Thursday, September 10, 2009

Coming Back...........

---Starting to get that "blog" itch again..... think you can stand it?

Stay tuned....

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Sabbatical

~downcountrylanes with this post is going to take some time off. I started this back in the winter, when business was r-e-a-l-l-y  s--l--o--w and it has brought me lots of fun and laughs and helped pass some hours. However, spring has gotten here and while business has picked up some, it's just that my time needs to be spent other places now. I need to totally pay attention to my business. I need to concentrate on the 42 or is it 43 things I really should be doing at home at night. Lawns, windows, painting, repairs....it's endless. I told Clare a few months back to stand in our front yard and do a slow 360 and ask what did she see. I told her all I saw was work in every single direction.

While I may not get to everything that is on the list, I believe that with one less distraction, I will be able to perhaps stand a better chance. The computer, for me, needs to be fun, not a distraction for a place to spend countless hours. My speed at doing things is not where it once was and things do take longer to accomplish. My new house is suddenly twenty-two years old and it is showing wear in so many places. I need to keep at them, even if it is one tiny thing a day.

So dcl is going to sleep for now. Don't fret. I'll be back! I have so many pics from around town, and things I could have fun with, I know I could go on for a long time. But I need to step back and get back to store and house stuff. So as to not leave you with the story about public toilets as my last listing, allow me to post a picture that I always find comfort in, that always gives me strength, to carry on through the good and the bad. 

Thanks for being along for the ride, and I guess I'll see ya around..................





From Cat's graduation @ Hotchkiss,back in June of 07...

Monday, May 11, 2009

Note to Town Fathers--Public Toilets


OK, I am really going to get away from Down Country Lanes normal, and just go for something way different. Sharon needs public toilets and they need them now! Just today people came to my store looking for help as they were doing laundry at the laundromat, and nature called. What were they to do? There is no place to send them...

For more than seventeen years, when I owned nutmeg pantry, I had to tell people I didn't have a public restroom. Tommy had one @ the Country Corner, but after about ten people ask to use it, and never spend a penny with you, well he did like anyone would have done. He put up the "For Patron's Only" sign. Trotta's did the same. Flip ahead to today, years later: xtramart still doesn't have one nor does anyone else at the "plaza" end of town that is open to the public without being a customer. Is that fair in this day and age? You know what it's like when you can't find a restroom. It's maddening, not to mention a few other things.

So, I am putting out this plea to the powers at be in Sharon. How about studying the possibility of a small building, like the one at the beach perhaps, or at the ball field. Perhaps it could be built behind xtramart, or in the plaza maybe, where it could tied into the town water and septic. It possibly could be locked during winter months, as travelers are much fewer then.

If not, maybe we as business people should start sending people to the town hall for their "needs". I doubt many would trek there, but they might. Of course, they couldn't go till 9, closed for lunch for an hour (huh?) and no Saturday or Sunday's.

Bet that might help spur some investigation.

"well hello yellow-brick road"



~Any good wine makers out there in the need of some dandelions for some wine producing? Up here on the hill, at the south end of Jackson, there is an outstanding crop this year. Both sides of the road are just filled with this little lawn-flower (a bit nasty if that is where it is). On the east side, the field was purchased and donated to the Land Trust a number of years back, and ever since a path gets mowed around the inside of the border(not sure by whom). Great for nice walk around of perhaps a horse ride as well. Yesterday, it really took on the yellow-brick road theme....

Saturday, May 9, 2009

on reflection....


~ if you've been following along for the last few days, you know I spent a recent couple of mornings over at Fred Roy's swamp, checking out the beauty of nature. Friday evening, apparently some of the ugliness of nature happened at the town meeting here in Sharon at the town hall. I wasn't there, so some will say I shouldn't comment. This time, I'll follow their advice. I'll only say my hope is that politics doesn't get in the way of friendships here in our small town. There are so few of us here, whom really make up the "town" we love and call home. We certainly don't need a rif between friends over politics......... And I sure hope those whom may have had an agenda per se, that they leave it elsewhere the next meeting. Come with an open mind. Gain more knowledge. Make a educated decision, for the good of us all.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Jerry Mathers name sake


 Well, how many more parts of wildlife can I find at Roy's Marsh? Todays offering you have to look for a little bit, but he's there. I just missed a close-up of him on the dam, but did manage to catch this swim back to his house. Judging by the size of his house, I decided he's a transplant from New Amsterdam. His house is huge! I need to ride over after dark and see if all the lights are on. Then I'll know for sure if he's here from the city.............

