The Wedding

Sunday
At first I thought it was just me, obviously in light of recent events I was seeing the world through rose colored glasses, though on checking they were the same old Polaroid clip-ons, then when I asked my barman mate from The Queens who was having a very quite one at The Duke and he responded instantly with the Nixon salute I realized I was not just swimming in afterglow of marriage ceremony bliss, but was in fact experiencing the effect of walking in a city of happy people, some in fact laughing out loud.

Only with this break in the mood do I see so clearly how repugnant were these last months / years with their bitter stifling violence. Where only yesterday there were traffic snarls and agro, now there is flowing calm nourished by joy filled citizens in harmony. Oh what a difference an election can make, I feel Pretty, There’ll be Dancin in the Streets, Oh what a Beautiful Morning, these are the songs playing in my radio-less car as cruise, no more like float back to Kirribilli to retrieve my TV from where it had languished un-noticed the previous night.

Un-noticed because those who get their rocks off watching electoral result drivel when they could be dancing and flirting found for themselves a much more comfortable forum in the members bar bless their souls. I hereby propose a toast to diversity of need. I hear Gabby respond with a very hearty cheer, good for you Gab, if you can’t remember, you had a very good time and were appreciated by all, and in the nicest of ways. You will always remain my hero for your steady no nonsense approach to underwear crises when others would have panicked.

I did notice a divide, along family lines I guess, in the population of different spaces. Not many O’Keefes populated the Election Lounge and not many Ellises populated the dance floor though I venture that the dance floor could have seemed intimidating for some. Those busy blustering O’Keefes and their court could intimidate the Queen herself I’m prepared to venture.

Monday

I sympathize with the previous commentators as they grapple with the concept of O’Keefeness. My solution is as above to institute the court of O’Keefe, not all bearing the name O’Keefe but united in their overall O’Keefeness. Someone, probably Hugh, my memory as you are all only too aware, is a great deal less than perfect, suggested that night that The O’Keefes are in fact dying out. Not in any maudlin sentimental way but rather as a blazing comet might, which we see well illustrated in our gatherings, and note in the record of this blog. One does not need any blood relationship to be an O’Keefe but an attitude to party is essential. Wadd’ya think Kell, how’s the UK chapter going?

I don’t think it could have been better for me. To begin I could not imagine a better son in law to have thank you Alice. I love my family and am confident in their love. Alice and Jacks peers, exemplified in Luke’s rockness, give me confidence in the future. The six degrees of separation did not fail me/us as I/we came face to face with the past/future. The bonhomie of this occasion has raised a bar which I don’t expect ever to see surpassed but I welcome challengers.

Once more I toast you: Alice and Jack Ellis