This is the insanely lush and beautiful view from the front porch of my Dad's childhood home. We were able to sneak up to this area on the afternoon of the wedding. We, actually, because of construction, were able to go inside the house. That means that I saw the green-stained wood-paneled living room that they had. The blue and green bathrooms, with matching floor tiling. My dad's old bedroom, and the screened-in porch, among other things. With nostalgic ramblings to go with the tour. (Uncle Duncan, who is really a talker, was there as well). The house is pictured in the "Extended Entry;" it's the first one in there.
Before that, though, we were visiting with Grandmother in her hotel room. By visiting, I mean that Duncan brought his brand new guitar, and I brought my violin. Which means that I played 2 movements of Bach, he played a bluegrass medley, and then he pulled out his music for me to sightread, so that we could play together. It was so awesome to be able to get together with my family and play music with or for them. Later that evening, Duncan was chatting with a cleaning lady, who said that her boss caught her and her husband listening in on the concert. When questioned, they said "shhh! we're listening." Luckily, their boss seemed to just be amused.
The other four pictures in here are from the wedding itself. Jerry playing in the flowers; Dad and Grandmother, who looks just radiant; the ceremony itself with the bride and groom. The second picture/last picture is their vows. Aw. The ceremony was beautiful. All of the groomsmen and anyone else who had one wore kilts. Dad, in the picture here, is wearing a tie that is a Wallace clan fabric/pattern. Turns out that the B- family traces back to the Wallaces. Good to know. To keep the theme, Tally was serenaded into the chapel by a bagpiper. But, this was after the priest had kind of sorta started the ceremony without the bride, while her wedding planner flipped out in the back of the chapel. Ooops. (I thought it was hilarious; I hope Tally did, too, because no one else seemed to notice, so it can't be that big of a deal).
Also, a lovely perk to the weekend: we were able to steal the bride away from everyone else for breakfast. That means that we were the only ones to her about her several day retreat to the woods, and her eventual honeymoon to Nova Scotia. We were the only ones who knew that she was completely unaware that the "some sort of car" that her husband had arranged for the evening was actually an old Rolls Royce. Fancy. We also got to hear about how she was feeling and what she's been up to and it was awesome for me, because I'd not seen her for 15 years. Also along those terms, I found out that I have 2 more cousins! John and Frank, who are awesome, too. Remarkably enough, I ran into John at the airport while we were in line for security, which definitely made the wait better. :) It was a long weekend of learning all about family that I wasn't actually sure whether or not I had and then getting to hang out with them and learn that they're all great people. I really loved it.
So, Congratulations, Tally. It was such a pleasure to be a part of your wedding.
Oh, do notice that there's another new blog beneath this one. I know it's not nice to double up, but it seems appropriate enough here.
I have only one question. Why in the world would the staff be parking in the flower bed?
gorgeous!
Mendon - they have these really little people that drive really little cars - Jerry is looking for them in the tulip - she saw one, but they are really fast! That's why that sign is there!
Regarding pictures in Atlanta - Kristen, thank goodness you brought your camera. The woods there deeply rooted in my memories. And it's funny how big the world is when you are a kid. I could have stayed there all afternoon. For those of you who read this, our old house in Atlanta was on 5 acres, and there was a creek at the bottom of the hill. I always came back wet and muddy - but that was OK with mom. Life was so wonderful at that time - so simple. I think that is why she's 93 years old. Georgia is one of the most beautiful states I've ever been in.
Mendon/Kristen - when you guys come in Phoenix in May, I have some reproduced VCR tapes from 8mm film that was taken in Atlanta. Kristen, you would really enjoy seeing a few minutes of that now.
Love you both !
Thanks for sending along to me the http:// address of your web site. I went to it and viewed it with great interest and enjoyment. I also have brought it to the attention of others who also have enjoyed viewing it.
I would also like to pass on to you my impressions of the visit and your photos and comments.
First of all, you are very correct -- for better or worse -- in characterizing me as being “really a talker.” That is at times one of my worse shortcomings. I also am guilty of incessently peppering people with questions to know what they think and what their views are -- perhaps so I can either agree or disagree. As one music teacher once said to me when I kept questioning him about scales and various instruments: “Duncan, please, please stop. You’re making my head hurt!” When I was in my last assignment at the Pentagon I had a meeting on one occasion with Lt. Gen. Odom, who as the time was the Army Chief of Staff for Intelligence, a man for whom I have great respect. We starting debating with each other over a matter, and finally he said: “Duncan, you and I are both on transmit. Put yours on receive.” I said, “Yes, sir” and I got quiet.
I’m glad that the visit to your Dad’s old home was so meaningful to you, your Dad, and to Jerry. It helps one at times to make a tie to the past. Honestly however, for me the visit was more like attending a funeral. Like your Dad I have so many memories of life there, but I was 14 years older than your Dad and I remember more events. My life there was basically during my high school and college years. I remember so many events and situations that occurred there and to see the home -- though structurally the same -- in so much disrepair was like listening to a requiem. It was as though you were viewing a Civil War relic and I was reliving a Vietnam War experience.
I am awed by your violin (and fiddle :-) ) talents, and hope that perhaps we again can have the opportunity to do it again.
Love to you and Mendon from your...--Uncle Duncan