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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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Snow In Southern New England (2)
Tag: New England
National Maine Day 2025
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.
December Fog In The Naugatuck River Valley (1)
Morning Fog rolled in from the lake onto our property this morning.
In The Healing Garden At The Yale/New Haven Hospital 2021
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Kevin came for a visit today. After I took a long-needed shower, we went to the Healing Garden on the 7th floor of the Yale-New Haven Hospital. It’s not very big. However, the garden can be a nice little oasis. At this time of the year, it’s mostly grayish/brown or snowed-in white. I was amazed to find a blooming Rhododendron bush in this cold weather. There is a water feature. But it is not running due to the Winter. On the mulch, between some plants, painted stones with motivating quotes can be found. Some of the trees have cute painted birdhouses hanging from their branches. The birds seemed to like them. They might overwinter in these birdhouses. It was great to get some fresh air outdoors. For a week, I spent most of my time in my hospital room. It was a welcome change.
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~ 12/05/2021 ~
Winter Sunrise In New England (2)
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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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Snow In Southern New England (1)
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Winter In New England 2025
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Remembering Sandy Hook …
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
Winter Sunrise In New England (2)
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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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National Llama Day 2025 🦙
Though they were likely originally dwellers of both North and South America, llamas are believed to have gone extinct in North America during the last ice age, leaving them only in South America.
A cousin to alpacas, llamas were domesticated by humans around 4,000 or even 5,000 years ago, starting in Peru and the Andes mountains. Able to navigate tricky trails, llamas were often used as pack animals in these mountainous areas to carry loads of goods, while their fur was used to make textiles and fabrics.
In modern times, llamas are also often kept domestically on farms, sometimes as guard animals for other flocks such as sheep or even alpacas. Since they can live an average of 20 years, or even up to 30 years, owning a llama is a long-term commitment. And they love to be in herds, so it’s best to never have only one llama but at least two, or even several.
Winter Sunrise In New England (1)
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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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Just Saying Hello! (2021)
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Some of my followers probably have noticed, I haven’t been posting for several days. Last Sunday, I ended up in the ER, and have been at the hospital since. I’m doing okay with what is going on. But I will write a detailed blog once I’m back home and have recovered a little bit. In the meantime, I’ll keep it easy and wait for my procedure to be done in New Haven.
~ Tanja💗
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~ 12/02/2021 ~
First Snow of The Season 2025/2026
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First, the meteorologists mentioned 3-6 inches of snow for our area. But the weather system stayed further north. We were lucky; we got about an inch.
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New England Winter Afterglow In December (1)
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Winter In Connecticut 2025
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Merry Christmas, Mr. Grinch!
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This season, Mr. Grinch made it on our lawn. And he is “… A Mean One.”
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Hello, December 2025!
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Wintry mornings wrapped in white,
Evening, calm and still,
Snowflakes dancing all around,
Sled rides down a hill,
Gatherings with loved ones —
Such a pleasure to remember —
all memories and special gifts
That comes with each December.
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Naugatuck River Valley Backyard Wildlife In November (1) ~ 2021
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1) Eastern Gray Squirrel; 2) Downy Woodpecker; 3) Tufted Titmouse;
4) Blue Jay; 5) Eastern Gray Squirrel; 6) American Robin;
7) Golden-crowned Kinglet
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~ 11/04/2011 ~
November Mornings
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Autumn In Connecticut 2025
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Clouds & Branches In Late November (1)
November Skies
Our Yard/Forest In Late November (1)
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Autumn in Connecticut 2025
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Kent Falls State Park, Kent, Litchfield County, Connecticut In November 2021
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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 –
🗺🧭 National Hiking Day 2025 🧭🗺
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.
