Shawn Greer's Wedding pt. 1

Having just returned from our weekend getaway at the Grand Canyon, Shawn and his bride Denise are now on their way to their honeymoon in Maui. It was a lovely wedding, right on the freaking edge of the Canyon. It was a beautiful day, not to hot, not too cold. But first things fist. . . .I digress.

We arrived at the Thunderbird Lodge, checked in at the Bright Angel and schlepped a car full of goodies up to the room. It wasn't long before Shawn and Denise appeared in our room, bearing gifts. I wasn't sure why he was giving me gifts, but I gladly accepted the premium cigars, fifth of Crown Royal and a three disc, Grateful Dead CD set that I had never heard.

We shot a little video and soaked in the great vibes. Shawn and Denise radiated love, warmth and friendship. After a brief chat we made arrangements to meet everyone at a reserved campground in a couple of hours. There we would enjoy a night before party and meet with friends and family. It was good seeing Shawn's brother Mike, as well as his Dad. I hadn't seen either of them in many years. I took the opportunity to apologize to his Dad, for being such little shits as teenagers and young men. Shawn and I got into a LOT of trouble. Hell, you might even say at one point, it was our thing. We were kicked out of the IBM Ring in Cincinnati, and that was just for appetizers. We've come a long way baby. . . . who'd have thunk we would become bona-fide grown ups. It was a nice party and gave every one a chance to get to know one and other. We met Denise's girl friends, Toni & Terri. Through some discussion, someone found out that Polly does hair for a living and she was enlisted to do Denise's hair the following day. Toni (the Maid of Honor) was extremely relieved that she didn't have to do it. Polly was happy to lend a hand where it was needed.

What a day it had been. A gorgeous 7 hour drive (8 with a couple of stops) from LA to the Grand Canyon. All sorts of interesting things to see on the way. We cruised through the Mojave Desert, saw the Colorado River as we crossed into Arizona and enjoyed the many desert mountain ranges. We talked about the pioneers that crossed the ranges in covered wagons. Polly and I agreed that we were quite happy to see it all go by at 80 miles a hour in her air conditioned Prius. For a good part of the trip we averaged over 50 miles to the gallon. . . got to like that!

Polly and I spend almost all day, every day, together (While she's not working). So, it was no surprise to us, that we got along so well on the trip. Every day a dream, with the woman I love. We took turns driving and picking the music. We just took in the day as it passed us by. I told her a bunch of Shawn stories. Crazed stories about fishing, drinking, sawed off shotguns and a big bag, full of guns. Man, it's a wonder either of us are still alive.

After the campground party we headed back to our room on the rim, took one last evening stroll and called it a night.

More to follow. . . "The big day"