Saturday was quite a day for Clan Cornelius. I busted out at dawn to Zimmerman Butte to get in an early Frontier Partisan Biathlon. And a glorious dawn it was. Temperature at 15 degrees meant the kettlebells felt like frozen fire in the hand, but the still, crystal air resulting from high pressure that has settled over our region made for a stunning sunrise. It was all most exhilarating, and demanded a soundtrack from Alasdair Fraser to complete it:
I was soon joined by Clan Cornelius — which is a growing entity. Ceili, her boyfriend Jarod and his brother Chad rallied to the Pit, followed by Lady Marilyn, for one of those shooting parties we indulge in a couple of times a year. EVERYTHING was out: pistols, rifles, shotgun. Clays flew and shattered. Ceili rocked the AR-15 better than she’s ever shot that rifle before. Jarod is wicked sharp with the Springfield XD-M 9 mm (though he actually likes the revolver best), and everybody shot the shotgun well.
Hard to beat an hours-long shooting session at the Pit followed by sandwiches at Sisters Meat & Smokehouse.
Ah, but that was merely the prologue…
*
Jarod and Ceili went out for a hike on the Whychus Creek Trail — and a thing happened out there. My daughter is now engaged to be married.
Marilyn and I could not be happier for her… for them both. Jarod is a fine man — they will be true partners to each other, and that’s all a parent can ask for their child in the finding of a mate. The Gatley Family are excellent folks as well, as one must expect from an outfit that raised so fine a son. So, Clan Cornelius is growing, and our cup runneth over.
Thanks to Cody Rheault for the photos.
(Editor’s note: Part II of the Pontiac’s War podcast is gonna be a couple of days later than I thought. I reckon you understand…)
Matthew says
Congrats to Ceili.
I’ve seen some really good marriages and some really bad ones in my time. Here’s to having the first.
John M Roberts says
Beth and I have been together for 51 years . May Ceili and Jarod have a run as long as we have. If possible, even longer.
JimC says
That is outstanding. I am of the belief that that kind of long-term relationship is both a measure and a creator of true success in life.
Thom Eley says
Wow! Congratulations Ceili! Best wishes.
Engagement and wedding of a daughter is hardest on the Dad.
Nice photo of the four of you! Also, no fingers on triggers–most excellent.
JimC says
I admit, it has been a strange sensation, not least in the forced realization that I am, in fact, getting old(er).
Alexander Lauber says
Congratulations to the clan! Many happy and healthy years wished upon you all!
JimC says
Thank you sir!
Sue Boettner says
Quite the day for Clan Corneilus- congratulations ❤️
JimC says
Sure was.
Kay says
This happy clan event definitely calls for dancing and toasting. Hooray !
David Wrolson says
Congrats to the happy couple.
Ugly Hombre says
Congratulations to your whole family!
Best wishes and much happiness to the new couple!
Cheers for them both!
U/H
Quixotic Mainer says
Congratulations!
lane+batot says
Congrats! And now you’ll have a grand-dog, too!(Don’t let that make you feel old…..)
JimC says
Hah! Right?
Vinny Singh says
Congratulations!
Older, but wiser and more content isn’t bad.
JimC says
Truth.
Keith West says
Congratulations to the entire clan!
JimC says
Thanks Keith.
John C Griffith says
Congratulations to the Cornelius clan, with a special wish of good luck to Ceili & Jarod. The smiles in the pictures tell the whole story.
It is nice to see some positive, normal life-affirming news!
JimC says
Thanks John. Good to hear from you.
Jerry Nunnally says
Life is good amigo. Congratulations!
JimC says
Thank you. Tis indeed.
Nochum says
Congratulations to you and the whole family.
JimC says
Thank you.
deuce says
‘Jarod and Ceili went out for a hike on the Whychus Creek Trail — and a thing happened out there. My daughter is now engaged to be married.’
It was the guns.
Seriously, Jim, CONGRATS to you and your clan.
It’s nice to see things working as they should.
JimC says
Thanks amigo.
Norman+Andrews says
Congratulations and best wishes for the future.
Norm.
JimC says
Thank you Norm.