Road Trip Day 2

Zooming as best I could

June 30 – I slept so good in that huge king bed with so much room to myself.  We had a leisurely breakfast at the hotel.  Bill made his waffle and I had French toast.  There weren’t too many choices but carbs.  Once we loaded the car we headed for Guilford and drove out to see if we could see the lighthouse.  It’s 3 miles out and there’s only a ferry on Wednesday – Saturday so another failed attempt to get a stamp for my lighthouse book.  I did get some really distant photos and called the lighthouse “keepers” and left a message but never heard from any one all day.

We stayed off the interstate and mostly stayed on Hwy 1 up along the coast.  We went though many small towns and enjoyed seeing the ocean and the harbors and the nice quaint little towns.  We passed an Ocean State Job Lot store and have seen them quite frequently so decided to stop and see what they sold.  It’s pretty much like a Big Lots store.  We got a few things but now the mystery is solved.

Some of the small book buildings and kiosks

I was reading in the AAA book about the town of Niantic and it said they have a huge Book Barn of used books.  They were right!  There are 4 parts in 4 areas of town but we went to the big one first and it was great.  There are many small buildings scattered around and benches and chairs to sit on.  It’s under shade trees and has gardens, turtles and goats you can feed.  There’s a playhouse for kids while their parents look at

One of the mystery book buildings

books.  We both got a bunch of books.  The paperbacks were $1 and Bill got some hardbacks that were more.  We asked for a seafood lunch recommendation and we were steered to a small place across from the water, Skippers.  We were told it was all fried but I didn’t feel like looking around and they had outdoor seating so we could look out over the water while we ate.  I had a appetizer portion of fried clams and a side of cole slaw.  Those were some of the best clams I’ve ever had.  Lightly battered and so tender.  Bill had a burger but tried clams for the first time and said they were pretty good.  That’s a lot coming from him.  After lunch we went to another one of the Book Barn stores that was said to have a lot of mystery books.  It’s not nearly as big but we did come away with another 5 books.  We should be set for the rest of the summer.  I know I am. 

Bill and buoy in front of Maritime Museum

Leaving Niantic we stayed on route 1 into New London.  I thought I would get to see at least one of 2 lighthouses.  Not!  We did find out there are 5 in the vicinity but 1 is on private property so it may never be a possibility.  We attempted to visit the Custom House Maritime Museum but they were closed.  We stopped at the tiny visitor

Nathan Hall school

center building to ask some questions and pick up some literature.  One of the ladies asked where we were from and we said Florida.  She asked where and I told her right outside of Orlando.  She asked “O-co-ee?” and we were shocked, no one has ever known of Ocoee.  Ends up her niece moved there just over a year ago and she’s been down once to visit.  We left our car parked there and walked down the old part of town a bit.  There is an Amistad Landing and the Custom House is where the slaves were brought that took over the ship Amistad that was coming from Sierra Leone.  There was a movie about it.  So the port where they ended us is named for the ship.  Further downtown is a nice Amtrak station and the school building where Nathan Hale attended school for 1 year.  It’s a little red building and looks very out of place with all the marble and concrete in the area now.

Leaving New London we drove past (several times) the Coast Guard Academy that is on the outskirts of town.  They were having a graduation ceremony and the stands were filled with white uniforms.  We drove to the gate but the indication is it’s a high security thing so if we go back we will take our passports to maybe make it easier or possible to go on the campus.

It was time to call it a day and head back home.  We took a back way to end up in Windham so I could stop at Aldi to get something to cook for dinner.  Ended up we didn’t cook it but had Bill’s leftover lobster and Mac and the rest of the rotisserie chicken.  Molly was glad to see us and when Rick came over to bring the key he said she was the friendliest cat he’d ever seen.  She came out to see him each time and let him pet her and rub on his leg.  

First day on the road trip

June 29 – Another 3 days off!  The next work stretch is 7 days and it’s rough but we end up with an extra day in the long run since we only worked 2 and now get 3 off.  We better make the most of these 3 days!  We started by leaving the care of Molly for today and tomorrow with Rick and Joe and we were on the road about 10.  Over all we both had our ups and downs today!

First I dropped Bill off at the Bridgeport Bluefish stadium in Bridgeport, CT so he could see a guy play that helps them with their baseball players in his off season.  He plays for the Camden River Sharks.  Well the guy was there but he wasn’t playing today as he caught the last 6 games and was resting today.  They did get to talk and Bill got into the game for free but he wanted to see him play and take some photos.

