How do you move an airplane?

      The table was ready.   Getting put out was the cat’s reward for shamelessly chowing down at the shrimp bowl.   Admiral was glowing as friends arrived to celebrate his birthday.
      “Hey, what’re you doing in town now, man?  Usually you’re outta here when snow’s on the ground.”  “Did you lose your mind when you met Smokie and forget that it’s cold here?”  “I’m glad to meet this gal you’ve mentioned.  I was wondering about her.” were some friend’s comments.  They know how Admiral hates cold to the point the first snow flake sends him packing to warmer climates.
      As we partied, Admiral announced  “Guys, I need your help in the garage.   I built this trailer to haul my airplane to the warehouse for the winter.  Give me a hand to get the scrap wood on top of it.”   Guys and wives piled into the garage, wowed by its order, cleanliness and bright blue sparkly floor.
      “Hey, man!  What’s with this glitzy garage?” “You’ve got a show place here.”  “I don’t think Smokie’s going to allow you to spill oil on the floor and rebuild motors in here.”  Admiral’s long time friends exclaimed.  Setting their refreshments down, they lifted, heaved and hefted the wooden mess onto the trailer.
      “Thanks, guys, for your help.  Get another drink and eat some more. “ Admiral said as he admired the  order returned to the garage, his most sacred territory.
      “OK.  Let’s gather around.”  Admiral told guests later.  “I want you to meet Smokie.  She knows most of you and will soon know the rest of you.  I’m delighted to say we’re getting married. No date yet. You’ll be the first to know after we do. “  He continued “ You’re wondering why I’m here in this dreadful cold snow.  I’ve been getting treatments everyday and I couldn’t go anywhere til they’re over.  I’m happy to say the last one is tomorrow.  I’m not sure the machine is turned on as I’ve had no adverse effects.  There is much to celebrate for all of us because we can stand up, drive, and think we’re in our right minds.”  Agreeing, everyone cheered heartily, raising a toast to health and happiness.
      A few days later as Admiral collected things for warm sunshine in Florida, we discussed a wedding date.  “It takes time to plan a wedding, no matter the size. So let’s set the date and get the church and reception place booked.  Then I know what we have to do and when.” I suggested.
      “Good idea.  Time can get away from us. Summer’s too bloody hot and we want to cruise up to Nantucket on the boat.  Then it’s fall and I don’t want anyone on the road on Labor Day weekend.” he said.  
      As I got the calendar with our travel dates on it, I asked “What’s your favorite month?”  “September.” he replied.    
      Looking at the calendar I exclaimed “ Gee, September's busy.  Look at this!  There are 2 weeks here in September open,  beginning the weekend after Labor Day.  What do you think?” I asked.
      Surprised he said “Let me see that calendar.”  Looking at it he grinned and said “Hey, 9-10-11 it is!  Who’d’ve thought!  That’s easy to remember.”
      The church and reception were booked for September 10.  Now there was serious planning to do.
      I was clueless about today’s wedding customs.   What better way to get the skinny on what to do and how and know questions to ask the experts. 
      So several days later we were at the Wedding Expo, a showcase of vendors that had even a slight hint of wedding in their services. Name tags labeled us Bride and Groom.  Looking more like grandparents, we wandered the aisles with other Brides, Grooms and friends who didn’t look old enough to be driving. Attire ran the gamut: jeans, professional dress, and over the top tattoos displayed from too revealing clothing.   
      The music blared current love songs.  “I can’t stand talking over loud music.  You think some background music might be here?”  Admiral asked.
      Admiral was a trooper.  He experienced a Freeze Frame booth for the first time, totally curious about how it all worked.  While I talked to vendors, he stood, looking shell-shocked at the pregnant brides followed by pimply faced boys.
      One event planner drew us in with casual conversation.  “I see you’re the Bride and Groom.  How nice.  Have you set your date?” she solicited, her expression saying  ‘Are you real?’
      Admiral answered  proudly “Oh, yes.  Nine ten eleven.”
      She continued “That’s very soon. “ 
      Admiral quipped “At our age we can’t tarry. We’ve set the church and reception, too.”
      “And where are they?” she asked, ready to close the deal.
      “We’re getting married at St. James’s Episcopal Church followed by the reception at the Country Club of Virginia.” he stated.
      She replied “Well, aren’t you the King and Queen!”