Oops, I actually missed a blog day! But everything is just all right...today we had the engagement party for my niece.

This is the first of the next generation to begin the commitment process. As divergent and wacky as our family is, everyone showed up to see the ring and wish the couple well (and pass on some advice and bucks to help with the main event). The new groom (whom we've known for three years) stood up to the stress of facing four uncles.

This niece is the oldest daughter of my brother who passed away. J.R. wasn't there, but his presence was surely carried on in the ear-to-ear grin of his beautiful girl. He would have been proud.

Hope you all had a great day.