We’re Civilized!
I’m soooo behind on updates, but I have one of the best excuses in the book: I just got married! ( :
Kate and I tied the knot one week ago yesterday. I thought marriage wasn’t for me for almost my entire life, but so far, being hitched is agreeing with me. Actually, I’m thrilled and so overjoyed to be officially linked with Kate.
The wedding was gorgeous, sumptuous, but small and fairly simple. It took place at Miller Howe Hotel in Windermere.
The staff were amazing; balancing effortlessly between being extremely helpful and accommodating and being friendly and relaxed. The suite we stayed in (not room, but suite) was amazing. I've never stayed somewhere so luxurious. We had heated tiles in the bathroom, a huge bed, handsome old furniture, a sitting room with huge picture windows. It was just stunning. For that and the wedding venue and everything, I'm so grateful to Kate's mum. However, I think I'm most grateful to her for bringing Kate into the world and for welcoming me so effortlessly into their family.
And, on top of everything else that was wonderful about the wedding Kate, of course, looked absolutely lovely. She wore a beautiful dress and just shone in it.
We were blessed with a small contingent of family and friends, including my Mom, Terry, and Sarah all the way over from the States. Sarah played her violin and Nikki played the oboe. They also improvised and created a beautiful duet. It was perfect. I was doubly grateful to have everyone there as the weather was absolutely horrific. It was streaming down rain and gusting gales. Flooding was popping up everywhere around us and many people had a hard time driving between places. Despite all that, Kate pointed out that the “gods are pleased” and I preferred dramatic weather to drizzles. I just wish it hadn’t been so traumatic for drivers and cars.
The wedding was a simple collection of words, music, a reading, and signings. It was gentle and lovely. Kate and I exchanged rings we had custom made in Olympia. I love them and am very much enjoying wearing mine. After the ceremony, we had photos, including one of all the guests and ourselves (thank you James!). Then, as people moved into the dining room, Kate, Mom, Terry, a hotel staff member, and myself struggled to tie our trains up into bustles. Clearly, the lady at the dress store made it look far easier than it actually is. Eventually, though, we managed something approximating a bustle on each of us and went in to dinner. The food was scrumptious and gorgeously arranged. All in all a most elegant affair… if you ignored the fact that the flowering plants we bought as centerpieces had pots wrapped in aluminum foil (last minute fix). Really, though, neither that nor the storming outside mattered. It was a wonderful celebration. ( :
We spent the evening in a pub function room grooving to a mix Kate put together and chatting with everyone. It was definitely a good idea to tack a casual get-together onto the end of the day.
Oh, if you want to see some professional grade pictures, go check out jordax .
I just realized that in going straight into talking about the wedding, I missed talking about Mom and Terry visiting. They were with us for a week before we went up to the Lake District for the merry-making. It was really good to see them both and spend some time with them. We went into London on the previous Saturday to see the British Museum and eat a yummy French dinner. Sunday, Mom, Terry, and I jumped down to Windsor and ticked off Mom’s required cream tea.
Mom came to my school Monday and Friday to do a fascinating talk about how neurons in the brain operate and how that helps us better understand learning and behavior. Finally, we all went and viewed the absolutely hilarious “Avenue Q” on the night of their 1000th performance. It was brilliantly done and the puppeteers were incredible. I really enjoyed it, though it was a bit difficult to sit through extended puppet sex while sat next to my mom. Go see it if you have a chance.
More updates to come.
Meanwhile, I’ve decided to try out NaNoWriMo. I have the beginnings of my effort on 52 Weeks.