Brief bits from this past week. Each day satisfied in a unique way:
Thursday night: Heidi and I stayed overnight in Atlanta, a result of a delayed flight and a Chattanooga shuttle that stops running at midnight. Blech. There were no vacancies in the area motels. Blech again. A 45-year old conspiracy theorist bothered us for about an hour as we languished on the hard terminal north chairs. 6AM finally arrived; and we were soon home on Lookout Mountain, where our nephews energetically greeted us in the middle of watching ESPN and Max made us some eggs before he left for school.
Friday: Supper at New City with all the relatives, while the inner circles of the wedding did their rehearsal and dinner. We were entertained by performances from the Johnny Cash Tribute Band (my four brothers on bass, guitar, mandolin, and banjo) and updates about what people were doing with their lives. Other than a new baby or two, no one seems to have changed much, except for my poor mother who recently had knee surgery and is constrained to a wheelchair/crutches for the time being. After dinner we had choir rehearsal (only Belzes have choir practice at 9 on a Friday night), 40 members strong, mostly men. Then it was off to Jon and MC's bachelor/bachelorette party. Yay for combined parties! I saw Linnea there and danced the night away with cousins. Shew.
Gathering the throngs for rehearsal:
Saturday: Having a reception in a warehouse is a good idea. This one was free and provided ample room for creativity. We blew helium into balloons and tied tulle and ribbon to them and set candles around the tables and admired the Japanese lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The wedding itself did not disappoint. I haven't attended a night wedding in a long time. So many people in black! Dozens of white candles of different heights sat perched underneath the cross at the front of the church, burning in supplement to the low lighting. All of us in the choir sat in the balcony, since we sang the processional and the benediction - as it turned out, we made up most of MC's relatives, so it was a strange that only a few family members sat up front. Funny to see people turning around and pointing as if solving a mystery, the mystery of the missing relatives. But we had a great view! Randy and Uncle Jim talked about keeping Jesus at the center of marriage, and we sang "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven" to the modern tune I love.
Glowing in the afterglow:
The reception involved an incredible Greek spread, conversation with good ol' college friends and highschool teachers and elderly relations, dancing with hordes of cousins (again), and saying our last goodbyes to the bride and groom. For this, we formed two rows outside, broke out the recorders, and serenaded their departure with a loud rendition of "Goodbye, Schimpfsters" (sung to the tune of "Goodnight, Ladies"), the laughter and sounds of the recorders nearly drowned by the dull drone of deep dissonant harmonies. MC seemed especially pleased, recalling the days of old when we would send the Drexlers out our front door using the same method.
Drew, Aaron, Adam Belz - solid stock, these 'uns:
After the reception was the Infradig show at the new locale of the Local. Well, it doesn't matter where Infradig plays, their songs will forever remind me of the old Local and the sights and smells that go along with those late college nights. On this night, we were all exhausted but mustered the energy to stay for the duration to support Dave, who transitioned well in his dapper wedding suit.
Sunday: Went to church at North Shore and had a family lunch at New City. That evening was my first opportunity to relax, read, sit around the fire, smoke cigars and talk politics and sports with Dad and Ben and whoever else happened to be on the back deck. It's hard to beat skipping some classes and spending a meaningful week at home. I enjoy my family and friends more every time.
Thanks, Nat Belz, for the pics.
