The father of the bride, Richard, gave a reading from the Bible. The father of the groom, Sheldon, read a message pertaining to Jewish principles to the newlyweds. The message was in Hebrew, which was translated in English by the priest, with an assist from the groom. Later, the priest also read a message in Hebrew.

Then it was time for the Jewish tradition of the breaking of the glass; this to signify the hope that this would be the last time there would be things broken between them in their marriage. I left my seat to get a better look. I have seen it in the movies, but never live. Steve's foot tromped the glass which was wrapped in a towel. No noise. A little disappointing. Later, Kelsey told us, whoever wrapped the glass in the towel had neglected to take it out of the bubble wrap. Mazel Tov, anyway.

Later at the reception, I heard my first live "L'chei-im!" I also met and visited with former Haysite, Dave Walters and his wife, Diana. Another wedding first for me was the presence of a picture booth. Attendees could enter the booth, an automated camera took a series of pictures, and then you could sign the sheet of pictures with a message to the bride and groom. Very cool, indeed.

It was a fantastic wedding, mixing the traditions of the Christian and Jewish wedding ceremonies. Congrats to Kelsey and Steve and their families.

* * *

Several weeks ago, I wrote about our Pound Plunge team, which motivated too many readers to ask how we did. A few weeks ago, we received a phone call of apology from the other half of our team, as they had missed their second weigh-in. We laughed as we had missed our second weigh-in that day also, thus eliminating us from the Plunge.

All was not lost. I found with little changes in my diet, I was able to take off about a pound a week. Wait 'til next year. Or maybe sooner.

* * *

For those of you who attended the Encore Series Sunday evening, you already know that Blast! was a blast. I did play trumpet in the HHS Jazz Band, but never once thought of doing a cartwheel during a concert.

Congrats to Carol Brock for another great Encore season. For those of you who missed out this year, watch for tickets to go on sale in August for next season. The lineup includes "The Capitol Steps" (a week before the election), "Hairspray," "Ain't Misbehavin'," Golden Dragon Acrobats, "To Kill a Mockingbird," Soweto Gospel Choir (billed as "music from the heart of Africa"), Barrage (a "high-strung" string trio) and the Guarneri & Johannes String Quartets.

You know what they say, "If you miss next year's Encore Series, you will miss a lot."

* * *

Much will be written and said about Bob Kuhn in the ensuing days. All of it positive and all of it well-deserved. Bob lost his 10-year battle with cancer Tuesday. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. I don't think he had an enemy. I'll miss his timely political jokes via e-mail. My sympathies to his family and friends. An entire community grieves with them.

* * *

Don't be the last on your block to participate in the Kiwanis Flag Project. You can join nearly 600 other folks in our community to have a Kiwanis member place a flag in your yard on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day. All for 30 bucks. Call the Flag Man, Jerry Ubert, at (785) 625-3481 to sign up.

* * *

I have had several people give me their sympathies these past few weeks in honor of my mother. Verla Mae is alive and well and still with us. The reason for the confusion; Helen Staab passed away her son is Glenn R. Staab. As I corrected people, I would tell them, "If you give me your sympathies, I will correct you." Jokingly, I added, "If you send me a cash memorial, I will send you a thank-you note." That being said, my thoughts & prayers to the "other" Glenn Staab and his family and friends on their loss.

* * *

Other highlights of the trip included eating for five days straight (about every hour on the hour) thanks to my brother-in-law and resident chef, Kyle. My sister Terri Lynn (have I ever told you she was the 1985 Hays High Homecoming queen?) driving us all over Phoenix, Gilbert, Scottsdale, etc. Celebrating Richard's 60th birthday and chatting with mother of the bride Jan and her family. A visit with another former Haysite, Ben Koerner. And last but not least, a trip to the Phoenix Zoo with niece Kylee and nephew Taylor (Don't tell anyone, but Mom and Dad let them skip school that day).

A great trip. Did I mention the weather?