22 Comments
User's avatar
Bob Wallace's avatar

What a nightmare story! Makes one want to run away to sea! I wonder how long before the groom realised what kind of person he got stuck with, and bailed out! I've been very lucky in all my travels on sailboats in having good captains, good crew, good owners, and good owners 'mates'. (for the most part anyways)! I wouldn't know what to do if I had a 'guest' on board that had that kind of demanding personality.

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Right??! I did run into that groom, newly single, years later. It's such a strong memory for me, and a lesson, as so many things turn out to be. There's an 80+YO captain here in town who follows me and he tells of the choice between working for someone nice and the $$$ he could make managing this vessel for a reputed bad man. He took the $$. While we can never say until we walk in another's shoes, well, I'd like to think I would have walked away from that. Who knows!

Always nice to see you pop into my inbox. 2:12am--did you close the bar down?

Cheers Bob. ~J

Expand full comment
Bob Wallace's avatar

Well, October is a busy time in Key West: Fantasy Fest! The biggest festival of the year. Lots of activities going on, some in costume (Fantasy Fest is well known for its 'costumes' consisting of nearly nothing, some just painted on. I don't care for the near nudity, so I dress in 'over the top' formal. I get a LOT of compliments on my costume! Lot of good bands come to town, so I'm out & about checking out the music scene almost every night. So, yeah, I've been out late quite a bit these past 2 weeks!

Expand full comment
Loretta Fodrie's avatar

Sadly, I think the leadership of our country has set a terrible example of this kind of behavior.

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Never imagined such behavior! I hope this finds you well and unaffected by the turmoil in our world! Always appreciate you weighing in. J

Expand full comment
Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Oof, this one lands. So much here—humor, grit, restraint—and that gently thunderous “we tipped our glasses and slid quietly out the door.” I feel that line in my bones. It’s wild how often people reveal themselves at the exact moment they believe they're entitled to do the opposite. I’m grateful for the reminder that bad behavior does matter, and also for the grace in how you tell it. Here’s to sliding into happy as often as we can.

This song was playing as I read your piece. Love the coincidence!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ui8kUKuLBaU

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

I think, too that those who complain the most about others can really flash those colors unexpectedly! Thanks for the sing-along. Hope it's a great week. I always look forward to my Wednesday reas from you! J

Expand full comment
Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

"Flash those colors," indeed. Let's both channel Florence!

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

YES.

I forgot the Oxford C after too. Darn it. ~J

Expand full comment
Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

You did forget a comma there. But it's a parenthetical not an Oxford comma, which is used in a list. More importantly, I didn't notice until you pointed it out. 🤣

Expand full comment
Debby's avatar

Wonderful story as always. Now I will think of the champagne grape bride. Thank you for making me smile. There was no one too argue with you and Stevie on the bow of your boat. You did it your way and I am so thankful.

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

What a great memory for you to bring back! Thank you. Absolutely no interruptions! J

Expand full comment
Eileen Dougharty's avatar

Weddings can be such a hyper charged nightmare. Especially in the quest for "perfection." UGH!

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

I'm not sure this comment showed up in my comments. Weddings, I've seen them all and for the last four years of my business I wanted to say, OK, so take your 20K and either go see world or go buy a house. Don't buy Filet Mignon for your friends and the videographer who will end up blasting your perfectly planned event ALL TO HELL.

lol.. my family always just headed to the open bar. If it wasn't open, we didn't last.

xxx

Expand full comment
Eileen Dougharty's avatar

Sage advice.

Expand full comment
Pete Rumsey's avatar

I love the path you’ve followed. A full life and doing it right. Very cool, old friend 🤛🥰🍻🙏

Expand full comment
Pete Rumsey's avatar

And when you make it to RI let us know and we’ll cook a feast and drink well 🍷

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

I'm in. You can pick us up in Newport Harbor next summer. ?!?!

Expand full comment
Jen King's avatar

Hopefully she eventually learned the joy that comes from gratitude.

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

I'm not sure, actually. I met her ex-husband a few years later somewhere and it was a tad awkward but I think we both understood what was unsaid, if that makes sense... I so appreciate you following along, Jen. Thank you!!

Expand full comment
prue batten's avatar

It matters absolutely. Manners maketh the man/woman.

Expand full comment
Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

YES! Thanks Prue.

Expand full comment