TMI? Sorry, but it flows well. Months ago I knew we were scheduled to attend two destination weddings, one in Washington state and the other in Bend, Oregon (3 1/2 hours from here). The first wedding was for my great nephew whom I’ve watched grow up. Their wedding was going to be outside, a spectacular setting at a lodge on the Columbia River Gorge. There was a strong chance of rain and cooler temperatures so deciding what to wear would be important. Since it was only 1 1/2 hours from home we planned to drive up the afternoon of the wedding and drive back after. My niece would be there (groom’s mother with whom I am fairly close) as well as her daughter (my great niece) and the great niece’s husband. It is nice to go to a wedding where you have family around you. Especially when it is family you enjoy being around.
Although chilly, it did not rain during the ceremony which is good because it was completely out in the open. The reception was under a cover but open on all sides. They had heaters strategically placed around the area which gave off great warmth and came in handy when the wind started to blow light rain. Fortunately that only lasted about an hour then the winds calmed down and the rain stopped. You never know about the weather here in the Pacific Northwest. You’ve no doubt heard the expression, “If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes.” I’m sure we don’t have a monopoly on that phrase but it is definitely true up here.
After the obligatory first dances, dinner, toasts and cake cutting, the dance floor was open to everyone. I love to dance. My husband does as well. Unfortunately the shoes he wore to the wedding were pinching his feet so he never made it to the dance floor. That didn’t stop me! After a couple glasses of wine I’ll dance alone if I have to! (Well, as long as the floor is crowded. I’m not going to make a spectacle of myself, especially at my age.) The music that the DJ played was pretty good. I had to ask him and my niece asked him separately to play one of my favorite dance songs, “Mustang Sally”. He said he would play it later and he did! I danced with my great niece’s husband and then it morphed into four of us, my niece, great niece and her hubby. So much fun!
We left at nine for the long drive home. All in all it was a great wedding and we were glad we went. Now on to the next one. Did I mention that it was two days later? TWO DAYS! It would require an overnight stay which I booked weeks in advance. Prior to attending either of these weddings I had been recovering from some kind of bug, a weird one, achey throat, headache and lethargic. No, it wasn’t Covid. But I was still sick. I loaded up on Airborne and Zinc, drank lots of liquids and slept a lot. By the time the first wedding came around I was back to normal, but it was a close one.
The second wedding was for the son of my best friend of many years. Most of her family would be there, all of whom I’ve known for just as long. We took off the day of the wedding on the long drive East, the majority through beautiful countryside. Lovely drive, albeit tiring. We went straight to our hotel, changed into our pretty clothes and left for the wedding, trying not to be late. The venue was the Seventh Mountain Resort, gorgeous setting. The ceremony was outside followed by an indoor reception. Cocktails, appetizers and great conversations. Lots of catching up. Dinner was served followed by the first dances. The bride was stunning, the groom was handsome. Fairy tale atmosphere.
Soon the dance floor was open to all and guess what I asked the DJ to play? You guessed it – “Mustang Sally!” When it played I started out dancing with some ladies and then surprise! My husband showed up so I danced to a few songs with him. I definitely had too much wine that night – I’m a lightweight now – so it was good that we left when we did. I think it was around 9. Most of the family had left before us so I didn’t mind heading out. All in all a great night with good friends.
Are you ready for the next story? No, I don’t think so. Let’s just say I prepared, I went to the surgical center, had the procedure and came home. The worst part about that test for me is not eating. I don’t do well. For anyone who cares, the preparation drink is much better now.
In less than seven days we attended two out of town weddings and I had a medical procedure. Whew! My social calendar has not been that full in a long time. It was mostly worth it. God bless.