Naugatuck River Valley Backyard Wildlife (2)
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American Red Squirrel, Eastern Chipmunk & Eastern Gray Squirrel
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Our Yard/Forest In Mid-November (1)
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Autumn In Connecticut 2025
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Our Forest In November 2021 🦌
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Kevin told me two deer were in the forest when I returned home from picking up Sara at school. So, we went down to the upper tree line to check if they were still there. And sure enough, the two young ladies hung out on our property. Deer #1 kept her distance at the other end of the tree line while Deer #2 hid behind a tree. It took us a moment to see her. She was well camouflaged in the forest. Smart girl! After we watched them for a while, we guessed Deer# 2 got spooked and made a leap onto the neighbor’s property, where she was waiting for her sister to come along with her. Soon, they were gone in the underbrush of the forest. Kevin mentioned getting a deer blind. We can watch all kinds of wildlife visiting our property. We still haven’t seen Bruno the Bear yet.
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– 11/01/2021 –
In The Autumn Sunrise Glow (1)
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Autumn In Connecticut 2025
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Our Yard/Forest In Early November (2)
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Autumn Amber 2025
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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 ~
Our Yard/Forest In Early November (1)
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Autumn In Connecticut 2025
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Autumn Rain In New England (2)
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The wind is strong, the rain is a soaker, and the leaves are falling. It’s a perfect day to stay indoors and drink some hot chocolate.
☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩
Echo Lake Park, Watertown, Connecticut In October 2021 (1)
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After I dropped off Sara at school, I drove to Echo Lake Park. I wanted to see how far Autumn had come along. Two weeks ago, there were barely any signs. Now, it looks quite different. Let’s give it another week or two, and the green might be completely gone. The dew and the fog helped to give it an Autumn feeling at the lake. A half a dozen ducks and a bunch of Canada Geese enjoyed this sunny morning as well.
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– 10/12/2021 –
Castle Craig’s 125th Anniversary
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
Naugatuck River Valley Backyard Wildlife (1)
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Since most of the acorns are on the ground, we have a lot more squirrels roaming in our yard and on our pin oaks. This afternoon, I counted at least four squirrels and a couple of chipmunks just in our frontyard. Happy gathering, munching, and burying, little critters!
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Our Yard In Late October (1)
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Autumn In Connecticut 2025
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Black Rock State Park, Watertown, Connecticut In October 2025
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Autumn at Black Rock Pond
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Echo Lake Park, Watertown, Connecticut In October 2025 (2)
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Autumn at Echo Lake Park
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Our Yard/Forest In Late October (3)
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Autumn in Connecticut 2025
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Our Yard/Forest In Late October (2)
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Autumn In Connecticut 2025
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Morning Fog In The Naugatuck River Valley 2021
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Before I drove Sara to school, I warmed up the car and captured some photos with my Nikon. The sun just rose above the horizon when I could see the fog past the trees in the valley. While we had no fog up on the hill in Watertown, Oakville was covered in a blanket. Sara’s school is about 300 ft lower in altitude than our home. The Autumn fog looked so pretty this morning.
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~ 10/12/2021 ~
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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Our Yard/Forest In Late October (1)
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Autumn In Connecticut 2025
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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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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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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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Crescent Lake, Southington, Connecticut In October 2025
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Autumn At Crescent Lake
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Our Yard/Forest In Mid-October (1)
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Autumn In Our Yard & Forest
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Our Forest In Mid-October 2021
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There are still many emerald-colored trees in the forest. However, the golden colors become vibrant as October continues. I just hope we will get some crimson mixed in as well. Nothing in sight, yet. But I don’t give up hope. It’s still too early to say how the leaves will be at their peak in another week or so.
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– 10/11/2021 –
Our Yard In Mid-October (1)
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Autumn In Our Backyard
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American Herring Gull (Larus smithsonianus)
The American Herring Gull or Smithsonian gull (Larus smithsonianus or Larus argentatus smithsonianus) is a large gull that breeds in North America, where it is treated by the American Ornithological Society as a subspecies of herring gull (Larus argentatus). Adults are white with gray back and wings, black wingtips with white spots, and pink legs. Immature birds are gray-brown and are darker and more uniform than European herring gulls, with a darker tail. As is common with other gulls, they are colloquially referred to simply as seagulls. It occurs in a variety of habitats, including coasts, lakes, rivers, parking lots, and garbage dumps. Its broad diet includes invertebrates, fish, and many other items. It usually nests near water, laying around three eggs in a scrape on the ground.
