For once it wasn't a wedding that I was in.
In fact, it was a group I was entirely unfamiliar with.
We arrived Minneapolis an hour and a half late! Just enough time to grab our bags, grab our rental car, and speed through the corn fields to Mt. Olivet Christian Retreat Center; which was the location of all the wedding festivities. I pull in, let Hubbie out to run to the rehearsal and go to the front desk to check us in.
The basket of bug spray next to the six foot cross should have clued me in to what kind of weekend we were in for, but I ignored it and got our keys from the clerk. I pulled the car around, managed to lug all of our bags into the "dorm" and unlocked the door to our room.
No TELEVISON. No PHONE. No CELL PHONE SERVICE.
NO ALCOHOL ALLOWED ON "PREMISES".
Ahem. Alrighty then.
I unpack and take a shower in DEET bug spray, put on my dress for the rehearsal dinner and leave the "dorm" to find the others. I realize when I step outside that my friend Jeanie, (who's from Minnesota,) wasn't kidding about the state bird being the mosquito. Holy *%^& !!!
I met up with the wedding party and we had a lovely bbq dinner. Lit a bonfire, shared travel stories, inquired how we were all related etc. etc. etc. Then it was time for bed, (according to the group,) at 8:00pm.
Ummmmmm ok. Hubbie and I hop in the batmobile and head to the nearest liquor store, (15 miles, two bunnies and a squirrel away,) for a bottle of wine and some snacks.
Come back to the dorm with Doritos and Argentinean wine and we read, eat, drink, talk, read, drink, sleep. Hubbie has to be up at 8:00am for pictures. FUN FOR HIM!
The wedding ceremony was held on a beautiful green lawn, about a fifteen minute hike from the dorms. Seeing as I had only packed heels, (I'm from Los Angeles give me a break,) I end up wearing my leopard print flats that I wore on the plane. Not the best hiking shoes but they did the job.
The ceremony was romantic, inspiring and very Christian. In fact, part of the ceremony asked that the congregation take communion. Which I did. I didn't think twice about it. My dad was Catholic and I really don't see the harm in observing a tradition. Apparently my mom thought I was being sacrilegious.
Really?
I'm a Jew and I wouldn't be offended if a Christian was asked to hold the Torah, or recite a prayer. Her point was that by taking communion, you are accepting the body and blood of Christ. I guess I looked at it as a ritual that I could partake in, but I would never want to offend anyone of faith. In fact, the opposite!
So anyway, I took communion but didn't cross myself. Hubbie made a joke that the wafer would crackle and pop like PopRocks candy when I took it. Nothing of the sort happened. No lightning either. This Jew is down with the Lutherans.
After the ceremony we had a long brunch and reception filled with French and Norwegian dances. Lots of love and laughter. But no booze. Only Perrier and lemonade. And coffee. (Sigh.)
Saturday night we headed to the big city, (Minneapolis,) to take a tour through a sculpture garden and have cocktails. We had a great time getting to know the rest of the guests and having COCKTAILS!
Sunday Hubbie and I headed to the world famous Minnesota State Fair! We ate savory crepes, pork chops on a stick, deep fried CHEESE CURDS and a root beer float. For all of you who have never experienced the deep fried CHEESE CURD, it is quite the delicacy. Almost like fried mozzarella but with more chewiness. DEEEELISSHHH.
The best part of the day was going in the "butterfly tent" for some one on one action. We paid $3.00 to walk in a tent with thousands of butterflies of all different species to just enjoy, watch and even let them land on you if they chose. A few took a liking to Hubbie and I.
It was amazing. Such beautiful creatures. Everyone in the tent was mesmerized.
Including me- this one didn't want to leave me! (Please ignore the eye booger.)
Unfortunately, we had a plane to catch and had to leave the lovely fair and the beautiful state of Minnesota. Two days just wasn't enough. My grandma was born in St. Paul, and all I've ever heard about the state is that "IT'S COLLLLLLLDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!" My grandma literally walked uphill in the snow to school.
Eh, OK. I get it. It gets cold. But this weekend was lovely.
We get to the airport and as usual, Hubbie would like to smoke up until they're boarding. So our ritual for air travel is I go through security solo, while he smokes, and he meets me at the nearest bar. Just so happens, the bar nearest to our gate is empty, except for Matt Sorum. (Former drummer of The Cult and Guns N' Roses, current drummer of Velvet Revolver.)
Who I've met before through my hairdresser.
He looks over to me while on he's on the phone with Slash, (who I MAY HAVE.... in my teen years.... wallpapered my bedroom with pictures of....., ) and smiles.
When he hangs up we (he) realizes our connection and we start chatting. Then my phone rings- it's Hubbie.
"Yeah, I'm in the bar. As usual. Yes, the one closest to the gate. Yes. Ok, you'll find me!!! Bye!"
Hubbie walks in the bar....
"Hubbie, this is Matt. Matt this is Hubbie."
"Hey man, ................... OH, oh, hey man" =)
The three of us had a great chat before our flight. Matt could not be a nicer guy and was as sincere and sweet as he looks. It's not often one runs into a rock star in the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport, and to run into Matt Sorum, who is interesting and engaging and all the things you wish a rock star would be when you bug them in an airport bar..... well, ............it was just awesome.
Flight home was uneventful. Sat between a pilot, a priest and a girl reading a bible. I felt pretty safe.
Labor Day Monday we spent at my parents house with friends and partied til' the sun came down. It was also a send off for my best friend and her husband on their "around the world in a year" trip. Step-dad makes the best BBQ and margaritas in the state. Ya'll wish you were there.
So many laughs.
I wish Jen & Tom a safe, inspiring trip that will last a lifetime. I love you both.
Also, best wishes to the newlyweds. Thanks for the opportunity for this Valley Girl to get out of the city and see where her grandma grew up. We had a blast.
