Category: New England

2025 · Maine · National Day Calendar

National Maine Day 2025

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Before Maine was colonized by French and English settlers, it was populated by Wabanaki tribes. Until two centuries ago, Maine was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, before it voted to leave Massachusetts. As part of the Missouri Compromise, it became a separate state. It was then admitted to the Union as the 23rd state.

Nobody can say for sure why it is called Maine. Some say it was named by French colonizers after the province of Maine in France. Others say it was named by English colonizers as a reference to the mainland. Either way, it is Maine today, and it is the only state named with a single syllable, and also the only state to border only one other state.

Maine’s rocky coastline, rugged mountains, lush green expanses, and winding waterways have inspired numerous artists. From writers and poets to painters, they have all flourished here for centuries. Maine’s mountains and shores offer enough hidden treasures for tourists and locals alike.

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-maine-day/

2025 · Connecticut

Remembering Sandy Hook …

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In Memory of the 26 victims of the Sandy Hook
Elementary School shooting on December 14, 2012

Here in Newtown, I come to offer the love and prayers of a nation. I am very mindful that mere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts. I can only hope it helps for you to know that you’re not alone in your grief; that our world, too, has been torn apart; that all across this land of ours, we have wept with you.

~ President Barack Obama, Newtown, Connecticut 12/16/2012

2025 · Connecticut · Live In Concert

The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight @ The Palace Theater In Waterbury, Connecticut ~ 12/05/2025 🎻🎸

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Kevin, Sara, and I had an amazing evening seeing The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight last night. We witnessed the union of classical music and metal. The band of 14 musicians performed the music of iconic rock bands, including Led Zeppelin, Metallica, Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, Linkin’ Park & many more.

2025 · Connecticut · Throwback Thursday

Kent Falls State Park, Kent, Litchfield County, Connecticut In November 2021

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Frosted Maple Leaves in Kent Falls State Park

This morning, we experienced our first frost of the season in Connecticut. But this didn’t stop Kevin and me from driving to the Kent Falls State Park and doing a little mid-morning hike along the falls. We made sure we wore an extra layer of clothes. And up the trail, we went. The part of the Kent Falls, seen at the bottom of the trail, is only a small portion. The falls have a total drop of 250 feet. Since they wind around the corner, they can’t be seen simultaneously. Kevin and I had to hike up a steep trail to get an idea of how big and how long the falls were running through the hill. Unfortunately, we still haven’t reached the top. However, the part of the trail we’ve hiked was so worth it.

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– 11/03/2021 –

2025 · Connecticut · National Day Calendar

🗺🧭 National Hiking Day 2025 🧭🗺

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Hiking wasn’t always the fashionable pastime it is today. Before the Subarus and the Jeeps and the Patagonias built an industry around the activity, walking of any kind was considered an activity for the impoverished or the vagrant. The Romantic era of the Victorian years inspired the likes of Walden and Thoreau to reconnect with nature, and that, in turn, inspired the landscape architects to design parks with excellent walking trails (looking at you, Frederick Law Olmsted of Central Park fame). Walking then became something of the educated, the unhurried, the luxurious. 

Until John Muir came along and walked his way through the Sierra Nevadas in California and demanded that not only hiking, walking, meandering, sojourning, whatever you want to call it, be accessible to every American citizen, but that the country should actively preserve natural areas of pristine ecology and beauty. In 1890, he petitioned to create the National Park System, and we were endowed with “America’s best idea” – Yosemite and Sequoia National Park. But even before Muir, on the east coast, a small group of people had banded together in 1876 to form the Appalachian Mountain Club, which aimed to protect and preserve all hiking trails along the historic mountain range and develop new ones. 

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-hiking-day/

2025 · Autumn · Connecticut · Throwback Thursday

Echo Lake Park, Watertown, Connecticut In November 2021

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This afternoon, I took another peek at the leaves in Echo Lake Park. And with sadness, I have to say, the “Leaf Peeping Peak Season” is over. Here and there are trees still dressed in Autumn leaves. A lot of them are bare, now. I can tell that November has arrived in New England. Well, I will enjoy what is left for the rest of the season, before I experience my first real Winter in almost two decades.