National Vermont Day 2025
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.
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 ~
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 …
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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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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Echo Lake Park, Watertown, Connecticut In October 2025 (1)
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Autumn at Echo Lake Park
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Veterans Memorial Park, Watertown, Connecticut In October 2025
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Autumn Maple at Veterans Memorial Park
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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 ~
Our Yard/Forest In Early October 2021
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Happy Autumn Season!
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– 10/07/2021 –
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 …
Autumn In Our Neighborhood (1)
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Autumn In Early October 2025
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National Rhode Island Day 2025
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/
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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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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22 Years
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May this special day bring endless joy,
unforgettable memories,
and boundless opportunities.
Always remember, we are here for you every step of the way.
Happy 22nd Birthday, Katelynn!
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Halloween Kringle Candles 2020
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I’m so excited, my Halloween Kringle Candles have arrived today. In mid-July, the Kringle Candle Company had a special for their Halloween Kringle Tumblers. I believe they could be ordered only for several hours before the sale was over. Kringle Candle Co. had different Halloween candles later in the year, but I wanted to get my fingers on those tumbler candles. In July, I got an email from them saying when they have the sale ready for the Kringle tumblers. I, being crazy for Halloween and candles, had to go for that deal. The online store had plenty of selections to choose from. However, I went for four different scents and purchased six candles in total.
- 2 Witches Cauldron
- 2 Graveyard Night
- 1 Black Cat
- 1 Day of The Dead
Who is this Kringle Candle Company?
The original founder of the Kringle Candle Co. was no other than Michael Kittredge II himself. He was also the founder of the Yankee Candle Co., which has been in business since 1969. After selling candles nationally and internationally for the past 30 years, Michael Kittredge II sold the Yankee Candle Co. to Forstmann, Little & Co. in 1998. Michael Kittredge II retired from candle making.
In 2008, Michael Kittredge III, the son of the Yankee Candle Co. founder, made his first candle. And it came naturally to him to make and sell candles himself. In 2009, the Kringle Candle Co. was born and has the flagship store with the candle factory/packing, and shipping on an 18,000 sqft. property in Bernardson, Massachusetts. Over 10 years later, the company is still in business, growing its product line and sending the candles all over the United States. Many of the Kringle Candles can also be outside the USA.
Unfortunately, Michael Kittredge died due to cancer in Boston on July 24, 2019. He was 67 years old. May he rest in peace. And we are thankful for the millions of amazing-smelling candles over the past 50+ years.
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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 ~
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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Squirrel Awareness Month 2025
Squirrel Awareness Month was founded in 1995 by a man named Greg Bassett, who had an encounter with a squirrel. After that, he founded the Squirrel Lover’s Club to educate others about these adorable little creatures. Squirrels belong to the rodent family. There are more than 200 different species of squirrel around the globe. There are many different types of squirrels, such as ground squirrels, flying squirrels, woodchucks, chipmunks, and others. Although squirrels are typically thought of as an undesirable nuisance, their presence benefits the ecosystem and, in urban areas, contributes to the attractiveness of parks.
Squirrels were not common in American cities until the mid-19th century. To have squirrels in city parks, you’d have to change the landscape through tree planting and building parks. You also needed to change people’s behavior by dissuading them from killing squirrels and instead encouraging people to feed the animals.
In 1847, the first recorded introduction took place in Philadelphia’s Franklin Square. New Haven and Boston followed suit a few years later, in 1850, bringing in squirrels. By the 1860s, the squirrel experiment had come to an end, with many squirrels either dying or being killed due to concerns that they might disturb birds and cause insect problems. However, squirrel releases resumed in the 1870s on a larger scale, as enormous parks were built in Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, Chicago, and other big cities, providing a welcome habitat for squirrels to live and thrive.
Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers @ Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts ~ 09/27/2025 ⚾
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. 😊
Our Yard In Late September (1)
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Autumn In Our Yard
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Goshen Fair, Goshen, Connecticut ~ 2021 🎡
Kevin, Katelynn, Sara, and I visited the Goshen Fair yesterday morning. The Goshen Fair happens annually on Labor Day weekend. With Fair rides, prize-winning livestock, vendors, and food trucks, there is much to see and taste. The girls were excited to go on all these rides. Due to COVID-19, it seemed like an Eon for them to enjoy a day at a fair. We ate some fair food. It was nice to get something, not necessarily fried, like at the State Fair of Texas. Kevin got some popcorn and munched on that while we walked around. The livestock was so adorable. One of the roosters’ cock-a-doodle-dood every time someone entered the barn. I guess it was his way of greeting everyone. The piglets were so cute. And the Llamas reminded me of Disney’s “The Emperor’s New Groove”. There were also cows, alpacas, bunnies, sheep, and many more animals.
We also wanted to support some local businesses. I’ve got some honey and found out that the lady who owns the beehive is from Watertown as well. How much more local can it be, getting fresh honey from a backyard beekeeper only two miles down the road?! Katelynn got herself a nice alpaca poncho. Sara couldn’t get enough of those fidget poppers. And before we left, I bought a felt pumpkin guy. I’m such a sucker for Harvest, Autumn, and Halloween decorations. All of us enjoyed the few hours at the Goshen Fair. With the beautiful weather and perfect temperatures, the fairground got crowded quickly. It was time to leave.
Vendors, Rides & Food
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Goshen Fair’s Price-winning Livestock
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~ 09/05/2021 ~
Our Garden/Yard In Early September 2021
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This evening I walked around in the yard, looking for photo material. And I was not disappointed. From Acorns to Sedum, I found quite interesting September material. Autumn makes its entrance very slowly. Today I saw that our birch tree began changing its dress from Summer green into Autumn gold. The acorns and samaras begin to drop to the ground more frequently. The hostas display their last blooms. And the sedum has a beautiful pink to show off in our wildscape garden. Since Ida’s visit, we have cooled down considerably. Autumn shouldn’t be too far away anymore.
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~ 09/03/2021 ~
Mayflower Day 2025
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.
Hungry Chipmunks 🐿
Eli & Eleanor
Our Yard/Forest In Mid-September (2)
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Since it was warm, I made my way to the trail between our yard and the forest on our property. The trees keep the area much cooler. On my way down, I didn’t see the white-tailed doe in the forest. She got startled and snorted, which startled me, and I almost screamed. But I kept my bearings and realized that I sneaked up on her. We looked at each other. And once she felt safe, she kept eating before she disappeared into the thickest part of the forest. That was interesting. This could have turned out completely differently. Thank goodness, she was far enough away and decided not to approach me. *phew*
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Our Garden & Greenhouse Harvest (1)
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Compared to previous years, we haven’t been as lucky with our crops this year. However, we still have some basil, corn, cucumbers, green beans, parsley, pumpkins, and tomatoes. Today I picked more tomatoes and pumpkins.
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Uncle Sam Day 2025
President George HW Bush declared September 13 as Uncle Sam Day in 1989. This was in honor of Samuel Wilson’s birth anniversary. The day also coincided with the bicentennial celebration of the City of Troy, New York, where Wilson lived and worked. Sam Wilson, a meat packer from New York, supplied barrels of meat to soldiers during the War of 1812. Wilson would stamp “U.S.” on the barrels to identify the meat for shipment. It wasn’t long before the soldiers associated the stamp of the US with Sam Wilson himself and cheerfully started addressing him as Uncle Sam. This nickname soon became popular.
