The Swell Season.

This rock show had some pretty magical moments! I didn't know much about The Swell Season prior to seeing them last night at the Flynn but, I'm really glad I was able to go. They managed to deliver almost 90 minutes of musical awesomeness including a couple of intimate moments they shared with the crowd, who they invited to hum along with them during a few songs...or in Laura's case, howl along? Nothing like 1,000 or so people joining together to make a beautiful melody in a space with kick ass acoustics. Marketa's piano playing and silky singing voice was lovely, albeit a little somber. Glen's little dances, Marvin Gaye moments and inclination to unplug from his amp and "let it rip" balanced the duo out perfectly. Oh, I forgot about the opening band, The Low End. They weren't really for me but, they did ask the audience to help them out with an interactive musical experience at one point. The instructions were for everyone in the crowd to wait until the horn played for a third time during the song. Then, we were each supposed to get out our cell phones, call the person we came to the show with and select speakerphone. We all started giggling when the lead singer got out his flip phone and actually did this on stage. That was our indication that it was OK for everyone else to follow suit. Laura and I scrambled for our cell phones and got them connected just in time. The result was pretty neat! There were all sorts odd sounds and reverberations coming from every corner of the theater. Music is always, always better live.

The Swell Season is a folk rock duo formed by Irish musician Glen Hansard and Czech singer and pianist Markéta Irglová. "The Swell Season" name is derived from Hansard's favourite novel by Josef Škvorecký from 1975 bearing the same title. Their debut album goes by the same name. Since their rise to prominence after starring in the 2007 film Once, they increasingly referred to themselves as "The Swell Season" in promotion of their performances until it has unambiguously become the formal name of their collaboration in 2008.

Bachelaureate!

Nelia and Marin are getting hitched on August 21st. Last Saturday was Nelia’s wedding shower and bachelorette party down in South Londonderry, VT. Maegen and I arrived to the shower at noon and promptly started snacking on all sorts of delicious food while getting acquainted with the guests as they arrived. A family friend of Nelia’s hosted her shower. The location, food and company were delightful! We had a perfect view of Stratton to the left and Bromley to the right. We finished up right around 3pm. After a tiny incident involving a white Honda and a ditch, we finally made it to the Vermont Country Store to pick up a few necessities and made our way over to Nelia’s house to relax by their pond.

Nelia’s party was no ordinary celebration. I’ve held off on creating this post because I don’t think I can do that evening justice. So, I’ll just start with this: Nelia is one special lady and this party was built for her! One of her long time friends mentioned that she brought her running shoes because she speculated that there might be a need for them-knowing The Lechthaler Family. She was right.

After returning from the Vermont Country Store, we assumed our position by the picnic table. Nelia’s sister-in-law arrived shortly after we did, (singing an a capella version of Chariots of Fire) with a water trampoline and Nelia’s uniform for the evening. It was on. We selected our teams, listened to the instructions for the obstacle course and got things started. There were some slips and unexpected turns around the perimeter of the pond. In the end, the only casualty was the wool, winter hat that ended up at the bottom of the pond. The bride’s team won, (of course) and we moved on to the next... We roasted Nelia and learned a little bit more about she and her soon-to-be-hubby. Later on, we had an amazing candlelit dinner and watched as Nelia’s sister set off an amazing fireworks display! Finally, (and this was my personal favorite) we sat around the bonfire while every single one of us participated in music-less karaoke. What is music-less karaoke, you ask? All you need is your favorite tunes on an ipod w/ ear buds, some printed lyrics, a headlamp, a nice stiff drink and an audience. Use your imagination. This was an amazing warm up to the wedding!

So happy for you, Nelia! xo

Here's the spectacular view from the patio where the shower was held.

The bride-to-be!

Here's Maegen enjoying the folliage outside of the host's home.

Hmm...oops. Thankfully, this was an easy fix.

Abby giving us instructions:

Team White!

Shrimp rubbed with Old Bay. Yum!

Our dining area for the evening:

Pimento Dip and fresh veggies:

Blueberry vodka, lemon juice, a little sugar and mashed blueberries makes for a tasty summer beverage!

Team White VS. Team Pink

Nelia and her sister-in-law Abby in full gear. Good times!

Here we go!

Recoup.

It's been six days since my surgery. I'm feeling better every day although I'm far from 100%. I can't remember another time in my adult life when I've had a week off at home. This time has gone by so slowly, for better or worse. No one looks forward to being uncomfortable but, on this occasion staying home to rest and heal was necessary to get my body back on track. I'm finally off of my pain medication and getting around much more easily. Today, I'm back online at work--although I'm working from home today and tomorrow.

I can't thank everyone enough for helping to make things easier over the past few days. Allison, Max, Steve, Isaac, Nelia, Craig, Taylor, my family...and of course everyone who wished me a speedy recovery. It meant a lot.

Top 10 Post Op Moments:

• Getting my hair washed by Allison, (friends-4-life) and some coaching just before my first sneeze.

• Max's burgers, Allison's basil and avocado sandwiches and Taylor's sushi dinner!

• Flowers and a visit from Nelia.

• Completing the first 4 seasons of the television show, Weeds. Yup, you heard me.

• Realizing, in the middle of a crosswalk, how slow I really am right now.

• Iced coffee and porch time with Craig.

• High five from the JDK CEO whilst being wheeled out of the hospital. Hmm...

• Isaac for helping me put my shoes one when I couldn't reach them and for keeping me company a little longer once my initial pain medication wore off. Oh...and fingers crossed my hospital bill isn't higher because of you. Enjoy your props.

• Steve for shutting the windows at night, buying ice cream and getting rid of the cabin mice. Ew.

• Mysterious Sunday New York Times delivery.Woot, woot!

I'm excited to see you all out there real soon. xo!

Stowe Day.

Here are a few pictures from our trip to Stowe on Sunday! We hit up Ben & Jerrys, the alpine slide, The Trapp Family Lodge and Piecasso for a little pizza dinner at the end of the day. We missed seeing the hot air balloons this year. Bummer. Next time.

when black and white is better...

fashion diary: check it.

http://www.hedislimane.com/fashiondiary/

Long weekend!

My sister Jenny and her family are up for a nice long visit here in Vermont! My mom and Patrick were able to visit for the long weekend too. The sun was out for the entire weekend and each day was hotter than the last. There was lots of swimming, walking, card playing, giggling, planning, napping, eating, visiting and grilling! Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend.

The Fort:

Here is Gretchen learning more about the card game, "Pitch."

Miss Independent.

If you knew what it looked like after dinner, you would appreciate this photo a little bit more.

We may need a bigger hammock?

Oliver with his silly glasses:

Happy Hour!

Naptime:

Afterglow:

The 4th of July...or in this case, the 3rd.

I was lucky enough to have this view of the Burlington fireworks this year. I love this picture but, the view was even better than this from one of the highest points in the city. Nice!

Photo courtesy of IPW.