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~ 11/01/2021 ~

2025 · Connecticut · New England

Castle Craig’s 125th Anniversary

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Meriden celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the dedication of Castle Craig, which sits atop East Peak, overlooking Hubbard Park. The 32-foot-tall stone observation tower was built in 1900 and was inspired by local philanthropist Walter Hubbard’s travels in Europe. Castle Craig is located on one of the highest hilltops within 25 miles of the East Coast, sitting at 1,000 feet above sea level.

1900 – 2025
2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

Horseshoe/Pequabuck Falls, Terryville, Litchfield County, Connecticut In October 2025

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In 1851, Eli Terry constructed a dam on the Pequabuck River to provide waterpower for a new factory, the Terryville Manufacturing Company. Located on Canal Street, the shop made clocks and clock parts. Water from the pond was diverted down a canal to turn a water wheel that generated 35 horsepower at full speed.  In 1864, the factory became the Eagle Bit and Buckle Company, manufacturers of harness bits and buckles for the Union Army during the Civil War. Eventually, locks for mailbag pouches were made here. Later, a sawmill occupied the site, and by 1908, it was a woodturning plant. A waterwheel powered the shop until 1913, when it was replaced by an electric motor. 

: https://www.plymouthct.gov/interesting-places-in-plymouth

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2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

The Norfolk Historic District, Litchfield County, Connecticut In October 2025

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The town of Norfolk was incorporated in 1758. Early growth was due in part to an industry that developed on the Blackberry River near the town center, of which no significant traces remain. Its main period of growth began with the arrival in 1871 of the railroad, which led to the town’s growth as a summer resort, marketed for its high elevation and fresh air. The town center benefited architecturally from the philanthropic activities of the interrelated Robbins-Battell-Stoeckel families, who contributed churches, civic buildings, and memorials to the town center. The major element of the town center, the former Stoeckel estate, is now home to the Yale Music School’s summer programs.

: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norfolk_Historic_District

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2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

The Saville Dam & Barkhamsted Reservoir, Litchfield County, Connecticut In October 2025

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The dam is named after Caleb Saville, chief engineer of the ambitious project. Foundations for both the dam and the diversion tunnel were laid in August 1934. Then, the eastern branch of the Farmington River was diverted into a concrete conduit at the bottom of the dam site. Although the Saville Dam was completed in 1940, it was not until 1948 that the Barkhamsted Reservoir filled to full capacity. 

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2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

Stratton Brook State Park, Simsbury, Connecticut In October 2025

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Stratton Brook offers swimming, picnicking, fishing, cycling, interpretive programs, and more in a beautifully wooded setting with ADA accessibility. Originally called Massacoe State Forest, the park’s land was acquired to demonstrate forest fire control techniques along railroads. The railroad tracks have since been replaced by an impressive bike trail shaded by white pines and traveling over scenic brooks and through a covered bridge. Stratton Brook State Park Trail connects the Farmington River Trail to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.

: https://ctparks.com/parks/stratton-brook-state-park

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2025 · National Day Calendar · Vermont

National Vermont Day 2025

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The history of National Vermont Day goes back to 1791, when it officially became the 14th state to join the United States. It also became the first state to join the union after the original 13 states had joined. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Green Mountain State, which had been under British and French rule for many years.

After its admission to the union, Vermont has continuously made strides. It became one of the first states to officially ban slavery. On November 25, 1858, the Act to Secure Freedom To All Persons Within The State was signed three years before the American Civil War. Vermonters provided food and shelter to escaped slaves along the Underground Railroad. Vermonters are also known for their resilience. Despite being a newly formed state, they sent soldiers to participate in the Civil War and continuously stood a firm ground against slavery.

National Vermont Day gives a chance to Vermonters to not only celebrate the memorable day of their independence but also pass down the historical value of their state to the younger generation. Honoring the brave men and women who contributed to making Vermont the state it is today is paramount. The 21st-century Vermont sits in the middle of a lush and scenic backdrop of mountains. While the state couldn’t be any more picturesque, the history behind this beauty is rich. National Vermont Day is the time of the year to honor that.

