Mistress and Slave returned to the UCTMW World HQ at around midnight last night, the accumulated weight of that Big Fat Celtic family wedding off of our load bearing shoulders.
Fortunately, there were no major social conflicts through a long and (ultimately) enjoyable evening. Despite my anxiety about thunderstorms interrupting an event that was staged outdoors, the dark clouds that loomed throughout the ceremony never opened on our little corner of the heartland last night, and Dad, who had lobbied unsuccessfully for a tent, could be safely dismissed as an old worry wart.
Maybe the deities do still smile on young love. Either that, or the Obama administration really does have a secret way to manage bad weather to its political advantage, as some Tea Partiers were muttering in the wake of Super storm Sandy last fall.
By the time a blazing sun had finally set, and the "Super Moon" was rising over a patio full of 20 and 30 somethings, incredulously dancing and singing along to 80's classics, it was clear the night was a great success - a nice mixture of an earnest tribute to the power of love and general silliness. It could even make a cynical old fart like your executive editor shed a tear.
As predicted, Mistress and our two daughters looked lovely and drew many comments of admiration. There were only a couple of old crones among the crowd who remained grumpy and distant, based on grievances now 20 years in the past. They could easily be ignored. My grumpy mother made her appearance, and was surprisingly pleasant, though she headed for the exits not long after dinner was served. Maybe she had another engagement?
Once I got through my toast to the newlyweds, I was able to change from my sodden dress shirt and (finally) enjoy the comforts of the bar and a little Jameson.
Sunday starts with a sense of relief for the FOB, and, I am sure, for the newly weds. Let's hope they enjoy the adventures ahead of them as much as Mistress and I have these last 20 years.
But of course, our adventures have many chapters ahead of us..... so, back to our regular programming.