More Hijinx in Marfa and Environs

Chase's parents, Janelle and Joe, threw a soiree on Friday at Chase's coffeehouse so that everyone who came in from out of town could get to know each other. It was a lovely way to spend the evening. Janelle is kind of in the middle of this picture--the petite blonde in the green shirt.



Here's Chase and Joe (backs to the camera, Joe to the right) mixing with some of their Dallas friends.



Rachel's high school pals Lindsey and Emily flew down from Chicago for the weekend.



A bunch of Chase's pals from Dallas brought their wives and girlfriends to the do.



And of course Jeff and I got to revel in having both of the kids to talk to at once--a treat we usually only indulge in at Christmas of late...



Since our hotel was only a block or so away from the coffeehouse, I availed myself rather freely of the champagne that was flowing like tap water... resulting in slight inebriation, much to Greg's amusement. O, to be tipsy in front of one's stepkids...

The next morning, bright and early, Rachel, Chase, and select family and friends met at the coffeehouse once again--this time to caravan an hour north to just outside of Balmorhea to the tiny Mission Mary Calera where Chase's grandfather, a retired minister, blessed the marriage.



This lovely chapel sits out in the midst of the desert, open all the time for any travelers who might happen by and need to rest, pray, meditate, or just look around. It was the perfect place for a blessing.



Barb, Greg, and Jeff all read something special to them--and to Rachel and Chase. Jeff read a poem by Ranier Maria Rilke that was read at our own wedding, exactly 12 years before:

Do you know, I would quietly
slip from the loud circle,
when first I know the pale
stars above the oaks
are blooming.

Ways will I elect
that seldom any tread
in pale evening meadows--
and no dream but this:
You come too.

Made me kind of teary...

Then Chase's grandfather read some Bible verses--the ones about Ruth and Boaz (Wither thou goest...) and about faith, hope, and charity--and then offered a prayer. Simple, heartfelt, beautiful. Not a dry eye in the house (or should I say "in the chapel"). Rachel and Chase sealed their union yet again with a kiss...



Headed back out into the desert air for a photo op...



And then we all piled back into our cars and headed back to Marfa for brunch... and a bit of rest before the big do...which will comprise the next entry!