Just returned from a long weekend in Helena where we attended Nicole and Tal’s wedding. They were married in the quarry where Nicole played growing up, and the wedding was as enthusiastic as I remember childhood being, with all the simple elements of innocence remaining, and love and appreciation showing through.
Remembering my own play world as a child, the simple and sheer happiness of decorating a small space in nature with wild flowers and some found object for a vase creating a space that was every bit as remarkable and even more enthusiastic as Mom and friends designing a home space, Nicole and Tal recreated that wonder of childhood, playfully and lovingly there at the quarry, and displayed it for all of us, and included us in it, like a magical play children would create where nothing can go wrong, (the rain was not a mistake, it was just what happened), and the rest of the wedding was woven around that, like child’s play would be.
One reception was at the Eagles, and another followed at Greg and Laurie’s home for the next few days spent visiting with family and friends of Greg’s, and Laurie’s, Nicole’s and Tal’s.
For me it was fun to observe the simple beauty, the kids, and spend time getting to know everyone a little better after most of the storm had calmed and the honeymooners left with their entourage of friends to go camping before a few nights alone.
Sitting in the kitchen at their home chatting with the women folk, while the men chatted out on the porch, re-integrating the two groups easily from time to time, was delightful.
Delicious smells filled the air, as dishes came from the oven ready to eat, fresh gulf shrimp made by Gregg’s sister, Michelle. I had forgotten what fresh gulf shrimp was like, we have no comparison in the PNW where shrimp are concerned, and Michelle made this dish superbly with garlic, rosemary and thyme, and red pepper! Um umm! I wish I had another plateful now!
If it sounds like a dish from New Orleans, well yes, it is, she and Reed live there and brought the shrimp with them to share with everyone. What a treat!
Michelle and Reed, you are welcome at my house anytime. And she calls herself the Queen of leftovers!
I truly enjoyed getting to know all of the family better, Greg’s family that I barely knew. It was just delightful! I will be posting photos as soon as I get my camera batteries charged enough to download them and upload them here to share with everyone.
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