Thursday, 9/30
Nicole, or what's left of tropical storm Nicole, has reached into the boondocks of New England, i.e., right here where we're parked. Rain, heavy at times and forecast to become heavier today and tomorrow, is giving us the excuse for a "free day", one for doing laundry, housecleaning, reading and snoring. I ventured out with Doris to Pip's, a barber shop where I had haircuts with my dad until age 12 when the price rose to 50 cents. No deals made for my mediocre school grades, so I chose another barber shop where the price was 35 cents. Now, walking into Pip's, I definitely stepped into my personal history, as little had changed. The marble topped cabinets with each station; the electric cord hanging from the ceilings for the electric clippers; the scented talcum powder; the same mirrors. Only the barbers had changed, but not by much. Since 1932, only 9 barbers had worked at Pip's ... two very old ones still part time. Pip's granddaughter worked at one chair while a friend of hers attempted to beautify me. Cost for a case of nostalgia + haircut? $10. Thankfully, I had saved enough money to make up the difference between 1952's $0.52 and 2010's $10.00.
Later, everyone perked up when Doris made reservations for Chinese lobster dinner. Once fed, we retired to a night of constant staccato of heavy rain on our coach's rooftop. One pleasure we did not have was being parked under the walnut tree like our friends. Seems they experienced both the machine gun fire of heavy rain, plus the heavy bombing of falling walnuts on their roof ... not especially conducive to a good night's rest. Sleeping under their coach might have been a better experience, except for the growing puddles.
Friday, October 1, 2010
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.
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.
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. |
Thursday, September 30, 2010
The Berkshires to Green Mountains
Tuesday, 9/28
More rain! The dense foliage surrounding our sites is a beautiful orange. The rains have dropped much to the ground, giving a carpet of orange as well. With the rain tapering off, we roll through Norman Rockwell last home area and north into Vermont. Gray skies and warm, i.e., shirtsleeve temps are not autumn-like, but we enjoy a stop in historic Manchester. Parking in the Orvis Fly Fishing Company's lot, some of us take the tow cars to wander the town while others tour Hildene House, once home of Abraham Lincoln's son. Magnificent garden vistas over the valleys and mountains, plus an interesting interior that came alive with a very good docent taking through the home, we later had lunch in town, then re-gathered for the short trip to Rutland, my home town and our location for the next four nights. Thankfully, the rains had stopped and the warm sun made the arrival a pleasant one.
Previously, Doris and I had literally tape measured the lot to be sure everyone would fit in the small space. With our diagram in hand, we were so pleased to see everyone follow directions by the numbers and fit as well as any super large puzzle could come to completion. Our smiles and applause to Joleta, Al, Bill and Tom for such precise parking!
Evening found us partying in the Lodge. Happy hour, a $6 prime rib dinner (!), then Bingo. That's where we paid for our evening ... if you know what I mean. But, it was fun for all, especially meeting local people who made us feel so welcome.
More rain! The dense foliage surrounding our sites is a beautiful orange. The rains have dropped much to the ground, giving a carpet of orange as well. With the rain tapering off, we roll through Norman Rockwell last home area and north into Vermont. Gray skies and warm, i.e., shirtsleeve temps are not autumn-like, but we enjoy a stop in historic Manchester. Parking in the Orvis Fly Fishing Company's lot, some of us take the tow cars to wander the town while others tour Hildene House, once home of Abraham Lincoln's son. Magnificent garden vistas over the valleys and mountains, plus an interesting interior that came alive with a very good docent taking through the home, we later had lunch in town, then re-gathered for the short trip to Rutland, my home town and our location for the next four nights. Thankfully, the rains had stopped and the warm sun made the arrival a pleasant one.