Coming soon to a golf course near you.......


A new life is out and about at Fred Roy's marsh these days.. I think this was their first full day of swimming....(?)  Just the day before they were huddled under mom, not ready to be going anywhere. But, what a difference a day makes. Full steam ahead! 

Thought: Ever wonder how does something so greenish-yellow turns to black, brown and white?

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Geese are a lot like people....


"are you coming with me or not?".............

"look over here...... no, look over here!"

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Sharon Classic (just 4 days late!)


What with the passing of my friend Pat last week, I am late getting to a story on the annual fund raising road race and walk put on by The Sharon Daycare Center. Another great turnout was there, both runners and walkers. Five miles is mapped out from the center of the green, down South Main, West Woods, Boland and back up 41 to the finish line in front of the town hall. The weather was great for the runners, with cool temps and low humidity at the start time of  a little after 10AM. As the next hour proceeded, the thin clouds burned off and it turned absolutely gorgeous in my mind. I walked the five in one hour and seven minutes and 36 seconds I think it was. I try to participate as often as I can, as it's roughly the annual anniversary of my heart surgery, now at 15 years! The walk is always very enjoyable and there are always many friends out there as well. John Perotti, local banker extraordinaire from The Salisbury Bank was there along with his two daughters and a grandchild and a family black lab as well. John and different family members have participated for years. If you weren't there or never have joined in, why not come join us next year! For the walkers, it's no race. It's the being there and enjoying Sharon and supporting the cause!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Sheetz.......... A recommendation!


Are you headed over to Pennsylvania? How about down to Maryland, West Virginia or Virginia? Ohio or North Carolina? This is a pure commercial plug for a company that I found in my travels which started almost eight years ago, back when we were out looking at colleges for Drew. Having been in the gas station and convenience store business for almost twenty years, I think I know a bit about what to look for in a c-store. Cleanliness, friendliness, fair pricing, both in the store and at the pumps, good food, the right mix of merchandise and just a feeling of comfort when you pull in from the road. 
Sheetz C-stores, to me, are the best. Period!

on having a best friend....



Jeannine Atkins I think, was, (next to Ed-her husband) Pat Cook's very best friend. Many years ago they met and worked together in Region One. Much time has gone bye and their lives took different paths, but their friendship only strengthened through time. Any time we were ever in Pat's company, Jeannine was always a part of the mix (though never there in body). How cool to have a best friend that they are always there with you, right in your shirt pocket so-to-speak? Jeannine, as I came to know her through Pat, was a remarkable friend to Pat. She and her husband Peter shared much with Pat and Ed. Dinners, trips, functions, work, play, laughs and tears. Jeannine was always there for Pat. She was there with camera in hand this past winter to celebrate Pat's 57th  on a sleigh ride in Lenox. How cool is that! I saw this photo at Pat's last week and it so shows, to me, who Pat was. Her beauty, style, thoughtfulness, the grace, the love for life and for her friends....I can see it all. I asked Jeannine if I could get a copy and she sent it today. Jeannine also has her own blog, and I just perused it and found a clip she did about Pat a few weeks back. Check it out. Incredible insight.

Thank you Jeannine for all that you, and Peter, have done. You truly were to her, what we all want in life. A real, best friend.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Thank You Pat Cook...


~ A very special friend died today after an extremely long battle with a horrible disease. I never met another person quite like Pat Cook, and feel sure I never will again. She was one very, very special person who touched many through her years of teaching students in area schools. Though our visits were never enough due to life getting in the way, they were always just the best. 
Her suffering here amongst us has ended and one of heavens angels has gone home. Thank you Pat for letting us be just a small part of your life, but always making us feel like we were the only one in yours..... 


My blog will be quiet for a few days in honor of our friend.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Our shopping center's trees


 For about 51 and a half weeks a year, I pay little attention to the three trees that are located in the plaza. But right now, they are just outstanding! So, if it doesn't rain or blow tonight, take a peak at the three trees. They aren't famous, and most likely they never will be. My little blog may be their moment of fame! Check them out!

excerpt of a conversation overheard @ the shopping center...



