The wedding was a great success.  Our daughter gladly walked barefoot from the barn to the ceremony.  A few pebbles between the steps and the lush grass stung her feet, but she grinned (or grimaced) as we strode forth.  Just one of many images from the grand event.  Much work and treasure were cast to provide the desired program.  I smiled looking at the interior of the barn after the tables were set and thought perhaps it was worth it.  Certainly the setting was lovely.  So too was the outdoor “chapel” assembled from lashed branches and cut yew. 

Anne and I brought the bride from Schenectady.  The wedding party was assembled and largely seated as we turned into Mabee Farm.  I had planned my approach to the back of the barn.  The bridal party would assemble within that structure before walking from the front to the rear of the crowd.  A figure appeared along the drive; it was Patty.  She waved to us and pointed to the parking lot on the left.  I ignored her direction and continued straight to her right.  She pointed repeatedly until I opened the window and she recognized me.  I continued on course passing close to the front of the barn before turning hard to starboard to loop around it.  As I turned, who do we see but sir Adam walking on an intersecting course.  Elley shrieked, stooped, and tried to cover herself.  Adam, aware of his sin, turned away.  We shot past and around the barn.  There the caterer was working franticly.  We found a place to park and extricated ourselves from the car.  I asked if the car would be a problem for them there and was told no.  The staff cheered the bride and resumed their duties.

The bride and groom were lovely and their “minister” spoke eloquently of the couple.  Vows were exchanged.  The weather was warm and muggy but no thunderstorm nor even a shower interfered with the outdoor ceremony.  Children were party of the ceremony and their linear and circular ramblings entertained all.  We hosts wandered about meeting guests and thanking them for coming.  Gradually the group moved into the barn for the wonderful smoked whole hog and other vittles as well as wine and champaign.  The party had begun.

Much later I was surprised and shocked to notice that night had fallen.  I looked at my watch to see that it was ten o’clock.  Dancing continued but the event was drawing to a close.  We began breaking down the decorations as the guests departed.  We were supposed to be out by 11 and were.  There was much help from family members, and we left by that time.  We drove the bride and groom to Albany where they spent the night in a lovely B&B.  We arrived back at Douglas Road after midnight to find friends of the couple sipping wine in the kitchen.  We shared their company briefly and retreated to bed with a glass of wine.  A wonderful day was over.

On Sunday was a brunch for the bridal couple and for James celebrating a birthday and a graduation.  Craig had pulled much of the leftover pork and prepared a wonderful barbecue.  Anne and Therese had produced wonderful quiche.  There were also bagels and other foods.  My mother joined Norb and Mary on Cathy’s porch.  Hosts and guests mingled.  Many cooled off in the pool.  The weather was sultry and warm, but no rain interrupted the festivities.  It was a grand summer Sunday.

The party ended in the afternoon, but we stayed through supper before taking my mother to motel.  We spent the night with her and returned to Pennsylvania on Monday.  On Tuesday we went with her to medical appointments and made plans for the week.  On Wednesday we started wrapping up chores and packing for our return west.  We did the same on Thursday and visited Gettysburg and Chambersburg to shop.  This morning we birded along the Appalachian Trail to find a few eastern birds that we had not yet seen this year.  There we enjoyed the song of the Veery and the sight of a hooded warbler.  We encountered one, Crazy Horse, at the shelter.  This rugged looking backpacker from Tennessee was exploring the trail in the Keystone State.  We jogged with our neighbors each morning since our return. 

Tomorrow we go to Anne’s old partner’s retirement party.  With his departure both founders of the practice are gone.  That is a bit sad, but the business provided a livelihood for them and many others and now continues in new hands.

On Sunday we begin our drive to Cheyenne to resume our western adventure.