Sweet Memories

Photo
The Natchaug River as it flows toward Diana’s Pool. Check out the stone wall on the opposite bank. Mother Nature did not build that wall. It begs the question, however: why did someone build it?

Pleased to meet you
How does it happen that you loose track of your aunts, uncles and cousins? Then it becomes just your cousins, their kids, and their kids. It has happened to me and I’m feeling the sadness and regret that it was allowed to happen.

Since June 11th of last year I have been with my mother’s family three times. Only one occasion was happy. The first gathering was for my cousin Claire’s and husband Bill’s 50th Wedding Anniversary. That was so much fun. They sat me at a table of relatives from both sides of my family that they knew I would not know. My father was not the first one in his family to marry into my mother’s family. As it was hoped, we all had lots of fun getting to know each other.

The last two occasions were funerals, unfortunately. My cousin, Shirley, lost her husband last September, and the last one my mother’s sister Irene (mother to Claire and Shirley) just this past week. Once again I found myself saying to people, “Hi, I’m cousin Beverly. And you are…..?”

When I was a kid we used to go to Ware, MA (where my mother is from) to visit family all the time. As a matter of fact, one July day there was only enough money and gasoline ration stamps to go to Ware—and not to the circus that was playing in Hartford. That might have saved our lives. We heard about the fire while we were visiting.

After the war there was more money available and we could go other places. I think this is when we started loosing the family ties. Then my dad died in 1956. My mother was of the opinion that the world should beat a path to her door. I recall only one other trip to Ware after that to visit.

There has been an up-side to getting to know my cousins all over again. We have entertained each other with memories of our childhoods. What we remember (we actually surprise ourselves sometimes), what the customs of the late 1930s and early 1940s were growing up in a French Canadian family in a town that had lots of French Canadian families. I however, grew up in a foreign land—Connecticut—and to make it worse, surrounded by farms. These memories have brought us such joy. It’s good to remember.

My mom (who was the one of 9 children) has one sibling left, my Aunt Olive. The only way they will ever visit each other, now, is through pictures. I will be exchanging photos by email with her son and daughter-in-law with whom she lives.

I want to say I will make every effort to get back to knowing my cousins on both sides of my family. I know that I probably won’t keep such a promise. I’m hoping that since I have not promised, there is no pressure to do it, and there’s a better chance I will get to re-know at least some of them. I don’t want it to be at funerals.

Boots! I Want Boots!

Photo
This is the Joseph Smith homestead in Palmyra, NY, where the Morman religion had its beginning. I want you to notice the whitish haze in the lower right quadrant of the picture. As I have mentioned before, I just take pictures I can't alway explain them. I'm pretty sure this is whatever we felt watching and creeping us out as we observed the homestead from afar and took this picture. Palmyra is the town where Kathy and I began our Erie Canal ride in 2004.

Boots!
I went to Cabela’s today. I tried to go there yesterday, but I couldn’t find them. As big as they are, they are hidden way behind Rentschler Field and no prominent signage telling me where they are!

I need a pair of winter hiking boots and can’t seem to find them anywhere. I tried L. L. Bean. I’ve tried Cabela’s. They don’t have what I want in my size. I doubt I’ll go back to Cabela’s. I can’t stand guns and hunting, so all that redneck, yahoo, good-ol’-boy motif was lost on me. Don’t expect me to appreciate your hunting skills displayed on your wall. I don’t care that they are World Famous Outfitters. I have an ancestor who did the same thing when the westward movement began in the 1800’s. The store in Kansas City, Kansas is still there! Will Cabela’s still be here in 200 years?

I will go to Dicks next then REI. I really would like those boots before this winter is over.

Another Blog Worth Checking Out

Photo
The Head of the Meadow multi-use trail in Truro on Cape Cod. The photo shows one of the many small animal paths that seem to draw me off the main trail. All trails lead into the salt meadow which is wet and marshy. The trail is 2 miles long and I do not recommend biking it. Although it is paved, it is in disrepair, bumpy and very uncomfortable to ride (at least for me).

Another blog worth visiting
My good buddy, Jon, has started his own blog which is actually written by Jon’s alter ego, Jon Quixote. Check it out. The site is interactive and today JQ asks the question: if you could ask God one question, what would you ask. Wow. Being a true Gemini, I can’t stop at one question. There is so much I would want to know, starting with why has He/She let humankind make such a mess of the world - and I don't want to hear the Free Will excuse. ☺☺☺☺ While you are out there, check out the entire website, Conscious CT. Good stuff.