: https://nationaltoday.com/national-vermont-day/

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 · Autumn · Connecticut

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

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Yesterday, I planned a trip to the Heublein Tower at Talcott Mountain State Park. When we arrived at the park today, I wasn’t aware that we still had to hike 1.25 miles (2 km) with an elevation gain of 427 feet (130 meters) to get to the tower. Once we climbed up the steep gravel path, we reached the top of the ridge, where we encountered the western-facing view over the Farmington River Valley. The rest of the trail is almost flat with some gravel and tree roots along the way. I had to sit down a few times to take in the beautiful view while I was resting. But I was motivated enough to make it all the way to the tower. I was well rewarded.

Simsbury, Connecticut – October 10th, 2025

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… to be continued …

2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

Hop Brook Lake, Middlebury, Connecticut In October 2025

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Hop Brook Lake extends over three communities in New Haven County, Connecticut. These towns are Middlebury, Naugatuck & Waterbury. A dam was built across Hop Brook in Naugatuck, and the resulting lake is known as Hop Brook Lake.

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The Pollinator Garden

Pollinator gardens contain various native or native cultivars that produce nectar and/or pollen. These gardens enhance pollinator occupancy and contribute to maintaining healthy ecosystems by creating optimal pollination conditions.

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Autumn At The Lake

Hop Brook Lake is situated in the midst of a growing suburban area. This makes the 536 acres of undeveloped public land at the lake especially important to the surrounding community. The land is not only managed for recreation, but also for the benefit of the forest, wildlife, and water resources. The forest is comprised of a diverse array of trees, including white pine, maple, oak, hickory, ash, and dogwood.

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Lakeshore Trail

Wildlife is abundant in the area. Bird watchers will find a diversity of species, including hawks, turkeys, waterfowl, and songbirds. White-tailed deer, beaver, squirrels, chipmunks, and many other animals also make their home at Hop Brook Lake.

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2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

Lake Winnimaug, Watertown, Connecticut In October 2025

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I live in Watertown for the last four and a half years. However, today was the first time I went to Lake Winnimaug which is only three miles away from our house.

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2025 · Halloween · Massachusetts

Halloween Season In “Witch City” – Salem, Massachusetts (Part II) 2025

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The “First Church in Salem” and the Witch House reside next to the Ropes Mansion (Allison’s House/Hocus Pocus). Since both buildings and the Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery are connected to the 1692 Witch Trials, I post the photos in this blog.

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The First Church In Salem

The “First Church (North Church) in Salem” refers to the First Church in Salem, Massachusetts, which, over time, has had different locations and branches. The current Unitarian Universalist congregation, one of the oldest in the United States, was established in 1629. The congregation split several times throughout its history, and one of these divisions created the “North Church”.

During the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, many of the accused and their accusers were members of the First Church congregation. The minister at the time, Reverend John Higginson, lived near the present-day Salem Witch Museum site.

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The Witch House/Jonathan Corwin House

The only structure still standing in Salem that has a direct connection to the witchcraft trials and is open to the public is the Witch House, on the corner of Essex and North Streets. This home, built circa 1675, was the residence of Judge Jonathan Corwin in 1692.

Along with his friend and fellow Judge John Hathorne, Judge Corwin presided over many of the examinations of the accused and their accusers, both before and during the trials. Some of the questioning took place in the Salem Village Meetinghouse (Tituba, Sarah Osborne, and Sarah Good were examined there from March 1-5), the Salem Town Meetinghouse, and local taverns. For years, many believed examinations also took place in this home on Essex Street, but there is no evidence to support that theory.

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Old Burying Point/Charter Street Cemetery

The Charter Street Burial Ground, started in 1637, also known as “Old Burying Point” or the “Charter Street Cemetery”, is the oldest cemetery in Salem. Many early and famous Salem residents are buried here, such as John Hathorne, a judge in the Salem witch trials of 1692, and Samuel McIntire, Salem’s great woodcarver.

