New England Photos

The World's Largest Lobstertrap Tree

2011-12-20T22:30:00.003-05:00

Rockland, ME - This is the World's Largest Lobstertrap tree. It contains 152 traps built by Brooks Trap Mill in Thomaston, ME. Each trap weighs 40 pounds and has a festive red door. The tree is 38 feet high.

The tree is adorned with 480 feet of garland, 125 lobster buoys, and 3000 twinkle lights. The tree has been a tradition since 2003.

Topping the tree is an 8 foot fiberglass lobster. After the Christmas season, 100 of these traps are auctioned off to a lobsterman, the tickets are $50.

Here I am taking it easy on one of the "chairs" surrounding the tree.

October Storm 2011 - Week without Power

2011-11-05T09:50:00.006-04:00

First thing I would like to say is that the power company is doing a good job of restoring power. They expect that 99% of Connecticut residents will have power by Sunday night. I was out of power for seven days, but since we are out away from a populated area I expected to be near the end of being restored. Connecticut had over 800,000 customers out of power. Since the damage was so massive the power company,Connecticut Light and Power(CL&P),like in the movie "We were Soldiers" where when an American Firebase is being overrun and they call "Broken Arrow", a code that calls any available plane in South Vietnam to come and help. CL&P called "Broken Arrow" and every available power company in the country came to help, over 2000 crews. But, people are complaining that not enough is being done, um...they are fixing a whole state in just over a week. I think with the massive amount of work being done that they are doing an awesome job. I would like to thank the workers from PIKE company from the Carolina's who fixed my wires.

You an see the heavy snow sticking to the trees. The biggest problem was that the leaves are still on the trees causing even more of this heavy snow to stick.

A day or so after the snow the sun came out and melted the snow off the trees exposing the damage. Here a large branch has pulled down the wires.

Here a branch is hanging on the wires. All these photos are around my house.

A tree laying on the wires.

Two large Oak trees with most of the branches broken. This is out in front of the Glassblowing studio in Riverton,CT.

A tree blocking half the road. One thing you have to remember is this is after the roads were mostly cleared of branches and trees, at least the ones that were safe to touch.

Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates and Ice Cream

2011-10-23T22:12:00.004-04:00

Peterborough, NH - My wife and I took a side trip to Peterborough from the Keene Pumpkin Festival. We saw Ava Marie Chocolates and Ice Cream and decided to have some Ice Cream.

This is the counter for Ice Cream and also chocolate of course.

Finally, an Ice Cream store that is not afraid to give you a good amount of ice cream, this is a regular size...and I all about the volume. If you visit Peterburough, definately stop by for some ice cream or chocolate. Here is there website for more info. Ava Marie

The candy side of the house.

Best Chocolate Turtles in New Hampshire.

This guy must have been eating diet chocolate he looks a bit thin.

Keene Pumpkin Festival - 2011

2011-10-22T22:13:00.004-04:00

Keene, NH - My wife and I brought the boys up to Keene New Hampshire today to see the Keene Pumpkin Festival. Well, the boys actually stayed in the car while we went to the festival. (for new readers, the "boys" are my dogs). This is the main tower of jack-o-lanterns which were all lit up by the time we got there, which was about dusk. It seemed to me there were not quite as many pumpkins as last year.

This year they had another tower of jack-o-laterns, maybe this is why I thought there were less pumpkins, spread out more.

A close-up view of tower 2, hey that rhymes, I'm a poet and don't know it.

A cat pumpkin.

Dracula pumpkin

All along Main Street are these racks full of pumpkins.

Pumpkin Head here was walking up the street and people would pose with him.

Porcupine

2011-10-18T22:38:00.003-04:00

I was driving down the road and saw this porcupine so I quickly rolled down the window and took some quick photos, not my best but you get the main idea. I have been seeing a lot of Porcupines lately, alive and dead on the road.

He turned around and face me for a few seconds, but...

I believe they put their back to you so you are confronted by a wall of quills. This is OK for most predators but not so good against a car.

Closed for the Winter

2011-10-17T22:48:00.002-04:00

I was driving around looking for some autumn photos and I saw this building on a private pond. I really don't know what this building is for but I will pretend it is a boat house full of summer equipment all packed up, hibernating until next spring.

Mostly, I just like the way this building looks.

Dingy of the Coast of Maine

2011-10-15T23:25:00.000-04:00

A dingy off the rocky coast of Maine

Pumpkin Heads

2011-10-14T06:00:00.000-04:00

Damariscotta, ME - Here are three kids sporting these cute pumpkin hats while watching the races at the pumpkin regatta.

Pumpkin Litter Bug

2011-10-13T07:04:00.003-04:00

Damariscotta, ME - A litter bug out in front of Scarborough's Collision Inc.

Lone Pine

2011-10-11T22:45:00.001-04:00

A lone pine in the mist.

Hooping Harmony - Hula Hooping

2011-08-29T22:08:00.003-04:00

Hooping Harmony Corp. was started by the mother-daughter team of Ariana Shelton and Laura Marie. Their resumes' are quite impressive, here is the "Reader's Digest" version. Laura Marie, the daughter, is a jewelry designer, inventor/creator, dance teacher, impassioned movement artist, and raw chocolate fairy. Ariana Shelton, is a motivational speaker and workshop leader, a holistic health practitioner, life and spiritual coach. Since childhood she has demonstrated clairvoyance and healing abilities which led to a life path of becoming a Reiki Master. This is just the beginning of their abilities and accomplishments. Go to their website to read the full story at Hooping Harmony

I met this dynamic duo at a company picnic where I tried my luck at "hooping". They gave me Big Bertha or something like that, they have names for some of the hoops. Large hoops are easier to learn on and as their website says, " Size Large is for someone 5' 6" tall or taller or have "generous body proportions" guilty on both counts. Here some of my co-workers are hooping it up. In their pamphlet it says this about hooping, "It will disrupt limiting body patterns and will begin to promote healing and rejuvenation in your body while stimulating greater mental clarity." I am all for that, and you thought it was just for kids.

Check out their website for more information on classes, workshops, hoop jams, and other events at www.hoopingharmony.com

Warning: Hooping has been known to create radical joy, silliness and all over body fitness and well-being.

Info has been shamelessly "borrowed" from their pamphlet.

Still River after Irene

2011-08-28T21:26:00.003-04:00

Riverton, CT - Here are some photos of the Still River after Hurricane Irene. We were extremely lucky, we did not lose power like hundreds of thousands did in Connecticut.

The Still River is very narrow and not a whole lot of water flows in it,the mean amount is 32 cfs(cubic feet per second), when writing this, about 9:30pm the flow is down to 5630 cfs. The high today was about 10,000 cfs.

Big Teeth Sculpture

2011-07-28T07:09:00.003-04:00

Great Barrington, MA - I don't know if these are Paul Bunyan's dentures or teeth of a giant that once lived?

This is one of the sculptures that are displayed in the North of town.

New England Photo Extra - Alaska

2011-07-25T07:19:00.004-04:00

I had to put in something to replace the Moose Poop. So, here is a photo of an eagle I took when in Alaska.

Moose Poop

2011-07-15T07:42:00.003-04:00

Yes, another addition to the "Poop" collection. This is Moose Poop.

Great Barrington MA - 250th Anniversary Parade - Part 2

2011-07-11T21:27:00.006-04:00

US Army Ghostriders Transportation Company. Ironically, they are walking.

Cool old fire engine from Interlaken, CT Fire Department.

A 250th Birthday party commands a big cake.

CT Hurricanes Band's Flags.

Young Festival Latino Dancers

Young Latino boy with a great looking mustache.

Festival Latino of the Berkshires dancer.

ZZ Top member? Like he never heard that before.

These girls are flipping over parades.

Cycling Murray's Cycling Team

Great Barrington African American Greats

A Shriner and his Camel

Shriner Wheelie. Is that a Fez Helmet?

Great Barrington MA - 250th Anniversary Parade

2011-07-10T22:27:00.008-04:00

Great Barrington, MA - Today I attended the Great Barrington, MA's 250th Anniversary parade. It is late so I will post just a few photos. More tomorrow.

