Marble & The Best of Gatherings

Wednesday, 9/29

Proctor, VT was once a company town.  The Vermont Marble Company produced marble for buildings and sculptures found 'round the world.  A vein of this super compressed calcium deposit (think fish bones a few million years old) runs through the state, and elsewhere in the world.  The local product provided employment for recruited immigrants from throughout Europe.  The museum now provides an interesting history and continued introduction to New England and how it developed from native Indian life to an industrial and agricultural giant during the early years of this country.  Proctor itself remains a monument to marble:  Marble buildings, including the fire station; marble sidewalks; marble curbs; even a marble bridge.

Proctor's marble bridge, held down by 10 Californians. 

Afternoon finds us prowling through my late aunt's 1880s brick farmhouse, now an antique shop with some items from my childhood, including un-pretty photos of great-great-someone relatives.  Apparently in those days, smiling while being photographed was frowned upon.  So they frowned in response.

Off to the nearby farm home where my sister and I were raised.  More reminiscing and sharing ancient history with the group.

But, the best part of the day was the evening.  Cousins Carol and Charlie, plus sister Lynn, Jack and great high school mates joined together with our group to have tooo much food, some drink, and way, way too many stories to share at Carol & Charlie's home.  California appetizers and perfect weather allowed us to enjoy one another on their deck, complete with autumn's colorful scenery.  Then an abundance of dinner and talk.  For Doris and me, it was a most special event, bringing old friends and relatives of the east together with our California friends in a wonderfully comfortable home.  Thank every one of you for making it the best of gatherings.

It was the anticipation of Cousin Carol's(l) roast that produced the big smiles.

Cousin Charlie and high school friend John show California friend Sheryl that they can be entertaining New Englanders.  Of course, California wine had something to do with it. 

Sharing a special time with my favorite (and only) sister, Lyn & Jack.  I am so blessed.