Where did the weekend go?

Here it is, Monday morning, and I am wondering how to get back on track after a weekend of driving. The weather was warm, but not too warm, with only a smidge of rain somewhere along the New York thruway for only a couple of minutes, so that the 500+ mile trip was pretty enjoyable.

We arrived at a little place called Avon CT, found the Inn where the surprise festivities were to be held and parked in the back of the parking lot. We had an hour and a quarter before the event was to begin. What to do? Find the mall about 15 minutes away? Too far and too much driving. Hubby and I took out our books and settled down to read. A light breeze wafted in the windows as I repaired my makeup in the mirror, got out my clothes to change into, sorted some of the travel mess in the back seat, and then settled to read for awhile. Time passed quickly. The party awaited.

We hugged our nephews and family, saw old friends of the bride and groom, and were introduced to new ones. Even those we had never met we felt we knew since Nan has mentioned them so much over the years. The word came that the celebrants were in the building. We moved from the hallway to the tables in the supper room and waited patiently for Nan and Gary to arrive. Suddenly there they were coming up the stairs, talking away to their son and daughter-in-law. My eyes were on Nan as she spied us all sitting in the room. Her eyes teared up as her mouth opened wide with surprise. She was amazed.

The evening progressed with few speeches but lots of laughter and wonderful food. People chatted happily from table to table--there were only three--and the tinkling of glasses was heard a few times. The bride and groom of 40 years ago smooched a couple of times but, private people that they are, ignored the tinkling from then on. Two of the grandchildren were there, Max dressed in cute vest with argyle pattern and grey flannel pants, and Gabby in a peach dress, hair pulled into a pony tail with curly wisps floating around her laughing face. Both have lovely blue eyes and fair skin and were well behaved the whole night.

Finally when people left the night was still young, and we headed for the bar. I most enjoyed sitting there with Nan and Gary and their two handsome sons, and watching them smile and laugh their way through this rare time for all of them to be together. Son #1 lives in Arizona, son # 2 in Boston, so visits are precious. All too soon we heeded our tired body messages and headed for our pillows, knowing that the long drive was to be repeated in the morning. We would talk over the event for hours, savoring it like bits of fine chocolate after the swallowing is over. A good weekend.