I had not gotten to this yet

I have Never lived in Arkansas. I don't really consider Alabama as all that close, to Arkansas geographically either. Still, staying at the hotel for Dan's wedding, I had a slight feeling of familiarity, it seems to remind me of AL. It seems to me that the two areas, Montgomery and Little Rock, do not have all that much in common. Maybe it was the bermuda grass, in winter that made me think of memories I have. The clear skies, on a January day, which was not all that cold. The leafless trees all blending together to make a familiar environment to that of Alabama. The AL that is filed away deep in my head somewhere, that only comes out in the proper motivations.

Sarah and I arrived a little later than the rest. We also arrived a little later than our itinerary predicted. The ground crew in Chicago were having trouble letting our plane go -it was stuck to the cart that pushed us back from the gate. But after a short delay, we were on our way. We navigated Little Rock at night, to Laura's parents house, with the use of the gps through Sarah's phone. She drove as the hand controls were on the right, and we just did not want me to "risk it" by driving with hand controls that I was not familiar with. Once in the neighborhood, the house was not hard to find, due to the popularity of the dinner, and all the cars parked out front. There was that winter bermuda grass, as I rolled to the front door. I think the syle of houses also reminded me of my days in AL. Dinner was in full swing when we arrived, and we made our way throught the guests to Mom, Dad, Regan and Karl, Aunt Barbara and Uncle David. Preston seemed to enjoy the show, and all the activity, not the nose pokes so much. It was nice to reaquaint with everyone again, and the transition seemed smooth. Sorry to say, that I did not do all that grand of a job mingling with the other guests. It is a bit of a challenge for me to mingle in company.

We stayed up late at the hotel, just hanging out, with Regan and Karl.

Having breakfast with the whole group -Mom, Dad, Dan, Regan, Karl, and Aunt Barbara, and Uncle David, was pretty cool. A pale version of Lake Pippin breakfasts, but a step in that direction. Brad Balow arrived with Amy and the girls -Tabitha and Lilly, while I was enroute with Dan and Regs to the Church.

The Church where the ceremony was held was a grand structure. Quite modern with a classic flavor in the mediteranean fashion.

The club that held the reception, was the envy of all. At least in the sense of those that frequent the Twin Lakes golf club house. A really cool club, and a great place for a good bite to eat.

Back at the hotel, we partook of the Embassy Suite's manager's happy hour. sweeeet. That was some good story telling and catching up. Brad visited another hang out session with Reg and Karl, which ended in the wee hours.

I did not get much sleep that weekend. There is just too much to do, and so little time. And that was one of the topics of conversation. We all want to visit more, and struggle to find the time to do so. It is just so hard to compromise some of the things we have to do, to do what we want.

The flight home was interesting. First, it was delayed about an hour. This led to a rerouting, in which we were happy with the service we received. We approached Seattle over Pendleton Oregon as the sun was going down. This provided a very scenic approach. The mountains, such as Hood, Adams, Jackson, St. Helens, and Rainier were dark, with the sky behind glowing blue. I could make out the ski areas, White Pass, and Crystal from the lights on the ground. White Pass looked to have some runs lit. Crystal was apparent from the line of cars descending Hwy 410. We turned north at the East end of Lake Washington, then turned final over Redmond. We were able to see much of the lights of the Pugetropolis. It is very impressive. It would have to rate among one of my favortie flights.

We picked the kids up from their Aunt's in Issaquah, after staying the night there. Then it was on to Ephrata, because we needed to pick some things up, and since we were going past anyway.... The result was that we had a fairly long trip. It was nice to be home.

And then I was gone a handful of days later....