Noon...parade starting time.

Before the parade there was a beard contest. This fellow got the "Most Naturally Colorful Beard".

This is Iredale Mineral Cosmetics banner. Iredale is a year long sponsor of this event.

This is Iredale's float.

Before the parade I stopped by here for a nice grilled Kielbasa. Warning: the mustard has quite a horseradish kick...but so good.

The Barrington Brewery guys rolled this barrel down the parade route.

A somber fireman.

A cool firewagon. I like these old time fireman dress outfits.

This guy is a horse poop butler. His job is to walk behind a carrige and pick up the droppings.

Let's Samba.

Oooo...Ronald loves the ladies. Who knew he was such player.

Emerald Ash Borer Traps

2011-07-09T18:18:00.000-04:00

I have been seeing these purple triangles hanging all over Connecticut and I finally found out what they are. The are sticky traps to catch bugs put out by the EAB Trapping Program. What they are looking for is the Emerald Ash Borer. I believe they are not in Connecticut yet, but they are on the look out for them.

A trap hung up high.

These labels are attached to the rope holding the trap letting people know what they are.

Housatonic Art League Summer Show 2011 at Dewey Hall

2011-07-08T19:03:00.001-04:00

Sheffield, MA - I saw a sign for a FREE Art Show so I stopped in.

The art show is in Dewey Memorial Hall 91 Main Street (Rte. 7) Sheffield, MA. The juried show is open from June 30 - July 31, 2011. Hours are Daily 10am - 5pm, Fridays open until 6pm, Sundays 1pm - 5pm. There is also a Member show August 4 - September 5.

These are Free shows open to the public.

A note about the hall. It was built in 1887 to honor Orville Dewey who was born in Sheffield in 1794. He was a Unitarian Minister who preached in Boston, New Bedford, and New York. When he retired to his farm in Sheffield he founded the Sheffield Friendly Union Library Association. When he died, his family raised $10,000 to build the hall in his honor.

Barnum Festival - Champions on Parade - Part 2

2011-07-07T19:46:00.000-04:00

More photos of the Champions on Parade.

Barnum Festival - Champions on Parade

2011-07-06T22:18:00.004-04:00

Bridgeport - On July 2nd I went with my brother and sister-in-law to Champions on Parade Drum Competition. Here are some photos I took of the performers. What I surprised about was the age of the performers. Never having been to one of these before I expected younger people, but I was surprised to find people of all ages.

More photos tomorrow.

Cross at the Cathedral of the Pines

2011-04-24T21:40:00.002-04:00

I will try to post more on this tomorrow but for Easter I wanted to post this cross with Mt.Monadnock in the background.

McAllister's Classic and Custom Fly Shop

2011-04-23T18:02:00.003-04:00

Pleasant Valley, CT - Yesterday my boss let us quit work at noon so I decided to try out my new fly rod that I had built. I had done a little fishing with a fly rod about 40 years ago so basically I did not know much about fly fishing. I stopped by McAllister's Fly shop to buy some flies to use on the Farmington River. I told Jaime that I was a newbie and he offered to bring me outside and give me some pointers on how to cast...which I was so grateful for. He also told me which flies to use and even showed me a much easier knot to tie than what I read about on the web. There is no substitute for experience.

Here his is helping me out again with a rod malfunction. This is where he ties his flies. I read on his website that he has a get together once a month to tie flies, maybe someday for me.

Here you can see fly tieing materials and on the table are bins full of flies for purchase, he also sells spinning gear, rods, live bait,even some clothing.

The checkout. If you look in front of the bear skin you will see a custom hand-made net by McAllister's Nets.

If you are fishing on or driving by the Farmington River in Pleasant Valley, stop in to McAllister's and pickup some fishing gear and learn what is biting.

Link to McAllister's Shop

Horses on the Beach

2011-04-22T07:44:00.003-04:00

Seabrook, NH - While I was in Seabrook I noticed about a dozen horses on the beach. Since there was a sign that dogs are not allowed on the beach,I would not think horses would be. Maybe animals are not allowed in the summer? Anyway, it seems like a cool thing to do, run your horses down the beach.

Here is the meeting of some horses.

Riverton Fishing Derby - 2011

2011-04-16T09:15:00.006-04:00

Riverton, CT - Every year in Riverton there is a fishing derby held the on the first day of fishing season. You can see all the people lined up for some, "Combat Fishing"

Starting at 4am you can have breakfast at the firehouse.

Looking down off the bridge, here is a fisherman with a trout on the stringer.

A group of spectators looking down at the fisherman.

As I understand it, the Trophy Trout Club is one of the major sponsors of the derby. It used to be sponsored by The Hitchcock Chair Company but since they went out of business the Club has taken it over. I also believe local merchants have given some prizes. The Trophy Trout Club stocks a lot big fish the week before the contest.

Here is a fisherman heading down to the firehouse to get his fished weighed for the derby.

Here are a couple of the big fish caught that morning. I think these were some of the largest, there were two that weighed 6lbs. 8oz.

This is the weigh-in station at the firehouse in a moment without many people looking or taking photos...guilty as charged.

These are the prize list, first prize is the Hitchcock Rocking Chair with a trout painted on it.

The Seabrook Pirate

2011-04-14T09:04:00.002-04:00

Seabrook, NH - This pirate is standing guard over the mini golf in Seabrook. I really don't know his name but I am calling him The Seabrook Pirate. He is looking at the sea for any boats that he can plunder.

Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant

2011-04-09T20:44:00.002-04:00

Seabrook, NH - Here is the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant. What struck me is the clam diggers and lobster boats basically out in front of it.

Here is a photo taken with my telephoto lens that shows the clam diggers more clearly.

Tree at Ancient Burial Ground

2011-04-04T16:19:00.003-04:00

New London, CT - A while ago I went to the Ancient Burial Ground and took this photo. I am trying to get back into the habit of posting again.

Elihu Burritt Monument

2011-02-13T19:55:00.004-05:00

New Marlborough, MA - This monument is on the green in New Marlborough MA. It was erected for Elihu Burritt who studied to be a blacksmith in town. He was a very intelligent man, he had an aptitude for languages, and wrote over 37 books and articles. President Lincoln appointed him United States consul in Birmingham England. This earned him the title of "Learned Blacksmith"; he continued being an occasional blacksmith to make extra money. In 1848 he created the precursor to the League of Nations and the United Nations called the First International Congress of the Friends of Peace which convened in Brussels in Sept. 1848. He also advocated in Britain for the Ocean Penny Post, a reduction in the current rate. He argument was that this would increase international correspondence, trade, hence universal brotherhood.

A close-up of the plaque.

Info:Elihu Burritt Wikipedia

That's a Lotta' Crab Legs

2011-02-02T16:20:00.006-05:00

West Swanzey, NH - I was driving down the road in West Swanzey, NH and I noticed this guy, perched on the roof of Nick's Restaurant. Do you think they have crab on the menu?

Nick's sign out front.

Whistlestop Corner Restaurant

2011-01-23T19:21:00.004-05:00

Clarendon, VT - Today I took another trip to Vermont. The boys and I went to Rutland and visited with a few blogger buddies. On the way back I took Route 103. I passed this restaurant and then turned around because I thought it looked kind of cool. I decided to have something to eat, so I went in.

The restaurant is in the former East Clarendon Train Station. I was told this is a place frequented by hikers from the Appalachian/Long Trail which crosses Route 103 just south of the restaurant. Hours are Tues - Thurs 6:30am to 3:00pm, Fri. - Sat 6:30am - 8:00pm, Sun 7:00am - 3:00pm. Hours are subject to change due to weather conditions so it is suggested you call ahead 802-747-7070.

In 1998 a caboose was converted into a Ice Cream Caboose; Ice Cream is served there is the Summer, there is seating in the Caboose and on the deck outside.

Here are a few photos from inside the restaurant; looking toward the lunch counter.

This is looking in the dining section. As you can see, the walls are old bead board.

