Dave was supposed to go pick up his sister and friend at the airport this morning, but because our friend Roger's fight have been delayed getting into Buffalo (from Africa), he graciously agreed to pick them up and bring them down to the chalet for us. Really sweet of him to do that and save Dave the trip up and back to the airport.
So, while I was at the spa with my friend Gwen this morning, Dave arranged the bar area, set up several other areas around the chalet and did a great job organizing. As usual. We discovered shortly after our arrival at the chalet that there was no phone service, no cell reception and no Internet. Talk about being out of touch!!
Gwen picked me up around 9:00 for our manicure/pedicure appointment at 9:30. I showed her around the chalet then we set out. It turned out I knew the woman giving me my mani/pedi. She's the sister of my best friend from childhood. We did a lot of catching up which was fun but I can't say our experience there was worth it. The manicures weren't that good and my pedicure was actually quite painful. I don't think either one of us would go back there. Unfortunately, Gwen had to because they screwed up her thumbnail so bad, it had begun to bubble after we had lunch. A real shame.
But the next two items on Gwen's schedule were more relaxing. She took me to an
oxygen bar. I had never been to one and didn't even know this existed in Ellicottville. It was interesting and actually did help relieve my headache.
Then we had lunch at
Dina's Restaurant where I had the best tuna fish sandwich I have ever eaten. Thank you Gwen for sharing this time with me and treating me. It was great to just sit and chat with you again. I really miss that.
Shortly after we arrived back at the chalet, Roger and The Nancy's arrived without incident. It was exciting to show them around and I know Nancy was very excited about the big event tomorrow. I was so thrilled they all made the trip to NY to be with us and share this.
They too, were thrilled with the chalet. The Nancy's shared a room upstairs and Roger set up home on the lower level. It was still pretty muggy out again today so he had the cooler area with its ceramic tile floor.
As they settled in, Dave and I figured out how to arrange our sound system and practiced our entrances to the music. It worked out great. I brought my laptop setup with 4 or 5 separate playlists. I also brought my stereo computer speakers, which we setup outside above everyone's heads. We checked and wrote down sound levels, took advantage of Roger being there to clear off the deck and setup the rental chairs for the ceremony.
Our next order of fun was our family dinner at The Coach Inn outside Little Valley. I had learned the day before from my mom that Coachman's (as it used to be called) was the place where she first met my dad. I never knew that. So it was kind of fitting Dave and I were having our wedding dinner there.
It was also a chance for Dave's sister Nancy to meet my family. She had met Dori once before, but not under the best circumstances...when I was in the hospital. I was excited for her to meet my mom, sister Rhonda and niece Jenny as I knew they'd all adore her and vice versa. It appeared that's the case. Nancy's friend Nancy Stultz, also fit in well and we had a lot of laughs and good stories told along with a very touching toast by Dave. Nancy paid for dinner.
I hadn't really had a chance to ENJOY the large deck since we arrived at the chalet, so tonight when we got back from dinner and it was cooler out, we all sat outside on the deck and enjoy some tea and coffee for a bit. Then as it grew darker, we saw the full moon peaking out from atop the trees in the distant valley. Stunning!
The fire flies were all over the place creating a backdrop off the deck and I don't recall hearing so many birds as I have the last few days here in the mountain. Beautiful. Tomorrow is a BUSY, but exciting day.