The convicted victims of the Salem Witch Trials were not buried in a single, marked location; their bodies were disposed of in shallow graves at the execution site, now known as Proctor’s Ledge. While there is no central grave site, some families may have secretly moved their loved ones’ bodies to private plots, so their exact burial locations are largely unknown. The Old Burying Point Cemetery is adjacent to the Salem Witch Trials Memorial, but no executed individuals from the trials are buried there.

Salem, Massachusetts – October 8th, 2025

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~ THE END ~

2025 · Halloween · Massachusetts

Halloween Season In “Witch City” – Salem, Massachusetts (Part I) 2025

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After we dropped off Sara at the school bus, Kevin and I drove to Salem, Massachusetts. Since we wanted to meet with a couple of Kevin’s friends, the trip was planned in late Spring or early Summer. It was raining this morning. So, the chance that the town would be overcrowded was slim. And it proved to be the perfect October day to visit Salem.

We parked at the lot between Federal Street and Church Street. At the Witch City Mall, Kevin and I met with his friends. We had eaten a small breakfast on the road. So, we were ready for some brunch at the Red’s Sandwich Store. In other words, we had a second breakfast there. And it was delicious.

When our bellies were full, we walked through Salem. Since Kevin’s friends knew I had a creepy feeling towards Ouija boards, they guided us to the Salem Witch Board Museum.

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Salem Witch Board Museum

The Salem Witch Board Museum is owned and operated by John Kozik, a founding member of the Talking Board Historical Society​. Working with the other members, they seek to preserve and uncover the history surrounding the talking board. The items contained in the museum are from his personal collection or donated to the museum for display and educational purposes. John is available for speaking engagements on the wonders and historic impacts of the Ouija board and talking boards.

Here is a video from CNN of the Ouija Board History and the Salem Witch Board Museum:
https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/20/travel/video/ouija-board-history-halloween-orig-ag

Once I listened to the history of the Ouija board, I wasn’t as creeped out anymore. Still, I would treat it with caution, until… one of Kevin’s friends dug deeper into the boards, which were donated to the museum. And that was the moment when the hair on the back of my neck was standing up. 😱

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It’s All A Bunch of HOCUS POCUS!

When we walked out of the Salem Witch Board Museum, we were all debating what we were going to do next. I mentioned the Hocus Pocus Filming Locations. I knew we wouldn’t make it to all the locations due to our schedules. But since I wanted to see Allison’s House (The Ropes Mansion), we all agreed to go there first. I wish they had decorated the Ropes Mansion for the holiday. However, it still looked exactly like they filmed it for the movie.

Our next stop was the Old Town Hall. The “town hall spell” in Hocus Pocus refers to the scene where Winifred Sanderson sings “I Put a Spell on You” at the town’s Halloween party. While the exterior of the Old Town Hall was used for filming, the interior party scene was shot on a soundstage. The spell used the song to hypnotize the townspeople, forcing them to dance until they die.  

Kevin and I might have to visit Salem in the off-season for the third time. I would love to see the rest of the Hocus Pocus filming locations.

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Salem, Massachusetts – October 8th, 2025

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… to be continued …

2025 · National Day Calendar · Rhode Island

National Rhode Island Day 2025

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During pre-colonial times, the indigenous Narragansett occupied two-thirds of present-day Rhode Island. But in the 1600s, they welcomed Roger Williams, an exile from Massachusetts, and sold him land to establish “Providence” — a haven for those who believed in religious liberty and the separation of state and church affairs. Soon, the settlement became home to other like-minded individuals. Unfortunately, Providence wasn’t without its internal struggles and secessions, which mainly stemmed from the refusal of the religious population to acknowledge government authority over church matters. Soon, these conflicts were made worse with attempts by neighboring colonies to assert control over what they called the “Rogues Island.” Invasion, intimidation, fraud, and purchase — they tried it all.

While the Rhode Islanders were fighting for self-governance, King James II was thinking of consolidating the English colonies. So, without further ado, Rhode Island became a county of the dominion of New England, and James demanded that the colonies surrender to his Royal Charter.

