Memorial Day ---Sharon, Connecticut---2013

Just wanted to share a few pic's from Monday's Parade and Service in Sharon. I'll let the pictures do the talking. All I will say....it was a special day, in so many ways.

The cutest little guy!

Drove in my own driveway Thursday night, in the almost dark, and this little guy walked down the drive in front of us, stopped, turned around and came back right past the truck. Between lack of light, using a zoom (which cuts down light) and him always moving, of all my pics, this one was the best.

Yip!

One Big Barn

Addendum to Monday's post: That first summer I worked there, when I was 15......we filled this barn's mow with hay. I can't tell you how many bales, but it was well up in the thousands. THOUSANDS! And each one at seventy or more pounds apiece! ( Gayl made them as long as the John Deere bailer would make them, and pack them tight) Was just wondering...perhaps this is where my back problems later in life got their start....? I so have a desire to get up there now, introduce myself and see if they'll let me wander around with my camera.....

Stay tuned...

Trade Secrets

Each year, for the past, oh, I don't know....five or six, perhaps longer...there has been an amazing fundraiser held in Sharon called Trade Secrets. I am not an expert on the event, but what I think I know to be correct is that garden specialists of all types, from small retail to bigger firms who do extraordinary work all come together for one reason.......to help raise money for the local organization, Women Support Services, located with their office in Sharon (my aunt and uncles old house), from which they serve the whole northwest corner I do believe...

At the event are vendors from as far as Pennsylvania and as close as Sharon and Lakeville. Held at Lionrock Fram (the former Haisdan Farm), at the top of Hosier Road in Sharon is the location for this event. Big name folks are there, from Bunny Williams to Martha Stewart, and a whole bunch more. It is an opportunity for folks to see so many great ideas all in one location. The host, Elaine LaRoche, is to be commended for transforming her home and grounds into this magnificent event. Set-up is Friday, the event is Saturday, and on Sunday there is a tour of local private gardens in the area who open up to let folks see what they have going on..........pretty neat stuff I am sure.

I was involved with supplying some refreshments from my business for the exhibitors to enjoy at the dinner on Friday night following set-up. They allowed me to wander around and snap a few shots. Perhaps next year I shall invest in a ticket and really take in the weekend events. I hope that many of my followers do as well!

Personal note: When I was 15, I worked every free moment I had on this farm....all summer, seven days a week, weekends all fall, winter weekends as well and spring too.... I learned more about life in that year...it was one of the absolute best years of my life. My boss was Gaylord Prindle, the then farm manager for Dana Creel, who owned Haisdan Farm. I look back with so many, many great memories....It was fun to visit again.I need to go up and introduce myself and see if the present day owner will let me wander around, and revisit where I spent so much time one year. I actually worked there again later, for Paul Prindle, Gaylord's son, for a year when I was something like 21-22....cool in different ways, but not the same as with old Gail........"don't tell Jo".... :)

Stacked Kitchen

Last month, a new owner by the name of Kevin Cotton took over what was most recently The Black Goose in Sharon at the plaza, and has since opened The Stacked Kitchen. It's been a bit of a revolving door there the last few years but something tells me that the door is done turning for some time to come. Kevin is a young family man who is a hands-on man, from the front door stencil to decorating the inside, prepping the kitchen and doing  pretty much all of the cooking. Consistency. Quite Impressive. 

Thus far, he is doing extremely well in my opinion. There always seems to be people there, the comments are great, the pricing is geared for both the working man and for those who don't worry what they spend on lunch or supper. 

Open Tuesday 6-4, Wednesday,  Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6-9 and Sunday 6-4 with a brunch menu offering as well.....And on Monday's? Hopefully Kevin rests, and plays with his kids! I wish Kevin and his wife Ashley, and the whole family much success!

Tree's a poppin'....

Add one part heat (that's about all we've had this spring), one part water (again, it just started raining after weeks of none), a little ground warmth, with help  from old Mr. Sun, and the colors really take-off!

Alongside Kenny Funeral Home

In front of library

In front of library and clinic

On North Main

Colorful Spring

The lack of rain, and the lack of wind, has let our early flowering trees and bushes "hang-on" perhaps a bit longer than some recent years. That may be coming to an end the next few days as rain showers and such are forecast. But, that will be a good thing, as things are really very dry. 

We have a well at our home. I like to turn the faucet on and know water will come out.

Things of beauty...

Horse farms, like the horses they are built for, take on their own beauty on a bright sunny day.

Mitchell Town Bridge Construction

~okay.....so I'm not efficient on this posting......at least I am finally getting it up! I took these photos last week, when I had a few moments, at the suggestion of someone who said that things were finally happening and I should take a peak. So, here ya go.....things are indeed progressing. Will wonders never cease? I bet that cars may be crossing within a week or so. About time I'd say, for those who live on that end of town and can use the town road to their advantage.

I'll check back in a week and see if things are open to the public yet..