Events like this make us appreciate the way we have elected to live our lives.

Jim

That turned out to be an interesting trip, didn't it? Glad to hear the drive went well. You were wise to research it so carefully.

Sorry your SIL was such a "downer." She sounds like a sad person who always considers the cup half empty. On her behalf, I do agree a non-working toilet is unacceptable but understand that Saturday evening isn't a good time for repair. Too bad you couldn't have changed rooms, but who wants to do that so late?

You didn't ask for an opinion on the wedding, but here's my two cents: the most important thing is to keep up a good relationship with family members and keep them in our lives, so unless the behavior is illegal or unhealthful, we need to just smile and let it go.

Thanks for the update on your adventure. Those fall colors can really lift the spirits.

Aw.....I think it sounds sweet. I applaud couples who marry in a way that makes them happy. I probably would have enjoyed the food, and especially enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to bring home a party favor. :-)

It's good that you have a "this is tolerable" attitude about things that are less than perfect; at the very least, an event like that would be an adventure, something one doesn't get to do very often. Too bad your SIL got so bent out of shape.

I hope your nephew and his wife have a long and happy life together.

I'm glad the drive was non-eventful! I actually think the wedding sounds lovely.

As for the vegan food thing....I do want to point out that the thing about veganism is it's generally more ethics-driven than a simple food preference. I know a lot of vegans and none of them would ever serve non-vegan food at their weddings. The thought is that it's a celebration of their wedding and as such, a reflection of their personal value systems, not a party built around accommodating their guests. Not to mention paying for food that they can't eat themselves.

So while a little butter to add to the bread may not seem like a big deal to people who eat everything, it's entirely different when it's a matter of moral objection. I guess it might seem selfish to people, but I also think it's selfish to expect to be fed food that the bride and groom are uncomfortable with. It's just one meal, and the focus should be on the couple, not the food. (Not aimed at you Jannie as you didn't complain. It's just a generalization as I've seen this attitude many times.)

I personally enjoyed the food-I've never been a big meat eater. I love all vegetables except maybe turnips and rutabagas. They had a delicious Brussels sprouts dish fried in olive oil. I am not a stickler for traditions like flowers and cake and a white dress.At my own wedding 34 years ago, I wore a pale blue dress, which caused a few raised eyebrows. I am just happy my nephew has found a life partner who shares his beliefs. I wished them a long happy life together. They are perfect for each other. I really didn't care about the motel toilet. It wasn't completely broken, just took several flushes to get the paper to go down. It was just a few hours in the motel, a place to sleep. And I'm so proud I was able to conquer my fear of driving and getting "Lost". Many Thanks to the KTers who gave me advice and confidence on the driving aspect. Another "notch" in my belt. As for my sister in law, I feel so sorry for her. She's always so down about things, always upset about something and complaining. I take her comments with a grain of salt. She seemed "odd" when I first met her years ago. I thought she night be slightly retarded. She has her good qualities too.

This post was edited by jannie on Mon, Oct 14, 13 at 10:51

Chi, thank you for your explanation! I found the reminder about the vegan philosophy to be interesting and helpful.

Good for you, Jannie!

i would have been the cranky s.i.l.....and unjustifiably so. ;)

what we traditionalist have to remember, it's not our wedding but the couple's...lol...lol...

dh would have had a burger after the wedding, but since I've never had a full vegan meal it would have been an adventure...and I LOVE pie! bet they didn't have any leftovers!

so now you've discovered the way to Kingston will you go back again? sounds as if the trip "area" was great....

I find it refreshing to step out of the cookie cutter weddings. I have been to 7 weddings in the past 3 years and all were similar with the same types of food, music, decor, etc. I like it when a wedding truly reflects the couple. Even though I am not a vegan, I would have enjoyed the dishes. Not sure my DH would have though, but I'd get him a hamburger after the reception was over :)

Sorry your SIL was such a downer, but glad the drive went well for you!

Congratulations on making the long drive uneventfully. I would have loved this wedding and the reception. Two people having the same values is extraordinary these days. Although I'm not a vegan, I am 99% vegetarian and would have loved the reception food. The take home party favor means nothing to me. The only thing I would have done differently would be maybe wildflowers on the tables.

Glad you had safe travels and learned that you can do it. The vegan reception sounds interesting, and I think pie is a wonderful idea! I'd much rather have that than cake. I can do without wedding favors. Have never kept one or eaten the fancy cookie or the bag of specially color-coordinated jelly beans, or the...

I would love to go to a vegan reception. Here in Iowa most folks just serve pulled pork sandwiches. I am a vegetarian. I have a friend who is allergic to pork. That couple saved hundreds of dollars by having a simple wedding and reception Good for you driving and not getting lost.

I would have enjoyed it, too.

But a question. Aren't there eggs in pumpkin pie and shortening in pie crust? How does that pass as vegan? Just curious.

I imagine they had vegan versions. Vegan apple pie is almost the same as regular, just avoiding butter or lard for the crust (shortening is usually vegan). Vegan pumpkin pie usually has the same suspects as normal pie, except the eggs. They are usually replaced by some sort of thickener, like agar or cornstarch.

Was there music and dancing? Did people enjoy themselves even though they may have been starving? I could have made a pretty good meal out of what you mentioned but I know people who would not enjoy it. I suppose there is a fine line between serving what makes you happy and wanting to be sure your guests are well cared for.

My niece's husband does not like to dance. Therefore, they did not have dancing at their wedding. They did have a jazz trio, but people were confused as to why there was no dance music. They kept trying to dance to jazz! It was pretty funny. I think the music and dancing is a part of the fun. He should have practiced and made it through one or two simple dances so everyone else could enjoy themselves. The situation was awkward.

I remember another wedding where there was barely any food. Although the reception was held at dinner time, they only served light appetizers. When I say light,I mean things like squash blossoms. The minute the party ended, there was a stampede to a late night pizza place.

Congrats on overcoming your fear of driving and being lost. A big step forward for you. Where are you going next??

I forgot to add- the music was great!. They had a DJ and the music was loud and everyone danced. Their wedding song was Huey Lewis "Power of Love".They did the traditional thing, the bride danced with her Dad also. Most of the guests were the couples' age- 30's. There were kids of all ages- fun to watch the flower girl and junior bridesmaid rock out! Not too many of us "older generation." I'm the same age as the groom's parents. In fact, the groom's mother and I attended college together. I had a great time overall and I regret calling it "strange". It was just different from any wedding I've attended before! .

This post was edited by jannie on Mon, Oct 14, 13 at 16:53

Jannie, so glad all went well for you, and I'm particularly glad you decided to borrow a friend's GPS. Aren't they great. Really, I feel confident going anywhere by myself as long as I have the GPS. Even if it takes you a longer way to get there, you always know you're going to get there. Mine came with my car and my husband, who is extremely frugal, says it was worth every penny! The wedding definitely sounds different. I know DH wouldn't have enjoyed it, but like others, I think it should be what the Bride and Groom want. After all, it should be all about the celebration of the beginning of their life together after making a commitment before God and friends and family, not about the food.

Glad you're home safely and can't wait to hear about you next adventure now that you've had the taste of freedom. LOL