Lighthouse I didn't see

While he watched baseball I drove on further south to Norwalk, CT with hopes of getting on a fast ferry out to Sheffield Island Lighthouse.  Not!  There’s only one ferry company that takes people out and it’s a 3 hours tour.  And everyone knows about those 3 hour tours!  You can go on the 2:00 trip and just ride out and back but not get off the ferry.  He does that because he has to get back for the 3:30 trip.  So I walked around the port side a bit and had a very nice lunch at The Ginger Man, a quinoa salad with feta, baby kale and honey vinaigrette dressing and grilled chicken.  I need to make a dressing like that.  I was only about 20 minutes from the stadium so called and left word for Bill that I was heading back but he never responded until after my 3^rd text and 3^rd call.  He couldn’t hear his phone.  A policeman allowed me to park and wait in front of the arena next to the stadium.

Dan Patrick building, we think

Bill was back at the wheel and we headed north to Milford:  Home of The Dan Patrick Show.  Being Sunday we knew we would not see Dan or the Danettes but we did find the building that they show on the opening of the program that is supposed to be where they work.  Bill wouldn’t go in the Subway and ask if they did the show upstairs but we did take some photos, just in case.  It’s located right on the town square and is in a very nice area of Milford with lots of little shops and nice restaurants and the park is very nice also.   

We got on I-95 headed to New Haven and I glimpsed a billboard that I thought said there was a PEZ Visitor Center at the next exit, so we exited and sure enough, we followed the signs and spend almost 2 hours in the PEZ building.  That was a big UP for the day for both of us.  Wow, the whole history of PEZ and how it started in Austria as a peppermint breath mint and evolved into what it is today!  There were 792 dispensers designed and only one never went into production.  I thought I’d seen a lot of different ones over the years but I had not touched the surface of PEZ dispensers.  They had an area you can watch them package them but only Monday through Friday.  That would have been neat too!  They have a BINGO game you can play by finding the years of the dispensers on the card in a BINGO row from all of the exhibits and you get a prize.  We both did it and won a dispenser with one pack of candy.  We wanted to find them all but gave up with 2 missing.  That was really fun and was not on our list for today.

One of the Yale buildings

We did make it to New Haven and drove around the campus of Yale University.  Now that was impressive.  The massive stone buildings that just don’t look like they belong in the city.  After we circled around twice on the one way streets Bill dropped me off on the corner to get a few photos but it was difficult because I couldn’t cross and miss him when

Shot I got but no stamp

he came back around.  Then we drove out to Lighthouse Point Park to see the lighthouse and they wanted $30 for us to enter with an out of state car so we said we’d just turn around, but I did get to see the top of the lighthouse and snapped a quick photo.  On exiting we looked for another way around the point via a 

neighborhood but it was a deadend!  Downer!

I had thought we’d try to spend the night in Guilford where there’s another lighthouse we could try in the morning since I’m currently 0-2.  We saw a billboard for the USS Chowder Pot in Branford.  Bill had read about it in AAA and that there was one in Hartford.  Our stomachs won out and we got off in Branford and had the BEST ever lobster bisque, so thick and creamy I could not believe it.  Bill even liked it.  Then he had the mac and lobster casserole and I had the Lobster pot pie.  I had huge chunks of lobster and a thinner version of the bisque with fresh veggies and a flaky top crust.  He said he didn’t get much lobster but it was really good.  Since there was salad and bread first he didn’t finish his.  He did upset his glass of water though and moved really fast to stay dry.

We got a decent rate at a Bayfront Inn right at the interstate so landed here for the night.  At least the wifi is good and we got a ground floor room with a king bed and hot breakfast so I think we are good to go!  We both agreed the best part was a really hot shower of pelting water in a REAL bathtub that you can move all over in!  Ahhh, life in a hotel!

Day 2 back on the job

June 28 -   It got cold in here last night.  That AC never turned off!  Brrrr!  After breakfast I did some laundry while Bill did dishes.  We got our showers and had lunch before heading out.  Rick was sitting out and we stopped to ask him if he and Joe would feed Molly for 2 days while we go out of town overnight.  He said they would so we’ll be heading out tomorrow.

Barbara and I always enjoy our work time.  We girl talk a lot and do some cleaning and straightening.  Today we checked in 4 campers and sold more wood and more ice.  There were a lot of kids in to play games but not much ice cream buying.   The guys did some paint scraping and construction stuff for the ladies’ bathhouse.  We got off at 5.  Bill had a mudslide while I had a glass of wine to relax a bit before making pizza for dinner.  I did Bill’s half traditional but mine was artichoke with pesto and chicken.  He thought his was good but I know mine was better. 

