Headed west on a beautiful day. A promise of a chat with my friend Flash later in the night, a clear sunny sky, four hours to think, windows cracked, 82 MPH and always passing police already busy with someone else pulled over, a stop in Schulenburg to purchase a cola and roasted cinnimon sugar pecans to nibble on … a beautiful dayspent with good thoughts and the thrill of attending my good friend Steve’s wedding.
Arriving in San Antonio, Texas USA after a sunny 80°F weather drive a little more than an hour before the wedding, room check in, a quick shower, iron my shirt, hair pulled up for I forgot my comb, UGH! I looked provential. Tried a shash, tried a shawl and decided “screw it” and a white shirt and black skirt was about it. However, my new purse and new high healed black shoes, both high quality leather, tipped the balance from me looking like a waitress to someone who was invited. No matter, there was no one there who knew me besides Steve and Mary. Surely I did not look to dreadful!
The wedding was beautiful, Steve recognized me right off the bat and seemed genuinely glad I bothered to come. He was worth it. What a mainstay in my life when my thoughts would spiral. A manly man friend whom never ever asked anything of me sexually and always logical and supportive. You bet I came. I went to my room before the reception and back in the reception hall I searched for a table to sit at. One table had four folks sitting at it who did not seem to be family and I approached to ask if I may join them.
“My name is Kim.” And recognition dawned on me. Kim and Ben from the Chicago Avlis meet were there to my right. “My name is Raen.” All four coroused “RAEN!” I had not recognized Jess and Tony from the one Texas Avlis meet I had attended several years ago. That was the meet where I met Steve. Unknowingly I had stumbled upon the group from our game. From then on the night was delightful. Kim and Ben danced fancifully, lots of talk of game, most of it over my head. Mary and Steve seemed absolutely thrilled we were there.
During the reception I got a call from Mikey, his girlfriend had opted to go home. To my knowledge this was two days early. He was ill with a stomach virus or something. I do not know if I had mentioned I would be out of town, if I had, he’d forgotten. Mayhap dinner on Sunday would be nice. I agreed if he was feeling better.
After the reception the five us converged in Jess and Tony’s room to pop a bottle of red wine. We talked quite a bit. One glass was enough for me, I headed back to my room. Thinking it was to late to chat online with Flash, I changed and snuggled in bed when the bing went off. He was still up. We talked of me attempting to get my certification again this year. How well his children are doing, and other innocuous stuff. Like Steve, Flash has doen so much to keep my head straight and spirits lifted over the last five years I have known him. Just light banter with him can lift my heart and relax me. Betwixt that, the long day, the medicine and the wine, I swiftly fell asleep.
Waking Sunday morning with the realization I had fallen asleep in mid conversation, breakfast was delivered for me to enjoy, I began writing this blog then got ready to leave. Went downtown to El Marcado and purchased some charms and a gift for Nancy, my RudyDog sitter! Leaving San Antonio near Noon, a cloudy grey overcast VERY windy 53°F. In my conversation with Flash the night before I mentioned there was no reason for me to drive over 80MPH going home and he groaned. But at 75 MPH in the slow lane cars were wizzing by me. Yes, Texans like to drive FAST!
I am home now and about to go retrieve RudyDog. Tomorrow is the next day of this new year and back to work for me. The trips and expenses are over, but it has been a wonderful holiday season. I hope yours was as well!