"Panama, anything happening over your way?"

"nope.......no cars over this way except getting some gas"..............

"ya....nothing here cept' Heather's from the pharmacy, that lady who carpool's, and that Jeep thats for sale....."

another big weekday in Sharon......

Monday, April 27, 2009

New sign at Sharon Beach......?


~Is it hot around here or what? that was a statement heard around Sharon this past Saturday, Sunday and now today as its been in the 80's and even 90's in the direct sun I am told. And tomorrow is supposed to be in the 90's everywhere!  But have no fear, this isn't global warming concentrating on NW Connecticut. I just heard it will be more "seasonable" on Wednesday, with highs only in the 60's.

It'll probably snow on Memorial Day.



(and no, the sign is not posted @ the beach!)




Sunday, April 26, 2009

so what did you do this weekend????



~I had multiple mistakes this weekend, starting on Friday. Each day seemed to bring another one or more, with each being not just a spilt glass of milk kind-of mistake. But the best part? Each one led to a lesson. A lesson to be learned. A lesson to be followed. One is never too old to stop, or start, learning.....

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Thank You Hotchkiss!


Back in the spring of 1999, I became aware of something which I find to be something very special which the students and staff of The Hotchkiss School give back to our communities, and to our earth. I remember this time of year well because my kids were out doing it as well each of their years there . They all picked up trash along the roads to celebrate Earth Day. 
 It's Earth Day, or very near to it, and the Hotchkiss kids just showed up in the parking lot here in Sharon. It's after 2 pm, so that means they've probably been on the pick-up detail since about 10 am or so this morning. They break up into groups and they man themselves with bright orange vests for safety, gloves and trash bags and off they go. They do Route 41 all the way from the school to Sharon, (five miles) and into Lakeville as well, picking up trash on both sides of the road. And 112, east and west. And 44 thru Lakeville to Salisbury I believe, and west to the state line. I think they may even go right into Millerton to Cumby's, but I am not sure. What a give back! As I look out my front window,  I see two huge plastic bags of trash waiting by the post office to be picked up by the Hotchkiss maintenance crew who'll follow along later and gather up what the kids pick-up, filling multiple trucks to overflow stage. And the roads are not all they do. I remember that they work at the transfer station cleaning up debris which blows into the woods there in all directions. And I know they also go out and do special projects like cutting honey-suckle vines where they are overgrowing trees and trails on the grounds at the school.
I don't know if they have ever weighed or done an estimate on how much trash they gather from their pick-up, but it must be just an amazing amount. What do you think....a thousand pounds sound right? Perhaps more? I really don't know. I just remember seeing one truck stacked so high with bags of rubbish last year, I was amazed. And I later learned that was just one of numerous loads they had gathered up.
So I just wanted to take a second to say "thank you" to The Hotchkiss School for teaching these students about the need to take care of Mother Earth. Seeing what good they do in the roads they cover makes me wonder isn't it too bad the Housy kids don't do the same in the Falls Village area, and the Kent Prep kids in their area as well. Maybe they do. I hope so. It's such a message for all of us, if we just take the time to listen.
I can't do my walk tomorrow morning before work due to a conflict, but you can bet next Monday morning I am going out with a bag and some gloves, and I am going to do Jackson  and Lucas. It all helps, right? Right!



Wednesday, April 22, 2009

thoughts that come when classical music is playing.....


I was just thinking about what makes Sharon great. There are lots of things or reasons and especially people that make Sharon great, and here are just a few from today:
Ted Roeske, Dave Heacox, Joe Heacox, Deb Reyelt, Mike & Tracy Rand, Will Trowbridge, Tim Perry, Debbie @ Twin Oaks, Emily Bartram, Bob Loucks, Jack Downey, Terry Ryan, Clare, Joe Sterling, Kelly Sr., Karen Hansen, Mrs. Southhack, Joanne Wilcox, just to name a few. These are but a few of the people of Sharon.
Sharon is a town of great history, and sights, and places, but without its people..... Sharon is nothing but a museum. The more we continue to sell ourselves as just a weekend sleep-over, the more we become a lifeless museum, Sunday thru Friday afternoons. Sharon needs more affordable housing, a better business environment and a vision that sees controlled, planned, welcomed growth as a good and needed thing. A pond with water flowing in and out breeds life. A still pond brings weeds, evaporation, mud and death for certain.
Sharon needs to really look at where its headed, and do it soon. We have so built ourselves around the wealthy of late, and look to them for our answers to which their money cannot provide. I bet history, if studied well, shows that while the wealthy do help in many ways, it is the common man who made Sharon what it really is. Drive the common man all out, give them no place to work, to live, to eat or to shop and Sharon will just be a town of houses, not of homes and people. Then the building of the museum will be complete.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

"The Toast Song"

and now, for a completely change-of-pace....
(thanks to Kristin)





kinda goes with toast, no?