Rhode Island was one of the first colonies to resist British interference. It was also the first to push for a Continental Congress in 1774 and do away with colonial officials who had sworn an oath of allegiance to Britain. Yet, when the American War of Independence began, Rhode Island suffered grievous losses, losing 30 men at the Battle of Rhode Island. However, General George Washington’s forces soon defeated the British.

When the first appeal to modify the first U.S. Constitution was lodged with Rhode Island officials, the state didn’t acknowledge it. Even once the Constitution was established, Rhode Island was adamant and refused to ratify the document, determined to keep its freedom. However, after much convincing, Rhode Island became the last of the Thirteen Colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution. It joined the Union in 1790.

: https://www.nationaldaycalendar.com/national-day/national-rhode-island-day-october-5/

2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

168th Annual Fall Fair, Harwinton, Connecticut 2025

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After the Fall Festival in Watertown, we made our way to the Harwinton Fall Fair. Sara was thirsty and had a lemonade. A little further down the walkway, we had some bratwurst, and Sara had a chicken sandwich. We walked around for a little bit. Honestly, when you have seen one fair, you have seen them all. Since Sara was tired from her morning XC practice, we left early.

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2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

46th Annual Fall Festival, Watertown, Connecticut 2025

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Kevin and I walked through the vendors’ aisles, while Sara hung out with a friend at the Fall Festival in Veterans Memorial Park. The festival had vendors with homemade items, food trucks, and an alpaca petting zoo. At 3 pm, The Rakes were supposed to be on stage. Since we planned to drive to another local fall festival, we missed the band again.

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2025 · Autumn · Connecticut · Throwback Thursday

Black Rock State Park, Watertown, Connecticut In October 2021

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Kevin and I hiked in the park for a little bit. Unfortunately, I had the wrong shoes on. We didn’t make it far on the trail before we turned around. But we enjoyed the slow change of leaves. When we walked past a fish pond, Kevin saw a chipmunk and wanted to see where it hid after he went up a small hill. He found an entrance to a den. When he walked down, something jumped against his leg. Kevin looked closer and saw it was a frog. The little Pickerel Frog was patient enough for me to take some photos before it leaped across the trail to get back to the pond. Beautiful critters, we see when we go outdoors.

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~ 10/03/2021 ~

2025 · Autumn · Connecticut

Autumn In New England (2)

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🍁 Autumn at the Watertown Historical District 🍁

Colonization of the area today called Watertown began around 1657. At that time, the colony was called “Mattatock”, though it had several variations in spelling through the years. The land where Watertown is now located, having originally belonged to Mattatock, officially changed its name to Watterbury (now Waterbury) by record on March 20, 1695, by consensus of a council. The original Colony of Mattatuck, which became Watterbury, then Waterbury in name, comprised a much greater land area than Waterbury does today. Thomas Judd and other families were among the first investors to buy the land as a group. The Town of Watertown was officially incorporated in 1780.

Resource:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watertown,_Connecticut

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2025 · Massachusetts

Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers @ Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts ~ 09/27/2025 ⚾

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Today, Kevin and I went with a friend and his son to see the Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. Since the Red Sox made it into the playoffs last night, they seem to slack off a bit this afternoon. Unfortunately, they lost 2:1 against the Tigers. But this didn’t stop us from having a good time at the ballpark. Kevin and I had a couple of hot dogs and an Italian sausage roll. The food was great. I always enjoyed Boston’s cuisine.

After the game, we all rode the bus back home to Connecticut. It was a long, eventful, and fun day. Perfect date with the hubby. 😊

2025 · Massachusetts · National Day Calendar

Mayflower Day 2025

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The Mayflower

Mayflower Day is the day set aside to commemorate the history of the journey that saw travelers from England who were seeking refuge, sail through the ocean to create a new colony in the ‘Promised Land’, which is the territory of the modern-day United States.
Although the ship reached and eventually docked at present-day Cape Cod, Massachusetts, its original destination was a region in and around the present-day territory of the U.S. state of Virginia. According to historical accounts, rough sea conditions and storms prevented it from reaching its final destination in Virginia and subsequently docked at an area around the present-day Hudson River in what is now New York state.