This was my lunch, one of the specials for the day, a Chipolte Burger, tomato, onions, cheddar, on a substantial bun. The burger was hand made, not one of those pre-made skinny burgers, cooked to order. There was plenty to eat, no walking away hungry here.

Living Machine Green Waste Management

2011-01-22T20:28:00.003-05:00

Last week we took a trip up to Vermont. We stopped at the first rest area on Route 89, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rest Stop. In the back of the rest area is this room containing these tanks with plants growing from them. These together make the Living Machine Waste Management System. All the waste water from the rest stop gets purified in these tanks.

This is one of the tanks, each one has a particular job to do in the process.

There is a walkway around the room so you can see each tank, also there are signs explains the each process is; this sign give the system layout.

Doggie Snow Path

2011-01-13T08:59:00.003-05:00

Yesterday we had a few feet of snow, to help my dogs go to the place where they do their "Business", I shoveled a path. This is Thatcher coming down the path.

Personal Cow

2010-12-30T21:29:00.003-05:00

What if you like living out in the country, with pasture land around your property and liked the idea of having some livestock without the hassle of feeding or milking them? Well, get your own personal stand-in cow.

I saw this fiberglass cow next to someone's house, just standing out in the field. This way you can have your cow and never have that, "Down Home Smell", if you know what I mean.

"The Boys"

2010-12-28T22:55:00.004-05:00

These two rowdies are "The Boys". When ever you read, I took the boys for a ride or the Boys and I ...; I am referring to these two guys. The one on the left is Thatcher and the other one is Cooper. They are brothers from different litters.

Sorry, I have been very slow posting for the last few months...life happens. If I don't post for a while my parents get worried that something happened to me. So I decided to post, The Boys.

Little Pony or Big Sheep?

2010-12-19T22:05:00.002-05:00

Sorry I have been very slow in posting, I have been very busy with work lately. So I thought I better post something. Here is a photo I took a few weeks ago. The reason I took it is that it struck me funny that the pony was about the same size as the sheep. In the photo, the pony looks larger but as I passed by they looked about the same size.

Riverton CT Luminaries

2010-12-04T18:44:00.004-05:00

Riverton, CT - I took these last night in Riverton. I believe there was a wine walk or something, but since I don't drink, I did not pay much attention. The Sweet Pea Restaurant is in the background.

Riverton General Store.

The Firehouse all lit up for the holidays.

Luminaries around the corner.

This fence looks very festive.

Close-up of a luminary. A luminary is a paper bag with a candle in it, often weighted with sand.

Luminaries line the road.

Colorful Christmas tree outside the General Store.

Grandma Moses Mural

2010-11-11T19:05:00.003-05:00

On the way up to Vermont today I went through Hoosick Falls, NY and saw this mural of a Grandma Moses painting, "Wagon Repair Shop". Technically, not in New England but New Englandish. I just love Grandma Moses' paintings and her grandson, Will Moses' paintings. In fact,I have a Serigraph of a Will Moses painting.

COLEBROOK GENERAL STORE - Reopened

2010-11-08T21:47:00.006-05:00

Colebrook, CT - The Colebrook General Store is finally open after a long closure.

Addison Todd is the new owner, he is a chef and will be concentrating on making sandwiches and baked goods. I saw that their are breakfast sandwiches on the menu. In addition, on Friday's he will be making pizzas. But, at this time, you need to call early in the week and order what kind of pizza you would like and then call on Friday and tell him when you would like to pick up your pizza. Here Addision is getting ready to make some fresh Butternut Squash Soup.

People familar with the Colebrook Store know of the big eclairs. Addison will continue with that tradition. In addition, he also makes a smaller version for people with a smaller appitite. At the time I stopped by the large ones were all sold out and a few small ones were all that were left.

After a good sales day, this is all that was left in the bakery case.

The current menu.

The blackboard menu with today's specials.

A sitting area in the front of the store, in addition, there are other eating areas in the store.

A view of the back of the store.

Big Pin, Needle, and Spool

2010-11-03T10:06:00.003-04:00

Sheffield, MA - We were riding through Sheffield Ma and my wife spied this store, M Design Reupholstery, with the big pin, needle, and spool of thread. So we turned around a took a few photos.

A closer look.

Keene Pumpkin Festival - Part 2

2010-11-01T16:40:00.001-04:00

Keene, NH - Continuing with the pumpkin festival photos from yesterday. Here is pumpkins around the gazebo.

A rack of pumpkins, these are lining the Main Street.

A little Bear Pumpkin.

This pumpkin looks like a pirate with leprosy.

Pineapple head pumpkin.

You can see the crowds of people attending the festival.

Along with the pumpkins there was a big puppet.

A Pumpkin Spitting contest.

A Na'Vi.

Even Fried Pickles, the line was very long and I didn't want to wait to try one.

Keene Pumpkin Festival

2010-10-31T19:24:00.006-04:00

Keene, NH - A few weeks ago I went to the 20th anniversary Keene Pumpkin Festival. Every year they try to beat the record of the most Jack O'lanterns in one place, so far they broke the record eight times. This year they had 22,943 pumpkins; the record is held by Boston with 30,128 set in 2006. This is the tower of pumpkins at the end of the street.

This is the big pumpkin at the top of the tower.

It is encouraged to bring carved pumpkins to add to the count.

If you didn't bring your own pumpkin, you can buy one at the festival.

I think this one had too much to drink.

This very large pumpkin was carved into an old man.

A Moon Face pumpkin.

I took this photo with this gentleman next to it so you can get an idea of the size.

A Pumpkin Totem.

Teapot Pumpkin.

I took many photos at the festival, too many to choose just a few. Tomorrow I will post more.

Norfolk CT Green in Autumn

2010-10-26T20:50:00.003-04:00

Norfolk, CT - I took a trip to Canaan CT and on the way I stopped in Norfolk to take some photos of the green. The obligatory white New England Church.

A nice place to chill.

This fountain was built in memory of Joseph Battell who was born in 1806 in Norfolk and died in New York City in 1874.

Close-up of the lion.

Monument on the green.

Burlington Pumpkin Regatta - Part 2

2010-10-12T21:08:00.007-04:00

Burlington, VT - In addition to the Pumpkin Regatta there was other things happening on shore. Making an appearance was Miss Vermont Teen USA - Shelby Layne Gregorie and Miss Vermont USA - Nydelis Ortiz.

This girl was doing her best Chris Angel impression...no just kidding...she was practicing her dance moves for a show later in the day.

There was vendors selling their wares; here is Vermont Pickle. In addition to pickles made of cucumbers they had pickled carrots. I especially liked the "Hot Carrots".

I honed in on the Maple Doughnuts at the Palmer's Sugar House booth when I first got there...awesome.

They had some games to play there also, pumpkin sweeping anyone?

There were also crafts to do such as paper hat making run by Davis Studio.

There was also a scarecrow contest.

It's Butterfly Dog. People brought their pets for the Best Dressed Pet Contest. I tried to take a photo of a dog dressed like a pumpkin but the owner started to yell at me, she did not want me to take a photo of the dog. Um, it is a dog dressed as a pumpkin in public...that just begs for a photo.

These two "Cow People" were paddlers sponsored by Ben and Jerry's.

It's Helga the two fisted cell phone user.

In addition to the other festivities there were Pie Eating Contests.

It was messy!

Burlington Pumpkin Regatta - Part 1

2010-10-10T21:07:00.009-04:00

Burlington, VT - This is the third Burington Pumpkin Regatta which takes place on Lake Champain. Here you can see the "boats", giant pumpkins which are donated by the Vermont Giant Vegetable Growers.

You can see the size in relation to this women. The weights ranged from about 700 to 1100 lbs.

This guy has claimed his craft.

A pumpkin is set up so you can take your photo with it, you head gets eaten.

The heavy artillery is brought out to cut the pumpkin.

This pumpkin is hollowed out so it can be ridden in. The seeds are saved and sold so you can grow one of these behemoths.

The pumpkins are loaded into the water with a tractor with a loader.

