You see the most amazing things on the road

There's a reason to drive slow on the open road. You'll see things.

In Nevada, and more than a few times in Utah we had to stop for cattle on the road.

Oh the stories I could tell . . .  and I will.

We're just over the border in Kansas now. Tomorrow we're crossing Kansas, Missouri and Indiana. We're "bookin it" now. Brian has a 7 AM flight back to the west coast.

I know, I know.

- - - David

A moment to remember a horrible day

a moment we'll never forget

America . . . a WONDERFUL Place for a Drive with the Dogs

Lucy, Sophie and the newlywed Brian Brockowski
near the shore of Lake Isabella, California

Tonight, just as the iPhones chimed midnight, we have made it to Cedar City, Utah.

Today we wandered through Yosemite, (YO-s'mighty, to her friends), for hours then drove through mighty wonderous landscapes and one spiritual storm in Nevada. 15 hours and 541 miles.

Yesterday it was over 500 miles up the middle latitude of the Sunshine State, a drive through the Sierras, a circuitous tour of Sequoia National Park followed by a quick bypass of Fresno and a dark ride into Fish Camp, California.

It is 2 in the morning at the Motel 6 on Hwy 56.

I is tired, that is all I can say for now.

After some sleep, we take on southern Utah!

- - - David

There's got to be a Morning After

Lounging Lucy, pool side.
If you've got to get rested, what better place than the Coral Sands?

The midnight wedding, momentous. The after party, memorable. The next morning . . . just a little blurry. I do remember brunch with brother Brad and Brian at Rick's, then the Phoenix Brocks departure. I do recall Mom and Pop Heath stopping by with an offer of lunch, just a little too soon after that. The rest of afternoon was spent in the shade, the pool just a quick hot skips across the flagstones.

The sunset, the carry out dinner from Thai Smile with the Reverend Ruby Montana and our star witness, Rebecca, I remember clearly, then it all starts to fade. I was asleep before MadMen started, and I didn't mind. That's how tired I was. And it's a good thing I got a little rest.

Sweet Lucy awoke us before 4 AM, letting us know she needed a walk, NOW. Seems she has a bit of a bug and her body wants nothing to do with it. So today will be another day by the pool. Siestas, (and dog walks), will be frequent and will keep the Pepto Abysmal flowing. Lucy will be dining on her spa meals of white rice and water.

Tomorrow morning we still intend to leave for Yosemite and the beginning of our journey home.

Cross your fingers, and wish us continued luck.

- - - David

A few shots from this morning's wedding

A few minutes after midnight, the Reverend Ruby Montana with the powers vested in her by the state of California, pronounced us MARRIED!
There wasn't a dry eye by the pool.

That's not to say it was all seriousness and solemnity.

the WEDDING party
Brad Brock, David, Reverend Ruby Montana, Brian and Rebecca Chekouras


A Big toast to the camera woman, Rebecca
Brad, Ruby, Judy, Len, Lee Ellen, Becky, Amanda, and US

Ding Dong: the bells chimed at midnight

If you wish you were here last night . . .
If you were wondering what was said . . .
Now at least you'll have the script:

(MINISTER Ruby):
We are here to join together these two in matrimony, which is honorable among all people; and is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this estate these two now come to be joined.

Marriage is a union in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy – and for help and comfort given in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly – it is a means through which a stable and loving and legally stable environment may be attained.



Through marriage, David and Brian make a commitment together to face disappointments – embrace dreams – realize hopes – and accept failures. Brian and David will promise one another to aspire to these ideals through mutual understanding and openness – and sensitivity to each other.


A marriage stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness – backed with the will to make it last.



Love One Another, verse by Kahlil Gibran,

Love one another, but make not a bond of love
Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.

Fill each other's cup, but drink not from one cup.
Give one another of your bread, but eat not from the same loaf.

Sing and dance together and be joyous,
but let each one of you be alone,
Even as the strings of a lute are alone
though they quiver with the same music.

Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping;
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts.

And stand together yet not too near together;
For the pillars of the temple stand apart,
And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other's shadow


The vows


Do you Brian take David be your lawful wedded
husband? Brian responds, "I do.”

Will you love, respect and honor him throughout your years together? Brian responds, "I will."

Do you David take Brian to be your lawful wedded
husband? David responds, "I do.”

Will you love, respect and honor him throughout your years together? David responds, "I will."

Brian, Repeat after me:

I take you David
to be my lawful husband,
to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better or for worse,
for richer or for poorer,
in sickness and in health
for as long as we both shall live.

David, Repeat after me:

I take you Brian
to be my lawful husband,
to have and to hold, from this day forward,
for better or for worse,
for richer or for poorer,
in sickness and in health
for as long as we both shall live.


The Rings

Would you place the rings in my hand?

May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this unity, these two lives joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go – may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and all women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home they establish be a place that all will find a friend.

May these rings forever symbolize the spirit of love in their hearts.


