punkerdoo

RETROPOST:This last weekend Husband and I drove to Dayton, OH for my Cousin’s (read: SonofSisterofMother) wedding. Google told us it would be a 9 hour drive up I-75. We decided if we were going to spend 9 hours in the car is was not going to be on the Interstate. Googlemaps has a great new “drag-your-route” feature. I drug our route up to route 441, which runs into Athens. In a vain attempt Googlemaps kept trying to make us get back to the highway as quickly as possible. We were having none of that so we purchased a GPS, which we named Guy. (say Gee, as the French might, …long story ask HusbandofSister) Of course, our newly purchased GPS told us that it would be wise to take I-75.
We decided to take 441 to the Smokie Mountain National park and then veer west on 129. (Cor, staying on 441 would have lead us straight to Gatlinburg) We did not realize at the time that this section on 129 is known as Tail of the Dragon by Biking enthusiasts. It involves 318 curves in 11 miles. What a wonderful drive!! After the fact, we became aware that it took us 2 hours to travel 40 miles. This was due to the fact that it constantly felt as though I was driving much to fast for the road.
Once out of the Smokies and back on the highway, we made a detour in Cincinnati. My Aunt (Groom’s Mother) sent an e-mail listing interesting places in the area. She mentioned Jungle Jim’s as a place that my Aunt and Uncle visit and that my Grandmother uses to procure her cow kidneys and brains. Of course, an enormous grocery store filled with unusual items would entice the foodies within us. That is not even mentioning, the huge wine & beer selection. We stopped in and purchased a few items that are hard to find in our neck of the woods, a few Greek beers, and dinner. The Greek beers we Marathon (don’t recommend) and Mythos (do recommend). Dinner was Prosciutto di Parma, Sopressa, French cheeses, and the obligatory baguette. (Yeah I know French cheese and Italian meat. It was good)
Finally I come to part of the story that you have been waiting for, the part were you might actually be involved. On Saturday morning Mother, Sister and I went to Grandmother’s room for a quick visit before she had to get ready for pictures. We then got ready ourselves and head out to the church. What an absolutely wonderful place to get married. The ceremony was held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Dayton. I had never been to an Orthodox (Greek or otherwise) wedding and it was beautiful.
The reception was held at Beavercreek Golf Club, a lovely setting where we were first treated to hors d’oeuvres and drinks. After the wedding party arrived, the best man recognized the Bride and Groom with a wonderful speech. After which we were served a delicious dinner and then came the dancing. Even the least experienced dancer could help but want to give it a go. If you sit and watch Greek dancing for any length of time you definitely get the feeling that you are missing out on the fun.
Feeling caught up in the moment, I asked “Where is all the Ouzo?” Before I realized the ramifications of my question, eight shots miraculously appeared on our table. “Kids, thank your Uncle. ‘Thanks Uncle Phil!’” Needless to say, it wasn’t too much longer then that the lights came on and it was time to leave.
What a completely enjoyable weekend we had. We want to send our best hopes and wishes to the Bride and Groom and thank them for including us in their celebration.

See Slideshow of Wedding
See photos on a map
See the photo album