The original 102 travelers on the Mayflower were led by a group of English merchants known as the London Adventurers, one of whose journals most of the written account of the 66-day journey was obtained from. Mayflower Day celebration serves as a remembrance of the history, travelers, and the vessel that has now become an important part of the creation of the modern-day United States.

One of the travelers on the Mayflower ship, William Bradford is considered to have helped establish the traditions of self-government that would later set the pattern for national political development in years to come with his introduction of franchise and town meetings as the 30-year governor of the Plymouth colony where the travelers of Mayflower settled and is also one of thirteen colonies that formed the present United States.

:https://nationaltoday.com/mayflower-day/

2025 · National Day Calendar · New England · New Hampshire

National New Hampshire Day 2025

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New Hampshire was one of the thirteen colonies that rebelled against British colonialism during the American Revolution. The economic and social life in New Hampshire had much to do with sawmills, shipyards, and merchants’ warehouses. Villages and town centers quickly sprang up in the region. Wealthy merchants invested their capital in trade and land speculation, and there also developed a class of laborers, mariners, and slaves.

The only battle fought in New Hampshire was the raid on Fort William and Mary on December 14, 1774. The battle was fought with gunpowder, small arms, and cannon for two nights. According to legend, the gunpowder was later used at the Battle of Bunker Hill after several New Hampshire patriots stored the powder in their homes until it was transported elsewhere for use in revolutionary duties. During the raid, the British soldiers fired upon the revolutionaries with cannons and muskets. There were no casualties, but these were among the first shots fired in the American Revolutionary period. New Hampshire ratified the Constitution on June 21, 1788. It was also on this day that New Hampshire became the ninth state to join the Union.

New Hampshire is a part of the six-state region of New England. It is bounded by Quebec and Canada to the north and northwest; Maine and the Gulf of Maine to the east; Massachusetts to the south; and Vermont to the west. New Hampshire boasts of dense woods, mighty mountains, and a shoreline. It is the fifth smallest state in America.

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-new-hampshire-day/

2025 · Connecticut · Flower Friday

Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) – State Flower of Connecticut

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Mountain Laurel

Designated as the State Flower by the General Assembly in 1907, the Mountain Laurel is perhaps the most beautiful of native American shrubs. Its fragrance and the massed richness of its white and pink blossoms so vividly contrast with the darker colors of the forests and the fields that they have continually attracted the attention of travelers since the earliest days of our colonization. First mentioned in John Smith’s “General History,” in 1624, specimens were sent to Linnaeus, the famous botanist, by the Swedish explorer Peter Kalm in 1750. Linnaeus gave it the name of Kalmia latifolia, honoring the name of his correspondent and at the same time describing the “wide-leafed” characteristic of the plant. In addition to being called the “Mountain Laurel,” the plant has also been spoken of as “Calico Bush” and “Spoonwood.”

:https://portal.ct.gov/About/State-Symbols/The-State-Flower

2025 · Connecticut

Veterans Memorial Park, Watertown, Connecticut In August 2025

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Since it is my birthday and the weather is beautiful, I walked the loop at Veterans Memorial Park. Summer still has a good grip on Nature. But there are signs that Autumn is near. The temperatures are supposed to be in the 70s for the rest of August and into the first week of September.

When I visited the park, I also got a view of one of the six Seward Johnson statues, which are placed all over Watertown. The town is currently hosting an art exhibition of six life-size Seward Johnson sculptures from August to October 2025 as part of the Watertown Foundation’s centennial celebration.

Another new feature is Noodle, the rock snake. Everyone in town can participate by bringing a painted rock and adding it to the tail end. I’m curious how big Noodle will grow over the next years. Maybe I will capture photos every couple of months and see how far it has come.

