Y'all, Deb and I will not be attending the Gathering this year.
For the past 3 years Deb has been very gracious to attend without a word of regret, but the date has always fallen on our wedding anniversary. This year, as we talked about it on Monday, I realized how important it is to her (therefore to me) for us to head in another direction for a short vacation. I also realized I can't say, "I love you, Deb!" if I am not willing to set my stuff aside and defer to her. To me, love requires action more than words.
Yes, we could go any other time besides next weekend, but that weekend has special significance for us and Deb is especially significant to me
Deb has been my biggest fan and is very supportive of my cooking exploits. She got me started about 6 years ago when she bought me The Big Easy for Christmas. The list of cookin' tools and accessories she has bought for me is extensive - and then there are the times when she said YES when I wanted to buy just one more cooker.
Those of you who have met her know what I mean when I say she is a wonderful gift to me.
This is a hard decision for me because I know there will be several folks attending that I haven't met in person. AND, the old gang will be there as well. This is one I've been looking forward to more than any since the first.
I hope you understand. Y'all are great friends and we'll miss seeing you this time. Maybe next year, we can plan it for a different weekend.
Now...who is gonna wash all those pots and pans?