(Handing ring to Brian)

(MINISTER RUBY)
Brian, place the ring on David’s finger and repeat after me:

“David, I give you this ring
as the pledge of my love
and as the symbol of our unity
and with this ring, I thee wed.”

(Handing ring to David)



(MINISTER RUBY) David, place the ring on Brian’s finger and repeat after me:

“Brian, I give you this ring
as the pledge of my love
and as the symbol of our unity
and with this ring, I thee wed.



Pronouncement

An Apache prayer expresses our parting hope:

Now you will feel no rain, for each of you will be shelter for the other.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness for you.
Now you are two bodies, but there is only one life before you.

Go now to your home,
To enter into the days of your life together,
And may your days be good and long upon the earth

(MINISTER RUBY):

May you always share with each other the gifts of love, generosity and kindness.


As David and Brian have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family, have pledged their love – and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring – are now joined.

You have taken vows of marriage, but remember to always be each other’s friend.



And so, by the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you married.


–
Congratulations.




PHOTOS COMING SOON.
Just waiting for the bidding war between The National Enquirer and People to end.

It's a fine day for a PINK wedding

The witness, a groom and the minister departing for dinner with Judy and Len

Yesterday started to feel almost traditional, ALMOST!

Brian made us a poolside breakfast then Ruby took me for a morning of pampering, a pedi, a mani, and an ATM.

While Brian was having his turn at pampering, I helped Ruby a little prepping the rooms for the arriving guests. The rooms here are works of art, so it felt more curatorial than custodial. I was honored.

While Ruby enlisted the fabulous doggie-sitter/architect Diane to watch the little ones, Len and Judy, Brian's step-dad and lovely mom, took us all to Davey's Hideaway, a classic Palm Springs place with tinkling piano, pink lights, fabulous art and mighty fine food. Judy called it a rehearsal dinner, Rebecca thought a Wing-It Feast was a more appropriate title.

Driving back, under a star speckled dessert sky, top down in Ruby's VW Bug, Dinah, I couldn't help feeling like one very lucky man.

Love is all around and I am smack in the middle of it.


- - - David

Rebecca "Peaches" Chekouras, flew from San Francisco and into the pool.
She was drafted to be a star witness in tonight's legal proceedings.

From the YOU REALLY REALLY Shouldn't have department.






Floral Love from Calyn, our historical witness in Seattle, 12 years ago.




A Box of Good Luck from Ginny and Trish:
Something borrowed, Something Blue, Something Old, Something New, and a Piece of Sixpence for my shoe.

Waiting

It's hot here, 107 degrees, is that why Brian is breaking into a sweat? Or is it the community property laws here in California?

We got to the County Offices in Indio and were greeted by the receptionist with a calm business like attitude, as if boyz had been walking up and asking for marriage licenses for years. That was nice.

We waited for an hour and our ticket number finally popped up on the screen. The county clerk was all business but with a smile. We raised our right hands and swore that our information was accurate. Brian said "yes", I said "I do".

I thought it was good practice.

- - - David

100 Degrees of Anticipation

Lucy lifeguards a weary traveler soaking in the pool at the Coral Sands

TA DA! 2500 miles, 6 days of roadside attractions and a few too many replays of "(Get Your Kicks) on Route 66", our travelers have made it to Palm Springs and the magical motelier known as Ruby Montana.

At 5:00 on Wednesday, just in time for cocktails, we pulled up to the Bouganvilla draped gates of our favorite inn in the world. Ruby and the diminutive pup, Lola, were waiting for us with cold ones and a warm welcome. It's so nice to be home.

Today we're off to Indio, the county clerks office, to fill out paperwork for the marriage license. I almost can't believe it, his is really happening, Ruby is brushing off her reverend robes and the rings are in the motel safe.

This is going to be fun.

Isn't it?

- - - David

5 days down, 1 to go

Brian's virgin trip to the Grand Canyon 

That's what we call a bachelor party

Since you've last heard from us in Tucumcari, we've done the spur to Santa Fe, the Mother Road through Albuquerque, seen ruins of rock houses in Mesita and the red rock cliffs that made me cry outside Galllup.

We've had amazing Mexican food for breakfast in Gallup and drove to Arizona for lunch at Joe & Aggie's in Holbrook AZ.

Then it was Flagstaff, a little "spur" to the Grand Canyon where, I at least, saw God.
A zip down to vintage Route 66 Williams, AZ and on through an incredible mountain sunset to Seligman, AZ where we rest tonight at the Deluxe Inn Motel in Seligman, AZ on Route 66, of course.

Tomorrow, it's a heavily anticipated final part (for us) of the Route, and down into Palm Springs and Ruby Montana's Coral Sands. Brian is tempted to get on the interstate,"'for expediency", but he realizes he must stick to the Route 66 plan.

We're all a little weary, but determined. Tomorrow eve we'll be ready for some pool time and a cocktail. Maybe then we'll be ready to plan the wedding.


- - - David

Lucy, dog tired but not about to lay down