~ever drive around Sharon and look at the names of the town roads? King Hill Road I am guessing was named for Col. King, a big name from Sharon history in the 1800's. Low Road was I believe named after the Low family, who once were where Jasper is now. Herrick Road is after the Herrick family. Bowne Road the same. Calkinstown by all that's right should probably be Calkins Town road (not one word), named after Stephen Calkins family I think, again from the 1800's I believe, but may well be wrong. All of this leads me to this. Does anybody know how Butter Road really  got its name? I suppose a family named Butter could have been there, but that sounds like stretching it to me. Was it because it was so slippery that it was like butter? Come on historians out there. Let me know. I've wondered this for some time now. Let me in on how this was really named.....

Monday, April 20, 2009

lighten up, will ya?........


Wow! I make a comment about the sad condition of some roads that I've seen, and folks are telling me I am too serious with my blog? ....."After all, it was just the winter......"  Yep, you're right...I can't argue that!

  To those whose feelings I may have hurt in yesterday's blog, I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't be so serious and point out something that is a fact, or sure appears to be that? Maybe I'll try to make this blog more of a fun and games place to go, with photos and fun memories. Then again, I think I just keep doing whatever.. a pic here, a newsy story there. A history note that my old mind can remember. I think I'll do just what I said I'd do on my title page, and folks can either follow along when they want or stay away.



(Pictured above is Cat and some friends from Hotchkiss--Nov.9, 2005
---thought they were a good change of pace..   :)  ---

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Travel at your own risk...


I gave you all the news about ten days or so ago that Bob Loucks is intending to run for the office of First Selectman here in Sharon. When I spoke with him at that time, he shared with me about his concern for the infrastructure of our roads and bridges, and what he said is the extremely sad condition that so many of both are now in. He spoke of thirty or more bridges and culverts of all different sizes I believe. Some which may even force road closing before cave-ins do occur. So my logical questions..... Where have our town supervisors (road boss, selectmen) been for the last five, ten or more years? These didn't all go bad over-night. Sounds to this writer like Sharon is falling apart, culvert by culvert, bridge by bridge. Was our management all worried about keeping the taxes down, and just wait till it breaks, then fix it? Hello! Didn't we go thru that at the school? Or were they told what they could spend by the tax board, who always seems endlessly worried about possibly raising taxes? And if that's the case, wasn't Bob on that board for some of that time? Why do small towns do so many things right, but then basically turn their head on other things? 
  In my walk last Friday morning before work I was going out Sharon Mountain Road, just a few hundred yards east of Lucas Road I found this lovely little section of town road. Can you imaging being an unsuspecting motorcyclist or bicyclist who might round the corner just above this spot? Its about three feet to four feet wide and more than twenty feet long... Its not a series of cracks or a single pot hole. Its more than 60 square feet of missing pavement! And what is left there on either side is so thin, it must be cracking and just more and more disappearing with each passing car. I knew that upper Fairchild was in really rough shape, and I might share some photos from there perhaps soon, but wow do we need to do some serious repairs around here. Last week the town crew with their backhoe, a dump truck and and a man with a hand-held iron rake(seriously) started doing some work up there. A start?
Maybe its time to fix the foundation, so it's sound, so that what they build on top will last. Just like building a new home. I don't care if they do 200 feet of a road a year for the next 190 years, but let's start to do it right. Don't we deserve it? Why do we have to make-do? 
I am sure Bob, if he goes unchallenged, will make a fine first selectmen. He sure seems to be tuned into this matter now in a really good way. I hope he and our boards can do more than what apparently the last few have not been able to, for whatever reasons . 
The comments in this blog is not to point blame at anyone, but to point out the time to get this straightened out is now, before someone gets really hurt. 
Sounds like we all have work to do.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

ladies at work.....


