Showing posts with label Mystic CT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mystic CT. Show all posts

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Heritage Weekend 2010


Last weekend I went back to my hometown, in CT, for it's annual Heritage Weekend.  I always enjoy it...and my camera does too! I went to elementary school just across from this site.  It sure does bring back memories!  I don't think I will ever shake the "back to school" feeling Fall leaves me with.  Although now, it's more of a joyous "new beginnings" type emotion and the thrill of bundling up in cozy sweaters again...then it was probably decidedly less happy.

Nothing much beats a New England Autumn.  Kettle corn, anyone?



 I bought the red variety...and the vendor was so nice!

 At the woodworker's table...



 Soldiers commemorating those we lost in the Civil War



 Local gravestones...



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Then we made our annual visit to B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill in Old Mystic...It wouldn't be fall without some great pumpkin shots :)








I've been visiting Clyde's since I was a wee little thing.  I have very fond memories of watching them press the apples and bottle the cider...my Dad always fascinated by how the press worked and showing me all the workings. He always had questions for the family that runs it. Local pride at it's best. It's hard to visit any of these places and not think of all those times. And the cider donuts rock my world :)

XO

Interested in more photos?  Check out my galleries:

B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill

Mystic and Clyde's - 2009

Heritage Weekend - 2004

Heritage Weekend - 2006

Mystic Seaport - 2004

Friday, August 27, 2010

Birthday Vacation and Revelations

The remains of the fresh, raw milk...

I've been on a bit of a vacation since my birthday and rummaging through my toolbox...

I went to my Mom's in CT for the weekend and enjoyed some quiet and together time with family.  We ate breakfast at Crescent Beach:



...traveled to Lyme in pursuit of raw milk at Beaver Brook Farm:

 The Wool Shop @ Beaver Brook Farm


...had lunch at The Black Sheep and walked in McCook's Park (where we heard bagpipes...I kid you not...) with my cousins:


 View of Hole in the Wall Beach

Long Island Sound

And to finish off Saturday, we had a wonderful bbq at my Sister's with one of my nephews taking great pains to make sure the candles were placed perfectly on my cake (awww) and the other being adorable as usual (they are both adorable, of course)!

Sunday I bought yarn at A.C. Moore for a delicious cabled sweater pattern :)

It was a really nice weekend...reminding me even more how I want to be in quieter surroundings as soon as I can manage it.

To add to the loveliness,  I've had a couple days off of work this week! I've been cooking and knitting and sleeping in...aaah.

I seem to be indulging myself right through the end of the month! I visited an acupuncture clinic near my apartment and then booked a massage while there and I just purchased a Creative Healing session!

My head is spinning (but in a good way) since I realized I've been neglecting myself in lieu of "PAY THE BILLS, SAVE, SAVE SAVE!!!" I seem to be making up for it. ;) The debt reduction and savings plan is still very important to me, of course, but I was beginning to lose my creative and blissful way. I think, in future, I need to take more steady care of myself instead of exploding with it all in one week.

I have also realized that I want to start practicing my Reiki again and eventually be attuned to level 3.  So I am offering short healing sessions on a donation basis. If anyone is interested, you can e-mail me for more info!

But wait, there's more!!!

I'll be starting Lion's Share gatherings...hopefully in late October.  I'm going to experiment by having a lovely weekend full of cooking and togetherness at my cousin's in CT.  We've been trying to do this for over a year!

The more official Lion's Share Circles will be potluck and/or helped along by donations (I'm putting a donation button, here, in the sidebar).  I was inspired by "Julie & Julia" because I don't have sufficient cash on hand to throw parties on my own. Each get together will feature wonderful food and have themes such as knitting, dream-boarding, reiki, etc. I hope these gatherings will begin to foster the sense of community I want to create (and enjoy)!

And last, but certainly not least...it looks like I'll be returning to Scotland in the Spring!!!  I received word (the day before my birthday) of another workshop on Iona and really want to participate (more info on that in another post).

So, here's to a wonderful year of living and moving forward. 32 will be amazing.

XO

Saturday, December 26, 2009

The Lovely Mystic, CT

I had intended on posting these photos back in October but time got away from me!  I thought they'd be a nice follow-up to my Lantern Light Tour blog since they show a bit more of Mystic.

I grew up in Niantic, CT and am by nature pretty much a New England girl. For my friends and I, September has become the month to visit Mystic. In particular, The Harp and Hound (for Pumpkinhead Ale and Bangers and Mash or Shepard's Pie) and B. F. Clyde's Cider Mill. There is also always, of course, a side trip to The Mohegan Sun for cocktails.

The Harp and Hound baffles and amuses me because it always has a menu posted outside featuring tasty sounding entrees and sides...but when you get inside, no matter what time of day, all they have is Bangers and Mash or Shepard's Pie. We, of course, are there specifically for those dishes but I find it really funny! It's all part of the tradition by now...as is our crowding into the corner window booth with the over-sized map of Ireland and a shelf of ancient looking books.




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My family has been going to B.F Clyde's Cider Mill since I was a kid. The smell of apples that permeates the air, the cider donuts...it's the definition of a Fall outing.

Cider fresh from the press



How she works




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As I said before, Mystic Seaport is one of my favorite places to photograph.  The tone, the light...the history...and it's always nostalgic for me since I grew up in this area.



Ship Carvings
 





Who knew rope-making could be so beautiful?



The beauty of The Ropewalk completely transfixed and fascinated me











My dream kitchen






Printshop





Doctor's office



Druggist Counter

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Peeking at the next table at The Seamen's Inne Pub





Fish and Chips at the Seamen's Inne Pub



Local Beer!


The Seaport has such a quiet beauty and dignity. I love that I see something new every time I visit.

XO