Fine Trip - Part 5

Hi All
27 June 2010

Well the USA lost to Ghana in the Round of 16 last night thus ending any hopes for the World Cup. I spent the weekend ( remember Friday and Saturday are my weekend days) restocking the larder, filling up the car, hair cut, liquor store and sleeping. The past month at home then jumping right back into my daily grind required some quality couch time. I'm feeling better now and will be able to face the rigors of the coming week.
Back to the Fine Trip Story. If you recall, I left off the night before the wedding.

5 June, Saturday
The noon wedding is being held in the "chapel" on the Yard. The word chapel has an connotation of being small and intimate - well not here as it is more like a cathedral. The Chapel is constantly booked for occasions and this being no different has a 2 hour window of opportunity to bring it off. The bridal party cannot arrive any sooner then one hour prior to the event, and must be gone from the premises at the end of the 2 hours - I know this because as we were gathered around following the ceremony at 12:45, guests for the next wedding at 2p were milling around.
We arrived and were seated, along with Teresa and Tom Brown (Michael's parents) on Brandon's side and shortly after that the music started and the business of getting Brandon and Geselle wed began. In comes the families then brides maids. The little boy who was to be the ring bearer clutched to his mothers leg, a bride's matron, on the way down the aisle. When he finally spotted his Dad, he let go and ran to him in the pews. Was quite comical and just that something that gives every wedding it's own personal signature. Brandon appears along with Alex at the head of the aisle and watches his lovely bride radiate as she is escorted to him. The minister is quite relaxed and brings the assembled to ease with his wit and charm as he talks about marriage and the responsibilities it entails. With the rings properly exchanged the music comes up from the wonderful organ which can also be seen and heard if you YouTube it - USNA Chapel Organ -and Brandon and Geselle glide down the aisle together. We all exit and prepare for the bridal couples exit from the church.
Michael leads the contingent of sword bearers from the chapel onto the front steps. Upon his command the officers draw swords and form the arch so familiar to all of us. As Brandon and Geselle enter the arch, the first pair of swords is lowered and it is announced that they cannot proceed without sharing a kiss, naturally Brandon and Geselle oblige them, they move forward and are again stopped at the next pair to repeat the kiss. - they move forward to Michael and Victor Sigilowski (a Marine 2nd Lt. who will be taking "The Basic Course" at Quantico with Alex). The command is given for a kiss, the swords are raised and as they depart at that point, both Michael and Victor give Brandon and Geselle a swift swat across their rear ends. Usually given to the bride as a "Welcome to the Military Family", Victor swatted Brandon as well and the look on his face of surprise was priceless!
Following this, the picture session was in full swing, we all assembled for a group picture and then it was time to find a cool place while we waited for the reception to start.
The Browns and the Morrows decided to cool our heels and quench our thirst at Rams Head where we enjoyed talking and relaxing.
The reception was held at the Navy-Marine Corps Stadium. At first you would think this was an odd location - however we soon discovered that there is a beautiful banquet hall located there. But first we proceeded up to to one of the enclosed viewing boxes where Brandon and Geselle had an open bar w/ finger food prior to the reception. It was interesting to look down upon the field where we had been just a week prior for the graduation. The field had been returned to it's natural state with all the chairs, tents, temporary stands, sound systems and stage now disassembled and stowed. At the appropriate time, the announcement was made for us to proceed to the banquet hall where we were to find our assigned seating. We sat with the Browns and a family whose son was best friends with Geselle growing up.
The party got started with the introduction of the bridal party as they entered with Brandon and Geselle kicking it into high gear upon their entrance. The DJ took over and guided the party through it's paces with the dinner being served followed with toasts for the bridal couple. Alex gave a wonderful speech which he had finally prepared the day before. He is a very capable speaker and toasted Brandon and Geselle marvelously. The dancing ensued with all the typical songs being played. For the cutting of the cake, they used Michael's Naval Sword which was presented to him by his parents. It is a absolutely lovely sword with exquisite workmanship.
The bouquet was caught by one of the brides maids and the garter by her fiance (was that set up? ) Further dancing and then last call was made.
We all rushed the bar for an after dinner drink and began to say our goodbyes. It was a bittersweet time for Christine and I as we doubt we will ever see some of these people again. We hope we do - but - as we all know, we have no idea what the future holds for us. (like living in the UAE ? - hahaha)
As we exited we found the groomsmen enjoying a cigar (blech) We hung around some more as we were one of the few remaining of the guests yet to leave and just enjoyed the warm evening and the fine afterglow of a special time. Alex was really saying goodbye to some who he had been with daily for 4 years and I think all could feel the bittersweet moment. I certainly am proud of that group of young men and women. They do give me a lump in my throat knowing that in a few short months they will be the ones at the pointy end of the spear, protecting us from what we don't want to know about and up there on that wall as we sleep peacefully in our warm beds. Sounds like Jack Nickelson from "A Few Good Men" -but true none the less.
We departed and returned to Herb and Barbara's. Alex rolled in quite later.

6 June, Sunday
Going Home !

Alex needed to stay in Annapolis for another day to pick up uniforms and Christine and I packed the car and departed by 8a for Corydon. The trip was uneventful until we hit the rain - and it was one heck of a rain. It rained in Maryland and was not too bad however the downpour we got going south between Morgantown to Charlestown WV was dangerous. We saw several vehicles spun out and in the median. It just dumped on us. However after we started to head west, the skies brighten up and it was easy driving from there. After 10 hours on the road we pulled into Corydon and unpacked. Both of us needed a nice place to relax so we jumped back in the car and went and visited Ann and Dave Self in White Cloud. A few beers later, and a "brief" account of our trip, (and some serious laughing) we returned to home and our own bed.

7 June - 10 June, Monday - Thursday
Chores and more. Hot and sticky weather.
After 2 weeks on the road it was great to see my house again. Christine and I enjoyed coffee on the front porch each morning and spent the week preparing for the party the coming Friday.
We visited Rich O's and along with Roger, Christine, Dave determined the beer menu for the party. We also found time to play some music, Dave on the guitar and me on harmonica. I'm trying but I've got a long way to go. Wes had just started his new job so he was transitioning from night shift to days so his body clock was all whacked out. Alex returned on Monday night and moved back into his room. McKinley, Wes's black lab kept us busy playing with her.
The house is in a transition period, Our stuff is in/out of storage, Wes's stuff is semi in place - mostly packed in the garage and Alex is a temporary guest that comes with a car plus full of stuff, some staying, some returning with him. Christine is trying to make it back into a home and it's really quite crazy. Hopefully she will have it sorted by the time she comes to live here in September - Which btw- I've just purchased her ticket.
Her last full day in Corydon will be Saturday, Sept.18. She departs on the 19th arriving here on our 29th anniversary on Sept. 20.
This week I also enjoyed a visit to the dentist which was followed by a meeting with our financial advisor. Talk about two uncomfortable experiences on the same day ! Actually my dental care was just a cleaning with no problems found and the financial advisor tells us we are still on the right track for the 5 Year Plan to be realized. Naturally the more we save, the more we get to realize so .... we tightened our belts again and are are more determined than ever to be returning to Corydon in 2014. (hey if I had been sent to prison, that would be one thing but to be living in a foreign country making good money and able to return home every year - that's not too difficult to swallow) That being said, I'll end here and start a new blog about the party.
Love to all,
Scott