Nomad Life - Day 43

Because of my early bed time last night, I slept my normal six hours and then woke up, almost completely rested, at 0445.  This definitely wasn't my plan and I tried to sleep longer - I managed to reach 0600 but then couldn't continue in bed.  Instead, I got up and went to eat breakfast in the hotel lobby as early as I have during my stay.  Returning to my room by 0630, I started my (abbreviated) day of telework (I'd had a few longer days earlier in the week so didn't need to log a full eight hours).  I took one break (at about 0755) and realized while I was re-packing my car that JEB Little Creek - Fort Story was about to sound "Reveille".  I intentionally waited - at attention - until the "Star Spangled Banner" had fully played before going back inside - sometimes, it's good to remind myself of old traditions/habits.  My work day continued (with some meetings), with only one interruption at noon, when I made myself some lunch (food I cooked in the room).  At 1300, I started getting dressed up in my nicest suit so I'd be ready to attend Erin and Austin's wedding reception party.  It took me about an hour (and some texts with my daughter) to make sure I was satisfactory but I felt good about the items I'd remembered to pack.  At 1330, I made a stop at the nearby Navy Exchange and picked up some items for Erin (card for the wedding) and myself (clothes hanging bags).  Next (1355), I headed back to Erin and Austin's house, arriving just as Erin was finishing her professional make-up session.  I then spent time with my daughter, doing little tasks, as Erin and Brenna got ready for the photos they planned to take at the wedding reception.  During this time, I was given little task and then was the subject of a "dress reaction video" - before we were done, I also got to watch Austin's first reaction to Erin's dress.  There was a bit of drama going on (in the background) about the ETA of other members of the wedding party but Erin stayed on task and we departed her house just before 1500 (the planned time for us to arrive at the restaurant for photos).  From that point, everything went according to Erin's plan, with the photos beginning for her and Austin and, as everyone else arrived, she got each of them in the frame too.  There were pretty water settings but, even more impressive, a huge magnolia tree that graced the different scenes - beautiful!  One thing that startled me was when Nicky poured ashes (her mother's) on the Magnolia Tree that featured in the photographs... Meanwhile, the staff of Steinhilber's (an impressively handsome venue on one of the arms of the Lynnhaven Inlet) set up a reception room and separate dining room for our party.  By 1600, the photos were mostly wrapping up and we all went inside for hors d'oeuvres and cocktails.  The food and service were both excellent - even more interesting, we had the server (now manager) who'd taken care of us in June of 2022 when I first got to visit the restaurant.  At 1700, we moved into the dining room and the meal (three courses) service began.  Erin had taken the time to write personalized messages for each person - mine was very touching.  While we were between courses, Erin made a wonderful speech and then her Bridesmaids (Brenna and Elizabeth) followed with gracious comments.  Just before dessert, Austin's Best Man (Khoi) and sister (Ashley) made equally impressive toast speeches.  All of the attendees (20) seemed to be quite pleased with the ambiance - Erin's planning definitely paid off in a home run celebration!  I was sitting next to Brenna and Quinn (Elizabeth's fiancé) and enjoyed hearing about his job at the New Port News Shipyard. Along the way, the meal was excellent (I had the Caesar salad, chicken piccata, mashed potatoes and veggies, chocolate cake).  Even after the cocktail hour was over, I was also treated to a rather delicious series of Old Fashioned drinks made by the friendly bartender.  The dinner was supposed to end at 1900 but the restaurant didn't hurry us away - everything was almost perfect!  As the sun began to set, Erin and Austin went back outside to get some photos during the "golden hour" and everyone joined them - spirits were high.  For my part, the early wake up started to take its toll on my stamina.  Reluctantly (but with Erin's blessing), I said my farewells and promised to get together with everyone again in the morning.  I was able to get back to my room at the Navy Lodge by about 2000 and relaxed for a little while before heading out to get the rest of my 10K steps (2130).  I walked around inside the hotel until I was satisfied with the step count and then returned to pack up bags in anticipation for my departure in the morning.  Despite my best intentions, bed time was at about 2300.  What a great day of celebrating and fun - congratulations, Erin and Austin!