~I suppose everyday life in a small town, to some, would be the most boring way to live.  And living here every day, as I have for my whole life, it's been kind of fun to get that camera in hand and just see things from a bit different perspective, through the camera's eye. The other day I did the same thing I always do on weekdays, and that's take a visit to the bank. In this case, the Sharon office of The Salisbury Bank and Trust was my stop during the morning. I have a personal connection to the Sharon office as that was my great aunt's house when I was growing up. I spent many, many childhood hours in and out and up and down throughout that house-turned-bank. About the only thing that remains today that takes me to the past is the stair banister. I slid down that a good many times as a kid. I have nothing but good memories from that house.
Enough old history. Today while one teller (oops, they don't call them that anymore do they...) was counting my deposit, I snuck a picture of the ladies at work. Sharon is a busy office, but at this particular moment, I was the only customer in sight. I like this shot. It works telling the story of three ladies, all busy, with yet but only one customer (me) in sight at this moment.
Salisbury Bank's success is in it employees, and these three are three very dedicated folks. They make banking there an easy decision.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Sharon Town Beach...1958.......2009




On my way back from the transfer station, I took the long way to work and came down Long Pond, Mudgetown, and on to Mudge Pond. But as I came to the beach, the gates were open, I had some time, so I swung in and took a look around. Not quite the place my pictures will show. The one above shows a couple of tractors, with the Ford on the right getting pulled out of the drink, now somewhere between the parking lot and the picnic area I'd say. In that picture you see some of the men who really built our public beach. Josh Lovell is on the tractor on the left, my dad and Ken Seeley are standing talking and supervising, Ray Lovell is leaning on the Ford's fender, and in the checked shirt on the left is Maurice McCann. The other man to the right has his name torn from the back of the photo, so I can't give him credit.



Obviously not the same day as the tractor pulling, but still, that first summer. My dad, and Lance Pruyn are seen here assembling the merry-go-round with your's truly being the supervisor! The merry-go-round and the slides have gone with time and insurance companies, but the swing set still remains! (was I a cute kid or what?)




Out by the entrance is a nice new planting and a memorial marker dedicated to Anne Gudernatch, honoring her for her working on the original beach committee and I know she served on the town beach committee for many, many years. A nice tribute to an extremely dedicated individual. One of the best things about Sharon is it is still small enough where volunteers still work together for the good of the town,ie., the ambulance squad, fire company, rec commission, the Lion's Club just to name a few. The day that we hire everything done will be a sad day.




So, the beach has been here for 51 years this summer by my calculation, and while it may not necessarily be the beach I remember, it still appears to be a real nice town facility. New bathrooms, new docks and playground equipment have been added recently by the looks, and the beach goes farther to the north than I remembered, but these are all good things. I need to visit again in the summer when its officially open for business. We just need a little sun and warm weather to get us thinking about those days of summer.











Monday, April 13, 2009

where'd they all go???? (merchants heard talking)


     ~if you came to the shopping center this past Friday or even Saturday up until about 3pm, there were actually cars and customers around. The diner had a good week, the pharmacy was all out of chocolate candy, jelly beans and their cards looked low when I glanced their way today. And my store had a few nice busy spurts, the first since late December, but look what Monday brought just after mid-day......(the pickup and white wagon are employees cars)

old great shot from Sharon...


~ I found this on the web probably three or four years ago, and I just have always loved it for what it was.....thought I'd pass it along. It's from the area of the public boat launch on Silver Lake Shores, looking west. I'd give credit to the person behind the lens if I knew who took it, but I don't. It wasn't me is all I can say..

Sunday, April 12, 2009

not a car in sight...( I Luv it!)

~ since my earliest memory as a child, I have been attending the Ecumenical Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday morning, high atop East Street. What a special treat today was. The morning star, the moon setting to the southwest and a beautiful sunrise to the east. A special little place up on top that mountain, and indeed a special time for those who attend.

After the service, I always ride down to town and grab a newspaper @ my old store and see what there might be to take a picture of. Today the peace and quiet of a small town street shouted out to me. When was the last time you were on Main Street and didn't see soul or hear a peep? I bet those who live there really enjoy the peace that a holiday morning brings them.

Happy Easter everyone! He is Risen!


