New York & Vermont---Day 9 & 10

Sunday:

We started with breakfast at our hotel. I always said that I would not stay at anything less than a Hampton Inn. We've stayed in all sorts of nice hotels and inns this trip. The guys did a good job with that---until---this hotel. We're at a Best Western. I was a little leery at first---I thought BW's were way below Hamptons. I was wrong. This hotel is very nice, clean, comfortable beds with down comforters and a nice breakfast. Plus, who doesn't love hot cookies and milk at 8 p.m.?

Our day today consisted of a trip to New York. We hopped a ferry to Ticonderoga where the guys toured the fort while we girls stitched. After, Chris and I toured "King's Garden." It was a beautiful, sort of free flowing garden.

 King's Garden had a beautiful grape arbor. They also had a lot of other vegetables. I don't really need to post those pictures.

I'm not sure what this flower is, but the white one on the bottom is the bud. The purple is the bloom. Really pretty. I thought it might be some sort of allum, but I'm not sure.

I've started a new collection. I know--- just what I need! But this one will stay outside. I just wish I'd thought of it sooner. I'm collecting rocks from various places. I plan to mark them with a Sharpie as to where they came from and the date. I have two---one from the granite quarry and the one I picked up at "King's Garden."

On the way back, we stopped at various points of interest---including Michaels. Did you know that Paula Deen now has a paper line? Everyone's getting in on the scrapbooking "act."

 These are hay bales on the side of the road. I guess this is a farmer's sense of humor.

We no sooner got back to our hotel than we were told to dress nice for dinner and be ready at 5:45. We took off---destination unknown. About an hour later, we arrived at the Trapp Family Lodge. You know the Trapps---the family from the Sound of Music (known as the Von Trapps then). After escaping from Austria, they settled here in Vermont. Can't you just hear---"the hills are alive with the sound of music!" They picked this place because it reminded them the most of their home in Salzburg, Austria.

We had a lovely dinner---German at that. It was the best wienerschnitzel I've had since Old Heidelburg closed in Nashville. The views and gardens were spectacular. But, alas, like those elusive moose, we didn't see a Trapp---even though the family still lives here.

Monday:
Today was a day of geo-caching and covered bridges. Here are just a few examples:

 Each covered bridge is unique. Some are red, some are plain wood. ALL are old---1800's.

 This is the Quechee Gorge. Pretty impressive. There were lots of caches in the area.

Sugarbush Farm was listed as a "must see" attraction in Vermont. Personally, I was grossed out. I've never seen anything so run down and plain filthy. I tried to remind myself that it's a farm. But I don't understand how things can be in such bad shape. The barn is literally rotting away. It dates back to 1869. This farm makes maple syrup and all kinds of cheeses. We pretty much toured on our own, but went in to see the cheese and syrup. There were flies everywhere. I wouldn't buy cheese from them if it was the last place on earth. The front door to the "store" was literally rotting away. There was at least 6 inches missing from the bottom. I couldn't take a picture because it would have been too obvious. I figure if they put on a new door, it would make the rest of the place look even more shabby.

This was the best thing I saw---animals---finally. These horses were really pretty and looked to be well cared for---unlike the rest of the place.

 I couldn't resist---but notice the ugly building and scrubby yard. I guess when I think of a farm these days, I see Nancy's farm!! Or even Karolyn's farm.

 This is the longest covered bridge in America. Notice the sign below.

All in all, it was another good day. We ended with dinner at an Italian restaurant. The food was really good. I asked for a 10% discount since the Comfort Inn* recommend it and we came. They said yes! Just goes to show---all you have to do is ask!

*Yes, we're rapidly going downhill in our lodging. I don't think I've ever stayed at a Comfort Inn. We're in Springfield, Massachusetts and there aren't many choices. No Best Western or Hampton. But they do have safes in every room. Even the Hampton or BW don't have that.

One more day and we'll be heading home. I could easily do another 4 or 5 days just roaming and exploring. This has been a lot of fun.

Vermont---Day 7 & 8

Friday---still in New Hampshire

 Today we made the trek up to Mt. Washington. It is cold and windy---in fact, the highest wind speed ever recorded was here---200 MPH. It's the highest point on the east coast. It took 25 minutes by car. Then we walked to the summit. I gave up about 5 feet away. It was too steep for me. We lucked out that it was a sunny day. They say that Mt. Washington has the worst weather on earth.

 There was an unusual cache up there. You can see all the assorted rocks behind Butch. It was some sort of 9/11 memorial. You were supposed to leave a rock with your state on it. They had a Missouri rock, but Walter didn't mark it. Butch said that a lot of people went all out in painting the rocks.

 We started the day at Polly's Pancake Parlor. They've been serving pancakes since 1932. They were good. I had pecan buttermilk and pecan buckwheat pancakes. It had the cutest little cottage garden too.

 Just one example of the gorgeous views all around us. This one is Mt. Washington from a distance.

Saturday---Vermont

 This is the first thing we did this morning. Now we're seeing a lot of covered bridges. Each one is unique in it's own way. We'll see more tomorrow.