However, the first illustration of Uncle Sam is not the one we know today. Published by Harper’s Weekly in 1861, the young Uncle Sam wore a bandana on his head and a striped vest and is depicted dividing up Virginia like a butcher. Through the years, the image of Uncle Sam has been renovated according to the political climate of the country. But it wasn’t an American who designed the Uncle Sam logo- the credit belongs to German-born illustrator and cartoonist Thomas Nast, who designed the long-legged Uncle Sam we know today. Today, Uncle Sam can be distinguished by a starred top hat and striped pants. Interestingly, Uncle Sam also made his debut in Harper’s Weekly. During the modern era, Uncle Sam has been recreated in color. The United States Army used the artwork for the “I Want You For The U.S. Army” campaign during World War I. It first appeared on the cover of Leslie’s Weekly.
Our Neighbor’s Garden In September 2025
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1) Bell Pepper; 2) Spaghetti Squash; 3) Blooming Garlic;
4) Tomatoes; 5) Spaghetti Squash; 6) Cayenne Peppers
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Our Yard/Forest In Mid-September (1)
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1) Wood Aster; 2) Common Jewelweed; 3) Autumn American Beech
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Delicious Homegrown Apples ~ 2021 🍎
It seems I got myself confused over the last few months. I’m still unsure what kind of apples we are growing in our front yard. I’m leaning toward “McIntosh” instead of “Crapapple”. We still might be guessing for a little while. All we know is that these apples are delicious. Kevin, the girls, and I usually eat them right there, where we pick them. There is nothing better than a freshly picked apple.
~ 09/03/2021 ~
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) 🦌
The white-tailed deer, also known commonly as the whitetail and the Virginia deer, is a medium-sized species of deer native to North America, Central America, and South America as far south as Peru and Bolivia, where it predominantly inhabits high mountain terrains of the Andes. It has also been introduced to New Zealand, all the Greater Antilles in the Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico), and some countries in Europe, such as the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Romania, and Serbia. In the Americas, it is the most widely distributed wild ungulate.
In North America, the species is widely distributed east of the Rocky Mountains as well as in southwestern Arizona and most of Mexico, except Lower California. It is mostly displaced by the black-tailed or mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) from that point west, except for mixed deciduous riparian corridors, river valley bottomlands, and lower foothills of the northern Rocky Mountain region from Wyoming west to eastern Washington and eastern Oregon, and north to northeastern British Columbia and southern Yukon, including in the Montana valley and foothill grasslands. The westernmost population of the species, known as the Columbian white-tailed deer, was once widespread in the mixed forests along the Willamette and Cowlitz River valleys of western Oregon and southwestern Washington, but current numbers are considerably reduced, and it is classified as near-threatened. This population is separated from other white-tailed deer populations.
Texas is home to the most white-tailed deer of any U.S. state or Canadian province, with an estimated population of 5.3 million. High populations of white-tailed deer exist in the Edwards Plateau of central Texas. Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Illinois, Wisconsin, Maryland, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, and Indiana also boast high deer densities. The conversion of land adjacent to the Canadian Rockies to agricultural use and partial clear-cutting of coniferous trees, resulting in widespread deciduous vegetation, has been favorable to the white-tailed deer and has pushed its distribution to as far north as the Yukon. Populations of deer around the Great Lakes have expanded their range northwards, also due to the conversion of land to agricultural use, with local caribou, elk, and moose populations declining. White-tailed deer are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the dawn and dusk hours.
Our Yard In Early September (1)
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1) Maples & Shrubs; 2) Autumn Maple; 3) Autumn Wild Grape
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National New Hampshire Day 2025
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.
Our Yard/Forest In Early September (1)
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1) Wild Grape; 2) Wood Aster; 3) Staghorn Sumac; 4) Common Pokeweed;
5) Autumn in our Forest; 6) Staghorn Sumac; 7) Goldenrod;
8) Knotweed/Smartweed
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Autumn Rain In New England (1)
☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩☂🍁🌩
Sara was at a 5 K run from Cross Country at Stratton Brook State Park in Simsbury. She finished the run in time before the storms arrived in Connecticut. It was extremely humid in the low 80s before the storm hit. Meanwhile, the lightning strikes were intense. The thunder rumbled through the valley. They shook our house twice. The rain poured down so hard our new gutters couldn’t keep up with it. But after all this craziness was over, we were rewarded with a sunset.