Here you can see one of the contestants riding her pony.

Closing in on the competition.

Her pumpkin was a bit out of control, it is not easy padding a pumpkin.

A pirate flying to Jolly Roger.

It was bedlam on the course.

Piloting the dragon ship, this was the eventual winner of the sponsored division of the pumpkin boats.

From planes to boats, he does it all.

Goshen Fair 2010

2010-10-09T22:24:00.006-04:00

Goshen, CT - We went to the Goshen Fair Labor Day Weekend, here are a few photos I took while there. A sheep taking a rest in the hay.

Super Hero Sheep

Rasta Sheep

Oxen Pull

This is something I have never seen, a pair of Longhorn Oxen.

I never knew that Garden Tractor weight pulling was such a big thing. Here is a whole bunch all lined up read to pull.

A goat in the show ring, playing up to the judge.

Here a cow gets its toe nails polished up before going into the ring.

This women is giving it her all in the chopping contest.

A blacksmith doing some finishing touches to a door handle.

This soldier was playing the bagpipes near the front gate.

Some big pumpkins.

Big Chicken

2010-10-07T06:55:00.003-04:00

I saw this Big Chicken along the side of the road and just had to take a photo. I estimate the chicken is about five feet high and it looks like it may be made of metal.

Colorful Fall Farm Stand

2010-09-26T21:34:00.007-04:00

Vermont - We took a trip up to Bennington VT and on the way back we stopped at this colorful farm stand. I was told every year is they spell out VERMONT in pumpkins.

Here is a white pumpkin, I hear that last year the sold so well that this year they planted extras and they are selling very well.

Another standard item is this display.

A rack of large ears of Indian Corn.

Colorful gourds; my wife picked up some of these for our house.

A big line of pumpkins; the pumpkins were lined up by size.

They also had piles of squash, this is a striped variety of acorn squash(sorry I forget the name).

A display of small ears of Indian Corn.

Colebrook Senior and Community Center - Turkey Dinner and Raffle

2010-09-21T09:35:00.003-04:00

Colebrook, CT - I have to support my new town so here is a photo of two women selling tickets to a Turkey Dinner to be held Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Senior and Community Center. I bought six tickets for the raffle of the quilt. That will look good on my wall in the new house. All I have to do is win it...well I have six chances. I believe the proceeds go to the Colebrook Quilters and the Senior and Community Center.

So don't cook this Saturday, come to the turkey dinner.

Frank and Joel at Sandisfield Arts Center

2010-09-19T19:04:00.007-04:00

Sandisfield, MA - I saw these signs along the road, they are reminisent of the old Burma Shave signs. They are advertising the performance of Frank and Joel Brown at the Sandisfield Art Center. All I know about them is Joel plays the Guitar and Frank plays the Clarinet and they play swing era music. If you click on the link below and look in past performances there is a better description of Frank and Joel. Speaking of Burma Shave, I remember a "Burma Shave like ditty in Mad Magazine when I was a kid(many years ago), Beer Cans along the roadside...are litter people say...but at night...they shine so bright...to safely guide the way...Burma Shave. Well, as my mother used to say, "Why can't you remember your studies that well?"

This is the Sandisfield Art Center. In 1839 it was built as a Baptist Meeting House and remaind that way for 83 years and then became the only known rural Orthodox synagogue on record in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for another 75 years. In 1995 a group of people got together to save the building and turned it into a non-profit performing arts center. Read more about it and future and past performers here Sandisfield Arts Center

It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Farmington Antiques Weekend 2010

2010-09-12T21:42:00.003-04:00

Farmington, CT - A few weeks ago we went to the Farmington Antiques Weekend. These are a few photos I took when we were there.

A few quick shots when we were there.

One of the exhibitors.

Looking down the walkways.

Nipper watching over some antique radios.

Dry Rivers

2010-09-03T22:56:00.002-04:00

There has not been much rain at all this summer. It has been hot and humid for months. This river was full and flowing swiftly this spring...just look at it now.

This river is in front of our new house and we loved the way it sounded. Now, you can't even hear it. Hopefully we will get some rain soon.

New Town

2010-08-31T20:55:00.002-04:00

Riverton,CT - Sorry I have not posted for such a LONG time but I have been very busy. We moved from Granville, MA to Colebrook, CT. We have a Post Office Box in Riverton, CT so every day I go down to Riverton looking for mail that is being forwarded but nothing yet. Tomorrow will be 7 days since they were supposed to start forwarding mail...still waiting.
This is the Riverton Post Office.

The view to the left of the post office.

Looking to the right from the post office.

I will try to start posting again since we only have to worry about one house now.

Don't forget to check out my other blog about the transformation of our new house
The Grange House

Bat Tube

2010-07-24T22:49:00.003-04:00

This is a "Bat Tube", a device that allows bats to leave a building but does not allow them to return. This tube is installed in my new house (The Grange House)which has a bat problem. You can see here a bat that had just come through, taking flight.

Here is another bat that is crawling through.

One more bat coming through. Unfortunately, there are still cracks that the bats are escaping through. These cracks still need to be filled before the bat tube can work; currently if they can't get back into the tube, they can just go to a crack.

You can see another bat taking flight here.

New England Photo Extra - Alaska

2010-07-08T19:42:00.002-04:00

My parents started to worry about me since they had not seen any new postings, well I had gone fishing. Here I am with a 30 pound King Salmon (Chinook).

Here are a couple of Sitka Black Tail deer.

This Stellar Jay landed close to me so I grabbed my camera and snapped a photo.

I was out fishing across from the Mendenhall Glacier.

For some reason I like McDonalds ice cream, while waiting for my plane in the Anchorage Airport I saw someone with an ice cream cone. I went over to the McDonalds and saw that they had two sizes, of course I selected the large. I took a photo of it because my wife would not believe the size. I do have to say this is the best looking cone I ever had at McDonalds. Most of them are sad looking at best.

New England Photos Extra - Grand Canyon Skywalk

2010-06-16T21:55:00.004-04:00

We took a quick trip to Las Vegas for my wife's birthday. One day we took a day trip to see the Skywalk over the Grand Canyon. Here is the view near the Skywalk.

This is the Skywalk; the floor is made of a glass like material and you can see down into the canyon. I was a little disappointed, I think I expected more. It was a little pricey I thought, there is a charge to go on the Skywalk and one for the bus to bring you to it(you must take the bus). The biggest disappointment for me was that no cameras or cell phones, or about anything else, is allowed on the Skywalk. But, they are willing to take your photo for a charge. But like many other things, it is an experience that you must do once in your life. Also, profits are split by the developer and the Hualapai Nation, the Native Americans that own the land.

This is about what the view down is from the Skywalk.

Years ago they used to mine guano(bat poop) across the canyon and it was brought across using this tram. One of the bus drivers mentioned that in addition to using guano for fertilizer, it is also used in mascara. As the bus driver said, "When your father told you to take that crap off your face, he ment it literally".

This is a stage where they have Native American dancers and crafts.

A lizard I spotted.

Some real free range cattle.

This is the road you have to travel to get to the Skywalk. I think there was about 12 miles of road like this.

On the way along this road I stopped and took this photo.

One of the areas the bus takes you is a small reproduced Western town.

After the Parade - Strolling of the Heifers 2010

2010-06-09T13:28:00.011-04:00

Brattleboro, VT - After the parade was this fair with food and activities.

Ride 'em "Cow Boy".

Smoking is not allowed anywhere neat the fair or parade.

A couple kids showing of their climbing skills.

Young fiddlers.

Here is a unique activity, I don't think they would let me do this, there must be a weight limit.

The plastic bag dragon found a good parking spot.

If you are unable to negotiate the hill or are just lazy, these golf carts would shuttle you up and down the hill.

As I was leaving I looked down and saw this girl starting her trapeze act.

I didn't have the patients to wait in the long line for cheese samples, I waited about ten minutes and after moving about one foot I gave up. I wish they would break it up into smaller multiple lines, there were so many samples that people would spend a long time slowly sampling each and every one.