 Some things are just fun to say you've been there. America's oldest general store ranks right up there.

 We took a tour at the Barre granite quarry. It was pretty interesting, but sort of over my head. I didn't really understand everything. Luckily, Butch has patience to explain things to me just like I was a little kid. I want to know everything! Chris wanted to do some sand blasting, but they weren't doing it today. That's pretty much our luck.

 We had to make a trip to the Ben & Jerry's factory. We took a tour and learned the history. Afterwards, we got to sample the ice cream. Alas, they don't make ice cream on weekends, so we didn't get to see it in operation. Again, our luck.

Back in the early 1980's, Ben and Jerry took off giving free ice cream around the country. Their van burnt up in Ohio on their way home. This is a replica.

We went to dinner tonight at The Shanty on the Shore (on Lake Champlain)--another seafood place. Tonight I had lobster mac and cheese. I've had lobster bisque, lobster stew, lobster roll (not much---very small bite, so it hardly counts), lobster salad and boiled lobster. It is so cheap here---$16.00 or $25.00 for a pair. I've also had shrimp, scallops, salmon and clams. I'm definitely getting my share of seafood. I'm about ready for a steak!

The guys have done a great job of finding all kinds of unusual things off the beaten track. It is so much fun to make all these discoveries. Just a few more days. Can't wait to see what they have planned.

New Hampshire---Days 5 & 6

First off, I have to say that although I'm having a lot of fun, I missed something important at bridge today. They were filming the new series "Nashville" at Hillwood Country Club. If I was at bridge, I would have figured out a way to be seen in the background! Darn!! Now when you see that episode, you'll just have to imagine me in the background waving to you!

Day 5:

 Today was mostly a driving day. On our way out of Maine, Butch and Walter surprised me by taking a   detour through Bangor, Maine---the home of Stephen King. Here's his house on a quiet, quite ordinary street. I only took one picture, because I didn't want to seem like a stalker. It's hard to see (try making the picture bigger by clicking on it), but on either side of the gate, are bats. I was very excited for this surprise as I've been a Stephen King fan since he started. In fact, if I haven't mentioned it---his latest book---11-22-63---is a must read. It's not creepy at all. It's about time travel and a guy trying to go back and prevent the assassination of President Kennedy.

We made a few sight-seeing stops along the way and had lunch alongside a river. I had the lobster stew---delish. When we arrived in Littleton, New Hampshire, we checked in to our quaint hotel---The Thayers Inn---from the 1800's. Walter had booked us rooms with a balcony and good view. Unfortunately, they only had one of these rooms available. Walter was quite worked up. He spoke to the manager the next day. Butch and I had taken the "lesser" room. Luckily for us---we're getting 2 of our 3 nights for FREE! For free, we can suck it up!!

Dinner was drinks and appetizers at a local place.

Day 6:

 Today we went to the "Castle in the Clouds." On the grounds, you take a short hike to this gorgeous waterfall. I realize that you are distracted by gorgeous me in this photo, but look over my shoulder and you can see the waterfall. I could have sent a better picture of the falls, but I figured you'd rather see ME!

 Castle in the Clouds. Very interesting house set on a beautiful mountaintop with great views all around. The house was pretty nice. The guy (Plant) made his millions in women's shoes.

 I loved all of these retro bathrooms. I would like to have one in my own house. Windows everywhere made most of the rooms very bright, even on a grey day.

We had lunch in the carriage house where we had yet another unusual waiter. Everything I asked seemed to baffle him. He would literally stammer, grow quiet as if I'd asked him a million dollar question. I merely asked about the desserts BEFORE I ordered my lunch. I was trying to decide if I wanted a cup of soup and dessert or not. Then I asked for a "to go" cup for me tea. After a long, thinking pause, he asked me---"you mean like a paper cup?"

We made our way to our next stop, geo-caching along the way. The guys did not want to go in the woods today as we were dressed up for out dinner reservations. We did stop at a drug store and get some bug spray. Mosquitoes are bad here.

Butch made one other surprise stop today. He pulled in to an antique shop and said, "okay, you have a half hour." That's all I need.

Found these cute vintage pins within seconds of walking in the door. Only $8. each---great bargain. There were others, but I didn't want to press my luck and have Butch feel like it wasn't a good idea to stop. Now I have to decide if I want to keep them for myself or share!

 My next surprise was dinner on a scenic train. That was so much fun and the food was delicious.

 You know how I love cloth tablecloths. Makes any meal a little more special. We didn't see any wildlife.

Our cute little dessert trio.

Afterwards, acting on a tip from our waiter, we drove to an area where we should have seen moose. We didn't. Not surprised. Bummer!

I'm loving this not knowing what we're doing until the night before. It makes each day a surprise. Today we're going to some famous pancake place. I do love pancakes---ever since Little Black Sambo.  Then, Chris and I have the rest of the day to ourselves while the guys go geo-caching. We plan to browse the shops in town and stitch while watching a movie in Chris' room (since hers is bigger and nicer---and expensive! We're sharing our good fortune with them---meaning our free room savings.)