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Tropical Depression “Ida” ~ 2021
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A few days ago, “Ida” was a Category 4 Hurricane making landfall in Louisiana. It has weakened to a Tropical Depression and is causing a lot of rain in New England. So far, we have been on the path of “Elsa”, “Fred”, “Henri”, and “Ida” during this storm season. And we still have three months to go before the Hurricane Season 2021 is over. Well, we “enjoy” the ride Mother Nature has in store for us.
~ 09-01-2021 ~
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European Mantis (Mantis religiosa)
The European mantis is a large insect in the family of the Mantidae (‘mantids’), which is the largest family of the order Mantodea (mantises). Their common name, praying mantis, is derived from the distinctive posture of the first pair of legs that can be observed in animals in repose. It resembles a praying attitude. Both males and females have elongated bodies with two pairs of wings. The most striking features that all Mantodea share are a very mobile, triangular head with large compound eyes and their first pair of legs (the ‘raptorial legs’), which are highly modified for the efficient capture and restraint of fast-moving or flying prey. In Germany, the European Mantis is listed as Gefährdet [endangered] on the German Red List based on an assessment from 1998. It is not supposed to be caught or held as a pet. At a global level, it is assessed by the IUCN as of least concern.
Back To School 2025/2026 🍎📚
Today is the first day of “Back To School”. Our youngest, Sara, is the only child left participating in regular school. It is also her first day as a Sophomore in High School. 📚🍎🦉
Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) – State Flower of Connecticut
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.”
Echo Lake Park, Watertown, Connecticut In August 2025 (2)
Late Summer at Echo Lake Park
Veterans Memorial Park, Watertown, Connecticut In August 2025
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.
Kevin’s Yard Project: The Garden Shed ~ 2021 (Part IX, X, XI)
This Labor Day weather is so beautiful that Kevin used the opportunity to work on his shed a bit more. Kevin ran a little short of shingles this weekend. We’ve got some more, while it was raining yesterday. The shed roof is almost done. Soon, he can begin with the interior shelving. While he works on that, I can caulk and paint the shed. It’s something I can do while he’s at work. Everything looks great so far. It’s not perfect. However, it is sufficient for storage without needing to worry about critters or a storage tent collapsing due to a major storm. It turned out to be a cute building tucked away across the house.
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YEEHAW! The assembling of the shed is DONE! Once it’s caulked and painted, Kevin will finish the framework of the doors. But I want to paint the doors first before that happens. Yeah, the lawnmower and the snowblower are out of the garage. My tubs with the seasonal decorations found some space in the shed, too. Once we are done unpacking all our household goods, we can park two vehicles in the garage. The shed was so needed.
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The garden shed is one of the best investments and is worth every penny we spent on our new property. My seasonal decorations fit perfectly along one side of the shed wall. The camping gear is on the top shelf under the roof. Kevin’s tools can be stored in there. And our lawn/snow equipment fits perfectly on the shed floor. Everything is in its place and looks needed. Therefore, the garage doesn’t look cluttered. We can finally oversee our stuff. And don’t need to look around in every box to find it. It makes life easier, not harder.
~ THE END ~
(09/06/2021, 09/13/2021, 09/19/2021)
American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
The quintessential early bird, American Robins are common sights on lawns across North America, where you often see them tugging earthworms out of the ground. Robins are popular birds for their warm orange breast, cheery songs, and early appearance at the end of winter. Though they are familiar town and city birds, American Robins are at home in wilder areas, too, including mountain forests and Alaskan wilderness.
American Robins are industrious birds that bound across lawns or stand erect, beaks tilted upward, to survey their environs. When alighting, they habitually flick their tails downward several times. In Autumn and Winter, they form large flocks and gather in trees to roost or eat berries. These birds are common across the continent in gardens, parks, yards, golf courses, fields, pastures, and tundra, as well as deciduous woodlands, pine forests, shrublands, and forests regenerating after fires or logging.