Saturday, April 11, 2009

Benton Hill, looking North(and a little bit west)




Was out toolin' around for a few minutes Friday morning before work and I rode up over Benton Hill. I hadn't been up there in easily a good year or more, so I stopped at one of the bar-ways into Miele's field and grabbed a couple of early spring shots. I was really surprised at how much Charlie's is growing, I enjoyed that view up to the northwest over Sharon Valley and up past Mole's Hill Farm I then went down over the hill, and grabbed a shot of some of the belties down on one of the Miele Farms, next to the Ten Mile. It was a pleasant spring morning, and those few minutes out and about were very enjoyable. Need to do that sort of thing more often!

"That's Incredible"



~I think I am going to go into forecasting the future. In my last blog, the one about the great "knocking down the wires caper" which happened in Sharon on Thursday last, I said perhaps we'd soon have a new pole to replace the rather weak and rather aged one currently there. I got to work Friday morning and "poof", the new pole was in place! Now that's service! In less than 18 hours! But today I learned an interesting story on how that pole, or any new pole comes to get installed. The utility company first calls our town designate, (in our case our first selectman is the man!) and basically asks for his ok. Do you know they called Malcom at 9pm Thursday night, he gave his blessing (on our behalf--Thank's Malcom) and it was planted sometime after that and before 8:30 Friday morning, when I got to work. Don't you find that interesting? They have to ask permission to change an old pole to a new one. I was just really surprised by that. Just one of the things we (or at least I) take for granted I guess.

ps.think that old pole is leaning? you should have seen it before they used the rope and brought it up straighter!


Thursday, April 9, 2009

Sunset and Moonrise...Maundy Thursday...Sharon 04/09/09


It's a bird- It's a plane- It's Chicken-Man!! (remember WKBW?)


I feel like a news man the last two days!!! Not sure if you were around the shopping center today around 2:15 or so, but boy did we have excitement! A north-bound 18-wheeler on Gay Street with a big air foil on top of its cab, cleaned out at least two lines over to Amy's Law office building( they looked liked cable tv lines). When it did, it gave the already leaning pole across the street a bit more of a pull, so more wires, (power and telephone) were hanging low just ready to get grabbed by the next tall vehicle. So Sharon's own Dave Wilbur jumped out of his van and directed traffic till the fire department showed up after about fifteen minutes. About an hour or so later the power company showed up and raised some wires and threw a temporary guide-wire in and took some tension off the leaning pole. The pole looks pretty aged, so perhaps coming weeks will bring a new stronger pole to replace the existing one. Excitement in the town. Whoa! (thankfully, no one got hurt!)

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Runnin'...runnin'....running for First Selectman



Now here's some news. Bob Louck's (life-long Sharon resident) I have been told has thrown his "hat into the ring" for the office of First Selectman here in Sharon!  Holy smokes! And didn't he just retire from working 40 hours a week? I wonder if Malcom B. is running again for the Democrats? 

Well, knowing Bob as I do, he'd be a good guy for a job at a tough time to get into it. Bob I know has been head of the school board in past years and I think also head of the tax board. If not chair, I know he has served on it for quite some time now. I first served with Bob on the building committee when the school did its last update. I know he really cared very much about that project. Many know Bob for his leadership each year of the memorial service conducted by the Legion at the War Memorial on Memorial Day. I think of Bob as a very financially prudent person yet does things right when they need to be done right. Judging by the shape of some of our town roads and bridges (have you been up Fairchild lately?), we better start fixing some things the right way. Those who have skimped and made do in the past to hold down our taxes I am afraid are going to now make us pay all the more. Didn't I learn in Econ. 101 that its better to pay now, if able, than to pay more later?

Frankly, I think Tina should just run. She does and knows how to do most everything already, because she has been doing it since Wild Bill Wilbur days....

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

8:30PM ESPN™


Forget Dancing With The Stars or American Idol tonight. Tune in ESPN and lets all cheer on The UConn Girls Basketball Team. Tonight they are playing Louisville for the national championship. Go Huskies! Let's add another banner to the wall!

imagine this.....!


~so I am checking Yahoo™ news this morning and up jumps this story about this new vehicle that GM™ and Segway™ are jointly working on. The PUMA carries up to two people, 35 miles and up to 35 mph. Can you imagine going up Smith Hill from Canaan in this? And better yet, where do I put a 2x4 in it?