We went for our walk and stopped at Ron and Barbara’s to see if they’d like to go get ice cream with us and they still had not had dinner.  So we went for our first time to We-Li-Kit ice cream place.  They milk the cows and make the ice cream from their own milk.  It was good but I have had flavors I like better other places.  They had a big crowd too.  I’m sure it’s busy every day now that it’s warming up.

I did my ironing while Bill folded the clothes and we watched TV while I typed.  We plan to leave by 10 tomorrow.

Slow day back on the job

June 27 – We don’t work until 4 today so slept in a while and after breakfast we did the floors and rugs and then Bill went out and vacuumed the car with our new vacuum.  So we are clean for a few days!

After lunch I drove up to the post office and arrived about 1:20 to find a sign on the door that they were closed from 1 – 2:30.  I brought some paperwork with me that I needed to make a couple of phone calls on but didn’t think they would take that long.  I drove up the hill and parked in the shade of a tree in the church parking lot where I managed to get another bar on my phone signal.  After making my “must do” calls I still had 30 minutes so called Karen.  It was great hearing her voice and having time to just catch up on her stuff and my stuff.  When it was time to go I stopped back at the post office and our mail pouch was in.  She tried to give me someone else’s mail but I took it back in, glad I looked before leaving.

I still had some time before work so I downloaded the rest of our recent trip photos, resized them and have them ready to load onto the site everyone can view them from. I packed our dinner since we would not be off until 9. 

It was not too busy.  Most of the campers had checked in by 4 but we had some stragglers.  There were kids up to play games and we sold a lot of firewood and ice.  Normal for Friday night.  Pretty uneventful.  After work we watched a bit of TV and read.

End of 3 days off!

June 26 - Boo hoo, our last day off, but only for 2 days!  Last night was the first since we arrived a month ago that I didn’t wear flannel pants to bed.  Summer has arrived in CT.

We didn’t rush this morning before heading south to Norwich.  We did a detour off the interstate to Canterbury, CT to the Prudence Crandall Museum to get a stamp for the Quinebaug & Shetucket Rivers Valley National Heritage Corridor.  The lady working was disappointed I wasn’t there for a tour of the house but oh, well, we were on our way to Norwich. 

Bill had hoped there would be signage to Meeting House Rock in Norwich where the Old Burying Ground was and nearby the site of the massacre of 600 Pequot by the English.  There was not so we followed the signs to the Pequot Museum which is just passed the casino compound, The Foxwood.  First I must say the first view of The Foxwood

View of The Foxwood from museum tower

is truly imposing.  The deep sky blue glass of the new Tower and the blue of the original buildings, just beautiful.  The museum was not so beautiful but does have a 13 floor observation tower giving a beautiful view of the casino buildings and the surrounding countryside.  At first the museum displays were not so impressive but that changed once we viewed some of the movies and visited the recreation of a Pequot village from 450 years ago.  Using handheld audio you could stop at any of 20+ stops and hear exactly what the figures were doing.  The 30 minute movie of the 1637 Pequot War was as good any movie on the big screen that we have seen.  Very graphic in depicting the events leading up to and the final clash.

Museum display of Pequot men fishing

We were starving by the time we left the museum.  We parked at the casino and surprisingly there wasn’t very good info upon entering to let us know where to go for what.  We were looking for FOOD!  The kiosk we found listed all the places but wasn’t clear where they were with regard to us.  We found a Panera Bread that was closest and it was the MOST expensive lunch at Panera I’ve ever had.  Part of that was because I chose the lobster roll.  It was yummy and the bread was delicious but it was pricy.  Then Bill gave me $50 to spend, notice I say spend, not invest in the casino.  I started at the one where we came in so it would be easier to meet up with Bill and leave but it was actually closed.  There are 3 casinos for sure, maybe if I had continued around the circle there would have been 4.  I went to 2 and lost my money.  I do like Vegas WAY better!  

On the way home we stopped in Dayville to go to Target.  Our little George Foreman is about shot and that’s the only place I know that sells the 2 serving one.  We also picked up another month of service on our Verizon burner phone so we’re good to go if we need it.

We put our stuff away and immediately headed out for our walk and chatted with people along the way.  We were still full from our late lunch so we didn’t eat until 8.  The new George works great.  I just did a chicken breast and leftover broccoli and sliced tomato.  Bill was watching the NBA draft and I was trying to use the computer but didn’t make much headway.

