Tag Archives: weddings

September 12, 2026

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Today began with a shower and then coffee. An absolutely thrilling start, I know. Then much conversation.

Heading back to our room I continued reading my latest Gamache book. I was so near the end I thought I just might finish it, but no … eventually I decided I just had to get out and move. I’m not very good at sitting around too long. Even when I’m reading a book that I know is nearly finished!

Dan and I opted to head out on our own — probably wise since it appeared everyone else had already left! So off we went. We had a lovely walk: this area is just beautiful, full of trees, a lovely lake, along with plenty of bicycles, including e-bikes. It’s a bit scary for me when they pass by, as I can’t always hear them. (Too bad these people don’t think that someone might be partially deaf, if not completely so!)

We saw some of these little guys on the walk as well. I believe it’s a spotted tussock moth caterpillar. I thought perhaps they sting, but I’ve read that they don’t.

We continued to walk, with our goal being a place to get coffee. When we reached the main busy street it took quite a while to cross the street, as there was a bicycle ride going on. TONS of cyclists and they had the right-of-way. Finally we were allowed to cross and we did find our good coffee!

While having our coffee (I also had my first meal of the day: some sort of oats with fruit and nuts) I pulled out the map I was given yesterday when I bought our gondola tickets. Too funny to see the music references on it … including oboe!

Then back to the house we walked, and all told we did four miles. Better than nothing at least!

Going to our room I did finish my book, only to find it was one that nearly demands you move to the next. Ack! I’m not good with those: I like things to be complete at the end of a book, similar to how I like my TV shows. (HAH! I typed “TV shoes” at first. I think I now need TV shoes!) But that sequel book (in the Gamache series) will have to wait: I want to move back to George Cross (by Tim Sullivan) for now. Those are a bit less stressful for me.

We learned that 3:45 was our departure time for the wedding. So I thought I’d have a very light snack (hello thin little ginger snaps! Surely you must be low calorie, yes?) before getting dressed, knowing I had 45 minutes of time to spare. I should have snapped a shot of Erika, Stewart, and the kids. They were dressed and ready to go, and the kids were adorable! But of course I didn’t think to do that, nor did I even bring my phone out to the kitchen with me.

And then it was time to go to the wedding venue. What a lovely spot, and what a sweet ceremony. I will leave you with these photos and write no more … truth is I got back home, read a bit, and went to sleep but suddenly woke and remembered I’d forgotten to post this. So have some photos and I’ll say goodnight!

Saturday In Bennington (9/20/25)

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When I woke Dan was still sound asleep. I tried to stay in bed but eventually I gave up, got dressed, and went to get the less-than-stellar coffee in the lobby area. I brought my iPad and did a few games. Soon, having texted her, Carolyn joined me.

We were to meet up with Brandon, Lia, Jameson, and Meghan for breakfast and a breakfast spot had been recommended so we went there once nearly everyone was ready. Well, never mind that place: there were no spots to seat six (Carolyn opted to go off on a walk and let us have a bit of family time … thanks, Carolyn!). So we headed elsewhere and found a diner that could take us all. We enjoyed conversation and food for a good amount of time, and then headed back to our lodgings.

We relaxed a bit (and Dan went on a search for some apple cider donuts which are a Vermont thing) while I did a few more games, rested, showered, and all that exciting stuff.

Eventually it was time to go to the wedding venue. The weather was really perfect, and I got set up to play and had a whole lot of time to spare. I walked a bit and just loved the display of family that Sara and Margaret had put together, including two photos of my mom and dad from their wedding. Oh how young (and cute!) they look there!

Finally the wedding began and three of us played for the processional. I was disappointed that we didn’t manage to time the first part perfectly and the last attendant ended up walking in with no music. Rats! The timing yesterday was absolutely perfect. But so it goes: what is a wedding without a mistake or two?

The ceremony was lovely. The bride looked exquisite. The groom as handsome as can be. And oh how wonderful the words spoken by various people. We were wisely told not to take our phones out and take photos but, instead, be present for the ceremony. From what I saw everyone went with that!

After the wedding there was cocktail hour, and eventually we went to the carriage house for dinner and a whole lot more.

Speeches were made (my brother Timothy was fabulous!). Dances were done. (I cried when Sara and Ben did their first dance.)

I could post a few more videos, but I suppose I’ll leave it at these.

Too much food (for me at least) was eaten. And then lots and lots of dancing. Since Dan and I don’t dance we enjoyed it for a while and then said our goodbyes.

What a full, beautiful, heart-warming day. I feel so very blessed.

Tomorrow we return Carolyn to the airport and then we get to enjoy some days in Boston, a place unfamiliar to us. I’m looking forward to checking the city out!

Wedding Rehearsal Day (9/19/25)

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We managed to get a fairly decent sleep, and after getting ready Carolyn and I headed out on a little walk. It was refreshing to do that, and we saw the Bennington Monument that I had heard about.

Then back to the hotel, and we had our drinks (tea for Carolyn, a small amount of coffee for me) and I had some Raisin Bran. Right after I’d opened the cereal container Dan appeared and said, just as I had told Carolyn he would say, that we should go out for real coffee. Yep, I know my guy! So after I ate (the thing was opened, after all, and I wasn’t going to throw away the cereal!) we went to find coffee and breakfast.

The first place we went had great knick-knacks and cards and such, but the pastries were all wrapped in plastic so no thanks! Then we found a better place and had our drinks and muffins. Yes, I know, I’d already had Raisin Bran, but I’m on vacation and a muffin sounded good. (I could only manage to eat half, though.)

Downtown Bennington:


We drove around a bit, checking out the wedding venue location and then heading in the direction of Manchester, but that was going to take a bit too long so Dan turned around and we went back to the hotel so I could get my music gear ready. (I am playing oboe at the wedding.) As we drove back I attempted to take a few shots out of the window even while it was moving, just to see the colors that are barely starting to show:

A short break later and we were off again to the venue driving a second time through a covered bridge where I took a little video.

After seeing my beautiful niece Sara and my brother Timothy, I walked to the location of the wedding and then rehearsed with the bassoonist (Melissa) and keyboard player (Ben). I also then saw our nephew Henry, his partner Angel, and my sister-in-law Margaret. Then venue is stunning!

Eventually we then rehearsed with the wedding party: we three are playing for the processional section of the wedding. Dan and Carolyn were there as well, and Dan took photos, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to post some of those eventually. Timothy played with Melissa and Ben for the recessional.

After finishing up there we went to meet up with Jameson and Meghan since they had said there were at a local place for beer and snacks. I’m rather annoyed at myself for not taking any photos. Ah well!

Then it was back to the hotel to get ready for the “welcome dinner” for the wedding guests and all involved. We headed to that restaurant, and now we also saw Brandon and Lia. (Yet again, no photos, though. I only remembered to grab a couple of “the couple” and so I’ll post one of those although you only get to see Ben’s back.)

And here you can see Timothy and a bit of Margaret … happy parents of the bride!

I do wish Kelsey and Mel had been able to join us, but it wasn’t possible for them: it’s always so wonderful to have all of our family back together. Soon, I hope!

I ate too much because that is what I’m good at doing. It was such fun to see Sara and her guy Ben (not the keyboardist named Ben, in case you were wondering), and so many others. A good time was had, and we went back to the hotel to get a good night’s sleep. Or at least that’s the hope now!