Monday, April 6, 2009

24 hours to go!


Come this time tomorrow, just about every TV in Connecticut will be tuned to ESPN to watch as they battle for the national championship. Our UConn Lady Huskies will be playing the Cardinals from The University of Louisville. So tonight will be my next to last time for this year to say     "Go Huskies"

The pic above is from the 1902 UConn Ladies team. And you thought Geno was their only coach...

PS.. do you know the Savage's from Sharon? They are supposed to be out there in St. Louis for the tourney, so if you see a familiar face, it just may be them!


Saturday, April 4, 2009

hats off!!


~ the game just ended, Jim Nance and Clark Kellogg are talking to the Michigan State coach and one of the stars of the game, and guess what? We're still breathing! Connecticut just lost, and we're still breathing. Today we got out-played, and the better team today won, and congrats to them. But we had a great year, we gave our state something to cheer for, and now we turn our hopes to the girls team, and their game tomorrow night. So one more time I say   

 "Go Huskies!"


Friday, April 3, 2009

Spring is really here...wanna know how I know?


Big Tom and his brothers are all about "struttin their stuff"!   
(the ladies I see seem unimpressed!)




Thursday, April 2, 2009

Sharon at work...


I was just walking to the post office to drop off my mail and there was John. I've known John most of my life, and he's a guy who many of us should emulate. Steady, reliable, trustworthy, caring, friendly, kind....on and on. He must have been a Boy Scout. He's got those traits all down pat! John L. Thanks for being one of Sharon's good guys! (Go Pirate's)

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

What is it with Sharon retail anyways?


For a number of years now, there has been a constant but a small growing buzz amongst numerous locals about the "slow death of Sharon". Death? Sharon? Well, maybe not dead per se, but sinking deeper into the title of "an old boring, life-less business town" sure seems to be at least, more appropriate. 

Got any thoughts or better yet, any answers? 



Monday, March 30, 2009

couple of items....


#1-- UConn Basketball---still rolling along! The men's team is headed to the Final Four in Detroit. Next up for them is Michigan State. Is that fair? It will be like MS is playing at home, for that Michigan team. It will probably be louder than a Lion's game. Tip-off is 6:07 on Saturday, the 4th, on CBS™. Come on UConn!






#2-- UConn Women's Basketball also is continuing to roll along through their tournament. Still the only undefeated team in college basketball, (either men's or women's) our Huskies have one heck of a good team. They are not the deepest in talent from one to twelve, but their starting five is pretty incredible. Handled correctly, as they have been thus far by Coach Geno, the Italian stallion from Philly, they have the potential to play it out with an undefeated season. Next up for them are the Arizona Sun Devils @ 7pm, Tuesday, on ESPN2™. Win that, and its on to the Final Four in St. Louis, where Clare, Cat, Tammy and I went about 8 years ago now to see them. Trouble was, they lost in the first round to Notre Dame, the eventual champion that year. Hope if they get there and they have better luck this time around.

#3-- Some have asked why so much on UConn Basketball from my little Country Lane blog? Well, if you live here, you kind of know there really isn't a lot going on right now except the mud season is pretty much in full swing, so if you have a dirt driveway, or live off a "country lane", your cars are taking a beating right now. There is no news on a replacement for our empty market in town. Small businesses, mine included, are hurting big-time. Many have laid-off employees, cut their hours, or eliminated positions entirely. As always, we are all hoping for warmer times to get here sooner than it ever does, and also hoping that those warmer times will bring some life back into the community. We may be a pretty place to live and visit, but we sure aren't recession-proof. Oh, there is one really good bit of news, at least to me. Jenny Hansell again has started up her blog, which had been on hiatus for much of the winter. I am anxious to see her work again. I bet she has been stock-piling a few special items that will probably cheer us all up! What-ever, I welcome her back, and hope you all check out her work. Now I can add her to one of my favorite places to visit out in web-world.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

still in the running!


Congratulations Coach! You've made it to the Final 4 again! What an exciting thing for a coach and his team. Good luck in Detroit!

Since our little state has nothing but monstrous debt, and no real answers for it except to take 20% from lottery agents commissions, our UConn teams give us reasons to cheer.

So go get'em UConn, men's and women's teams both. We'll be rootin' for ya!