Second day of sight seeing

June 25 – Up and on the road again this morning!  Today we went back to Springfield, MA the visit the Springfield Amory National Historic Site.  It’s right in the downtown area but easy to get to.  We were there much longer than we thought as it’s a really nice weapons museum with a history of arms manufacturing and housing of US military armaments.  It was started in 1794 by President Washington and closed in 1968. 

Gun display in 2 layers to look like a pipe organ

That’s when the government decided to pay companies big bucks to make all of our weapons for us.  There was a display of one of the original lathes used to carve the gun stocks from 1819 and then more modern methods.  There were arms from all the wars we have been in and a lot of information about Canadian born John Garand who invented the M1 rifle which was used in WW2 and into the 1950’s until he invented the M14.  He never sought a patent on his work but felt it was his patriot duty to give the designs to the US Amory where he worked.  Once he retired from the Amory he spent the remainder of his life in Springfield.

We jumped right on the interstate from downtown and shortly we arrived in Sturbridge, MA.  We had planned to visit Old Sturbridge Village, which I think is kinda like Williamsburg in it’s reproduction of Colonial times but you can’t just walk around.  Here you must have a ticket to enter the village.  We didn’t think we’d have enough time to make it worthwhile and it’s actually only about 40 minutes from us so we’ll do that another day.  We did make a stop at the Yankee Traders package store.  Barbara had told me they had the best selection of wines and liquors and she was right!  I bought 4 bottles for me, 1 for a gift and Bill got a 4 pack of Mudslides.  Then we had a great lunch at Sturbridge Seafood.  We expected it to be a diner style place from the look of the building (it shared the space with a pizza place), but it was quite a bit more upscale.  I had my first of the summer lobster roll and opted for a Caesar salad instead of the fries.  Bill had a chicken and andouille sausage pasta alfredo.  He had leftovers, I did not.  Umm, I love lobster!  They have a 4 course Pre Fixe menu on Tuesdays that we think we will have to go back for!

Gurleyville Gristmill

Since gas is much cheaper (.38 per gallon less than CT) we filled up and headed south for CT.  Since we were ahead of schedule as far as getting home for dinner, we went to Mansfield to see the Gurleyville Gristmill.  We didn’t expect it to be open and it wasn’t but we got some photos and it’s in a very serene little valley, on the Fenton river.  The water wheel is no longer there and you can go inside on Sunday afternoons so maybe we’ll go back.  A sawmill was on the site in 1723 and the mill was built around 1835 and operated until the 1940’s.

Since we needed groceries, mostly produce, we stopped at the newly opened Price Chopper and got some super deals on things.  We signed up their discount card and used some coupons and did very well.  Then we finished off with a stop at Aldi’s and Walmart.  The biggest thing we needed at Wally World was to exchange our Shark hand vac that lasted just over a month.  I had the receipt and all the parts and Bill said she wanted the box.  He said look at the receipt, it’s been over a month and it was in Florida so she had him get a new one and she kept the box to package up the old one.  That is the only thing we have to vacuum our little bit of carpet.  I hope this one is better!

After emptying the car Bill got the lawnmower and did our yard while I put things away.  We bought a rotisserie chicken (on special) and pencil asparagus (and rhubarb) at a roadside stand before the grocery stop so dinner was easy.  We took our walk and settled in for some TV and computering.

Fun Day in Bristol and Hartsford

So many beautiful horses

June 24 - Although we got up later than planned we were on the road just before 9  for  our  first  of  3 days  off.    We stopped at a place with   a   sign   for rhubarb,   but   they either were not in or didn’t answer the door.  We headed on to Bristol, CT, home the New England Carousel Museum and ESPN.  We had a super  good  visit  at   the  museum.   Our admission included a ride on a small carousel.  Bill gave up his ride to video me.  They had a small carving area where master carvers create new pieces for the museum.  There were old and new pieces as well as all kinds of animals, some dating back to 1890 or so.  Some had horse hair manes and tails and some were wood, some were fiberglass.  We took lots of photos and video.

After the museum we went to see the ESPN headquarters.  They have 2 facilities and the biggest one is huge and they have security that won’t let anyone in without a badge.  We couldn’t even get a picture of the sign but at the smaller place we could park across the street and get a photo.  Then I took one while we drove past the front.

Bristol is only about 15 miles from Hartford and we drove to

West Hartford to visit the Elizabeth Park Rose Garden where there are 15,000 rose bushes and all were in bloom.  There were arches and a gazebo and very ornately planted sections with roses of every color and size.  It’s a one way drive around it and we easily found a parking spot but it sure had a lot of people for a Tuesday.  There was a US Flag in flowers and lots of greenhouses I guess to get the roses ready for the spring planting.  There were quite a few people there with picnic lunches, too bad we didn’t think of that!

