February 26, 1955

Ok, so it's been awhile since we've posted anything new. That's because we've been back East (in the snow). And up in Lake Tahoe (in even more snow). And generally, well, we've had nothing to say.

But this little tidbit is worthy of note: Today marks 52 years of marriage for Betty & Len (aka, Gordon's parents).

Now normally, we shy away from using this space to acknowledge things like birthdays and bar mitzvahs. Since this is a blog about a wedding, however, a little anniversary shout-out seems ok.

So happy anniversary, folks! And for readers of this blog who may want to send along a congratulatory note of their own, Betty & Len's email address is trees@rnetworx.com

La Festa di San Valentino

Happy Valentine's Day. Here's what you may be celebrating, according to the History Channel:

Today, the Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred.

One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons where they were often beaten and tortured.

According to another legend, Valentine actually sent the first 'valentine' greeting himself. While in prison, it is believed that this Valentine fell in love with a young girl -- who may have been his jailor's daughter -- who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter, which he signed 'From your Valentine,' an expression that is still in use today.

Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories certainly emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic, and, most importantly, romantic figure.

Artistic dance party

Sometimes, we get a little bored with all this wedding planning. So here is a short film, starring Julie and her Maid of Honor, Julia.

Make sure you have your computer's speakers turned on when you play the clip, or it won't make much sense. Even then, it may not make much sense, but at least you'll hear a catchy tune.

Photo and video editing at onetruemedia.com

Carpooling, anyone?

It's great to hear from so many of you that you are going to travel from far and away to be with us in May.

If you have already found flights to Albany, Boston, or NYC on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning, but now still need to rent a car for the trek to the Berkshires, maybe you want to carpool.

For those of you like us who enjoy a little extra company on road trips, let us know and we'll see if there's anyone else who's arriving at the same airport around the same time who'd like to share a ride.

So if you're interested in carpooling -- from an airport, train station, or your home -- post a note in the comments section of this blog, or tell Julie that you're looking for a ride or offering one.

Andernolds or Reyderson?

Is name-blending an idea whose time has come? Apparently, even more modern than the bride keeping her name is the notion that upon getting married, a couple would create a new name for both of them to assume.

Odd, yes. But that's why they make chocolate and vanilla ice cream, as Grandma Louise used to say.

Are newlyweds blending their surnames? Click here for the story.

Oh, and just for the record: I'm going to keep mine.

Cinco de Mayo

It may not have escaped your notice that our wedding date falls on Cinco de Mayo.

For those of you who have not had occasion to celebrate this up-and-coming holiday (at least as far as American celebrations go), Cinco de Mayo ("The Fifth of May" in Spanish) is a national holiday in Mexico, which has been growing in popularity in the United States in recent years. It commemorates the victory of Mexican forces led by General Ignacio Zaragoza over the French occupational forces in the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.

Now we may not be of Mexican ancestry, nor are our Spanish-language skills too impressive, but we do like a good holiday. So don't be surprised if you see a little Latino flavor in our wedding festivities.

After all, who doesn't like an excuse to throw back a little tequila?

Click here to learn more about Cinco de Mayo.

Where to stay

Julie has compiled a long list of places in and around Lenox. There are a number of quaint little inns around town, as well as a few economical motels nearby. Follow the link below to a page of choices.

Note that Lenox is pretty small, so no matter where you stay, you'll be close to it all. Hope you find just the right place for a fun weekend getaway in the Berkshire hills.

Click here to see the page of lodging choices. If you make a reservation somewhere, let us know -- we're trying to keep loose track of where everyone is staying.