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here’s a map of the area with a few places of import or interest marked. a work in progress! check back for additions (click the image below to be taken to the full map).
this is a good opportunity to remind you all that cellular and internet service is VERY limited in Vermont in general, and practically non-existent in Plymouth (altho free wi-fi is available at Good Commons) so we recommend that you get yourself a decent state map of Vermont and/or print out your directions, itinerary, copies of reservations, etcetera, before you head this way. (there will be area maps in your hotel rooms when you arrive, but if you want to sightsee outside of the immediate area, you’ll need a more detailed map).
see you all in less than three weeks!
while trolling around looking for potential readings for our ceremony, i found this incredibly powerful and beautiful piece written by a father for his daughter. whether you’re getting married, or have been married for 100 years, i’ll bet you can glean something from it (bolded words are my own).
from Craig Nova: The Writing Life
To my daughter on her wedding day
Dr. Nova’s Matrimonial Checklist
First, I have found that one of the most important things in a good marriage is ordinary, garden variety politeness, the please and thank you, minor formality, etc. The point of this politeness is not only that it is good in itself, and makes life a little easier and a touch sweeter, but that it mitigates against the greatest danger in marriage, which is that familiarity can breed contempt, or at least can led to impertinence. A little politeness, especially in trying circumstances, goes a long ways, and then, too, politeness in public makes sure that no domestic dissonance ever leaves the confines of the house. It is humiliation, no matter how minor, that one can’t forgive, or that one forgives uneasily and only over great amounts of time.
Never assume that one of you knows what the other is going to say, since while it is often true that you do know, there are times when something unusual will be said, and making this possible is to keep the magic of matrimony alive.
Don’t fight it. One of the odd things about matrimony, on a long term basis, is that you don’t become two people so much as three, that is you, your husband, and then this other creature who is part wife and part husband. This third, combined creature grows larger and larger as the other two shrink. After a while there is only the third creature, and it can’t even remember what happened to the other two. You will know that the third creature is taking over when you can’t make a decision without consulting with your spouse (of course, it begins with big items, such as “Should we buy this house?” but it seeps downward from there so you find yourself wanting to consult about the quality of the basil for the marinara sauce).
The time to show largeness of spirit or generosity is just after having won an argument.
Small, considerate gifts, on a regular basis, are appreciated. These show that not only have you been thinking about your partner on a regular basis, you are willing to do something about it.
Also, one of the great advantages of matrimony is the team aspect of it, and it helps to think of this as a Way of Knowledge. It’s kind of like the army in which there is the right way, the wrong way and the army way. But whatever the style, this team is the thing that will get you through thick and thin, through the worst nights imaginable and will be there, too, to celebrate the best that you have hoped for. It is, like all good teams, a two way street.
Realize early on that each member of the union will have strengths, and that it is good to accept this. The ideal marriage will have complementary strengths, and the ideal couple will be glad to off load what he or she can’t do to the one who can. Not great syntax, but I think you get the idea.
For instance, my wife will approach a problem with great attention to practical details, but I will go at it on the basis of abstract theory, of intellectual considerations which will include, but will not be limited to ethics, morality, political science, economic efficiency, not to mention a general all around garden variety philosophy of what is correct. We are best at planning trips: I have my eyes on the horizon, if not the stars, and she will worry about the bath tubs and the food.
Looking the other way is a large part of bliss. It is a variety of generosity.
Finally, it is a good idea to forgive the spouse in the same spirit that one would like to be forgiven oneself.
what would you add to Dr. Nova’s matrimonial checklist?
But seriously, can’t wait!
Painting of Plymouth Notch, Vermont. Birthplace of Calvin Coolidge and where we're getting married.
just so’s you lovely folks can plan, here’s a rough draft of the major events of the wedding weekend. don’t hold us to the times – they might waver a bit – but this is the gist.
Friday, July 23, 2010
6 pm Rehearsal @ Calvin Coolidge Historic Site
7 pm Cookout @ Good Commons
Saturday, July 24, 2010
6 pm Wedding @ Calvin Coolidge Historic Site
Reception immediately following @ Good Commons
Sunday, July 25, 2010
10 am Farewell Breakfast @ Good Commons
with the exception of the rehearsal at Coolidge (immediate family and bridal party only, pretty please), everyone is invited to join us at all events, and please do! the invitation will include an Rsvp card for all events, so please be sure to let us know then what you can and cannot attend so we can get the numbers to Chef Matt. Heaven forbid we run out of beer or scones!
Good Commons, an old general store from the 1800's in Plymouth, Vermont
Here is where we’ll post all the plans and info and stuff to know about our upcoming wedding! First and foremost, we finally have the basics for you!
July 24th, 2010, we’ll be married on the grounds of the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, with a reception following at a lovely place called Good Commons (pictured above), a 19th century general store that has been converted into a bed & breakfast/retreat center.
a proper save-the-date will follow in the snail mail, but we wanted to let our nearest and dearest know asap so you can make lodging arrangements. accommodations are tight in the area for that time of year because of other weddings, so we encourage you to make lodging reservations as soon as you can.
There are no rooms left at Good Commons, but here are some nearby lodging recommendations from the owner of Good Commons:
http://www.innatwatersedge.com/
5.2 mi – about 8 mins from Good Commons
10.8 mi – about 17 mins from Good Commons
http://www.okemo.com/okemowinter?
10.8 mi – about 18 mins from Good Commons
15.5 mi – about 25 mins from Good Commons
the most convenient place is the Salt Ash Inn, directly across the street from Good Commons. it’s in need of a renovation, but it’s inexpensive and it’s close.
here’s a few links to Google searches for “lodging” in Plymouth, Ludlow, Woodstock and Killington, VT.
For those of you who are into camping, there are 2 lovely campgrounds in the area:
Camp Plymouth State Park
Coolidge State Park
Camp Plymouth State Park
Coolidge State Park
for those of you will be flying, the 2 closest airports are Albany International Airport (ALB/KALB) and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (both about 2 hours away). you can also check out Cape Air. there are 3 daily flights from Boston to Rutland, VT (about a 1/2 hour from Plymouth). New York City is about a 5 hour drive, and Boston is about 3.
We can’t wait to celebrate with you all!
~Margaux and Scott
