u/mallorn_hugger

I am a Massachusetts native and my elderly parents still live in the Valley. My fiance and I live in the Midwest but we are planning on having a MA wedding (an absolute MUST for me- nothing beats the Valley!). I'm a teacher so we're looking at next June, maybe July but I would really like an outdoor ceremony and maybe even an outdoor reception, at least for part of it, so I don't want to push it too late and run into heat and humidity. I was in the valley for all of July this year and it was amazing weather but I know that is not every year!

I just sent an inquiry to Look Park (currently my top choice), but was wondering about other venues. A lot of what pops up in general searches for Western Mass weddings are out in the Bershires and they are $$$! Plus my mom has very severe arthritis and an hour plus drive to the venue is not going to be ideal for her. Ditto for my elderly aunt and uncle in Worcester who don't like driving after dark. Any venues that start at $10,000 or around there for just the venue are a no go.

Also, the venue must be kid friendly- we will have a number of people traveling from the Midwest with their children (including my flower girls and junior bridesmaids) and I want to make it easy on families.

I am picking up a Kia Niro tomorrow as a car rental. That was the cheapest option for a 3-week rental while I'm staying at my parents house.

My parents live within walking distance of a gas station that has an EV charger. I haven't used it yet because I've never had an EV car before. My plan was to put it on the charger and walk home leaving it there for several hours to charge as I understand it can take some time.

I just watched the video on how to charge it - does the car have to stay unlocked the entire time it is charging?

My parents live in a relatively safe area but I still would prefer to lock the car if I'm going to leave a charging for a few hours.

I'll take any advice or insight you care to give as I am a complete noob on this.

Thanks in advance!

I have been dating I really wonderful man for the last 4 months. We are really happy and both kind of hopeful that we have found our person.

That being said, of course I have not met the kids yet- It is much too soon. However, being a dad is a big part of his identity. He's a very good dad and takes a lot of pride in his children and in his role as a father.

Would it be appropriate for me to get him a small gift for Father's Day or a card. How is this generally acknowledged?

I referred to something as being "weak sauce" to a younger coworker (she is almost 31, I am 45). She kind of chuckled and said "whoa," so I asked her if that term has gone out of fashion and she laughed and said that it was even before her time.

Is it really that passe?? Damn 😅