The Dark Hedges
We had our wedding anniversary dinner at Ted’s Montana Grill tonight. We couldn’t have asked for it to be more perfect. I opened the door for Joyce as we arrived for our reservation, and for a young couple that followed just behind us. Respectfully, he offered to take the door and allow me in first. I insisted, however, telling them that it was all good, as we were celebrating our anniversary and that I needed to stay in practice of putting others first. With big smiles all around they asked what anniversary it was. “The 8th,” I said proudly, “and a first marriage for us both.” Obviously aware we were no spring chickens, I explained, “If you do marriage perfectly, this is how you’ll wind up after 8-years of it.” They laughed… but it’s true, for me anyway.
Joyce and I headed to the UK the day after our wedding. One reason was for her to attend the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in Scotland. Imagine that. 700 years. With no written history here in America that covers such time other than petroglyphs, I find it fascinating that Scots can hold a grudge for such a long time. Another end to our visit there was to meet friends that I had come to know from my involvement on Flickr, a photographer’s social site. Many are still quite dear to Joyce and me.
While in Northern Ireland, sweet Mari hauled us around to some of her favorite haunts for the camera. She brought us here to the Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees on Bregagh Road in County Antrim. As you can see, the trees form an atmospheric tunnel from within. Many recognize this as a location from Game of Thrones, which resulted in this place becoming a tourist attraction. Mari’s interest preceded that. We were the only ones there as Mari parked the car. I set up my camera on the tripod to work out compositions when another car showed up… in the way. Then another and another. Then a full tour bus. I hoped the situation would improve to perhaps get off one good shot, but with more folks showing up, it was looking iffy. I returned to the car with Joyce and Mari. Within minutes, the bright, warm day immediately transformed with a close crack of lightning, a darkening sky, and wind-driven hail. The cold hail on the hot road quickly turned to vapor and the bottom let out from the laden sky. Looking through the window, with everyone else chased off by the weather, I realized that I was looking at the optimum shot… drowned or not, I had to get it. Adjusting the camera, I slung my wet left hand, and my wedding ring came flying off and bounced down the road. My thought at the time was “I am just barely into this marriage and I’m already in trouble.” Fortunately, I found it in a puddle off the road. I can’t look at this picture without thinking about that.
For 8 years, we’ve had an adventure in even the smallest of things. Thank you to all our family and friends who help make this journey such a joy. The day we first entered the house as husband and wife, she hugged me and said, “Hello, Mr. Kight.” I responded, “Hello Mrs. Kight. Wait a second… that was my mom’s name!” She has a lot to put up with, but I can never imagine going back to the day before her. Happy Anniversary to my sweetie, Joyce Kight! It’s the longest day of the year, as it should be for us.
I have posted this image before, though I just reworked it with better software and improved Photoshop skills.
The Dark Hedges
We had our wedding anniversary dinner at Ted’s Montana Grill tonight. We couldn’t have asked for it to be more perfect. I opened the door for Joyce as we arrived for our reservation, and for a young couple that followed just behind us. Respectfully, he offered to take the door and allow me in first. I insisted, however, telling them that it was all good, as we were celebrating our anniversary and that I needed to stay in practice of putting others first. With big smiles all around they asked what anniversary it was. “The 8th,” I said proudly, “and a first marriage for us both.” Obviously aware we were no spring chickens, I explained, “If you do marriage perfectly, this is how you’ll wind up after 8-years of it.” They laughed… but it’s true, for me anyway.
Joyce and I headed to the UK the day after our wedding. One reason was for her to attend the 700th anniversary of the Battle of Bannockburn in Scotland. Imagine that. 700 years. With no written history here in America that covers such time other than petroglyphs, I find it fascinating that Scots can hold a grudge for such a long time. Another end to our visit there was to meet friends that I had come to know from my involvement on Flickr, a photographer’s social site. Many are still quite dear to Joyce and me.
While in Northern Ireland, sweet Mari hauled us around to some of her favorite haunts for the camera. She brought us here to the Dark Hedges, an avenue of beech trees on Bregagh Road in County Antrim. As you can see, the trees form an atmospheric tunnel from within. Many recognize this as a location from Game of Thrones, which resulted in this place becoming a tourist attraction. Mari’s interest preceded that. We were the only ones there as Mari parked the car. I set up my camera on the tripod to work out compositions when another car showed up… in the way. Then another and another. Then a full tour bus. I hoped the situation would improve to perhaps get off one good shot, but with more folks showing up, it was looking iffy. I returned to the car with Joyce and Mari. Within minutes, the bright, warm day immediately transformed with a close crack of lightning, a darkening sky, and wind-driven hail. The cold hail on the hot road quickly turned to vapor and the bottom let out from the laden sky. Looking through the window, with everyone else chased off by the weather, I realized that I was looking at the optimum shot… drowned or not, I had to get it. Adjusting the camera, I slung my wet left hand, and my wedding ring came flying off and bounced down the road. My thought at the time was “I am just barely into this marriage and I’m already in trouble.” Fortunately, I found it in a puddle off the road. I can’t look at this picture without thinking about that.
For 8 years, we’ve had an adventure in even the smallest of things. Thank you to all our family and friends who help make this journey such a joy. The day we first entered the house as husband and wife, she hugged me and said, “Hello, Mr. Kight.” I responded, “Hello Mrs. Kight. Wait a second… that was my mom’s name!” She has a lot to put up with, but I can never imagine going back to the day before her. Happy Anniversary to my sweetie, Joyce Kight! It’s the longest day of the year, as it should be for us.
I have posted this image before, though I just reworked it with better software and improved Photoshop skills.