Black Rock State Park, Watertown, Connecticut In August 2025
When I dropped Sara off for her cross-country practice, I spent some time at Black Rock Pond in Black Rock State Park today. A few people were at the beach and in the water to cool off. Meanwhile, I watched the dragonflies glide across the pond.
White Oak – State Tree of Connecticut
The White Oak (Quercus alba) is one of the preeminent hardwoods of eastern and central North America. It is a long-lived oak, native to eastern and central North America and found from Minnesota, Ontario, Quebec, and southern Maine south as far as northern Florida and eastern Texas. Specimens have been documented to be over 450 years old. Although called a white oak, it is very unusual to find an individual specimen with white bark; the usual color is light grey. The name comes from the color of the finished wood. In the forest, it can reach a magnificent height, and in the open, it develops into a massive broad-topped tree with large branches striking out at wide angles.
Quercus alba is fairly tolerant of a variety of habitats and may be found on ridges, in valleys, and in between, in dry and moist habitats, and in moderately acid and alkaline soils. It is mainly a lowland tree but reaches altitudes of 1,600 m (5,249 ft) in the Appalachian Mountains. It is often a component of the forest canopy in an oak-heath forest. Frequent fires in the Central Plains region of the United States prevented oak forests, including White Oak, from expanding into the Midwest. However, a decrease in the frequency of these natural fires after European settlement caused the rapid expansion of oak forests into the Great Plains, negatively affecting the natural prairie vegetation.
Kevin’s Yard Project: The Garden Shed ~ 2021 (Part VII & VIII)
All the roof panels are up. The roof’s front is shingled. For the rest, we have to wait until “Fred” passes through New England. If that’s even the case. Currently, meteorologists are making their predictions about the potential path of the tropical storm. Nothing is set in stone.
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Kevin shingled the roof some more. It surprisingly made it through Tropical Depression “Ida”. The shed stayed inside. He also installed the windows and the door. Kevin noticed that the asphalt on our driveway was too high when the door was in place. Therefore, he couldn’t open the left door all the way. He had to cut about an inch and a half off the bottom to make it fit. Once there is a trim on it, the cut will barely be recognizable. Let’s hope he gets the shed done this weekend, latest by next weekend. We need some room back in the garage.
… to be continued …
(08/17/2021 & 09/03/2021)
National Massachusetts Day 2025
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.
Our Yard/Forest In Mid-August (1)
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1) Bittersweet Nightshade; 2) Silky Dogwood; 3) Sugar Maple;
4) Sunburst; 5) Oak/Sky; 6) Our Forest
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Kevin’s Yard Project: The Garden Shed ~ 2021 (Part IV, V, VI)
Kevin got all four walls up. And he is ready to install the roof soon. It already looks like a building. If I didn’t know better, I’d say. The chipmunks were calculating how many acorns could fit in that shed. They keep checking it out when we are “not looking”. I wouldn’t be surprised to find a whole family in there when Winter is over and Spring arrives next year.
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With some help from our next-door neighbor, Kevin got more work done on the shed. Now, the roof sidings, the roof, and the vent frames are up. Because of the heat wave and the night breaking in sooner, Kevin couldn’t get as much done as he wanted to finish this week. But he installed more framework and got the lawn mowed before the relieving rain and the cooler front came in this afternoon. We are supposed to get temperatures in the upper 50s (about 14 – 15℃) tonight. It’s time to air out the house and eliminate this mugginess.
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Since it was much cooler, Kevin installed almost all the roof panels and some of the waterproof shields nailed to the roof. He could also put some of the pieces in the shed, so Katelynn can park on the driveway again. Now that the shed starts to look more like a building, I can’t wait to see it finished. I have that feeling, it might be constructed before the original arrival date. The shed is supposed to be delivered by the end of August. Yeah, I think Kevin gets it done before that.
