Daily Newsie

So far, this weekend has been just about perfect. It kicked off with a great visit from the sister-in-law and nephew, who’s just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. We shopped, toured the train museum, and scarred the little man for life when the hibachi grill cook produced a tower of flame that sent D scurrying for his mom’s arms. (Later, though, he kept asking to see the picture The Husband snapped of D’s terrified face as the fire reached for the ceiling.)

The wedding, of course, was very short and sweet, performed by Sharon at Misty Valley while our witnesses — her husband and daughter-in-law — snapped pictures. (We’ll post some in a bit!) Bearby wore a snappy bow tie as our “ring bear,” and performed admirably under pressure. I only cried a little bit, and then before I knew it we were married and posing on the steps of the chapel before heading to the Dairy Queen in Simpsonville, Ky., because I wanted ice cream. After that, it only took about 30 minutes to reach the Inn at Woodhaven, time we spent happily calling everyone to tell them our good news. The Husband’s grandfather — with whom he shares his first and last name — and grandmother were particularly ecstatic, and my father was pleased to welcome a new son-in-law to the family. It’s wonderful to be surrounded by so much love!

Last night’s dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse here in Louisville was amazing — when we made the reservation, they asked if we were celebrating a special occasion, which of course we were. From the moment we stepped inside the door, they made the biggest fuss over the “newly-formed Walston party,” including complimentary champagne, many congratulations, and free dessert. The restaurant is located on the top floor of the Kaden Tower, so as we ate we watched rain fall on the city and debated whether to go to the riverfront fireworks. Then, a sudden burst of color made several people gasp, and the waitstaff pushed open the glass doors surrounding the dining room so the guests could watch fireworks from the open porch. From our vantage point 16 stories above the city, we could see at least five different fireworks shows exploding in the sky.

Our waitress told us where to find the nearest Kroger, so we wrapped up the night with a quick trip to my favorite grocery store and fell asleep watching “Family Matters” on Nick at Nite. This morning, we ate breakfast in the main house (it was wonderful — breakfast AND the main house), then I took a long soak in the whirlpool tub with a book and Yo-Yo Ma’s “Simply Baroque” CD, which was one of many I found in a stack next to the CD player in our cottage. Now The Husband (I’m going to need a nickname for him, I think) is out fetching Chinese food, and, after we eat, our plans for the afternoon include a nap and dinner at Louisville Slugger Stadium, where the minor-league Louisville River Bats are playing this evening.

We purposely made absolutely no plans for this weekend, and so have spent it in a glorious haze of books and television and food, rarely leaving the incredibly comfortable bed. I’m already dreading rejoining the real world tomorrow, but I’m trying not to think about it.