Lunch with my girls
On Wednesday I went to lunch with Kathy and Jessica. Jess goes back to school on the 28th so I wanted some quality time with her. This is the home stretch to her degree at UConn and she will be busy and exhausted from now until the first of May. No time for Gramma. The degree is more important right now. Kathy was able to join us on her lunch break. We went to Gio’s in Granby. The three of us had Mediterranean Wings. This is an appetizer that you would not want to eat every day—batter dipped and deep fried, seasoned with something heavenly. Couple the dish of 10 wings with a salad and you have a meal.

Another Marine
I have added another Marine to my writing list. I was told that Chad would like to receive mail, so I added an envelope with his name and address on it. I write one letter and every 10 days or so mail out a copy to each Marine. Chad makes five now. I have never met any of the Marines I write to. I would love to be a fly on the wall when they got my first letter introducing myself. ☺

PATS AND GIANTS GO TO THE SUPER BOWL

WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOEEEEEEEEEE! GO PATS!

No photo today. I would have to pilfer something off the Internet to go with this great sporting event, and that would probably be illegal. If I could pilfer something, it would be the Patriot’s logo.

By now you know (if you care) the Patriots beat the Chargers 21-12 and the Giants (underdogs) beat Green Bay 23-20 in OT.

Did you get to see the Giants/Green Bay game? Was that really the Packers Tomlinson inside the Darth Vader helmet? He never took it off. It could have been anybody sitting there. What hurt the Packers were the penalties at the goal line that allowed the Giants one First Down and Goal after another until they scored a TD.

I really wanted to see Favre vs. Brady in the Super Bowl, but Manning will do. He's young and I'm sure will benefit from the experience of watching his team being torn to shreds by Tom Brady and company. It seems Manning’s receivers have learned to hang onto the ball! Makes all the difference in the world! ;) ;) Let's see if they can continue to do that.

Erie Canal - Getting Started

Photo
A sign along the Erie Canal (we rode part of it in 2004). Click to enlarge and wonder just what Henpeck Park is all about. We did not explore in '04, but I will make sure we do this year.

I can't wait
As I continue to work on the details for our Erie Canal bike ride coming up this September, I came across this charming website. Although the father/daughter team quoted here is considerably younger than the mother/daughter team contemplating the same trip, the sentiment remains the same. ☺ ☺ This father and daughter team road cross- country. Kathy and I hope to do almost 400 miles in nine days and consider that a major event! If we live to tell the tale and if we are still talking to each other, we are considering more touring. You will notice they did 85 miles in one day from Little Falls to Troy. Kathy and I will do that in two days.

Father & Daughter Coast-to-Coast Odyssey
By Jon Adams and Bryn Adams - (contact)
Inflection Point (Jon): Little Falls to Troy NY
Tuesday August 7, 2007, 85 miles (137 km) - Total so far: 3,074 miles (4,947 km)

This quoted section can be found on page 44 as indicated by the above link.
We are riding along the Mohawk River and I am drafting Bryn as she pulls into a strong headwind. I am struggling to hang on which shouldn't be the case. A rider drafting another enjoys a 20% benefit in lower wind resistance. We have reached the inflection point experienced by most parents of teenagers where the declining slope of one's own physical abilities intersects with the ascending slope of one's child. It evokes an interesting combination of pride and regret.

Early Weekend Posting

Photo
My friend, Barbara, took this picture of Marconi Beach in Wellfleet on Cape Cod when we were there in 2005.
Talk about the odd couple! ☺
In a recent issue of the Hartford Courant I came across this gem: “Of all the liars in the world, sometimes the worst are your own fears.” –Rudyard Kipling. I liked it so much I added it to my random list of “signatures” at the end of my emails.

Garfield the Cat says: “It’s amazing what one can accomplish when one doesn’t know what one can’t do.” Garfield and Kipling are telling us the same thing, and it’s our fears (telling us lies) that create our need to believe Garfield all the more.

Pretty heady stuff
Friday night I went to a talk given by my hiking buddy, Jon, who I also worked with for 18 years publishing The Door Opener. Following is the first paragraph of the talk’s description:
The Meeting Of Science & Spirituality In the last decade science and spirituality have been bumping up against each other with advanced work in such areas as quantum physics, cosmology and consciousness research. Scientists have discovered, through theory and experiments, that there is a field underlying everything in our universe. This field has been labeled the zero point field, the A field and the Quantum Vacuum. It contains a memory of the vibration of every particle as information (as does the Akashic Records), it is holographic, information travels in it far faster than the speed of light, and the information influences the evolution of life on earth and the universe as a whole. It may also be conscious and the source of our consciousness. These are also the attributes used to describe that which we label as 'God'.
The combination of subject and speaker drew a good attendance.

