Drinking Groomsmen and Golden Summertime

I have played at, sung at, attended, or been in a bajillion weddings, so I can tell a few stories. However, I witnessed something at Saturday's wedding that I'm still shaking my head over. First of all, though the ceremony had many Christian sentiments, I don't believe the families were more than nominally Christian. I and my harp were on stage behind a row of six groomsmen, so I had a pretty good view of them, especially the two at the end of the line. I started noticing that these two--who were probably my age or older--kept making little comments and smirks at each other. A little immature, I thought. The running conversation was bad enough, but then I noticed one covertly taking a flask out of his tux and taking a quick swig! "Oh, my word," I thought, "that had better be water." But I doubt it. I was almost doubtful that I'd seen it, until he did it again. Then the guy at the very end took out his own little flask and took a sip! The other one offered his to another groomsman who laughingly refused. This is all while the ceremony is happening! And do you think they stopped talking or drinking while the minister prayed or while I played the unity candle song? NO! I glared at them when I could, but they didn't seem to take much notice. I couldn't believe the gall of such behavior in the house of God at a sacred ceremony in front of a whole host of witnesses! I should have gotten up and knocked their heads together!

In other, lighter news, summer has finally arrived in Western Washington!! The last few months have been mostly gray, cold, and wet, so we're excited to have warm, dry sunshine. It's about 100 degrees right now, but there's a little breeze and it's not unbearable if you're in the shade. This morning I went on a 7-mile bike ride to town and back, and drank in the beauty of awesome Mt. Rainier, the brilliant blue sky, the bright green foliage, and quaint farm country. I've been reading out on the patio most of the day and took a little dip in the pool. Funny how cold that pool can feel even on the hottest day. I have a strong desire for ice cream, but I'm exercising self-control because my body does not need another pound! Summertime is pretty dangerous to the waistline in our house. Fruit pies, ice cream, shakes, frappucinos...it's just terrible!