Recipe for Best Weekend Ever!

[Merlin the Elder]

Here is a proven recipe for the best weekend Nimue and I have ever had:

First Course:
1 part Scarborough Faire
1 part crazy-arsed Rennie friends
1 part totally unprepared Mundane family and friends
a dash of beautiful harp music provided by Sarah Mullen
add a renewal of wedding vows and handfasting
Simmer and enjoy

Second Course:
1 part Scarborough Faire
1 part crazy-arsed Rennie friends
1 part totally blown away Mundane family and friends
Add food and wine and ale
Mix vigorously then throw in a private Tartanic show
Bring to a boil!

Nimue and I would like to thank everyone from the bottom to the top of our hearts for everyone who prepared for, worked at, shared with, laughed with, and cried with us. You cannot possibly imagine how much it all meant to us to have all of you there, and those who couldn't come, to have your well-wishes.

This may seem like a Oscar night speech, so bear with me... I've been trying to get this written now for three days...

I'd like to heap praise upon Danielle Guinn at Scarby for the planning and execution of the day's events. Coy, take note: you have a winner there! Danielle, you were an absolute doll to work with! Thanks also to Andy Smith for her work and keeping an eye on things. Any minor glitches were just that and were easily offset by major positivities (new word...good thing!)  ...and thanks to Coy Sevier for his help with some of the details. Ladies and gents, I can't thank you enough.

Our attendants: Don Juan de Cordoba and Doña Catalina, Lady Kett and Sidekick, Archer and Moyra...you are all friends we have made in the past 3 years, and we value you as much as anyone we have known for decades;  Vicki & Elaine, the former having been my friend since I was in preschool (!); and my son Chris and his long-time friend Susannah.

The beautiful and talented Sarah Mullen played beautifully during the ceremony, and Captain Teague tried to steal the show...and the bride! When asked if anyone objected, he did! It was a hoot.

The Baron of Scarborough & Lord High Mayor wrote a most beautiful ceremony... m'Lord, if you are lurking on this board, you get a double-helping of thanks you's...

We were honoured with the visit of King Henry and Queen Anne, who both had some very sweet and kind words for us.

When Tartanic began to play, a crowd started gathering at the fringes. One of the Scarby crew was running around trying to keep out the gawkers who didn't realize a wedding reception was going on.

Elo came and grabbed me, and made me dance... I'm a musician, and it's in the musician's code—we don't dance.  I proved it.

The groom's cake design we knew nothing about until we arrived and saw it. I had given the baker total artistic license, and told him, "chocolate, not nuts or coconut, and surprise me."  The cake looked awesome! Pictures will follow, I'm sure... I can only assume it was good—I never got a chance to sample it!

The most important part of all of the festivities, was the sharing with our friends. Seriously, it would have been nothing without all of you there. Nimue and I agree: it was the best weekend we had ever had.  Thank you to any and all who had a part in it!  I wish it could have gone on forever...

[MacKee]

Wow, sorry we missed it.  But for some reason, Merlin, whenever I hang out with you and Lady Kett....I run out of money 

[DonaCatalina]

It was a day to remember most assuredly!

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

Thank you Merlin and Nimue for sharing with us - we had a great time.

[Merlin the Elder]

Wow, sorry we missed it.  But for some reason, Merlin, whenever I hang out with you and Lady Kett....I run out of money 

You missed your chance, MacKee... Without you and young Merlin there to assist me, I couldn't empty the keg! The Goddess knows I tried!

[eloquentXI]

I think you did just fine, Merlin! An old guy like yourself has more rhythm than he thinks.     

[Merlin the Elder]

Rhythm isn't the problem, Elo! I just never learned to dance!  From the time I was about 15, the only dances I went to I was playing for!  I had a blast with you though, Luv, even if I did look stupid as hell out there on the dance floor. 

[Ronald the Bald]

You did well dancing. I have proof.

[Merlin the Elder]

You did well dancing. I have proof.

{{*** oh...$h!t ***}}
How much for the negatives?

[Ronald the Bald]

Here are the pics. Enjoy!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronald_the_bald/sets/72157629847931185/

[Ronald the Bald]

Proof Merlin can dance:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ronald_the_bald/7091323357/in/set-72157629847931185

[Captain Teague]

First uploads, will add more as they finish. Slow going.


Part 1
http://youtu.be/PJwkKgP_DLI

Part 2
http://youtu.be/802968tvPdQ

Part 3
http://youtu.be/fLtwKKujuxU

Part 4
http://youtu.be/45eQSl7qO7o

Part 5
http://youtu.be/9tTZJ1rmHUk

[MacKee]

Wow, sorry we missed it.  But for some reason, Merlin, whenever I hang out with you and Lady Kett....I run out of money 

You missed your chance, MacKee... Without you and young Merlin there to assist me, I couldn't empty the keg! The Goddess knows I tried!

No one siad anything about a keg 

[Merlin the Elder]

You didn't think I'd throw a party without a keg!  Scottish ale, too!  See what you miss when you aren't paying attention!

Bad MacKee, bad, BAD! 

[cowgrrl]

It was SO much fun!!  I loved watching the 'danes on the fringes watching 'Rennies Gone Wild'!!!!  We must have looked like we were having a good time.