This past weekend I was in Portland, Oregon for the wedding of a college friend. It was a simple, lovely affair, and Sarah looked beautiful in her beaded gown and tasteful green shoes and Jonathan looked handsome and happy. I would post a picture if I had not forgotten the camera back at the house where I was staying. One of the things I noticed about the wedding was that the lighting was just right: neither too bright nor too dark, just warm and intimate. Sadly, we missed the grand exit when Sarah donned a “muppets” coat for the run to the car. Gotta love the whimsy! My favorite part of the ceremony was when they said their vows, which they had written themselves. They were heartfelt and real. It seems like only yesterday I spent a weekend with them in New York, politely examining the window displays and billboards so they could smooch! ; )

The other really fun part of the too-brief trip was hanging out with other college friends, the same gang we hung out with in Alaska back in April. Aaron and Irene hosted Dr. G and me and Nate and Betsy and their gang. I was coloring with one of the kids, and we took a break to count to forty in silly voices and rhyme back and forth, and I thought to myself, “Gee, this is entertaining, and not far different from how I spend my time when I’m alone.” (Too much information?)

Nate reminded me of the funny “science” papers of Jeremy Lavine, about lightning and El Nino. I wish I had been subversive enough to write stuff like that when I was in high school. The poor teacher’s comments are classic– you can tell that s/he has no idea what to do with this kid. Sample line from an essay: “They think lightning is a lie perpetrated by people with a vested interest. At their own peril!!!”

And awhile back, another friend reminded me of these Weight Watcher’s Recipe Cards. Watch out for the Mackerelly! (Warning, occasional cuss words).