Denny and I scoped out lawnmowers tonight. Rumor has it his aunt and uncle are going to be getting us an early wedding present in ladder form, so that’s one household expense it would be great not to have. However, a lawnmower remains necessary. We think we’re getting this one. We happened to be driving my car tonight, though, which is why we haven’t bought it yet. We have to go pick it up when we have Denny’s car, because mine isn’t big enough to transport it.

In wedding news, we went to the Co-op to make some selections and get a quote for our reception food. They’re going to work up a quote and send it to us, but we have tentatively picked the following options. Note: this may change if it turns out we can’t afford it.

• House-Smoked Whole Salmon, served with aioli, capers, pickled onion, diced tomato, cucumber, lemons, and crostini
• Shrimp tray, gently steamed to perfection with lemon, herbs, and spices, served chilled with cocktail sauce and fresh lemon
• Garden vegetable tray
• Seasonal fresh fruit tray
• Meat and cheese tray: all-natural Midwest cheese (Cheddar, Swiss, smoked Provolone, and pepper jack) arranged with Niman Ranch ham and roast beef, Applegate turkey, salami, and pepperoni
• Mini beef Wellingtons
• Asian stuffed mushrooms (vegan)
• Sesame chicken skewers with apricot mustard sauce
• Chive pancakes with creme fraîche and red onion confit (vegetarian)
• Corncakes with mango salsa (vegetarian)
• Vegetarian California hand roll sushi (vegan)
• Gougeres (seasoned puff pastry) with Gruyere cheese and Andouille sausage
• Piña-a-go-go (spiced pineapple on a stick–vegan)
• Mini empananas (chicken and onion with raisins)

That list might be a little on the extensive side. The problem was that we went there right before dinner, and we were really hungry, so everything sounded really good. It was reassuring to know that we can cut things if need be. Still, though–yum-o-rama. We get to go in for a tasting in May. Whoop-whoop!