A beautiful prize

"We brought you a present from Colorado," said my soon-to-be sister-in-law - is that right? it's Josh's brother's wife - moments after the family of four had finished a truly marathon through-the-night driving adventure.

She asked me to come out to their car to help carry it, and when I saw it, I understood why: it was the heaviest watermelon I've ever seen, bought from one of my favorite farm markets in their corner of the state, which is known for its first-rate melon production. (A cantaloupe also came with them!)

This is my soon-to-be-niece next to it for context. It really is about half her size.

Obviously, I was thrilled and got to work right away. My challenge: to take down the whole thing by the time our wedding ceremony comes around, less than 48 hours from now. I will need help. Any takers?