Smoked Mozzerella, this was from another cheese maker and the line was much smaller.

Strolling of the Heifers - 2010 Part 2

2010-06-06T19:17:00.013-04:00

Brattleboro, VT - This is a continuation of my photos from the Strolling of the Heifers. I had a hard time deciding what to post, I took so many photos. So, to save space I made two collages with some of the photos. These are mostly of the banners before each group.

The other collage.

A fuzzy Scottish Highlander.

Jazzy and Birthday.

The FFA float, I was in the FFA(Future Farmers of America)when I was much younger.

The Grafton Village Cheese Float

Not only heifers in this parade, here is a sheep with his lunch around his neck.

The clean up crew, this year dressed as fruits and vegetables.

An impostor

Brattleburros kick ass

Mules are in the parade also.

Two Saxophonists

Goats Leaping for Joy

Some participants needed a little push.

A shopping cart dance by the Co-op.

Some Jazz dancing.

The leader of this group was really having a good time, the photos don't do her justice.

A Chinese Dragon.

Belly Dancers

These kids had to jump rope up hill

"Get down and give me twenty", kids doing pushups. By the end of the parade they must have had quite the workout.

A nice Brown Swiss cow, or at least I think it is.

These were some well trained Oxen; no ropes necessary.

This was the first heifer of the parade.

A stage coach, that is a blast from the past.

This rather tall women was one of the sights at the front of the parade(still don't know what that thing on her nose is???

Strolling of the Heifers - 2010

2010-06-05T16:46:00.014-04:00

Brattleboro, VT - Another Strolling of the Heifers. This year I decided to do something different, at least for my first day of posting (I will post more tomorrow), I decided to do some up close and personal shots. I usually don't take close ups of people. But the stroll is a target rich environment for interesting characters.

The Dairy Godmother, she and her helper who sprinkles fairy dust are some of the entertainment before the parade.

A cow head.

A masked cow head

I'm not sure what was up with the feathered trunk? proboscis? She was walking around with stilts.

Hey! Stop taking my photo.

A fruit and a vegetable; they and their friends were, lets say picking up after the heifers. I guess they will have plenty of fertilizer for themselves.

This person had a very good view.

He was after the cheese.

This guy was driving his tractor, pulling a float.

Bubble Head

The person in this suit must have been very hot. I did notice that this person could really jump, I wonder if it was filled with Helium?

Playing the washboard in a band.

Ski Jump cow, who said they can't jump?

Mooie Armstrong, walking in front of a Jazz Band.

Bringing up the rear of the dragon.

Is that Herald the Heifer?

A Farmall Tractor Guy.

Trumpet Cheese Head

Another Cheese Head

It's a Food Revolution

Having fun playing the piano

Bug

Big Mouth Jazz Guy

Push the Cart

Showing off the Milk Moustache

I believe this women is protesting the Vermont Yankee Power Plant.

This women was one of the protesters, she looked real cool with the goggles and makeup but I could never get her to look my way.

Hey, that statue winked at me!

I will have more photos tomorrow.

Crowley Cheese Factory

2010-06-02T21:19:00.007-04:00

Healdville, VT - Crowley Cheese started in the Crowley Family kitchen in 1824. In 1882 Winfield Crowley built this factory which makes it the oldest cheese factory in America. The cheese the make is said to be like cheddar "without the bite". The FDA classifies it as Colby, but not yellow like in Wisconsin.

A worker is stirring the curd here.

Another worker is waxing a wheel of cheese, the mount the wheel on this crane and dip it into a vat of melted wax.

I think this is there "cellar" or maybe a drying room.

Samples of the cheese they make, stop in and try some.

Info from their website: Crowley Cheese Factory

Shakespeare Original Costume Renderings

2010-06-01T07:08:00.003-04:00

Lenox, MA - Last weekend I went to the Lenox Art Walk. One of the exhibits was this booth where they were selling six sets of one-of-a-kind costume renderings from plays performed at Shakespeare and Company and The Berkshire Opera. All these paintings were done by costume designer Arthur Oliver. http://arthuroliver.net

I took a few photos of some of the sets of photos. They were being sold as sets from each play. This set was from, "The Merry Wives of Windsor" from Shakespeare and Company 2006, 12 pieces, framed with sample fabric.

This set was from,"Antony and Cleopatra", Shakespeare and Company 2007. 10 pieces with sample fabric.

I picked up a brochure at the booth and if you are interested in purchasing these paintings, contact Past and Future Fine Antiques, Lenox, MA (413)637-2225
martiques@gmail.com

Fishing on the Farmington

2010-05-30T21:46:00.003-04:00

Riverton, CT - I took a few photos of this gentleman spending a nice afternoon fishing on the Farmington River in Riverton.

This photo caught the light just right to illuminate the river.

Waiting for the strike.

Tom Fiorini Sculpture Artist

2010-05-29T18:52:00.005-04:00

Lenox, MA - Tom Fiorini is a self described Hillbilly Hippie, has been sculpting in junk metal for 30 years. He also works in wood sculpting the wood with only a chainsaw. Being the hippie type, he does not own a computer but luckily his daughter is very computer literate and created his website http://www.tomfiorini.com/. Go to his website and see what new items he has created. If you want to contact him, it is best to give him a call before 8pm @ 413.637.5606. His sculptures have been shipped all over the world to collectors and fans of his work.

Milk can pigs.

New that mosquito will give you such a bite or is it bit?

Some of his chainsaw work, colorful fish.

This dog is one of my wife's favorites. I think his name is Singer.

Spring dogs.

Once my Grange House is finished, we would love to have one of his sculptures displayed in or in front of our house.

Back from the Lodge Meeting

2010-05-28T20:47:00.004-04:00

We pass this beaver pond often and I will occasionally see this beaver. When we don't see it, my wife always says, "It's at a lodge meeting". Just in case you don't know, a beaver's house is called a lodge...get it?

The beaver cruising next to his dam.

I threw these in for some color; they were growing at the edge of the pond.

The Colt Dome and the Rampant Colt

2010-05-26T14:00:00.000-04:00

Hartford, CT - If you have driven through Hartford, CT on I-91 then you have seen the Colt dome. I have been trying to find out how to photograph the dome for a few years. The perfect place would be right on the highway but for safety reasons, that was not going to happen. So I went in back of the building and got these photos, not as good as the highway but much safer.

There are a few stories on how the dome came to being, one story is that it was shipped to Samuel Colt from a Turkish Sultan who was grateful for guns shipped to him during the Crimean War. Another was he was inspired by Byzantine churches he saw in Russia.*

On top of the dome is the Rampant Colt. The Rampant Colt is the symbol of Colt Firearms. The "Rampant Colt" is an ancient symbol of a Stallion carring a broken spear continuing the battle after his rider has fallen.* The Colt and Dome have been replaced over the years.

The front of the Colt Building.

* Info from New York Times

The Wandering Peacock

2010-05-25T20:46:00.003-04:00

Westfield, MA - When in Westfield, MA, stop by The Wandering Peacock for some unique gifts. Their specialty is Nantucket Baskets made by Karen Novak the proprietor of this shop. If you want something more personal why not make one of this baskets by yourselves. They run classes to teach you how to make one of these baskets yourself. They also run other kinds of classes, art, knitting, and even fishing rod making; I took this class and now have a new fly rod I made myself.

These are some of Karen's work.

Basket Molds, Nantucket Baskets are made around these molds.

A view inside the Wandering Peacock.

Another view, go to visit, there is even more to see.

I stole this from their website Click Here ==> THE WANDERING PEACOCK <==

The Wandering Peacock is located in the Pilgrim Candle Marketplace at 16 Union Avenue in Westfield, MA 01085. We are in the same building as the Black Dog Gallery and Soups On Cafe'. The Pilgrim Candle Marketplace is conveniently located off Exit 3 of the Mass. Pike.

Go to the website to see hours, new classes, and directions.

What the....?

