A Day for the Ages

Last Saturday dawned bright and warm, lovely weather for my son's wedding.

It was to take place in the late afternoon at the Mohicans, a beautiful, rustic setting for their nuptials. 

We departed on our journey, giving ourselves plenty of time to arrive, get settled and relax before the big event.

"Be sure to print out directions before you go," my son advised. "The cell service is spotty to non-existent." So that's what we did. 

Unfortunately, the directions Google gave us left much to be desired. With me driving and Mr. Ginley navigating, we were fine until we came to a dead end and Mr. Ginley said, "It doesn't have a turn here, it just says to keep going for twenty-six miles." 

As he tried to determine which was the way to go, I turned left. Naturally, me being me, I should have turned right, a move which I corrected after going five miles in the wrong direction.

We managed to regain our bearings and were doing okay until we got to the dirt roads. 

"Leave it to my son to get married in a place we'd need a Conestoga wagon to get to," he groused.

Fortunately, we managed to get behind someone who seemed to know where they were going. I followed. It turned out to be my sister. Who was using her GPS. 

We had time to enjoy a quick glass of ice water at the cabin we were staying at with my brother-in-law and his family before we quickly dressed and drove back to the venue.

It was a lovely setting. The weather was fine, Jill was beautiful, Joe was dapper. They exchanged vows in the open air, saying the words they wrote to each other. The bride cried and laughed through hers. The groom fared a little better. Both sets of vows were adorable and sweet, full of love and joy and hope.

Then they were pronounced man and wife.

After a year of isolation, it felt wonderful to be fully vaccinated and able to share this day with family and friends. In person and (when possible) unmasked. 

Hitting the dance floor with the bride for Abba's Dancing Queen was a highlight. And Kevin's toast. Kevin is like our second son -- he and Joe have been friends since childhood. 

I enjoyed meeting my new daughter-in-law's people, in person. Her mom and grandparents, her dad, her great uncle Dave. 

When it was all said and done, we headed back to the cabin, the couple to their treehouse. 

It was a lovely day.

The next morning, I got up at my usual, very early time and sat out back, listening to the birds, watching a few, and soaking up the cool, lovely setting until the others woke up.

And yes, we used GPS on the return trip. And made it back just fine.