Day: October 11, 2025

2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

The Heublein Tower At Talcott Mountain State Park, Simsbury, Connecticut In October 2025 (Part II)

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Designed by Smith and Bassette to survive 100 mph (160 km/h) winds, and built by T. R. Fox and Son in 1914, the Heublein Tower served as Gilbert Heublein’s summer home and retreat. Smith and Bassette also designed the north and south wings of the Governor’s Mansion in 1916. Truly an architectural marvel, Mr. Heublein modeled this structure after buildings in his native homeland of Bavaria in Germany. Standing 165 feet (50 m) tall and situated 1,000 feet (300 m) above the Farmington Valley, one can see for several dozen miles in all directions from the top-floor observation lounge. It is also the site of the first home elevator in Connecticut.

When Kevin and I reached the Heublein Tower, we went to the shop to purchase some water and snacks. While we ate, we enjoyed the view over the Farmington River Valley. It is prohibited to eat or drink at the observation lounge.

When we were ready to go upstairs, we had to climb 120 steps to the sixth floor to get to the Heublein Observation Lounge. From there, we had a 360° view. From the tower, Hartford can be seen at a short distance. When the skies are clear, the view reaches all the way across Massachusetts into New Hampshire. I spent some time on the bench up there and soaked in the panorama.

After resting for a little bit, Kevin and I hiked down the Tower Trail. My arch in my right foot was aching. So, I had to take it easy. New insoles or hiking shoes should fix this problem. Thank goodness, there is a shortcut trail that led us down faster. We took in the beautiful Autumn sights. After all, it was a perfect day to hike up the hill. The temperatures were in the mid- to upper 50s (12℃ – 14℃).

Simsbury, Connecticut – October 10th, 2025

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~ THE END ~

2025 · My Texas Garden Journal

A New Fence Pole & An Old Dismantled Shed ~ 2013

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One of our fence poles didn’t have a cap to cover it. When it rained, the pole collected water. Over time, the metal started to rust through and didn’t hold up the fence. It also didn’t help that Ranger always peed on it. So, one Saturday afternoon, Kevin got the materials to fix the fence. He dug the concrete block up, which was huge. It took us both to lift it out of the ground. Once the new pole was in place, Kevin poured the concrete to keep the pole in place.

While the concrete set, Kevin dismantled the old rusty shed that was here before we moved into the house. All it did was attract rats. We had to get rid of it sooner or later. We had that extra space and enough room to trim the trumpet vines. In the meantime, Katelynn and Sara collected the rest of the twigs from the Mimosa, which was cut down three days prior. Our cats made sure that we all did our chores.