2010-05-24T10:45:00.003-04:00

I took this photo of a bat on the ceiling of my new house. But for the life of me can't figure out if it is one bat, two bats, where is the head, what kind of bat. It looks like a bat wing with a black bears head sitting on it. The nose to the left, then the tan snout, and the eye is closed.

Any ideas?

Bats

2010-05-06T21:54:00.003-04:00

I thought I better start posting on the blog before people start thinking I abandoned it. I have been lazy and have spent time posting on my other blog The Grange House. But last week I had a real reason to not post, I spent five days in the hospital with some complications from getting some kidney stones lasered out. I will also be spending next Tuesday and Wednesday in the hospital getting some more work done. So here are a few photos I posted on "The Grange House" but will work here also.

Here are two Brown Bats hanging out in my new house. There has been a disease going around called, "White Nose Syndrome" which is killing a large amount of bats in this area. Judging by these photos, I don't think these bats have this malady...at least not yet. The former owner said that he has counted 65 bats coming out of the building at one time. I have only seen three bats at a time but judging by all the guano(Bat poop), there are more than the three I saw. I can't wait until we can seal up the building and put in "Bat Tubes", devices that let the bats out but not in. There are enough places in the area they can go, old barns and such. I hope these bats have don't get this,"White Nose Syndrome". It is nice to have them around, just not in my house.

Another bat hanging out by himself.

Freund's Farm Market

2010-04-14T21:08:00.005-04:00

East Canaan CT - With a sign that says, "Do you need Pie Therapy?",how could I not stop. Freund's Farm Market is chock full of stuff from baked goods, gifts, tee shirts, flowers, you name it. They even do catering, if you are having a wedding they can do the food, flowers, and can even supply the Justice-of-the-Peace. Click ==>HERE<== to go to their website.

This is the side of the building, just walk through the flowers to the entrance.

A large supply of gifts,you can even buy "Cow Pots" made with composted cow manure. For these pots they won a green thumb award in 2007 from the Mail Order Gardening Association.

Here is my favorite...Baked Goods. I did not go for the "Pie Therapy" just Cookie Therapy that day.

My choice, a very thick Oatmeal Cookie with three kinds of fruit baked inside.

The Chickens.

The fruits of the chicken's labor...Rachel's Radiant Eggs, Fertile, Fresh, Free Range, and other "F" words.

Last but not least, the greenhouse overflowing with wonderful plants.

Click Here for Link to their Website

Bovine Bangs

2010-04-10T22:54:00.002-04:00

The boys and I went for a ride today and came upon this Scottish Highlander cow, it was so cute I just had to take a photo...but he could use a trim.

High Water

2010-03-31T21:51:00.003-04:00

We have had a lot of rain the last few days, not as much as Eastern New England but it got the rivers running high. This is in Collinsville near the former Machete factory.

This was a waterfall just off Route 8 in Colebrook, the rain made it extra white.

Spring Lake Ranch Farm Stand

2010-03-16T22:18:00.005-04:00

Cuttingsville, VT - I saw this sign and stand and I though the mural would make an interesting photo. I did some research and found that Spring Lake Ranch offers alternative treatment for adults with mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. So, any purchase here goes to support the ranch. It is closed now but you can order Maple Syrup by phone or internet ==> Click Here for Link <==

Here is the stand.

A close up of one of the murals.

I think this mural is really cool.

Gloria's Pantry and Bake Shop

2010-03-14T09:29:00.004-04:00

Cuttingsville, VT - Not being able to resist a bakery, I stopped at Gloria's Pantry and Bake Shop on my way up to Castleton, VT to pick up a new soapstone sink for "The Grangehouse". Gloria's Pantry doesn't just do fresh made baked items, it's main business is selling Jams, Jellies, Relishes, Honey, and Maple Syrup. Gloria will create a "Vermont Made Gift Box" and ship it anywhere you would like. View her website ==> Gloria's Pantry <== and you will be amazed at how many items she makes.

Here is a quick view of inside the bakeshop. I bought one of her cookie bars and I was not disappointed, if I remember correctly it had chocolate, nuts, maybe caramel. All I know is I wish I bought more!

Here is a photo if the entrance to the shop, which is in back of her house. So on your way up to Okemo Ski area, make sure to stop by Gloria's, you will not be disappointed.

Gloria's Pantry Link click HERE

Holy Crap! This is my 5 year Blogaversary

2010-03-08T20:12:00.002-05:00

Five years ago today I started this blog. I have been all over New England bringing you sights and history of this area of the country. This will be my 1659th posting and I intend to continue. I have been letting my postings slip in the last few months, but I will get back to posting soon. I have also started a new blog called "The Grange House" which is documenting the process of turning Grange Hall, which was once a church built in 1800 into our new home. The photo above is the same subject that was my first photo on this blog...but no snow this time. So stick with me and I will bring you more sights and history of New England.

Click here for the link to The Grange House

Happy Chickens

2010-02-22T20:51:00.002-05:00

Leverett, MA - While looking for the Peace Pagoda I passed this stand selling eggs. I was intrigued with the "Happy Eggs" sign; so I stopped to take a photo. Just at that time the owner came by with another cooler full of eggs. I asked her for directions to the Peace Pagoda, which she informed me where to go.

She brought to my attention the, "Today the Chickens are Happy" sign. I forgot to ask her what makes the chickens happy and what sign does she post when they are not.

The Happy Chickens get to stroll around the yard.

New England Peace Pagoda

2010-02-21T17:51:00.006-05:00

Leverett, MA - This is the New England Peace Pagoda, is the first Nipponzan-Myōhōji Peace Pagoda to be built in the US and was completed in 1986. This pagoda is a Buddhist stupa which is meant to focus people uniting them to search for world peace.

Not knowing what each of these statues represent or who they represent I will just give a very brief description; the statues are all on the pagoda. This one contains two Buddhist statues.

Standing Buddhist Statue.

Sitting Buddhist Statue.

Reclining Buddhist Statue.

All through the pagoda is a Lotus theme, the pagoda looks like a lotus, the statues look to be in lotus blossoms, even the stones around the pagoda have lotus flowers stamped in them.

The sign at the entrance.

The sign directing you to where the pagoda is, I noticed that stones were piled everywhere, even on this sign. I know it has some significances to Buddhists but I don't really know what it is.

This building is in the process of being built, I believe it will contain a prayer hall and living quarters for monks.

New England Photos Extra - Maui Part 3

2010-02-11T11:11:00.004-05:00

This is my last installment of the photos I took while on holiday in Maui.

How would you like this house? What a view, whales out your window and surf lulling you to sleep at night.

Another photo of the Haleakala Crater.(I had this photo for a screensaver for a while.

In the foreground of the photo in the rocks is Charles Lindbergh's grave. This church is on the road to Hana.

One of the waterfalls along the Road to Hana. It was raining that day so the area is misty.

Here is a Taro Farm; Taro root is what Poi is made of. Poi is the "starch" that Hawaiians eat. It is served at luaus and lets just say it is an acquired taste.

I took this photo from the Maui Mixed Plate Restaurant(great place to eat).

We went on a little tour and this woman, our tour guide, showed how to husk coconuts. I did learn something, coconut water, the liquid in a coconut should be clear not milky; if the water is milky it is bad.

Proof that I did go to Maui, this was taken by another tourist.

New England Photos Extra - Maui Part 2

2010-02-07T10:06:00.005-05:00

This is in Haleakala Crater, you can take a horseback ride down into the crater. As you can see it is rather dusty; this is the Sliding Sands Trail. The company that runs this particular ride is Pony Express Tours.

The Haleakala Silversword Plant is an endangered plant that grows on the Haleakala Volcano.

Along the Road to Hana, we stopped and I go this photo of the surf crashing on the volcanic rocks. It was raining so the sky was gray that day.

Red Crested Cardinals, this look cool but they are an introduced species to Hawaii.

I kept on seeing these "chickens" everywhere I went. I thought they may have been Feral Chickens, escapees from early farms. I did some research an found out the are Jungle Fowl, they are said to be early decedents of our domestic chickens. These Jungle Fowl may be crossing with feral chickens; they look like chickens to me. This one stood in the middle of the road and would not move for the cars.

