Little Italy in Saratoga Springs, NY

Okay, so, this has nothing to do with Alaska really. I mentioned a wedding that I have to get back for, which is making my return trip a little tricky. I have a few days to book it through Canada so I can fly to Albany from Seattle in enough time to make the rehersal dinner and all the pre-wedding jazz. As stated before, I wouldn't miss this wedding for the world.

My excitement for the wedding has grown by leaps and bounds. The bride, Lindsey, took me to meet her family in upstate NY this week. I've known Lindsey for years and have always heard so much about her family. It's all true. They are one hysterical bunch of people that you instantly feel at home with. I ended up staying a lot longer than I planned, but that made it possible for me to meet more of the pack. I walked away with a few more reasons not to miss this wedding:

1. I was under the impression I was bringing the party to the wedding. I was sadly mistaken. I'm told her mother's dance floor routine is some sort of bastardization of Elaine's 'Little Kicks' dance from Seinfeld and she makes noises along with it that could only be described to me as 'Yipping.' After meeting her, I believe it. I also believe that she is entirely capable of bringing a hell of a lot more of a party than I would ever bring. Needless to say, I like her.

2. Lindsey's brother, Brad, doesn't eat vegetables of any kind. Other than french fries, it seems that this is no exaggeration. I am FLOORED by this. I've resolved to get him to eat a vegetable, come hell or high water. I'll need all the luck in the world to accomplish my goal, especially since he knows I'm after him. My only chance to strike will probably be the wedding.

3. Lindsey's maternal side of the family is (very) Italian, the Matriarch of which is awesome. Italian grandmothers are another breed. Not only does this one do the stereotypical feed everyone until it hurts, but she also enjoys my humor. Not only do I not have to censor myself around her, but she actually joins in and does me one better! She and her interactions with the rest of the family will be a good time at the wedding.
3a. Speaking of the Maternal side of the family. The Patriarch! Born. In. Italy. Enough said. Actually, I want to say more. In my 5 minutes with him I learned that rattlesnake tastes like chicken, how to grow my own garlic, how many pounds of tomatoes go in the vat-zilla they make sauce in, and I got a little cheese lesson. As mind numbing as that may sound to some, it was everything but. Even if you don't love food the way I do, it still wouldn't be boring. This guy could talk about peeling paint for an hour and make it seem interesting. Can't wait for speeches at the wedding. . .