Categories: uncategorized
Date: 20 June 2004 20:15:42
.. and now I know it's true. It was only after we arrived at Exeter after our long journey that we discovered he was wearing two left shoes. So he was wrong-footed for the whole weekend. I mean, what could I do about it? Funny thing is, he seemed less accident prone that way... at least until he walked straight into a tree without noticing it was there and got a beauty of a black eye!
The wedding? It was absolutely wonderful. Atlanta looked so beautiful in a gorgeous wedding dress, and FL brushed up quite nicely. There were a good number of Shipmates there - how embarrassing to take a moment or two to recognise each of them in their "smart" clothes! The Smudgelets and I were easy to recognise, of course, as we always look smart, even in two left shoes.
I was delighted to have been asked to read one of the lessons, together with Hils reading the other. Strangely enough we both chose the same Bible version to read from, despite me never having heard of it before. The things you learn on the internet! Thank you Bible Gateway! I was also given extra responsibility... dropped on me at the last minute with no time to practise or prepare myself for the task. I had to wait for a wave from the vicar and promptly press a button, sending a CD blaring out over the assembled congregation as the happy couple processed out of the church.
It was lovely to see so many shipmates, to make new friends amongst the family and friends of the couple, to share in the special day. I was only sorry we had to leave early to get the children off to bed. Tiddles described it as "the best weekend ever", and I could understand why. Not better than certain others, but with nothing to better it, as he explained. Adding to our enjoyment of the weekend was staying with a lovely friend of Atlanta's who offered us hospitality and made us feel completely at home, as though we'd always known each other. Hopefully a new friend we'll see again.. although whether the house would survive the onslaught of two Smudgelets pounding around again has yet to be seen, and they'd be bound to insist on another ride in the ejector seat.
To top off the weekend, we managed to return to St Paul's church this morning to boost their congregation by about 50%. We were made extremely welcome and it was nice to have a taste of Anglicanism too, although Tiddles was rather taken aback when he suddenly remembered the wine was alcoholic. It brought tears to his eyes! Just as the sermon began, the vicar stopped and welcomed a newcomer at the back of the church. We turned to suddenly espy JoyfulNoise (and O'Kief the parrot) coming to join us. I was quite relieved when he, Anglican though he is, stood up in the wrong place in the service just as we did. At least this time I remembered to follow the words of the Lord's Prayer rather than say it by heart and run aground where it varied from the version we're used to. You can always spot the Methodist in an Anglican service! But it was definitely a blessing to be able to be there and share in the worship and I hope we will manage to go again some time soon.