Previously, Doris and I had literally tape measured the lot to be sure everyone would fit in the small space. With our diagram in hand, we were so pleased to see everyone follow directions by the numbers and fit as well as any super large puzzle could come to completion. Our smiles and applause to Joleta, Al, Bill and Tom for such precise parking!
 |
Rutland, VT Elks. Great location; little space. |
Evening found us partying in the Lodge. Happy hour, a $6 prime rib dinner (!), then Bingo. That's where we paid for our evening ... if you know what I mean. But, it was fun for all, especially meeting local people who made us feel so welcome.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Daniel & Norman
Rain. Not the best of times for rain as it washes the foliage off the trees. And, without the sun, the world renowned foliage appears less vibrant. Yet, there's something special about the early autumn rains that, with the right attitude, we enjoy the natural fragrance of Nature, and the low hanging fog over the hills.
Into it, we drove a few miles east into western Massachusetts and the Berkshire Mountains. Tucked into these rolling hills (that's how we Californians would call them "back home"), we visit our first sightseeing attraction: Daniel Chester French's summer home, Chesterwood. Who was Dan? Well, he designed the seated Lincoln at Washington, DC's Lincoln Memorial. Also to his credit is sculpting the Concord Minute Man, symbol of our earliest fighters against the British at the beginning of our Revolutionary War. There are many more credits and it was most educational to learn of them and their influence on our world, plus the special home and vistas of the Berkshires.
But, there's more. Off to Stockbridge, Massachusetts village for a bit of immersing ourselves into Norman Rockwell. Who's Norm? Google his name or dig out a copy of the old Saturday Evening Post magazine. Depicting Americana since the early 1920s, Rockwell spent his last years living in Stockbridge while continuing his memorable paintings. Choosing local residents as his subjects, many of whom are still living, he brought a special touch to memorializing the years and the historic events of the time. Take a look at his version of the Four Freedoms made famous in words by Franklin Roosevelt, and more famous by his paintings. Study them closely and you will begin to feel something that few artists knew/know how to convey in their works.
Lunch in the tavern at the Red Lion Inn was a group event taking place in a building filled with history that began in 1773.
Rain or shine, this day would have been a special introduction to New England. And it was with our friends. We've only begun the journey.
Into it, we drove a few miles east into western Massachusetts and the Berkshire Mountains. Tucked into these rolling hills (that's how we Californians would call them "back home"), we visit our first sightseeing attraction: Daniel Chester French's summer home, Chesterwood. Who was Dan? Well, he designed the seated Lincoln at Washington, DC's Lincoln Memorial. Also to his credit is sculpting the Concord Minute Man, symbol of our earliest fighters against the British at the beginning of our Revolutionary War. There are many more credits and it was most educational to learn of them and their influence on our world, plus the special home and vistas of the Berkshires.
 |
| Chesterwood and one of its many views of the Berkshires on a rainy day. |
But, there's more. Off to Stockbridge, Massachusetts village for a bit of immersing ourselves into Norman Rockwell. Who's Norm? Google his name or dig out a copy of the old Saturday Evening Post magazine. Depicting Americana since the early 1920s, Rockwell spent his last years living in Stockbridge while continuing his memorable paintings. Choosing local residents as his subjects, many of whom are still living, he brought a special touch to memorializing the years and the historic events of the time. Take a look at his version of the Four Freedoms made famous in words by Franklin Roosevelt, and more famous by his paintings. Study them closely and you will begin to feel something that few artists knew/know how to convey in their works.
Lunch in the tavern at the Red Lion Inn was a group event taking place in a building filled with history that began in 1773.
 |
| California RVers in the historic 1773 Red Lion Tavern. So predictable, except for the fact that they're still standing ... both the tavern, and our friends. |
Old Friends to Old Friends
Sunday, 9/26
Saying farewell to classmates continues to be difficult. We have special ties because we grew up together during our high school years and during a peaceful time for us in the hills of Vermont. If only all who read this could have the same experience.