Oldest tourist at the oldest grave

After the park we drove into downtown Hartford and easily found a parking spot along the street within walking distance of where we were headed.  The Ancient Burying Ground on the property of the Center Church was the first cemetery in the city with the oldest headstone being 1648.  The gates on one side were closed and it looked like we would not be able to get in as there were workers repaving the walkways and signs up about the planned refurbishing of the cemetery.  A man in an office to the side where we were trying to photo through the fence came out and told us it was OK to go in but to stay clear of the walkways.  We took our photos and also saw the new marker for the mass grave of the slaves that were dug up and moved.

We walked past the Old State House building and took

Old State House

a few photos and down the street to City Steam Brewery that was recommended to us for lunch.  It’s in an old department store building and is 3 levels inside.  It was very nice and had a pool room in the back and pretty busy with several Asian groups for lunch.  Bill was non creative for lunch but I went with a roasted beet salad over arugula with feta cheese and grilled chicken.  It was huge!  I managed to slowly but surely finish it off.

Mark Twain House

The downtown area is both seedy and nice.  Apparently the main bus line intersects in front of the Old State House and there was an accumulation of derelicts, ladies pulling their suitcases up the street and high school kids looking for who

Harriet Beecher Stowe House

knows what.  We drove past the Bushnell Park where they have a carousel but it doesn’t open until Saturday.  We might have to go back for that some day!  The last stop was the Mark Twain house and the Harriet Beecher Stowe house which were on the same street.  His house was beautiful, even the back side that we could see from the parking lot.  After watching a brief movie about Samuel Clemens’ life and perusing a small display in the visitor center we opted not to pay for hour long tours of each house.  Instead we took to the street to get some photos and Samuel sure did outdo Harriet. 

On the way home we stopped at the Buckland Mall so I could run into Bath and Body Works and Bill was able to connect with an old friend of his, Pat, who he used to teach with in Florida.  She lives in Quincy, MA and we’re going to plan to see her and her husband some time after the 4^th of July.  Then we hit McD’s for some wifi and iced coffee.  Bill has become addicted!

Once we got home we had the last of our leftovers, it’s time to make a grocery run, and went for our evening walk.

Just another day

June 23 – It was cold again last night but it warms up in a hurry each day.  Really a nice day out.  No need for any AC.  Barbara and I thoroughly cleaned the bathrooms and that was the only chore for the day.  Since they had friends in the boss let them leave by noon.  It was no problem as I only had a few phone calls and walk-ins and some kids signing out game things.  It gave me a chance to do my email on a good connection and look up a few things on the net.  I chatted on line with Kam a bit also.  Pam was gone for the day and Steve was in and out.  He sent Bill and I home at 1:30 so we had a half hour reprieve. 

After lunch Bill took a nap and I was on the computer.  Managed to get a couple of things to print but still not as effective at this point as my usb.  There isn’t a place next to my new computer desk to plug in the printer or to sit it on.  If it doesn’t get better I will just compile all my printing and move the laptop to the table and print it all at one time.  Steve was on the phone most of the morning trying to get the wifi situation resolved.  Sounds like he’s going to up the amount he’s paying to double the service.  That might help a lot.  Will see.

After a nice dinner of grilled meats from last night, a baked butternut squash and some fresh sugar peas we took our walk.  We bumped it up to 1 ½ loops.  We discussed making it a 30 minute walk so will see how many loops that is.  Bill just finished the dishes and I did my laundry today so will download some photos and then read until our Monday night shows are on.

Grilling Out!

June 22 – I didn’t sleep well last night.  Woke up hourly from 2:30 on.  Really needed that cup of java this morning to get going!  We had to be in at 9 and the day went pretty fast.  Barbara and I did some light cleaning and I mopped the kitchen and we had some guests come in and late late departures and kids in for ice cream and candy.  Two of the 4 new campers arrived before we left and I did a 3 site reservation that was kinda tricky.  So much to remember each time and one was paying the deposit for another and I hope I got it all straight!

Grillmaster Bill

Almost ready!

We finally got to use our grill tonight.  Bill did bison burgers, chicken, salmon and Italian sausage.  We’ll be covered for 2 more meals now.  I made quinoa salad after work while doing a load of wash and we had some steamed broccoli.  Bill made a jaunt to Wal-mart after our late lunch to pick up his prescription and got a few things we needed.

After dinner we did our walk and met Barbara and Ron’s friends who arrived today for a couple of nights.  Talked to Steve along the way and Rick and Joe.  Then I was excited to have a decent wifi signal and downloaded my printer software to change my printer from usb to wifi.  The test print actually worked this time so after I journal I will try some real printing! 

