The celebrations began back in July, when Sally Solmssen organized a wonderful, laughter-filled “guess who’s nearly 90” party for Hans. It was a beautiful gathering centered around their immediate family, including their seven cherished grandchildren. Hans’s actual birthday is Oct. 14 so, in splendid Solmssen fashion, Sally’s devotion hasn’t stopped at just one party. She has two more parties planned for to keep the birthday momentum going. Watching her coordinate these celebrations, Hans is filled with a profound sense of gratitude and reflection, frequently wondering aloud how he got so incredibly lucky to have her.
Hans and Sally have shared a beautiful life together for almost 62 years. Their six decades of partnership represent a lifetime of shared dreams, navigating life’s twists and turns, raising a family and watching their grandchildren grow. To have a partner who still loves, surprises and celebrates you after more than 60 years is a rare and beautiful gift. Turning 90 is a remarkable achievement, but the true triumph of Hans’s life is the enduring love story he continues to live alongside Sally.
After spending a wonderful weekend visiting her folks in upstate New York, Ellen Biskis made her way back home just in tome to join Tauras on Squid Row. The couple marked 23 years of marriage by slowing down to enjoy the simple things: sitting a spell, taking in the beautiful flat calm view and soaking up some late day warmth. They topped off the celebration with a relaxed meander down to the fish market for a bite to eat before heading home. Here’s to many more beautiful years ahead.
It all started back during their college days at the University of Colorado Boulder, where Hannah Mackinnon and Parker Sommerkamp first met. After making Edgewood, Ky. home, they returned to the beautiful Colorado mountains to officially start their next chapter together. The couple said their vows on Oct. 2, surrounded by family, friends and incredible views during a western sunset ceremony at Gorrono Ranch in Telluride. Sharing in their joy are Hannah’s parents, Scott and Susanne, and Parker’s parents, Greg and Abby of Edgewood, Ky. Cheers to Hannah and Parker.
Speaking of Colorado, I heard from Aaron Zeender that his son, Jasper, is adventuring cross country. One of his pitstops was in the Mile High City of Denver where he bunked with one of my most favorite 20-somethings, Fynn Monahan.
Clark Goff, Jr. recently traveled home to visit his parents, Pam and Clark, aligning his trip perfectly with the 81st annual MV Derby. He was able to wet a line and enjoy the autumn tradition. What a wonderful opportunity to connect over fishing talk.
Michael Dullea’s mom, Catherine, made her way to town to spend a little time strolling the dock, snuggling pups and spending some quality time with him and his bride, Jessica. I managed to squeeze in a little chat with the group myself. She brought some lovely weather and a whole lot of joy for all to revel in.
With an armload of baked sweets and hearts full of cheer, Ludmilla and Igor Ivanovic stopped by for a visit just after the doors of Iggy’s Bakery closed for the season. Time slowed down just enough for them to catch the fading warmth of the day, sharing summertime stories with Kathie as sun began to set.
The rumors are true: Dean Muzzio has passed his exams and is now a certified coxswain on the USCG 47’ motor lifeboat. To command one of the Coast Guard’s premier search and rescue vessels through heavy surf, high winds and treacherous waters takes an immense amount of grit, skill and unwavering dedication. Dean’s hard work has officially paid off, so let’s congratulate him on his accomplishment.
A surprise visit from Miranda Edison sparked a wave of nostalgia, recalling the bygone days of her father, Bill, and his indelible impact on Flanders Field softball. For years, Bill was a fixture of the local sports community, stopping by Sunday afternoons with his signature yellow-lined, legal-size sheet of paper to share the ins and outs of the game for me to pass along in my column. Along with his meticulous notes, I fondly remember the distinct aroma of his pipe and the rattles that went along with his old Volvo. Memories like these act as a quiet sanctuary of time travel—safekeeping the chapters of our history, the wisdom of our lessons and every beautiful moment exactly as we first lived it.