Of Motorcycles and Weddings

This weekend marked the 104^th Rhody Days in Florence (not that we count them). This is an annual event like most small towns across the US celebrate. Unlike many of them, ours can get a bit insane. We’re not talking about little blue haired women getting in snarky bitch out contests over who has the best rhubarb pie either.

For some odd reason, motorcycle enthusiasts of all types and sizes make Florence an annual destination. Attendees vary from the Yuppie weekend biker warriors to a handful of the extreme “outlaw” biker types. What this has to do with Rhododendrons, I have no idea. I will admit, Rhody days can be fun, the amount of bikers make it loud and entertaining.

The artistry, care, and love some of these men and women put into their bikes is astounding. Of course there are a few bad cases out there- but for the most part- peace is kept in order. We’ve never been to Sturgis – but I equate Rhody days to a mini-Sturgis event. It almost calls to my budding mid-life crisis! Harley Davidson here we come (can anyone say divorce court?)

As for those of us without motorcycles (or excessive facial hair), we have a carnival, queen/princess pageant, gun show, car show, cruise, and several other events that culminate with a great big parade on Sunday. The parade can last up to 2 ½ hours! Morgan played the tenor sax this year and marched the 3 mile route – and actually didn’t complain. I’m sorry to say, that we watched him walk by, clapped, and took some photos, and then went home. One can only see so many parades before they become old hat.

I managed to get out and do some photography on Saturday when the weather decided to cooperate briefly. Then Bridget and I went out to celebrate of 17^th wedding anniversary at the Wakonda Brewpub a few blocks from our house. It’s the first time we’ve been there, and it was interesting. Good beer and a couple of good bands were playing. The brewery is owned by a couple of people we know and it occupies a warehouse space in the light industrial district. As a friend put it – the place is a huge garage with a few couches and tables with a bar in the corner. It was actually quite different and enjoyable. No frills, but a bunch of people having fun.

We are planning new tattoo’s for our anniversary gift to one another. We are thinking about a Celtic knot bracelet on our wrists and are awaiting our tattoo artist to get back to us. More come there! It’s hard to fathom that we’ve been together for 20 years and married for 17, it seems like only a handful. But when we look at all we’ve accomplished and the growth of our kids, it’s amazing how fast life moves.

Now we move away from Rhody days, and look forward to the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. Not sure what’s on the agenda there – but I’m sure it will be interesting…. Maybe a trip to the Harley store?