2025 · Massachusetts · National Day Calendar

National Massachusetts Day 2025

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The Mayflower and the first Pilgrims to the Americas landed in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. After much strife and conflict with the local Wampanoag tribespeople, the Massachusetts Bay Colony was founded ten years later. Throughout the state’s history, there have been several moments when it played a key role in making the America we know today. Without Massachusetts and its intellectual elite’s support, taxation without representation may have remained an idea.

Also known as the Cradle of Liberty, Massachusetts was the venue for the establishment of the Sons of Liberty and the Boston Tea Party, both pivotal events in the buildup to the American Revolution. In 1775, the war for America’s freedom and independence from the British Empire and King George III began in Lexington and Concord, both towns in Massachusetts. Citizens of Massachusetts were staunch patriots and advocated for freedom from the tyranny of colonial rule, but the state is known for so much more than its patriotic voice.

After the American Civil War in 1865, Massachusetts lost a lot of its production capacity and fell from grace, so to speak. The advent of the First and Second World Wars saw a return to some level of productivity. Still, well into the late ‘70s, Massachusetts was plagued by deindustrialization and high unemployment rates. In the ‘80s, what is now known as the Massachusetts Miracle took place. Harvard University and MIT made major developments that led to a surge in technology-focused companies opening shop in the state, boosting the local economy and reinstating Massachusetts as a pillar of the American economy.

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-massachusetts-day/

2025 · Connecticut · National Day Calendar

National Connecticut Day 2025

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National Connecticut Day is a special patriotic holiday that is celebrated annually in the United States on August 10. It is observed by people in the United States and others who have a fondness for it. ‘Connecticut’ came from the Algonquian word ‘Quinnehtukqut,’ which means’ land on the long tidal river.’ Connecticut is known to be the fifth state to join the United States of America. The most populated city in Connecticut is Bridgeport, even though it is not the capital. The capital city is actually Hartford.

:https://nationaltoday.com/national-connecticut-day/

2025 · Connecticut · New England

Hidden Valley Preserve, Washington Depot, Connecticut 2025

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Last Winter, Kevin mentioned he heard about the Hidden Valley Preserve at work. When it got warmer, he wanted to visit that place. I did some research and kept it on the back burner.

Today, I mentioned the Hidden Valley Preserve to Kevin. It’s warm. But the trails are shaded in the forest. After I packed some essentials, we drove to Washington Depot. When we arrived at the preserve, we walked to Henry David Thoreau Swinging Bridge. It’s a 134-foot-long footbridge that spans the Shepaug River. Kevin and I crossed the bridge to hike at the Bee Brook Loop Trail. From there, we got a nice view of the river. At some point, the trail inclined and led us to a wooden staircase. We walked down the steps to cross another footbridge.

On the other side of the Shepaug River, we walked back on the President’s Trail. The President’s Trail was much narrower. And we had to watch our footing closely in some areas. One wrong step could have sent us down a steep hill toward the river. But we made it back safe to the Thoreau Bridge.

On our hike, Kevin and I liked that the trails were easy to walk. The preserve is clean. We didn’t find any trash along the way, which was very refreshing. The air smelled fresh, mainly from the pine needles covering the trails. We definitely need to visit the Hidden Valley Preserve again. There are plenty of different trails to hike. And it must be gorgeous there during the leaf-peeping season.

2025 · Connecticut · New England

Castle Craig In Meriden, Connecticut 2025

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Castle Craig, located on East Peak in the Hanging Hills, is constructed of trap rock and stands 32 feet (10 m) in height, with a base circumference of 58 feet (18 m). A metal interior stairway is used to ascend to the observation deck at the top. It stands 976 feet (297 m) above sea level and provides an expansive view of the greater Meriden, Connecticut area.

On our way back home, Kevin and I drove through Meriden. We have never been all the way up at the Castle Craig Tower. The road is accessible by car from mid-May until the end of September, depending on the weather. After many speed bumps, we made it up to the tower.

On top of the Castle Craig tower, I needed a moment to gather my senses together. Once I adjusted to the height, I photographed the surrounding area of Greater Meriden. I can only imagine how beautiful this place looks with all the different colored leaves in Autumn.