Think I better stop and get a shower since it’s getting close to bedtime!

Back on the job!

My new work station

June 21 – It’s back to work today but not until 5.  Only a 4 hour shift but could be busy with kids and we have a Muslim group with 30 sites and they have a lot of kids.  They’re all in tents and it was cold again last night.  We have to do special requests for them, like places in the bathhouse to wash their feet etc.

Bill went up the Rec Hall at 10 to meet the veggie and pie lady who Pam, our boss, had called and asked if she’d sell us some rhubarb.  She told Bill it was a one time deal but we got a nice big bunch for $5.  Enough for several crisps.  We left later to go to one of the area Farmers Market. 

The Farmers Market was somewhat disappointing.  Not much has come in as yet.  This is produce actually grown by the people and not gotten from cold storage someplace.  There were only lettuces, greens, bok choy, radishes and spring onions.  I think each week it will get better.  I got some snow peas and arugula.  Had some arugula on my lunch salad!  Then I put together 2 small rhubarb crisps and baked them in the toaster oven.  One is gluten free for us and the other is regular for our co-workers and Pam and Steve.  Small portions but then not everyone likes rhubarb.

On the way home we tried a new route to verify where it went and then stopped at a little walk up diner to check out the menu.  Bill said “we have to buy something”, so I splurged on a single scoop cup of cappuccino crunch and he had a hot dog and coke.  That’s why I had a nice salad at home to cancel out the ice cream.

We went in to work at 5 and I packed leftovers for our dinner around 7.  I took in the rhubarb crisp and whipped cream for everyone.  They all seemed to enjoy it and Bill was bummed that he had to wait til after work to have his.  It was pretty busy the first 2 hours.  Lots of kids coming in for ice cream and adults for firewood.  Before we left for the night Barbara and I did a lot of our morning chores so things will run smoother when we get in.  Check out isn’t until 1 so we could have people in for a while. 

After having our crisp we watched some TV and read til bedtime.

First Trip to Providence

 June 20 – Today we left about 10 for Providence, RI.  It’s an hour drive on 2 lane road through beautiful tree shrouded roads.  The city is the capitol of RI but not the least bit intimidating to drive in.  Although there are many one way streets we had little difficulty finding our way.  The reason for all of the one way streets is because of all of the old buildings that still stand from a time when the roads only needed to be large enough for carriages to pass.

On the road arriving

We started at the center of Federal Hill where we had no problem parking along the street beside the Capitol building.  It’s quite imposing as you drive up the street directly in front of it.  It’s also within walking distance of the Providence Place Mall which is quite large with all of the major stores and many more and 16 movie theaters.  We had no reason to visit so after the capitol we headed to the visitor center of the Roger Williams National Memorial.  He started the “town” of Providence.  He left England for the Massachusetts Bay Colonies due to religious persecution in 1631.  However, he

First Baptist Meeting House

still chose not to conform to the religion established in the new colony and was to be deported so he fled the colony leaving his wife and children behind to avoid arrest.  He befriended members of the Narragansett tribe and learned their language and became an interpreter between them and the colonists.  In 1636 the tribe deeded him land at the headwaters of Narragansett Bay which he named Providence.  He was joined by his family and some close friends and established a new colony that became Rhode Island.  In around 1638 he cofounded the first Baptist Church in North America and in 1775 the First Baptist Meeting House was built. It still stands.  We planned to visit and tour the church but although it didn’t say anything on the website, it was closed until Monday for renovations.  We will go back again and see the inside.  Williams was buried in his yard but later moved to a special place where a huge monument was erected in his honor.

Enjoying lunch

We had lunch at the Mediterraneo on Federal Hill.  It is in the Italian restaurant row and it was featured at one time on the Guy Fiero show, Diners, Dives and Drive-Ins.  It was a delicious if expensive lunch.  They offer a Pre Fixe menu for lunch and a huge selection of meals and a la carte items.  It was a difficult decision and I changed my mind 3 times.  I had the Caprese salad and Gluten Free Bolognese and Tiramisu for dessert.  I was stuffed!  Bill had a regular salad and he said it was Chicken Parmigiana but that’s not what they called it.  He had the Tiramisu also.  He did have some leftover chicken for tomorrow.

