We are in Wilmington, chilling our morning away after two straight evenings of partying and eating well. Donna and Jay's wedding yesterday was a lovely, low-key, low-stress event, that flowed smoothly and effortlessly. People would just step up to help here and there, and things got done without much hoopla. The way any event with family & friends should be.

Folks arrived in their beach/island/Hawaiian clothing, got beers and hung out. A Samoan luau was being created in the backyard (it involved lots of banana leaves, hot stone, a pig & blankets), and banana poi, pua'a chicken, shrimp fried rice, sashimi and sushi were being placed on serving dishes! The bride & groom with their handmade leis were all smiles (except during the ceremony when they were trying to hold back tears). It was also a gorgeous day (sunny & warm for Nov), and perfect for the wedding theme!

We spent much of the evening gathered around the front porch, with an impromptu group of musicians (Francis on base, Julia on her fiddle & Peter on his guitar) jamming in the background. The historical horse carriage tours that went by must have been puzzled by the sight on a Nov evening with people in beach garb and bluegrass tunes out on the porch of an old Queen Anne style house.