But, with emotional goodbyes, we parted as Doris and I had to head south a bit to meet with our California RV friends. it's tough to make the transition from old to new in a matter of two+ hours. However, Tom & Sheryl, Bill & Ginny, Tony & Joleta, and Al & Debbie made for a great welcome to our lives together for the next 3 weeks as we travel caravan style throughout the New England states in quest of the best of the foliage season. As we roll into the leafy, colorful New York state RV park, they're standing ready to hug and help us settle into a new routine.
Drinks, appetizers and dinner around an aromatic fire made for a special evening under the canopy of fall foliage ... a great beginning to our journey together.
Saying farewell to classmates continues to be difficult. We have special ties because we grew up together during our high school years and during a peaceful time for us in the hills of Vermont. If only all who read this could have the same experience.
But, with emotional goodbyes, we parted as Doris and I had to head south a bit to meet with our California RV friends. it's tough to make the transition from old to new in a matter of two+ hours. However, Tom & Sheryl, Bill & Ginny, Tony & Joleta, and Al & Debbie made for a great welcome to our lives together for the next 3 weeks as we travel caravan style throughout the New England states in quest of the best of the foliage season. As we roll into the leafy, colorful New York state RV park, they're standing ready to hug and help us settle into a new routine.
Drinks, appetizers and dinner around an aromatic fire made for a special evening under the canopy of fall foliage ... a great beginning to our journey together.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Group Birthday Party!
Saturday, 9/25
You'd think we'd be tired of so many fun days, but they just keep coming and we've decided we'll be tired some other time. Still parked in a dirt lot behind Rutland's Comfort Inn, we pull out the outdoor carpet, chairs and tables, extend the awning, prepare appetizers, chill the wine and beer, make more ice ... and invite my high school classmates to our open house. For a few afternoon hours, we shared an abundance of stories and humor while forgetting diets.
Doris and I helped decorate the banquet room with Mardi Gras beads that were overflowing our storage area. Catching them in midair while attending two such New Orleans events was fun, but it was equally enjoyable to share the bounty and lift the weight from our coach air bag suspension system.
The dinner itself, plus the birthday gift exchange was filled with more silliness and hugs of appreciation for remaining good friends (and making new ones) for the past nearly six decades. I wish everyone could attend such functions. I am so lucky to be able to do all this.
Tomorrow, we'll leave old friends to join our California RV friends waiting for us to guide them through New England for the next 3 weeks. It will be a bittersweet departure, followed quickly by a sweet arrival with another great group. I'm even luckier to experience both groups.
You'd think we'd be tired of so many fun days, but they just keep coming and we've decided we'll be tired some other time. Still parked in a dirt lot behind Rutland's Comfort Inn, we pull out the outdoor carpet, chairs and tables, extend the awning, prepare appetizers, chill the wine and beer, make more ice ... and invite my high school classmates to our open house. For a few afternoon hours, we shared an abundance of stories and humor while forgetting diets.
Doris and I helped decorate the banquet room with Mardi Gras beads that were overflowing our storage area. Catching them in midair while attending two such New Orleans events was fun, but it was equally enjoyable to share the bounty and lift the weight from our coach air bag suspension system.
The dinner itself, plus the birthday gift exchange was filled with more silliness and hugs of appreciation for remaining good friends (and making new ones) for the past nearly six decades. I wish everyone could attend such functions. I am so lucky to be able to do all this.
 |
| The Dave & Ralph show. One high school classmate of many who remain very special friends. |
Saturday, September 25, 2010
More Friends, Family, and A Private Island
Tuesday, 9/21 - Friday, 9/24
Our time in Vermont has become more and more busy. Blogging has to fit somewhere. However, we just don't have the time to blog, nor so many other things on our bucket list (you do know what a bucket list is, don't you?? If not, see the movie. Funny and educational.)