I got so lost
I tried to go to the Faxon Library in West Hartford this morning for a poetry workshop that meets regularly once a month. I misunderstood my Google directions and became hopelessly lost. By the time I realized where I was (in relation to where I wanted to be) it was too late – they had already started. No way was I going to walk into a group for the first time….late! Next month I will make it because now I know the error of my way.

Exceptional Poetry

Photo
I call this photo "Frozen Wind." Click on the photo to enlarge and better see how the ice has been pushed by the wind toward the river's east bank in rows. The photo was taken on the CT River from the Stebbin's Wildlife Preserve in Longmeadow, MA.

Wish granted, sorta
I posted a few days ago, I needed good weather for Thursday night. I had good weather when I left home and lightly snowing when I came back. My destination was Wintonbury Library in Bloomfield for the Poetry Series.

The featured reader, Kathryn Kelly, and the assemblage of readers for open mic, made the evening memorable. Three new readers graced our midst giving us the opportunity to listen to new voices. The evening, dedicated to the memory of poet Hugh Ogden, was one of those rare events where every poem read by every poet was exceptional. The theme chosen for the evening was “Teachers and Spirit Guides.” It was a privileged to be among these excellent poets.

My muse went on sabbatical in July of ’07 leaving me with no new poetry – not even a grain of inspiration. However, she returned on Christmas day with gifts – two new poems. I’ve written five new poems since then, so I guess she’s really back. Where did she go? She’s not talking. She feels bringing back inspiration is enough and the rest is none of my business. ☺

Tidewater Inn Bed & Breakfast

Photo
Instead of a photo I put up a link to The Tidewater Inn Bed & Breakfast in Madison, CT.

This is why I needed good weather for Wednesday.
I traveled to Madison yesterday to visit a former co-worker from Connecticut Natural Gas. Viki is living her dream now as owner of The Tidewater Inn. I was going to take my own pictures, but we had so much to talk about I totally forgot.

After I retired from CNG I lost track of many people, Viki among them. I’m not sure who told me, but I knew her dream was to have a B & B. I was so excited (for her) when I found out she was doing just that.

I got the “cook’s tour” of the inn. Each room is absolutely beautiful as you can see from the website. Those in the front of the house face east and have a spectacular view of sunrise. We sat and talked for a while in the sitting area before going to the Griswold Inn for lunch. Viki had to pick up a gift certificate to fill the request of one of her guests (part of her concierge service) so we combined business with pleasure. Lunch was sumptuous and delicious. I expected the coffee to be good, too, and it was.

Since this was also the day Viki designates to do errands, she dropped me off, back at the inn, while she continued on to Milford to pick up supplies. It was getting late and I needed to be heading back home. As it was, I hit Hartford during rush hour. Haven't done that since I retired in 2001!

The drive down was very pleasant, taking me through some very pretty parts of the state. Once I got past Durham, I had the road all to myself.

I’m looking forward to going back for another visit in spring or early summer, and, yes, I will be bringing my bike. I’ve ridden on Route 1 before, and even though it isn’t the most comfortable road to ride (traffic!) there are opportunities to get off the beaten path and be closer to the water.

I highly recommend The Tidewater Inn if you want a weekend (or mid-week) get-away. How about giving someone the gift of a couple of days (or more) at The Tidewater. There’s lots to do in the area to keep you coming back.

Another Poem

Stone Sentinel

Silent cottage in the snow
waiting for creative fires to rekindle
beside the hearth.

Nameless stone sentinel
stands watch, hunched over,
a self-appointed protector.

Universe takes a deep inbreath
awaiting the outbreath, Creation,
that comes with Spring.

© Beverly R. Titus
01/18/06


Photo
The photo, taken by Dori Baranska, was originally published on Monhegan Commons and became the inspiration for the poem. The poem and the photo were then published together on Poet’s Cove, a segment of Monhegan Commons

Wet, Heavy Snow

Photo
Yesterday’s landscape frosting courtesy of Mother Nature.

Almost too much for Big Red
I spent yesterday afternoon cleaning up after a 6 inch very wet, very heavy snowfall. If it had been light and fluffy, we probably would have had 12 inches.