Later...

Day 3 & 4, continued

I'm going to try this again:

 The monarch butterflies were all over the place.

 Butch and I in the children's garden. Every section was based on a children's book.

 Another butterfly on the butterfly bush.

 The picket fence in the children's garden had "kitty hat" tops rather than regular pickets. This butterfly stopped at exactly the right time. Looks more like a hair bow.

 This Rose of Sharon was probably one of my favorites in the garden. The blue was so pretty.

 I have never seen artichokes growing. The flower on the left is what happens if you don't harvest the artichoke. I guess if I had a garden full, it would be hard to cut them before the flower. After the flower, they are worth eating.

 I couldn't believe how this frog just sat there---even when kids came right up to it. It held still for the picture too.

Of course it stands to reason that there would be snakes in the garden, but they still creep me out!

 This gigantic fisherman was at the entrance to our hotel, Brown's Wharf in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

We've all had our share of lobster. Last night, I loved how it was served in individual roasters. I'm pretty adept at cracking them now. I've had my fill. I may have to veer away from my plan to have seafood at every meal. For lunch today, I had nachos with chili and cheese. I felt a little like I was betraying my plan. I haven't had a lobster roll yet, but everyone else hasn't been impressed with them. I said I'll have one when we get to a place that says they make the best. Then I'll give them a try. I did have a grilled muffin---that was really good. But you can't really mess up a muffin!

Later...

Day 3 & 4---Maine

It's beautiful here. Flowers everywhere and the most darling little towns. Butch and Walter stopped at a little roadside flea market for us. Of course, I found a few things. I got an old tin full of wooden spools full of thread, a ziplock bag full of button cards, a cute little doll called "little squirt" for Nancy, a set of New Kids on the Block marbles (brand new in vintage packaging and something I know Steph doesn't have) and a couple of other little things---all for $15.00. I love flea markets in New England!!

The Botanical Gardens were some of the nicest I've ever seen. We spent 2 hours there. I've narrowed my 75 pictures down to just a few for you:

OMG! I am so frustrated at how slow this internet is. It took about 15 minutes for just this one picture. I'm going to wait until tomorrow and our next destination to try again.

Today, we drove through the  Acadia National Park. It was really pretty and overlooked the Atlantic. Next, we went on and expensive, 3 hour whale watch and didn't see a one. Reminds me of Alaska last year and all the wildlife we didn't see. I think we ought to quit taking these expensive animal sighting tours. They're a rip-off. They offered to give us a voucher good for LIFE to take the whale watch cruise again. I'm thinking "NO"!

Unti tomorrow and quicker internet...

Day 1 and Day 2

We got off to a bit of a rocky start. For whatever reason, our alarm didn't go off. That's the second time that happened. We're getting a new one when we get home. We ended up being 45 minutes late getting up. We rushed and were only about 20 minutes late getting out the door, but 20 minutes is a big deal when it means getting to the airport, dropping the car off, checking in and getting through security. All turned out okay as we made it to the gate with about 10 minutes to spare. A bit stressful to start.

Once we got to Boston, we had 3 hours to wait for Walter and Chris. We got the rental car and had lunch.

 This is where we had dinner. I got scallops that were delicious. I'm planning on having seafood for lunch and dinner this entire trip. It's so good and fresh---and much cheaper than home.

 This is Kennebunkport---the Bush compound. It is huge and right on the point---water all around.

Today we visited this lighthouse called "The Head" in Portland, Maine. It was commissioned by George Washington and was the first lighthouse. We didn't get to go up inside as it's not open to the public. It still operates today.

A limo pulled up and a wedding party got out. I would have loved to take a picture, but didn't want to be obvious. The bride had royal blue heels with her white dress and a royal blue bouquet. The bride's maid's dresses were royal blue with hot pink heels. I didn't quite get that---the pink shoes, but I did like the royal blue for the bride.

This is the hotel we're staying in tonight---in Boothbay Harbour, Maine. It sits on the water. Chris and I sat on our deck stitching this afternoon while the guys went geo-caching. I have to say, its a bit chilly here. I did bring a couple of jackets, but two of them are more decorative than warm. I really only have one warm jacket, but I always travel with a pashmina, so that helps. Walter and Chris stopped for a photo before dinner.

I meant to take the picture before I started to eat. We all planned to have lobster tonight, but the minimum you could get was 2 lobsters--1 1/8 lbs. each---and you couldn't share. The prices were definitely right. Walter and Chris ended up getting 3 lobsters each (the whole thing) for $25.00. I opted for the lobster nicoise salad. It was a good choice. Kind of a lighter option. Butch got salmon oscar that he said was delicious also. 

I will have a lobster dinner before I Ieave here. But I just want one!

Butch and Walter have planned this entire trip. Butch is keeping everything a surprise for me. I find out at dinner what we're doing the next day. I'm very excited about tomorrow. We're going to some botanical garden that is supposed to be fabulous. They recommend that you plan at least two hours there. I'm going to be in heaven. I promise not to bore you with too many flower photos, but you know there will be some...

Until tomorrow...