I had never been to the State of Colorado.

We received a wedding invitation. The wedding was to take place in Vail, CO. I had seen pictures of Vail on television. During the winter months the "rich and famous" go to Vail to ski and be seen. Furs, skis, snowboards and fireplaces were on the winter menu. But we were going in October.

Jeffrey Potto (formerly of East Meadow) was marrying Romeyn, a resident of Vail. Thirteen years ago, Jeff graduated from college and got a job as a waiter in Vail. He never came home to live on the Island of Long. He met Romeyn (a gorgeous creature with long russet locks, past her shoulder and the bluest of blue eyes) and was smitten.

Lorraine and I flew to Denver, rented a car and traveled 100 miles west on US 70 to Vail. What mountains! Some covered with snow on their tops. The huge green pine trees were interlaced with yellow leafed aspens to project a panorama of mountain beauty.

Going up and down Alp-like mountains takes careful and intense driving skills whether ascending or descending. Runaway truck ramps are placed in strategic places in case the monstrous trucks lose their air brakes.

We arrived at the Cascade Lodge and entered the lobby which had a roaring fire to welcome us, the bedraggled easteners. The hotel was warm and comfortable. It was alongside a white water stream and at the bottom of a ski run. Cozy.

The hotel supplied a free bus ride to Vail. The town was set in a mountain valley along the same stream. We crossed a covered bridge and entered Vail. It looked like a Swiss Alpine village - ski shops and snowboard shops everywhere. Furs of all descriptions were on sale with astronomical price tags attached. Numerous jewelry shops were also in evidence. Knit skiing sweaters with Alpine designs were also available.

We ate at Pepi's. It was Austrian-Hungarian food. The duck was crispy and the goulash soup was delicious. The waitress wore a peasant frock and the atmosphere and the strudel were delicious.

The next morning I shot baskets with Artie Coltov (a wedding guest from Florida via East Meadow) at the hotel gym. We then swam laps in a steaming, outdoor mountain pool. The pool was warm but the air was frigid but invigorating.

The wedding, later that day, was held in a magnificent chalet alongside the same rushing stream. Jeffrey and Romeyn have a multitude of young bright friends who dressed eclectically in some remarkable outfits. The bride's gown was capped by a snow-white fur boa which she carried most elegantly.

The service was interdenominational and we all cried at being touched by both the beauty of the surroundings and the devotion of the young and beautiful couple. An elegant dinner at another ski lodge (even more wondrous) capped the wonderful wedding.

Our friends of 40 years, Barbara and Paul Potto were as usual the most gracious of hosts.

As Lorraine and I drove back to Denver at pitch-black 5 a.m. through the same mountains we wondered if we would ever return to Vail.

Que Sera, Sera! Whatever will be, will be!