Big Red had trouble with it on the length of the driveway—all it did was compact the snow and push it. I had to clear going across the driveway—dealing with less snow at a time and giving it no chance to compact in front of the snow blower. The deck was the most fun. I pushed the snow off in very small chunks. Never lifted a shovel. Pushed only.

Today, we finally have the sun and before all the snow started falling off limbs, branches and power lines, it was pretty spectacular. And we have more storms lining up waiting to move into the Northeast. This last storm was #7 for the season. I’m keeping track because our first storm with substantial winter precipitation was on November 20th. According to folklore, that means we should have 20 storms total for the season. Seven is a pretty good start. I don’t think we will get to 20.

Weekend's Here

Photo
A path I didn’t take this past Tuesday when I went for a bike ride. This was along the Farmington River next to Bart’s in Windsor. Riding on snow makes me nervous.

Happy Weekend
The weekend is here. Since I’m retired, I shouldn’t care one way or the other, right? It’s funny, after so many years of working and looking forward to weekends, I can’t get the routine out of my system.

Today was a day of rain, thunder, lightening and, in some towns, power outages. This is January, not April. The mid-section of the country is also having crazy weather with a spring-like outbreak of tornadoes.

I’ll go somnambulant again this weekend with college basketball and NFL playoffs. It will take the prospect of a Sunday-night-into-Monday snow storm to make me pay attention to what’s going on in the rest of the world.

I need good weather Wednesday (all day) and Thursday night. I have plans. I’ll tell you all about it after the fact.

A Snapper It Is

Look at this sweet face. (Click on the photos to enlarge) On second thought, you might not want to. While bike riding last year on the Rockville (CT) Spur of the Hop River Trail, Bonnie and I came across this turtle. We are of the opinion that it is a snapping turtle.

The last time I posted a turtle (Dec. 23, ’07) I called it a snapper. I was corrected by Elaine. It was not a snapper. I posted a correction.

Now the question is: Is this a snapper?

Bonnie and I think so. Elaine doesn’t think it is or, at best, isn’t sure. Then Elaine suggested I check on the internet. Great idea. I Googled “snapping turtles” and came up with one site where I could send pictures of our shelled beauty. (Elaine’s suggestion also. She’s always thinking!)

Here is the answer I rec’d from the experts:

Subject: [RE]Can you identify
Date: Wednesday, January 9, 2008 9:12 PM
From: Thomas Schucker
Hi Beverly,
This turtle probably acted out its name. It is a common snapping turtle. Some make good pets when raised form babies, but large adults do not.
Tom

One of the rare times I’m right and Elaine is willing to be my witness. I have it in writing. ☺☺☺

January Thaw?

Photo
Looking toward the condo’s on South Water St. in Warehouse Point from the Windsor Locks side of the river on Rte 159. The river was high.

A January bike ride
The photo was taken yesterday as I went bike riding for the first time this year. What’s incredible, the temps were up close to 60°.

I brought my bike with me (on the car rack) when I went to breakfast with the girls. By the time we finished eating and talking the temperature had warmed up considerably—as I had expected.

I’ve never been able to ride in January. This year I have the benefit of cool weather bike riding long pants. That made all the difference in the world. I had four light layers on my upper body and a quilted vest (unzipped). Even though it was near 60°, there was a chill in the air from what little snow was left on the ground. Water, any water—flowing or still, was cold and added to the air’s chill. I worked up a sweat, but not enough to peel off any layers.

I decided to ride into Windsor via Windsor Locks. I chose roads that took me west and up some hills to the flats. From there I rode through quiet neighborhoods to Kennedy Road. (I realize this means nothing to you if you are don’t live around north-central Connecticut) I stopped by Kathy’s place of employment and left a note on her windshield. She called me a Stalker Mom! ☺ I tried calling her, but her line was busy, so I just left the note and continued on my way down Hayden Station Road.

I meandered toward the center of Windsor and stopped in the area of Bart’s and the Farmington River before heading back to my car at the East Windsor Diner. I put on almost 18 miles and it felt good!

Weekend

Photo
A canal within the Eagleville Preserve. The canal was important to the use of the river and the original Eagleville dam in colonial times. Whether it was use to transport barges around the dam or it was used as a reserve of water is not clear. Whatever it's original use, today it's just interesting and gets my imagination working overtime.

