some bad glue

Hi everyone!
We sent out the invites the other day and have just received our first RSVP today - without the RSVP card, just an empty envelope. Yup.
Seems about par for the coarse.
Apparently the glue does not do its job - of actually sealing the envelop closed.  I guess that is what happens when you make your own invites and try to save money on paper-goods. Alas.

If I may ask a  favor of you all (or the 2 of you that have read this), would you be so kind as to ensure your RSVP envelope is sealed tight?

Some closure options:
scotch tape
gaff tape
painters tape
electrical tape
staples
stickers
glue on tattoos
sticky candy
soldering
spray adhesive

scratch 'n sniff stickers (preferred method)

chewed gum

honey

glue stick

welding

toupee tape 

molasses

maple syrup 

fashion tape

poster tape

masking tape

You get the idea. 

25 FREE vacation ideas in Lakeville

(I claim no credit to the information below; however I saw it and thought it a fun means to share all the natural/outdoorsy things to do and see in the area.  One activity not included on the Inn's list is the Appalachian Trail, which is free and runs right by the Inn.) 

Swimming Pool
at Interlaken Inn

Baltimore Oriole, image courtesy ofSharon Audubon Center

A list taken from the Inn's own website: My favorites bolded and shaded… 

25 (or more) FREE family vacation ideas in Lakeville, CT:

• Swimming in the outdoor heated pool
• Explore Sharon Audubon Center - exhibits, live animals, birds of prey, trails and more (Visitors Center and aviaries are free, Trail hiking: Adults $3, Children $1.50)
• Tennis at Interlaken
• Tea Tasting at Harney & Sons Fine Teas.
• Hike the Lion's Head Trail
• Canoeing on Lake Wononscopomuc
• Bicycling on the Harlem Valley Rail Trail
  
• Visit the Emily Winthrop Miles Wildlife Sanctuary 
• Volleyball game at Interlaken
• Play at The Playground - municipal park in Millerton
• Walk up the beautiful Kent Falls State Park
  
• Tour the grounds at Lime Rock Park race track
• Drive the scenic country roads of the Litchfield Hills (free guide available)
• Play Basketball at Interlaken
• Search for crayfish at Umpachene Falls (picnic area too)
• Put your feet in the water at Bash Bish Falls State Park
  
• Kayak on Lake Wononscopomuc
• Wander the Nature Trails at Bartholomew's Cobble(Adults $5, Children $1)
• Pet the animals at Daisy Hill Farm
• View the Great Falls in Falls Village, CT
• Visit the Covered Bridge at West Cornwall
• Hike to the Stone Tower on Haystack Mountain
  
• Walk to Robbins Swamp (CT's largest inland wetland)
• Tour the Orchards at Ellsworth Hill Farm (pick your own fruit & berries - extra $)
• Visit the river walk and historic iron works at Falls Village
• Explore miles of trails at White Memorial Conservation Center 

Canoeing - a favorite activity
for family vacations 

Lake Wononscopomuc
at Interlaken Inn

Lions Head Trail, image courtesy ofBerkshireHiking.com

Bicycle ride with your family, image courtesy of Harlem Valley Rail Trail

Fittings

Kate here.
I had my first dress fitting.  It was not what I expected, nevertheless it was still a pretty fun time.  My  mom and Aunt Lynn came.  The dress is almost a perfect fit, just needs to be taken in in a few spots, and the bustle made…fitting number two on May 24th!
Not much else to report in the ways of the wedding.
I'll see if I can come up with something soon.

Here is a sneak peek of what my dress looks like:
It's really all about whatever that thing is on her head.  I mean, seriously, could that even be comfortable?!?!?
And is she holding one of the flower arrangements from the alter?!
It IS HUUUUGE.

Maybe Scott will have his hair done like that, a girl can dream can't she.  




Food for thought- is that her dad or new husband? 




Or how about this bad boy of a dress.  Wow, and this fashionable once upon a time - let us hope, never again…

Or how about this precious find.

I brought this photo with me to the bridal salon when I was looking and told them I wanted a combo between the one above and this one, what could they do for me?!   I swear you'll just love it.

But we cannot overlook this beauty either…

Seriously, that is a girl on her wedding day.  I think I heard from one of the girls at the bar that she still works at Hooters but that she is working on getting into movies… What a catch!
Thank goodness she wore some gloves; quite modest of her. But no tiara?  Shocking, just shocking. And is that a drink in her right hand?  What, no beer hat?  Some people are so low-brow I swear.

As for the bridesmaids I am thinking something in gold or perhaps orange - any votes?

That's all she wrote for now.  

And then there were 5 on each side…

The wedding party updates - drum-roll please; 

On Kate's side:

Maid of Honor

Megan A. Baker-Morin, Kate's older sister, married to Dr. Jamie Morin, mother of Liam (5 yrs old) &;  living in DC, working for the State Department and a perfect older sister.

Bridesmaids:

Debra J. Harris, Kate's cousin on her Mom's side, from CT living in OR now - works at OHSU in Portland OR as the Nursing Practice and Education Coordinator and heads up  the bone marrow transplant nurses. Lives with roommates Hector the dog and Ryan the Philospher. 

Sandra Rothbard, Scott's cousin on his Mom's side from NY attending grad school for Urban Planning in NYC with a sense of humor to put someone named Kevyn to shame… 

Karen G. Bernabeo, Kate's childhood friend from Tolland - head of the special education program in Glastonberry CT AND recently engaged - getting married only 6 days after Kate - she crazy but it work!! 

Mary Disbrow, Kate's brothers girlfriend, born and raised in CA and a dear friend of Kate's - works for SEGA of America in the Bay Area and is an exceptionally talented artist and baker (no pun intended). Has a cat named Monkey. 

On Scott's side:

Best Man

Vinny Saciolo, long time friend from paddleball & working construction on Long Island; a Carpentry Foreman for KEWIT and married to beautiful wife Dawn - they have two terrific children Vincent and Jordan. 

Groomsmen:

Kevin Levine, Scott's younger brother, lives in VA these days - recently completed the NYC Marathon - is a manager for a Hyatt Hotel & is going to be taking on the Alaska marathon in June.  After that the Appalachian Trail awaits! 

Ross Levine, Scott's youngest brother, studying architecture on Long Island and a mean-draftsman - AKA Bernard!  

Ric Baker, Kate's twin brother - a musician/composer/DJ/tour manager who resides in the Bay Area, owner of cat Riccardo and roommate to cat Monkey and girlfriend Mary.  Recently performed at the famous South By Southwest in Austin TX. 

Adam Weiser, one of Scott's oldest friends, they've known one another since they were in 3rd grade.  Adam works as the talent buyer for the Starland Ballroom in New Jersey, and has recently gotten engaged to girlfriend Casey. Woo Hoo! 

More news on the hotel front.

Interlaken Inn officially has NO VACANCY for July 23rd.  There are a few rooms for the 24th, and they will allow a one night stay due to the lack of rooms on the 23rd.

The Manor House 
Is a beautiful Inn that Dustin at the Interlaken helped me find just today.  They have a number of rooms so check the availability and pricing online!

The Tollgate Hill Inn 

Also has rooms available and at even better rates than the Manor House!  Both are beautiful and have pretty good websites.



The Blackberry River Inn
Is another option with several rooms and average rates that you'd expect from a  B&B in peak season.  These are the best options I have come across lately and we all have Dustin to thank who works at the front desk of the Interlaken Inn!!

If you ever need help one on one feel free to email Kate at:
katherineebaker@gmail.com
or call me at:  617-821-8423
Good luck and I hope to see you all there!!!!