October 27, 2011 - Waterbury, Etc.

Today, Vicki and I helped the economy in Waterbury and bought a few cute things at the Stowe Street Emporium.  Then, we drove over to Ellie's Farm and picked up a wonderful apple pie which will be devoured.  We then dropped in on my brother at his place of business - he's the postmaster, doncha know!

 Since Jim is The Boss, and since it's a small town, he closes during the noon hour as required by law.  Prior to closure, Vicki made a purchase of new stamps as the rates go up again at the end of January.

 Vicki posed for me in front of a collage of stamps that she made for Jim several years ago.  A very nice piece which has received many compliments from Jim's customers.

Jim's old friend Dennis showed up  . . .

The four of us took a walk up the hill where there are three covered bridges right in a row.  One was particularly damaged by the floods from Hurricane Irene but is still in operation.  As you can see in these photographs, the homes along the way were heavily damaged.

It's absolutely amazing that these bridges are close to 150 years old and still in operation.  The Tappan Zee Bridge is 56 years old and functionally obsolete, having been built to last only 50 years.  Were bridge builders in those days pessimistic?

After leaving my brother, we drove to Montpelier to have lunch.  Jim had suggested Sarducci's which is a lovely Italian restaurant on the Onion River.  Very charming and the lunch we had was very good.  Vicki had a portabella panini and I had an open faced steak sandwich [sans bread] with onions and peppers. YUM.

We knew the Seekonkians would be arriving so we headed back to Waterbury and as we pulled into the parking lot, Matt was checking into the hotel!  Nice timing!  After they got settled into an adjoining room, we visited for a while.  Josh looks so much like his Dobby [grandfather]!!!  That's his daddy, Matt, with him.  At first, his mustache was upside down, but then he got the hang of it!

Kathy [sister from Florida], and her husband, Jimmy, were soon to arrive with Dan [her son].  Dan had plans with friends in Burlington so he spun off, but the rest of us had burgers in The Wandering Moose.  Finally, Steve arrived!  He'd flown into Boston and rented a car.  He was a little delayed due to heavy snow in New Hampshire.

Then it was off to the big room to watch what was supposed to be the FINAL game of the World Series but due to some missteps, there will be Game Seven tonight.

So, that's it so far.  The weather is supposed to be COLD the next few days but the sun will be shining.
Tune in tomorrow.