, to the surprise and laughter of everyone there, my son-in-law said to
the congregation, 'I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Odell Sanders.'
What?  Seriously?  Sanders was my first married name.
Oh, well, as I said before, things happen at weddings.
And it was only his second one, after all!  We decided to cut him some slack.
But, Odell had no intention of changing his name. (smile. again. )

We had a lovely, albeit warm reception. 
Wasn't that a beautiful cake with the fountain?
Did you see the handsome groom?

And the lovely bride?
Don't they look perfectly happy. (sigh)

We were surrounded by happy loved ones, showering us with bubbles, hugs, kisses, and well wishes.

And so it was a very happy Mr. and Mrs. Edwards who later drove away in a cute Chevy Beretta decked out with shoes, cans, shaving cream, and a couple 'helpful' suggestions for the wedding night, better left unsaid!

We were so incredibly happy!
We wanted it to last forever.
We knew it would last as long as God gave us breath.
We knew ours was a lasting love.

And we could hardly wait to begin this new journey together.

More of our special day.....

                            My true Love. My life....