Vergennes, Vt

Vergennes was very much a part of the War of 1812 due to the navigability of Otter Creek providing access to Lake Champlain. Commodore Thomas MacDonough commanded the building of a naval fleet to defend the Lake against the British invasion. Vergennes has the reputation as being the oldest town in Vermont and the smallest town in the U.S. (1.6 sq miles).

French Heritage Days. The event celebrates the area's French-Canadian heritage. We attended today starting with a walking tour that seemed to be to nowhere, though the first stop was interesting, the Bixby Library. There was a display of antiques with a nautical theme and an early canoe.

On the green there was a variety of displays including music, dance, demonstrations of lace making, bowl carving, the history of the Champlain area food vendors and folks dressed in period costume.

We found a slightly hidden restaurant/bar that was under ground level off a side street. Pete noticed a sidewalk chalkboard on the corner that boasted mussels and we were on our way. I had the special which was delicious Price Edward Island mussels cooked in a yummy wine broth and a generous portion of homemade bread WITH a pint of beer for $9 and Pete had a chicken wrap with marinated chicken chunks, crisp romaine, cucumber, cherry tomatoes and minted yogurt. They had only been open 6 weeks so I wasn't able to get a business card, but was offered a menu instead. Staff was very attentive and they have a big drink list with a hip atmosphere that looks like at would be fun for an evening out.

Vermont Public Radio

Today I was one of several volunteers manning the phones for the pledge drive at VPR. After a brief training we donned our headsets and waited for the calls to come in. The system accesses a data base of past donors which most of the callers are and is easy to use. What you are to say to the caller comes up on a screen and as you proceed through the screens it's all self-explanatory. At the end of the call we were to ask what the donors favorite shows were or their favorite thing to do in Vermont in the summer is. One who said she loved all the shows couldn't think of their names. When I suggested The Story she said yes and thought it was neat that we both liked the same show. All she could think of for Prairie Home Companion was "that old guy!"

Essex House provided a delicious salmon, rice and salad dinner for us so it was a WIN/WIN situation. All the employees were very nice and I had the privilege of meeting the president, Robin Turnau who lives in Charlotte too.

Had a nice seat mate, Brian, who has invited us to call him on a nice weather day to go out on his sailboat. Life is good!

Middlebury, VT

There are concerts, festivals, farmers' markets, talks, etc. all over Vermont. Today we saw Ray Vega and his group play some terrific jazz on the Green In Middlebury. It was a rainy evening but under the large tent who knew? We and the rest of the audience loved the show. No cds were brought along though much to many of our disappointments:)

Charlotte, Vt

July 17, 2009
We enjoyed a nice lunch at the Rochester Cafe and Country Store in Chesterton. Pete enjoyed his north country wrap which had a deliciously crunchy chicken mixed with tangy cheddar and jack cheese, fresh veggies, and tasty honey dijon dressing, while Chris enjoyed the Mount Cushman grill sandwich which had real turkey, crispy bacon, Vermont cheddar, veggies, and a delightful homemade pesto mayonnaise contained in healthy whole grain bread.

our apartment

Arrived at our vacation residence. Mt. Philo Inn, established 1896 which was a country Inn until 1966.

Grantham, New Hampshire

July 15, 2009

Started our month long New England vacation today with long time friend Betty Jones and Carl Andrysiak in their lovely Eastman home. As last year, they took us boating on the tranquil large lake near their home. This is the last picture I took on my digital camera before Carl noticed 1/2 hour later that I was trolling my camera case alongside my kayak. Betty and I had a great time visiting (she was in her kayak) and catching up. Pete and Carl went Indian style in their canoe.

Because I'm Your MOTHER

Roses from My Garden