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3:30 pm. I'm getting my first look at Heather as she walks into the Comfort Suites lobby with a cell phone pressed to her ear informing me of her arrival. As she approaches me comfortably slouching in a chair designed for living room comfort I can't resist flirting with her.

"Can't talk now girl got a babe on the phone here."

She laughs and it's very infectious. I get up and she tells me she's a hugger. I can live with that. My other daughter-in-law is decidedly NOT a hugger and the change of pace is refreshing in moderation. For once thoughts of Logos do not intrude as I kiss her gently on the cheek.

heather wants to know if we would like to meet her mother and step-father and stay at her place until the weddign rehearsal. What I thought would be the usual ho-hum of a rehearsal is beggining to shape up as a nice way to spend an evening in such delightful company. She is much lovelier then expected becuase I photos I have seen just do not do her justice and photos of me are an outrage as I absolutely dislike the pictures I ahve seen of me at the wedding. I look OLD!!!! And balder then my mind thinks it is. Vainity of vanity all is vainity.

We leave for the house and I determine to get off to a good start with Dan's bride to be. I'm riding shotgun.

"Heather do oyu want to start our relationship with a lie or the truth?"

Quick glance in my direction. I maintain a solemn appearance.

"What do you mean?"

"Truth or a lie very important how our relationship develops with each other." Or something said to that efefct--again maintaining a most serious slightly pompous pose.

"Ok."

My tome changes instantly to a flood of words and pleading and whining mixed in all together.

"Heather I WANT to have grand-kids named after ME. I always said it wasn;t important but IT IS!!!!! Can;t pretend anymore--you're the hope of my aspirations."

Big smile and puppy dog eyes.

"I think we're a little bit aways from having to adrress that subject."

Not quite the response I had hoped for but an honest answer and a straight one. My respect for her grows. She isnt going to tell me what I want to hear. This is very good indeed. Means I can have serious and honest feelings talks with her.

The welcome is warm at her place. her mother is a hugger too and her step-father is a fun fellow and very interested in all that is going on. Lynn and Dan made very gracious hosts and went above and beyond the call to make us welcome. They provided transporation to and from the church and our hotel. Took us for luch on the day of the wedding--at Elmers and on Sunday Lynn took us to Mt. Hood for some sight seeing. Friendly and exuburant I had not been treated so well in ages. Ruth had a good time too lest oyu think I forget about her.

The rehearsal goes smoothly and my assigned role as a seat warmer is carried out in grand style. It's nice just having to show up and smile blandly and any and all. Heather's real father is on hand but keeping his distance. I sense a kindred spirit and anyone that reminds me of me is given a second stare. I have trouble warming up to him for reasons that are not important here. That will change later at the reception.

The pastor performing the service is 75 and gives a short testimony to the sanctity and joy of marriage and mentions he wrote a book. the wheels turn in my head. I want a copy. he gives me one at the wedding with an extra for Dan forgeting he had already supplied him with one which Dan tells me to give to hs brother Jim. It's a book book entitled Body and Soul about couples becoming one in marriage. I go thru it and fairly standard material written at the basic level. Good for what it's meant for--planting seeds for making a relationship work.

Another good stopping point--tomorrow the wedding--some observations there of and the wrap-up--in a day ot two.