Anniversary party in Baltimore

[fbhjr]

Saturday we woke up at 3 and got on the road about 3:30 to go into Boston.
We got to the parking garage early enough to be on the first floor.


I’ve done plenty of the short trips early in the morning and have a certain level of resistance to it. But, it does take a lot out of my wife.


It was a very humid morning. Even the planes were covered in dew.


As we got ready to leave, a cruise ship was coming into the harbor.

I thought that appropriate as after our friends wedding 16 years ago I took them to the Boston pier to go on a cruise.

We got going just as the sun came up.


Up, up and away.


The pilot told us he could make the flight in an hour. Normally it is 90 minutes.


But, 60 minutes later, I couldn’t even tell where we were.


When the clouds broke, I think I was over the Shire. It certainly didn’t look like Baltimore.


Off in the distance there were some impressive clouds.

I guess that was Baltimore.
Maybe this was West Virginia?


Even the map on the plane didn’t know where we were.


As we got closer to the clouds, it did look more like the city.


We landed exactly 90 minutes after take off. So, I guess flying over the Shire is in the schedule.

We got our rental car and headed off to the meeting place.


I think it is funny that the mall near where they live has a dentist next to a martial arts studio…


We got to the church early, so roamed around for a while before going back.


We helped get the hall set up.


I went with Al off to pick up the cake. Don’t think I’ve ever been to a Costco before.


There was decorating to do, but even though I was tall enough to do it, my decorating skills were not up to the task, so others took over.


My wife and I visited with our friends mother.


Mrs Hicks is a truly amazing person and I feel lucky every time I get to spend time talking with her. Perhaps her grandson does not yet appreciate this.


Then, to the church for the vow renewal.

It was done on the 16th anniversary because, in the words of my friend:
"I promised 4 good times, 4 bad times, 4 sickness and 4 health. That’s 16 and we need to renew it."

There was some adjustment with the microphone for both spouses.


The ceremony was very nice.
Then, off to the reception.


Our Goddaughter was doing the photography for the event. And, doing very well at it!


Al told everyone they had to watch the video from 16 years ago.


Then, he and his wife raided the buffet while everyone was looking at the TV.


There was reading of the memories from 16 years ago.

Again, maybe not appreciated by all.


Then, the cake cutting.


And, a toast.

(I hadn’t known I was giving it until about 30 minutes before it. But, it worked out.)

After the party we went back to their house.

Last time I saw it, it was just the foundation on an empty lot.
It was worth the wait. (Well, for me. I wasn’t waiting for a place to live…)
It is very nice.



Apparently all height is now to be measured in units of bear.


As my wife and I had been up for a long time, we headed out before the light had totally faded from the sky.


Our hotel looked like something out of the Twilight Zone to me. But, the room was nice.


This morning we left about 5:30 to bring the rental car back.


We were at our gate before we could see the sun.


But, the flight was delayed.


There was one guy who just fell asleep in the waiting room, snoring loudly.
We envied his ability to sleep there.


Another guy brought his dog. We envied that too.


Eventually we got on the plane.


And, took off.


I’m told this bridge is scary to drive over. Some folks pay others to do it for them.
Some day I’ll try to drive over it and see.


Then we flew over the part of New Jersey where the kids and their parents had joined us and we had the tent flood in June.

http://fbhjr.livejournal.com/1001670.html

I liked the way the sunlight reflected off the nutrition label of my Diet Coke.


It was cloudy over New England. So, I couldn’t see the ground until we were VERY close.

(My wife said "Yay radar!")

We went over Castle Island just before landing.


You can see how low the clouds are as we drove home.


We stopped at one of the Chinese places we like on the way home. Looks different without the ice.


We got home safe and sound.


It was a good trip. It was great to see our friends and their family.
But, I’m glad we aren’t doing sword practice this afternoon too…

Comments

[touchofgr3y.livejournal.com]

Looks like a fun little trip :)

[endlessblush.livejournal.com]

Glad you had a good time.

That motel corridor looked endless!

I love watching the sunrise from a plane takeoff - haven't done it in a long time.

[postingwhore.livejournal.com]

I'm one of those people who can sleep anywhere if I'm tired enough...I've definitely fallen asleep in airports before. :p

[newlifeinstpaul.livejournal.com]

Very nice weekend!
We're going to need proof that something--ANYTHING--excites your godkids.

[fbhjr.livejournal.com]

I’m sure I don’t know what you’re talking about:


I’m told they are frequently excited when they get to see my wife and me. I believe that. Really.


There are times I see it. But, you have to look close. And, when they don’t realize you’re looking at them.



And it does seem to involve when sword fighting is going on.


But, it DOES happen…

[meathiel]

Looks like a good party.

[yesididit2.livejournal.com]

the hotel hallway is very bizarre! and i liked the reflection off the can of soda.

[hindustar.livejournal.com]

That looks like such a wonderful time!

[merilune.livejournal.com]

It looks like you had a great trip! I do not like planes though. Looking out the window is nice and distracting but I still don't like planes!