We drove around Brown University just to see the campus and since the church was closed we

Bill's new pet

started heading back home.  We drove home via a different route so we went through the town of Brooklyn.  We saw a sign for Creamery Brook Farm Bison and immediately took the turn.  At the end of the journey there was a small herd of buffalo and a farmhouse with a small store selling free range chickens that were huge and all cuts of buffalo along with ice cream and various gift items.  We bought some bison meat and then visited the petting zoo animals:  a buffalo, some emu, cows and ponies.

On the way home we made a stop and McD’s for our fix of iced coffee and some decent wifi.  Once we got home we stopped at the Rec Hall to let them know we were expecting a package today and actually we received 2 yesterday:  our dash mat for the car and my computer table.  Then they found another box that came today with the gas line for our grill that Kurt sent.  Wow! Bill immediately put the dash mat in and said it fit perfect and looks great.  We opened the desk and tried it in 4 places, none of which are perfect but finally settle on a spot we think it will work.  We’re keeping the packaging for a few days for me to give it a try and if it doesn’t work for me we can return it to Camping World.  It’s made to screw to a wall so it doesn’t tip over once you put your laptop or keyboard on it.  I’m sitting in the drivers seat turned around and propping the table part on the arm of the couch. 

We had our supper I made for tomorrow night tonight.  It was too late to thaw anything.  Guess it’s time to get my book out!

Rainy day off..bah...humbug!

June 19 – We woke to more rain!  It was a pretty hard rain and lasted until about 10:30.  We eventually got around to going into Windham to Home Depot to pick up our bound step rugs and then to Walmart, Aldi’s and to get actually fill up the car tank.  We only got enough to get home yesterday it was so expensive.  The new step rugs look great.

New necklace rack

I made a new recipe my friend sent for Skinny Chunky Monkey Cookies.  I lost my grocery list in the store and when I got home and got out the recipe I saw I had forgotten applesauce so I substituted apple butter.  They were good if you really like banana flavor, so Bill loved them.  They’re really low fat and no added sugar.

I also made some pickle steaks for dinner on Saturday when we go back to work.  I didn’t much care for using the convection oven.  I need to look for a book on that!   I did some cookies in the toaster oven and some in the convection and Bill said he couldn’t tell the difference.

After dinner we took our walk and the Rec Hall was still open so we stopped in to visit for a while and then on the walk home we stopped to visit with one of the other volunteer couples.  They are full-timers from CA.

While Bill cleaned up the kitchen I hung a key rack in the bedroom by the dresser to hang my necklaces on.  It wasn’t what I pictured in my head but it’s even nicer.

So now it’s time to catch up typing, entering items in the check book and either read or watch some TV.

First of 3 Days off!

Weir Farm NHS

June 18 -  Time for 3 days off!  Not that our work is hard or long hours but everyone looks forward to doing some site seeing.  We were on the road at 9:15 and it was about 2 hours getting to Weir Farm National Historic Site.  It’s the only site dedicated to the arts.  Julian Weir acquired 153 acres in 1882 and it became his summer house.  He made many changes to the place and added a studio since he was an artist with a love of fishing and outdoor sports.  The property passed to his daughter, also an artist, and was later bought by an artist who encouraged other artists to come there to work, and so it evolved.  Unfortunately for us, we were allowed on the grounds but the buildings are not open to the public but Thursday – Sunday.  Oh well!

This was the far most point west we planned to go so on the way back we made as many stops as possible.  We spotted a Whole Foods store and I thought ahead and put ice in our cooler so we picked up a few things there and had lunch at the Panera next door.  We were told of a Trader Joes’ nearby as I was using one of my many Trader Joe bags.  We stopped there for a few things but I was disappointed they did not have any white cheddar with chocolate.  Guess that was for the best!

Just a few of the clocks on display

Right off the interstate was the Timexpo in Waterbury, CT.  It’s the Timex watch museum.  Timex was originally the Waterbury Clock Company and the museum covered the history of Waterbury Clock through it’s

Easter Island statue
out front

migration to Timex.  There was a huge assortment of watches, clocks, grandfather clocks dating back to 1857.  Some were gorgeous and others were downright gaudy.  It was very interesting.  Their gift shop sells watches!  Surprise, surprise!  If you could not find a watch you liked there then you weren’t trying very hard.  Everything was 50% off retail and there was a clearance group of 80% off.  Bill was surprised that I didn’t buy a watch as I am a watch person, but they all have leather or adjustable straps and I love my clip on bands that I don’t need to adjust.  For some reason there was also an exhibit on the Easter Islands.  We weren’t sure about the connection other than the family in charge of Timex at the time were close friends of the man doing this particular study of the Easter Islands.  There were replicas of statues of those from the islands and boats built and tested to explain how people could have arrived at the islands. 