Tuesday, we left Moe & Bill for Rutland Airport where we met our daughter Lexi. Visiting relatives in Boston, she zipped up to our metropolis on a twin engined propeller plane. She enjoyed the rid, unlike one older lady that had the surprise of her life in Boston when she learned at the gate that this was not to be on a Boeing 747 (uh, like who the heck flies to Rutland?? Only 5 this trip, that's who!). Anyway, off to cousins and parking our coach at the local fire department parking lot for the night. Handy, safe and arranged because cousin Charlie's mom gave the land to the fire department. Nice to have connections!
More food and drink and lots of stories ended another great day.
Wednesday, move over to my sister's for another stay under the maples and more re-connecting.
Thursday, Lexi went with Jack to play golf. The old duffers surely enjoyed her feminine presence. Who wouldn't? Later that day, we boarded a barge (yes, a barge) with 50 others and motored to an island in the middle of nearby Lake Bomoseen. The island, now owned by a couple was once a special vacation spot for New York actors and writers. Now privately owned by a delightful couple, we enjoyed their one of their "Full Moon Celebration Party" events. Bring an appetizer ... all else is provided. What fun as the sun set over the lake while the rising moon gave us some light. Owner Jerry gave us a tour and history of the island and buildings and how he renovated all to become a livable and enjoyable island home. Truly a special event.
Friday, we got Lexi to the airport for a 7am departure back to Boston and onward to home. Then it was grocery shopping, debugging the windshield in sister's driveway (surely she must have appreciated another special event), saying good-bye, and on to a parking lot next to the hotel where my high school mates of 52 years ago were gathering to celebrate our collective 70th birthdays. What fun! Great kids, even better adults ... all of us happy to see that each of us are together again to have fun and share our gratitude for the gift of having lived our childhoods in a beautiful and safe time of the 50s (1950s that is for those of you too young to know there was a previous century and decade). We call it the best of times in the best of places. Lucky us.
Our time in Vermont has become more and more busy. Blogging has to fit somewhere. However, we just don't have the time to blog, nor so many other things on our bucket list (you do know what a bucket list is, don't you?? If not, see the movie. Funny and educational.)
Tuesday, we left Moe & Bill for Rutland Airport where we met our daughter Lexi. Visiting relatives in Boston, she zipped up to our metropolis on a twin engined propeller plane. She enjoyed the rid, unlike one older lady that had the surprise of her life in Boston when she learned at the gate that this was not to be on a Boeing 747 (uh, like who the heck flies to Rutland?? Only 5 this trip, that's who!). Anyway, off to cousins and parking our coach at the local fire department parking lot for the night. Handy, safe and arranged because cousin Charlie's mom gave the land to the fire department. Nice to have connections!
More food and drink and lots of stories ended another great day.
 |
| Cousins Charlie + Ralph = Relatively Large Laughs |
Thursday, Lexi went with Jack to play golf. The old duffers surely enjoyed her feminine presence. Who wouldn't? Later that day, we boarded a barge (yes, a barge) with 50 others and motored to an island in the middle of nearby Lake Bomoseen. The island, now owned by a couple was once a special vacation spot for New York actors and writers. Now privately owned by a delightful couple, we enjoyed their one of their "Full Moon Celebration Party" events. Bring an appetizer ... all else is provided. What fun as the sun set over the lake while the rising moon gave us some light. Owner Jerry gave us a tour and history of the island and buildings and how he renovated all to become a livable and enjoyable island home. Truly a special event.
 |
| Barging to a private island |
 |
| Party time on the island. |
Friday, we got Lexi to the airport for a 7am departure back to Boston and onward to home. Then it was grocery shopping, debugging the windshield in sister's driveway (surely she must have appreciated another special event), saying good-bye, and on to a parking lot next to the hotel where my high school mates of 52 years ago were gathering to celebrate our collective 70th birthdays. What fun! Great kids, even better adults ... all of us happy to see that each of us are together again to have fun and share our gratitude for the gift of having lived our childhoods in a beautiful and safe time of the 50s (1950s that is for those of you too young to know there was a previous century and decade). We call it the best of times in the best of places. Lucky us.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)