On Saturday I went over to South Windsor High School to watch the wrestling meet. This is not my sport. However, grandson Joe was wrestling for East Windsor and a former co-worker, Coach Dave was there with his team from Fairfield Prep. While I was there Joe won his first match of the day. Dave’s kids seemed to be doing ok. On the way over I went past one playing field and I couldn’t believe what I saw. Right there, in plain view was a coyote. I stopped my car just to get a better look. Wow. Then I realized it hadn’t moved. It wasn’t going to move, either. It was plastic. Then I saw another one in another playing field. Across the street was a large flock of geese. Now I get the picture. Fake coyote, no goose poop.

Sunday, today,
I had planned to go hiking with the Colchester Land Trust group. However, my body had other plans. I woke up slightly under the weather and have decided to stay close to home today. There’s plenty of basketball and football on the tube to lull me into a state of bored somnambulation. Where did I pick up this “bug”? I went to two places yesterday: 1) the high school gym to watch the wrestling meet, 2) the drug store to fill a prescription for my mother. Take your pick.

Correction

What I posted as a snapping turtle on Dec. 23rd is not a snapper after all, I am told. After being directed by Elaine to a website that showed snappers, I can tell you it sure isn’t! Elaine thinks it's most likely a box turtle. It’s good to have folks who will set me straight. I truly appreciate it. Thanks Elaine!

Need New Treads!

Photo
Stone wall along the Air Line Trail in Chaplin, CT.

New tires
Went to “The Famous Johnnie’s” service station on West St. in Rockville this morning to have two new front tires put on. After yesterday’s slushy precip that turned to ice overnight, the trip down to Johnnies was a little dicey. Knowing my front tires were not good made me a little anxious. I’m all set now and I did a test run on the way home. What a difference. Phew!

Took a hike
While my tires were going on I took a hike. I did part of the Rockville Spur Rail Trail to the west then doubled back and went east to Rau St. Walked (slid) down to West Main and back to the station—2 miles, maybe a tad more. I wanted to see what conditions on the trail would be and if my low cut hikers could handle it. The snow was not deep and, because of the recent rain, was packed down and crispy on top. Not bad walking at all; just chilly.

No new hikers
I went down to LL Bean to see what they had on sale. I’ll be doing some hiking on Sunday with the Colchester Land Trust group and I need footwear more suitable for winter. LLB didn’t have what I wanted—a hiking boot that will be higher than a sneaker, warm and good on bare rock and such. They didn’t have what I was looking for at the price I was willing to pay. I’ll just have to take my chances on Colchester not having much in the way of snow on Sunday. I’ll also bring an extra pair of socks and shoes just in case. Our hike will take us around Day Pond and down into the Salmon River area. Should get some good pictures.

Resolutions and Dreams

Photo
Garfield and Odie.

The Spirit is willing………
Here we are, the start of another year. This is where we resolve to start doing some things and resolve to stop doing others. More of this, less of that. And we dream. We dream of great adventures, a better job, or a life that gets easier. We rarely keep the resolutions and too soon give up on the dreams. What we resolve to do and dream about, seem to become too difficult to achieve, even though they probably are desperately needed. Human nature I guess.

What’s the answer?
I solved the problem of resolutions by not making any! ☺

My dreams, on the other hand need to be dreamed, need to be nurtured. My dreams keep me going. Even if I don’t achieve my dreams, where would I be without them? A very boring, unhappy person.

I keep my dreams alive by telling others about them. The talking generates enthusiasm in me and the enthusiasm fuels the dreams. Full circle. Do the best you can. Be the best you can. You have to try, you don’t have to win. It is in the attempt that one is a success. Dream big dreams. Don’t let anyone convince you that your dream is impossible.

My comic strip friend, Garfield says it best. See above photo! Make those your words to live by. You’ll never know if you don’t try. I have a couple of those dreams coming up. I don’t know if I’ll succeed, but I’ll never know unless I try. Wish me luck.

And on second thought, maybe I should apply the “you’ll never know unless you try” philosophy to making resolutions. But what would I resolve to do/not do? I’m already perfect, don’t you know. ☺ ☺ ☺

Two exercises in futility? ☺ ☺ ☺
First I will work out. I'll walk and/or do some weight resistance routines. Then I will spend time emptying the file drawer of 2007 financial records to make room for the 2008. While I'm at it I will separate the stuff that I need for my income tax return and bag the rest until they can all be shredded 4 years from now.

A Blessing
May the Universe heap upon you and yours an Abundance of All Good Things throughout the upcoming year and beyond.