On the way up to the Haleakala Crater and passed a handful of bicyclists; I took a quick photo of this guy as he reached to top. I have to hand it to these guys; the road up is at least 30 miles long and the elevation at the top is over 10,000 feet...all uphill.

Speaking of bicycles; at this one place along to road to Hana(which will remain anonymous)is a place that you can peddle this bicycle to run a generator which in turn runs a blender. I thought it would be real cool to have a smoothie that I generated the power for. BUT, the girl behind the counter would not serve us because she wanted her lunch(they don't close for lunch). She told us to come back when she was done. So, no fun, no exercise, no smoothie, no cool story, end of story. That is all I have to say about that.

New England Photos Extra - Maui

2010-02-05T21:21:00.004-05:00

Hey There - Sorry I have not been blogging lately but I will try to catch up. I do have a excuse, at least for a week. My wife and I took a trip to Maui and caught up with my wife's sister and her husband who are there on holiday.

Here is a few photos I took when I was there; to keep with the New England theme I will post "One by land and two by sea".

Hakeakala Crater at 10,000 feet; inside a dormant volcano.

Breaching whale on a Whale Watch Boat.

Splash Down.

Colebrook Reservior - Ice Fishing

2010-01-17T07:57:00.004-05:00

Colebrook, CT - I was driving by the Colebrook Reservoir yesterday and saw the ice fishermen out on the ice.

This part of the reservoir was iced over but farther down the water was open. We have had a rather cold spell the last few weeks, along with the rest of the country, and the ice was safe to walk on.

I guess these are the "high tech" guys, I see they have their fish finder. I wonder if they caught more fish than the others?

Swift River Candle Co and Gate 8 Bait Shop

2010-01-10T19:06:00.003-05:00

Pelham, MA - The "boys" and I took another ride today and ended up going through Pelham MA. I saw a sign that said Swift River Candle company and decided to check it out.

I walked in and was met by Bill Martell the owner who runs this business with his wife Kathy. He explained that he started with just the bait shop but fishing started to slow down so he started making candles. He told me he enjoyed making the candles which he does in an adjacent building. He told me most of his business was before Christmas and slacks off after the holidays. During the fishing season he is open seven days a week so you can pick up your bait; in the winter he stops selling bait. He told me that if you continue down Packardville Road, you go through a gate and come to a boat launch in Quabbin Reservoir, hence Gate 8.

Some of his stock of candles.

Even more candles.

If you are driving to Pelham, the shop is just past the Belchertown, MA line. This time of year it is open on weekends only. So, for all your candle or bait needs, stop in. If it is not summer you might want to call ahead.

The location is: 200 Packardville Road, Pelham, MA
Telephone: 413-323-7117 or 413-323-9183

The Grange House

2010-01-09T21:12:00.003-05:00

Colebrook, CT - I have started a new blog called, "The Grange House" it is to document the transformation of an old Grange building into our new home.

So check in frequently and see how our house is progressing. We close in a few days and work will start in a few weeks (fingers crossed).

Click here: The Grange House

Shelburne Farms Sleigh Rides

2010-01-06T11:31:00.005-05:00

Shelburne, VT - Every weekend(with snow on the ground) Shelburne Farms gives sleigh rides from 11:00am - 2:00 pm for a fee at the Welcome Center of the farm. The rides are for 15 minutes and go every half hour. Note: you can only get a reservation for these rides by going to the Welcome Center, we got there at 11 am and they were already sold out so get there early. Click link below for ride info and reservations for private rides.

Info:CLICK HERE

King Arthur Flour Baker's Store

2010-01-02T19:29:00.006-05:00

Norwich, VT - On the way back from Vermont today my wife and I stopped at the King Arthur Flour Baker's Store. At this store you can buy flours, baking mixes, have a cup of coffee and freshly baked pastries, take a cooking class, watch a cooking demo, or even check your e-mail with the free Wi-fi. Of course anything for baking that you could want.

This is the outside of the store.

I got this girl to stop what she was doing for a photo.

A photo of some of the pastries. We took home a loaf of artisan breads they make there for dinner...delicious. Excellent crust!

I asked this woman to stop for a photo in the demo kitchen. Another woman came over and said that was her station and this woman would make the Internet...again. All in good fun.

A photo of King William taken by my wife.

Information about the store CLICK HERE

My Childrens Photos

2009-12-22T07:42:00.008-05:00

I have not posted in a while so I wanted to get something posted so I am posting photos of my "kids".

Thatcher just loves the snow, he is content just laying out in the snow. After a while, with all the snow on him, he looks more like a sheep than a dog.

This is Preston, he just loves eating the leaves of the roses that one of my wife's friends gave to her.

This photo was a joke that I sent to Cindy Biles a clay sculptor that told me that one of my photos was an inspiration for one of her creations. She just finished a series of sculptures of people holding little dogs; not this size. Check out her blog Scroll down about half way downthe page to see the photo that inspired here. This is Cooper, Thatcher's brother. I tried to pick up Thatcher but he was too fast.

Egremont Inn

2009-12-11T09:42:00.007-05:00

South Egremont, MA - Last night the Egremont Inn caught on fire so I thought it would be a good time to post my photos and information.

The Egremont Inn was built in 1780 by Francis Haere near the Albany-Hartford Turnpike. The last battle of Shay's Rebellion was fought about a mile away which caused great excitement at the Inn. During the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, the Inn was a Mustering-in place and a hospital. In the early 1800's it became the center of village with it's store, post office, and tavern. In 1829 it became a temporary school while the Academy was being built nearby. In 1835 a syndicate of leading villagers bought the Inn and tried to make it a temperance house, that idea failed. In 1857, Chester Goodale, owner of the Goodale Marble Quarry, bought the Inn and expanded it into a summer hotel with twenty rooms and renamed it to the Mt. Everett House. In 1931 it was sold to and restored by the Olde Egremont Association. Today it is still used as an Inn and Restaurant.

I just saw on the TV the Inn has been destroyed.

The Inn on a nice Autumn day.

The entrance to the restaurant.

Info from: Egremont Inn - History

The Old Creamery Grocery

2009-12-10T20:07:00.004-05:00

Cummington, MA - This is THE meeting place in the Cummington area. They seem to have anything you want from groceries, baked goods, liquor, organic fruits and vegetables, sandwiches, even pottery. I was referred to this place by E.M. Smith, the potter I wrote about an few days ago, he was very adamant that I go here...he was right.

View behind the counter, in the back you can see the workers making sandwiches, quiche, and other goodies.

This is the "Little Gallery" where local artisan's work is displayed.

You can see all the people in the restaurant area, some are here just for lunch, others use this area as a meeting place, I even saw a few girls working on their laptops(Wi-Fi?)

This was my lunch, a "When Pigs Fly" sandwich along with a Blueberry soda.

Riverton Christmas Ice Carver

2009-12-08T22:23:00.003-05:00

Riverton, CT - This Ice Carver was working at the Christmas In Riverton event. Unfortunately, I did not see his name on the program.

E.M. Smith Pottery

2009-12-07T22:00:00.006-05:00

Cummington, MA - The boys and I took a trip to Cummington yesterday. Along the road I saw a sign for a pottery sale, so I followed the signs to E.M.Smith Pottery. Outside the building is kind of nondescript...

but inside was all these wonderful pottery. There was quite a variety of items, Teapots, Candlesticks, Platters, Oval Bakers, Casseroles, Salt Shakers, Mugs, Storage Jars, and Vases.

Along the wall were some mugs of which I bought one of, the shape fits nicely in your hand; less accidents.

The pottery wheel is in the corner during the sale. I was told that the studio looks quite differently when he is working.

The pottery is currently fired in an electric kiln but outside his studio are bricks in which he is going to build a wood fired kiln for a more traditional firing.

You can contact E.M.(I forgot to ask his name..sorry)at (413)634-5751 or
smithe73@hotmail.com the studio is located at 156 Nash Road, Cummington, MA 01026 I think you would want to call ahead.