… to be continued …
(08/09/2021, 08/14/2021, 08/15/2021)
Summer Rain In New England (1)
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This afternoon, the sky rumbled for about three hours before it started to rain. We had some storms south and north of us. And finally, the storm came to us. The rain was needed. It hasn’t rained much in August. After the heavy rainfalls in Spring to mid-Summer, we still have some abnormally dry areas in Connecticut. No, the air is much cleaner and cooler again.
☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧☔☀💧
First Signs of Autumn 2025
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It’s mid-August. And it’s beginning to look a bit like Autumn in our yard. Our Birch tree and the Virginia Creeper are always the first to show themselves in crimson and gold dresses. But as we all know, Summer is not over. The days are still warm, while the nights are cooling down enough to open the windows.
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Luna & The “Lord of The Rings” ~ August 2025
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Tonight I watched the waning gibbous Moon and planet Saturn rising in the eastern sky. While I waited for them to appear from behind the tree line, I saw the Big Dipper in the Northwest. Tonight also peaks the Perseid Meteor Shower. I doubt I will last that late into the early morning hours.
The Moon & Saturn:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/132943299@N07/54717883030/in/album-72177720327893880/
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Echo Lake Park, Watertown, Connecticut In August 2025 (1)
This afternoon I went to Echo Lake Park for a bit. I haven’t been to the lake since early Spring. It is hot today. The ducks and the geese loved to cool off and take naps in the shade. Now that it is Summer, there are plenty of wild blooms. The bees are all over the place. And the dragonflies darted across the water.
National Connecticut Day 2025
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.
Hidden Valley Preserve, Washington Depot, Connecticut 2025
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.
Kevin’s Yard Project: The Garden Shed ~ 2021 (Part I, II, III)
Our garden shed arrived yesterday, one month earlier than we originally anticipated. It is supposed to arrive at the end of August. So, the plans for getting the master bathroom done have to wait for now. And since the weather was perfect. Kevin used this weekend to start assembling the shed. He made sure he had all the pieces and tools he needed for the building. Yesterday, he worked on the base frame. Today, he leveled and built the floor before he assembled the front entrance frame. After six hours working on the shed, Kevin had enough and needed some rest. His ankle is swollen and on ice, again. But he got something accomplished. It might go slow, but it will go steady. If he works on it for an hour or two every day (weather permitting), he will get it done in no time.
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The last few evenings, Kevin always worked on his project for about an hour. Monday and Tuesday, he could finish the front wall. That took the longest, because of the window and door spaces. So, he needed to make sure, the studs were exactly lined up with the siding. This evening, he worked on the back wall. The frame and the siding were done in no time. Tonight and tomorrow, it is supposed to rain. We have to wait until things have dried up a little bit.
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Kevin finished all the wall frames and installed two of them, today. The other two should be up in no time. Then the tricky part will be the roof frame. He’s getting there. One nail hammered in at the time. As of right now, the half-finished shed reminds me of the back walls of an oversized diorama box, my kids used to bring to school.
… to be continued …
(08/01/2021, 08/04/2021, 08/07/2021)
Castle Craig In Meriden, Connecticut 2025
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.
Wadsworth Falls State Park, Middlefield & Middletown, Connecticut 2025
The weather was perfect today. The temperatures were 77℉ (25℃). Kevin and I decided to drive to Wadsworth Falls in Middlefield for a walk. Unfortunately, the main parking lot was at its capacity. So, we couldn’t really hike on one of these park trails. It was okay. We still enjoyed the big falls.
🌜 Under The Harvest Moon 🌛
Under the harvest moon,
When the soft silver
Drips shimmering
Over the garden nights,
Death, the gray mocker,
Comes and whispers to you
As a beautiful friend
Who remembers.
Under the summer roses
When the flagrant crimson
Lurks in the dusk
Of the wild red leaves,
Love, with little hands,
Comes and touches you
With a thousand memories,
And asks you
Beautiful, unanswerable questions.
Author: Carl Sandburg 1878 – 1967
Under The Harvest Moon 