Sunday was the big day of the wedding. I was surprised I actually knew a few people there! One of the Bus Drivers from Shoreland, along with his wife.(They were the parents of the bride!) I knew a few of the groomsmen since they were part of the "Pagel Moving Crew" a few years back.
That being said, I ended up talking to the bartenders and entertaining them with
Origami Dollar Bills more than I did anyone else. Hurray for being socially awkward!
Besides, as a last minute add-on/ party-crasher, I was not about to get myself into trouble over something trivial. Not when there was an open bar and free food available!
That last line makes it sound like I ate and drank too much... But I didn't. ( I know, big surprise!) Nor did I dance on the bar or sing Karaoke. (The DJ was kind of jerk when I asked....)
Nope, I just sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere while folding tips for the barkeeps. I know that might sound boring to most people.... But I'm not most people.
Speaking of Atmosphere! The venue was on top of a TALL mountain. I was very happy that they sent a shuttle bus out to get us. The path up the mountain was single lane and STEEP!
I would not want to drive that route under normal conditions... Let alone after imbibing a few brews. The shuttle guy was familiar with the route, and the conditions... so he was a pro. Best to leave it in the hands of a professional.
The ceremony was nice and brief. (As all good wedding ceremonies should be.) Let's face it, most people are there for the party that follows. But we Humans are unique among the animal kingdoms in our love of Ceremonies. Even in the Army, we had to learn "Drill and Ceremony" before we could graduate. I wonder why that is... The Ceremony part, I mean. That moment where we Crown a new King; Marry a bride; Bury a relative, Or graduate from some educational institution.
We wear funny clothes, stand up in front of a bunch of people, and make long, drawn-out speeches that no one really listens to. A "Dog and Pony show!" (Without any dogs or ponies!)
But we still love them. An air of Formality before indulging in an atmosphere of Hedonism. I guess that is just how things in a society work.
But then the party started. There were games and dancing. Music and all of the things that make weddings fun. On top of that, there was the view.
The rain held off for most of the event. Only an occasional sprinkle was felt as we sat outside. The clouds helped keep the temps cool and the light subdued. And I lost every game of "Corn Hole" I played. ( Never was very good at horse shoes or lawn darts to begin with....)
The big event was that during the reception, the Groom had to be rushed to the hospital. Everyone thought he had thrown out his back ( He has been plagued with back problems before...) But it turns out he had an issue with a Gall Stone! (Not a fun feeling!) I'm not sure what they did at the Hospital, but they both came back and could enjoy the tail end of their party.
Kind of bum luck on your wedding day! But it took very little time to get back into the swing of things. Everyone of the wedding party kept grabbing drinks for the bride! I'm sure both of them could use a drink after that experience!
Dave and I jumped on the first bus that was heading back. The road seemed less scary in the dark. (Oddly enough!)
We spend all of Yesterday traveling back home. A storm rolled in and driving through the mountains during the morning rush with slippery roads was plenty stressful. ( Luckily, Dave drove through that part) Other that that, the travel was nice and boring.
So that was pretty much it. I know I had much more to say but this post is getting rather long. And I have forgotten all of the eloquent prose I had written in my head while on the trip back. Probably just as well... No one wants to read flowery ramblings forever... Unless there are pictures!
I will say that there is one thing I was made fully aware of on this mini vacation. And that is I simply do not understand Led Zeppelin. I know I am unique in this opinion. Led Zeppelin is a classic Rock band and I know several of there songs. My brother is a Fan, Dave is a Fan.
EVERYONE is a Fan.... except me. To me... Led Zeppelin music can be summed up as an endless Guitar Rift with a whole lot of screaming at the end of each bar of music.
Some of the songs seem to have no title or words... Just "Oowhhh! Baby, Baby, Baby!" over and over again.
Hey! To each his own. Everyone's taste in Music is Subjective. And no matter how many people like Rap or Country Music... I will never be a fan. And that goes for the Music that I like as well. Cole Porter, Frank Sinatra, Beach Boys, ...And the REALLY fringe music of Barbershop quartets and choruses...
I understand that we are all unique in our choices. And those things set us apart from some, while uniting us with others.
I would hope that everyone embraces their individual tastes... While also enjoying the things that bring people together.
Like Weddings.
Because life is a journey... And whether you like it or not, we are all in this together. And every second counts.