Got Some Snow Last Night

2009-12-06T08:44:00.004-05:00

We got a few inches of wet snow last night, just enough to frost the trees and a little on the ground. Above is our snow frosted dogwood and below is some snow balancing on a branch.

Greenwood Glass

2009-12-05T18:34:00.008-05:00

Riverton, CT - Today my wife and I went to the Christmas in Riverton festivities. One of the places we stopped at was the Greenwood Glass Studio and Gallery. This is a photos I took in February 2007 but it probably looks the same after today's snow. This was the former Hitchcock Chair Museum but now houses this glass blowing studio.

This woman and the one below are making their own Christmas ornaments. I believe on the weekends you can help make a few items yourself, ornaments,paperweights, and a few more small items. But, to be sure I would call ahead, here their website. They also have glassblowing classes so you can learn this art yourself.

The gallery is on the second floor, here you can see some of the wonderful object Peter Greenwood makes here.

Another section of the gallery, you can see the stained glass window in the background; this was originally a church.

Robo Moose

2009-12-04T18:13:00.003-05:00

Bennington, VT - I saw this moose by the side of the road while on my way up to Rutland so of course I had to stop and take a photo. This was the most unusual moose I've seen. Most are painted but this one is made of sheet metal, riveted on. There were also blinking lights coming from inside him. The artist's name is Brad Turner.

Halpin Covered Bridge

2009-12-03T21:29:00.005-05:00

Middlebury, VT - This is the Halpin Covered Bridge, it spans a waterfall and is the highest covered bridge above a stream bed in Vermont. The bridge is only used by the Halpin Family Farm. It was built in 1824 and renovated in 1994.

You can see here how high the bridge is in this photo.

Information - Addison County Vermont Website

Rock School

2009-12-02T20:59:00.004-05:00

Colebrook, CT - This school was used from 1779 to 1911. It is the only Colonial School House in Connecticut to have never been modernized. The school doesn't have electricity or running water; you can see the outhouse out back. It is now an active museum run by the Colebrook Historical Society and is open to the public(but not at the time I was there).

This is the rock for which the school is named for, it is located across the road beside the school. The school was originally in front of this rock; it was moved to its present location in 1971.

Info from sign out front

Kenyon Corn Meal Company

2009-12-01T21:13:00.007-05:00

Usquepaugh, RI - This is Kenyon Corn Meal Company aka Kenyon's Grist Mill. The mill was built in 1886 and is still in use. Originally, farmers would bring their corn or "grist"(grain that was separated from its chaff in preparation for grinding*)to be ground and the mill would keep some as payment. In 1909 C.D.Kenyon bought the mill and saw the potential of putting the ground meal into bags and branding it with the Kenyon name. He sold it by horse and buggy originally and in 1919 he bought a Model T truck and expanded to all of Rhode Island and parts of Connecticut and Massachusetts.

They still grind the grains the old fashioned way with these original 2 and a half ton granite stones that were milled in Westerly RI. Hopefully I will get this correct. The way this process works is the grain is feed into the hopper on top of the round wooden thing on the right of the photo, this thing holds the stone which in tern sits atop another stone. The grain falls into the hole in the top stone and goes outward in grooves between the stone and gets ground. The consistency is controlled by how fast the grain is put into the hopper and the distance between the stones. Check out their website for more details.

Across the street is their store that sells their meals, flours, and mixes.They also sell other Rhode Island foods such as Chowders, Indian Pudding, Jams and Jelly's, even RI Maple Syrup.

Behind the mill is a pond at the end of is this dam. In the early days the grinding stones were run by water power, now a days it is run by electricity.

Information and a lot of other good stuff is at their website. Be sure to check it out and be sure to come to their festivals held a few times a year.

Old Narragansett Church

2009-11-27T16:00:00.001-05:00

Wickford, RI - This is the oldest Episcopal church in the Northeast. The congregation was founded on 1706 as St. Paul's Church. The church was was built in 1707. The church has box pews, a balcony, and one of the oldest organs in the United States. The organ was built by Bernard Smith in 1680.

There is a small church graveyard, one of people buried there is Frederick Hesley Belden, the 10th Bishop of Rhode Island.

I noticed this stone for two people lost at sea.

The church is set way back from the main road. The stones you see have names and dates carved in them.

Judging from the names and dates, it appears that these are the ministers from the church.

Not all stones are for the ministers, some memorialize members of the church or important dates for the congregation.

South Hadley Canal

2009-11-26T09:25:00.014-05:00

South Hadley, MA - The Connecticut River was used as a highway to transport stones, hides, lumber, and other raw materials from the North and brought back Iron, Molasses, Sugar, Rum, and Manufactured goods. These items were transported by Flatboats which floated down the river and had to be poled or pulled back up. The round trip from Wells, VT to Hartford, CT took 25 days. The problem was around the South Hadley area, the river bed dropped 53 feet within 2 and a half miles causing rapids. A way to by-pass the rapids had to be found so a canal was built. The South Hadley Canal was the Nations first commercially operated canal. The canal was two and a half miles long and at the South Hadley Falls a unique way of getting the flatboats over the falls was built.

It was called the "Hampshire Machine" a 275 foot long, 30 foot wide, and 53 foot high stone inclined plain; it was capable of lifting 250,000 pounds. It took two years to build and was opened in 1795. Boats were floated onto a carriage and pulled up the inclined plain, waterwheels at the top supplied the power to pull the boats up; I believe a cable or rope was attached to the boat and the turning of the waterwheels would wrap around an axle and pull the boats up. The whole trip up the ramp took fifteen minutes. This model is located in the South Hadley Firehouse Museum.

This path brings you to a section of the canal still there. I walked down the path along the canal and did see "No Trespassing" signs so you can only go a short ways along the canal.

This part of the canal is still existing, there is a path from the Hadley Falls Canal Park(see bridge above ).

This is an overlook at Hadley Falls Canal Park, where you can have a great view of the Connecticut River and what is left of the canal.

A dam was built south of Northampton, MA to raise the water level to divert water into the canal. Citizens of Northampton brought suit against the canals proprietors in 1803, saying the backed up water caused them to suffer "fevers, miasma's(bad air caused by decaying material), and malaria". The inclined plain was close and a series of locks were put in in its place.

South Hadley Old Fire House Museum

2009-11-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

South Hadley, MA - The Fire District No. 1 Firehouse was constructed in 1888-89. In addition to a firehouse it was also used as a polling place, a theater, a graduate site, a meeting hall and a social hall. This firehouse was used until 1974 when a new firehouse was built in Newton Street. In 1974 the Historical Society was chartered for the purpose of preserving the Old Firehouse. The Firehouse Museum was dedicated on July 3, 1976.
The museum is staffed by volunteers, all belonging to the South Hadley Historical Society. They are always looking for memorabilia to add to their collection; so if you have something historically significant they will be more than happy to display it in their museum.

The Old Firehouse, the bell from the tower was moved to the new firehouse.

Here is a 19th century hand pumper and a 1926 Dodge Fire Engine.

A motorized Ice Saw.

South Hadley Electrical Department display.

There is much more, I can't give it all away. There are somethings I will use in a future posting(you will just have to wait and see).

I just happened to stumble on the museum when it was opened for someone to make a donation to the displays.

Hours are: MAY - SEPT. 1:30 - 4:00
JULY - AUG WED 1:30 - 4:00

There is no admission charge but donations are welcome.

Info from museum handout.

Old Fashioned Fly Trap

2009-11-23T22:19:00.003-05:00

Sturbridge Village - Sturbridge, MA - When I was at Sturbridge Village, at the farm, I noticed this fly trap. It appears to work quite well.

Massacre in the King's Philip's War

2009-11-22T19:26:00.004-05:00

South Hadley, MA - This is a monument for a massacre on September 18, 1675 in King's Philip's War, English against the Indians.

On the inscription is the word, "ambuscaded", which means ambushed. On the bottom was a reference to a stone slab that was 21 rods south of this monument(rod is 5.5 yards). I did not see this slab.