Home last weekend

We went up to NY State for a wonderful family weekend, taking the train as usual (so restful and a great time to catch up on reading and napping!)

My Uncle Tony (Mom's big brother) and Aunt Sheila celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They had a beautiful Mass of Thanksgiving at our hometown church, and then a luncheon reception. So many relatives, especially my "relatives-in-law" on Aunt Sheila's side, were there! I was especially happy to see Rachel and her husband Joe for the first time since their own wedding and to get some time to talk with them. Also seeing older relatives--my Great-Aunt Edith is in her 90s and still looking wonderful!

Looking through Uncle Tony and Aunt Sheila's wedding album was another highlight--I recognized my "Uncle" Ray right away as best man, and enjoyed picking out other people including Mom in her very poufy bridesmaid's dress--so much like the ones Aunt Sheila and Mom's other bridesmaids wore the next year when Mom & Dad got married.

The food was good too (can't have an Italian-American event without good food!) The cake (chocolate with a lightricotta-cheese filling!) was my favorite, I think.

I hope my cousins send or post pictures: Matthew was busy with his camera as always, and Chelsea was snapping couples pictures at the tables.

***but wait! There's more!***

After the reception we went up to Saratoga for dinner and to hear Dave's band, October Circle. Dinner was good, the Saratoga architecture is lovely, and I want to try the mineral springs! They have various herbal baths at one of the spas. Also a Museum of Dance that Mom and Dad said is great.

The band was better than ever--these guys have developed a lot of talent and just keep growing musically and with their repertoire of covers plus originals. Brad did amazing things with the theremin--unfortunately it cut out at one point and he hurt his hand getting the mechanism to work again. And I love Yetta the puppet!

Dave sang lead on a couple of songs--great pipes, baby brother! And your bass playing is excellent. Plus you were right--you guys play great dance music (which is why big sister was the first one up to dance)