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As weddings go this was a nice one. Sparse attendance unfortunately for Heather. This was a rare occassion when I did not keep count of people but dear old Dan did. 52 people in all he told me later. I was rather proud he did that as it reflects on my insane interest in small details.

Heather herself told me she was disappointed her grand-parents were not there as they were on a cruise and did not wish to lose the money invested. In my heart of hearts I honestly don't know the answer to that. In novels and TV Land the joy of seeing a a daughter being wedded should have outweighed any sea voyage. In fairness the cruise was scheduled months ago and the wedding was somewhat haphazarded in scheduling. I believe I had the date confirmed last July. Heather seemed pleased that Ruth and I took the trouble to attend. This was the only time I heard her speak negatively baout a family member. I assured here during the one dance I had with her that Dan was my son and of course I would not have missed it for the world though secretly annoyed I couldn't afford the plane fare so I at least covered the hotel bill.

As ceremonies go it was quiet and tasteful and had the right amount of reverence for the activity being conducted. No tears from me but Ruth had her moments as well as Lynn. The receiving line is a bit of chore but I bear with it and pretend to be vastly pleased with life in general when I would rather be back in a corner watching on the sidelines.

The reception is at a hall wiht a gazebo--see facebook for a photo or two and swansin a little lake. The weather is chilly and drizzling rain. I steal candy off the table from the blank slots until dinner is served. I manage barely.

NOTE: Lynn more then makes up for this the following night with roast beef and all the fixings at her home along with Heather. Poor Dan has to catch a plane at 9 am so he doesn't even get a day with his new bride.

The toast goes well and Heather's father says some unexpected nice things about Dan and he and I finally converse. He has his moments and I acknowledge them to Dan and Lynn and they nod. I do NOT know if they know I know the background and I leave it alone with a crytic remark that we all carry our sins as best we can. My checkered past is rarely out of my mind. Guilt and repentance can be a blessing is properly handled.

About 9 pm or so I'm gettng tired from all the travel and running around and somewhat aware of the joy of marriage benefits I approach heather and announce it was time she made a man out of my son and time to take off--so I could leave. She is actually startled I would say that but she has much to learn about my boundaries of proper behavior. There is one last dance where Dan is startled to see me and Ruth dancing a slow one--the only kind I care to do which Heather shared later.

Oh yes almost forgeot--had to endure one round of the room on the end of a conga line just to be a sport and support Dan--who WASN'T in it. Poor guy--very tired. But he holds up well.

Sunday Lynn and her step-son take me and uth to Mt Hood for some touristing but the snow is heavy and she gets stuck in a parking lot (in a 4 wheel drive) to boot and I dig about three or four shovel fulls of snow before letting the younger generation take over.

Sunday night back at the airport. Dan had given me $30 for meals if needed which I took so's not to hurt his feelings. Ruth had saved more then I thought when we returned. I hold unto it until I finally give it to Ruth for Brownie points I intend to collect on back in Dayton. There's a book waiting to be picked up at the News Outlet and I need Ruth's help getting it. Clever devil.

The flight home goes routinely with the only interesting incident aving a 30 minute delay because lightning in Atlanta hit the plane next to us. Or so they said. Didn't see any fried passengers. Very stormy weather but we're back in Dayton by 10:30 am or so.

Good to be back.