by Anne Canadeo
She walked slowly up the aisle, smiling at friends and relations on either side, all the while gazing back up at Matt, who waited for her with a serious, but loving expression.
Matt’s vows were well written, and made Lucy teary eyed as he cataloged the many reasons he loved her and looked forward to their life together.
Lucy’s vows were shorter but no less emotional. Taking her mother’s advice, she drew upon a poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning—“How Do I Love Thee?”—to find the words that were so hard for her to express.
The justice of the peace soon pronounced them husband and wife. They kissed to great applause and began their walk back down the aisle. Lucy paused as she passed her knitting group friends, seated front and center as she had predicted.
“Lucy, we love you! Congratulations!” Phoebe said.
“You look awesome. So gorgeous, I could die,” Suzanne called out.
“Much love and happiness,” Maggie said.
“What a happy day! Joy and love to you both, always,” Dana added.
Matt put his arm around Lucy’s waist and hugged her close.
“Happy?”
“Blissfully,” she replied. “Are you?”
“Absolutely. I can’t remember when I’ve been happier.”
“This is the happiest day of my life. Since my felted tote won second prize at last year’s craft fair,” she added, teasing him.
Matt laughed. “Will I have to hear everything compared to knitting projects for the rest of my life?”
Lucy gave him an innocent look. “I thought that was one of the many things you loved about me.”
He nodded and grinned. “Come to think, I guess it is.”
They had reached the end of the aisle. Her family waited by the exit, forming a receiving line. Matt pulled her close for a surprisingly deep kiss.
He grabbed her hand. “Come on, Lucy. Let’s start our married life. The best is yet to come.”
Lucy didn’t answer; she didn’t have to. She knew in her heart it was true. She also knew it would all go by much too quickly. It was so important to sit back and savor the ride.
From the Black Sheep & Company Bulletin Board
Dear Knitting Friends,
Sorry I haven’t posted any new patterns for a while. I’ve been recovering from a girls-only weekend on Osprey Island. A wild weekend, in a few ways, though I won’t elaborate here.
Days after our return, Lucy Binger and Matt McDougal were married. Such a joyful occasion. All the best wishes and tons of love to the most adorable couple in the universe.
The bride looked stunning, and her posse of bridesmaids-in-spirit—and BFFs—looked pretty good, too, I must say. You can see from the photos, we sat front and center, cheering on our pal, all of us wearing the same lacey, summer shawl.
The shawl is so fast and easy, most of us finished the project during our weekend away. In between getting into mischief, that is.
I’ve posted the link below. I think you’ll find that this lovely, lightweight wrap will add a touch of elegance to your wardrobe any time of the year.
Stay calm and stitch on!
Maggie
https://www.allfreeknitting.com/Knit-Shawls/an-easy-shawl-to-knit
Hi Everyone,
We sure had fun on our pre-wedding getaway. We gave Lucy a great send-off from singlehood and even got her up on the dance floor one night. Wonders will never cease. But that’s as far as I’m permitted to go. Sorry to disappoint—no incriminating photos.
We did enjoy some beautiful beach days, spa visits, and lots of knitting, of course. Not to mention delicious food. I was in charge of the cooking, as usual. What can I say? It’s hard to be humble.
My friend Amy Cutler also treated us to a spectacular brunch. The baked French toast with berries was so delicious, I had to get the recipe. I might switch it around a bit and give it the Suzanne Cavanaugh touch. Maybe try it with peaches, or even apples in the fall?
Make it for your next brunch get-together. Or surprise your family with a special breakfast this weekend. Everyone will love it.
I can’t wait to go away again with my gang. Sigh . . . and I won’t let them wait for a special occasion next time, either.
XOXO
Suzanne
P.S. If anyone is interested in renting luxury accommodations at Osprey Shores, Osprey Island, Maine, please get in touch. It’s a quiet and luxurious spot to unwind. I can almost guarantee it.
Amy’s Baked Berry French Toast
2 cups of fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries. A mix works well, too.)
1 to 2 tablespoons cinnamon
3 tablespoons brown sugar
3 tablespoons white sugar
½ teaspoon nutmeg
8 eggs
1½ cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¼ cup maple syrup
1 loaf of quality white bread (Unsliced from the bakery is best. Day old is even better.)
1 to 2 tablespoons butter
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9 x 13 inch baking pan or glass casserole.
Rinse berries. Pick off any stems. Air dry by spreading out on a cookie sheet lined with paper towel.
In a small bowl, mix cinnamon, brown sugar, white sugar, and ½ teaspoon of the nutmeg and set aside.
Place berries in a medium-sized bowl. Add about half of the cinammon/sugar/nutmeg mixture. Toss to coat and let sit.
Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add milk, cream, vanilla, and maple syrup. Tear or slice bread into pieces about 1 inch wide and 2 inches long and add to egg mixture. Coat all sides of bread, but try not to break bread pieces.
Let the bread soak up the egg mixture for a few minutes. Fold in the berry mixture and pour everything into the baking pan. Dot with bits of butter.
Cook at 350 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes. When toast looks golden and puffy on top, sprinkle with remaining cinnamon/sugar/nutmeg mixture, and let cook for another few minutes until the sugar melts.
Serve warm with maple syrup and butter.
This dish can be made ahead and reheated before serving.