Weddings, anyone? The nuptial season is winding down but it seems like every other weekend was full of rice or bubbles, dances at receptions, and even one open bar. I went to four weddings this summer but one in particular stands out. That's because of the unusual, interesting venue--"Storybook Land At The Castle." That's exactly what the invitation said and I must admit I was wondering how this would play out.

Aberdeen receives a myriad of visitors to Storybook Land each year and after inquiring I learned that three weddings were held there this summer. So, did I hear Jack and the Beanstalk's "Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum" in the background? Yes, which made the vows all the more unique and memorable.

Is it just me or does it seem like more people are riding around Aberdeen in scooters? It didn't seem like there were quite so many this time last year. The sky high gas prices last summer probably touched a nerve and I like to think the Hub City is good about going green.

I was excited to hear about the drawing for a Yamaha scooter at Qdoba and apparantely I'm not the only one. One of the owners told me that business has increased ever since the announcement of the scooter drawing. I have entered my name everytime I'm there.

The Ward Hotel has played host to a number of social events as of late. The Jazz Swing Party at the beginning of the May not only provided lively music but the outfits donned by those attending gave a real sense of stepping back to the days of Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis. The NSU Jazz Ensemble gets an encore from me.

On most Friday nights the Ward's ballroom is transformed into Astoria. This has been going on for about a month and the lounge type atmosphere allows you to kick back in style. There has been a variety of live entertainment--jazz, rock. I have to give a shout out to the people that I know who have performed, Ron Parker and Elizabeth Andrews. Ron your rendition of "Georgia On My Mind" was peachy. Both events have been a great opportunity for local entertainers to show off their talent.

Whew! Driving all over Northeast South Dakota and further has given me a true sense of what hit the road means. Of course, now that Aberdeen has a Starbucks heading to Pierre, Huron, or Mobridge at 6:30am is fueled by a jolt of java and that helps.

In Aberdeen, the weather is a constant topic of conversation and I was recently able to gauge outside reaction to our numbing temps. Chasing down the big story pulled me from Northeast South Dakota to the East Coast for President Barack Obama’s inauguration. I was on a plane en route just days after Aberdeen had the record breaking -42 degree temperature. You remember. Your car, my car, and the neighbor’s wouldn’t start.

While in DC, people inquired where I was from and I would respond that I was on a reporting assignment from South Dakota. The Washingtonians, thinking their weather was frigid would ask “What’s the temperature like in South Dakota?” I would tell them what -42 felt like. Then I would get “That’s gotta be with the wind chill.” I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the inevitable look of disbelief on faces when I said “No, that was just the temperature.” I feel brave. After all, I am from Georgia originally.

In upcoming blogs look to hear from Aberdeen mover and shakers about upcoming projects, plans, and yes, how the weather is effecting everything.