The new coffee table

Other than a quick stop for gas we headed home.  I was hoping to get back before the office closed at 5:30 as our new coffee table was due to be delivered today and I didn’t want it locked up in the Rec Hall.  It had not come but later Steve brought it out to us as it came late.  We took our walk around the park and came back and set up the new table.  It’s perfect and we think we know exactly where to put it folded up for travel.

I made a batch of beef jerky and dinner and we watched some TV and I did some email while I got a signal.  

Bad back still!

Poor Barb trying to vacuum with her broken
arm

June 17 – Yesterday I called an Orchard I saw signs for strawberries and got the picking hours so after breakfast this AM we went and picked 7 pounds of berries.  Five were for us and 2 for Barb and Ron.  It took about an hour to drive there and back and pick our berries.  As the summer progresses they will have blueberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins.  It’s really close so we will be doing more picking and they have other veggies.

We worked 12:30 to 5:30 today.  It was another nice day out.  Not much went on and Barb and I found some things to do and then we made some signs Steve wanted.  I do the design and print and she does the laminating.  Bill was mowing again.

My back was still a mess and does get better as the day goes on.  I don’t have any problem sleeping but just getting up and down.

Working hard with a bad back!

June 16 – Another 2 – 7 day!  It does give you time to do morning errands or cleaning, which is

what we did.  We did the floors and steps and tidied up.  I woke up with really bad back pain from pulled muscles.  Think it was from reaching into the double ovens to clean them and twisted in an odd fashion. Then I went to the post office to get stamps and mail things.  I sat in the parking lot and make some calls I thought would eat up too much time on our burner phone.  We had lunch late and headed in to work.

Barb and I took up the big carpet and cleaned under it and I trimmed the edges and duct taped all around it.  I was moving rather slow and gingerly as my back was still a mess.  She swept the floors and I answered the phone.  Steve, our boss, asked if we’d like an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts so we gave him our orders and for Bill and Ron and he brought back huge ones.  Then we all sat on the porch and enjoyed our break.  That was really nice!

The rest of the tour of duty was pretty slow.  I did one reservation and we did the closing for the day.  I think we have that part pretty well under our belts, it’s the inputting of reservations on the computer that we still run into questions.

I didn’t have to do much cooking for dinner since we had extra from last night so just some veggies to go with the meat.  Some of our shows were on TV that we watched.

Happy Father's Day!

June 15 – We didn’t work until 2 today so Bill mowed our grass while I went back to town.  We didn’t get to Wal-Mart last night so I made my stop there and back to McD’s for another hour.  Then I called my dad for Father’s Day while I had a good signal.

We decided to hook up our grill since this has been the best weather day we’d had so far.  I took out a variety of meats to grill tonight.

It was a slow day and the guys cut grass and cleaned fire pits and we cleaned the kitchen and it

He sits for a long time and fills up

was a mess from the Father’s Day breakfast on Sunday and we stocked in the Rec Hall.  Most of our guests left early so we didn’t have much going on.  We had 2 guests come in to extend another day and I did one reservation to arrive today.  We all got let go an hour early which was nice since we were grilling out.  Well, once again, things didn’t go as planned.  Bill set up the table and grill and hooked it into the RV propane tank to the connection Kurt and Mark set up before we left.  He turned on the gas lever and no gas!  We tried several times but no luck.  Then we couldn’t find the old hose from the grill to the small tank to go ahead and use that, but think it’s back in FL.  So I ended up having to grill it all on the tiny George Foreman in 3 batches.  It was good but not the plan!

Date Night

June 14 – Early work day today, in at 9 until 1, so a shorter day anyway!  Friday and Saturday go pretty fast since it’s busier.  We had to get ready for Bingo in the afternoon and there were lots of kids in borrowing balls, rackets etc and playing the game machines. 

After work and lunch we both just rested a while, did a load of laundry and then headed to town

One of Molly's new spots, on the dash!

for the afternoon and evening.  We went to BJ’s Wholesale and signed up for a free 2 month membership since they are much closer than Sam’s here.  Took our cooler and ice so I could buy some chicken and produce.  Then we went to the movie:  22 Jump Street, another waste of my time.  Funny but no one can be as stupid as these people in the movie.  Bill loved it of course.  We went to the Applebee’s by the movie for dinner as we didn’t feel like looking around for someplace better.  It was good, nothing to get excited about.

Last stop was McD’s for wifi time.  Bill sat in the car most of the time talking on the phone while he could get a good signal.  I only had an hour on the computer so didn’t get much done but paid some bills and blogged.