I will be writing a blog about our event in West Hartford after I get access to the photos. But, in the meantime I wanted to post some photos I took this morning.
We are spending the night at the Groton Inn in Mass. This morning there was a scene I wanted to share of the meadows behind the Inn.
Well, we made it to West Hartford. The reason we are here is to have a celebratory party for our daughter, Emma’s, wedding. True, she was married in Vietnam a couple years ago. And, true, we had a party for her and her husband in his native country, England. But we had not had heretofore, a celebration for our friends and family in New England. So, we are here to do that.
The last few weeks have been a riot of activity with the long distant preparations. I have to admit that these preps were pretty much on the shoulders of Tina and Emma. From my perspective, that of trying to stay out of the way and not interject my opinions, it is going to be a truly fun evening. I should say two evenings and several days. Tonight we are going to host a gathering at a pizza place in West Hartford, Sparrow, for those that are coming into town as well as locals that have helped Tina and Emma with preps.
The venue of the party,the Rockledge Golf Club, has been visited a couple times, Sparrow was visited and the pizza approved, dessert has been ordered from the go to Italian bakery, koufeta prepared, party stuff bought and about a thousand other things completed or started.
We went early to Sparrow, the pizza venue, a bit early. It was good that we were early because parking in West Hartford on a Friday evening is packed. Guests started arriving right on time at 5:30. The Sparrow staff was great, they had us set up in a prime location and the pizza was outstanding. As well the salads and the French fries we got for the kids (although I and a number of other adults sampled them heavily) were great with large portions. Jim selected the wine and, as usual, did a great job. Family mixed well with local friends.
Today was spent with Jim in New Haven. It was pretty much a kick back day as yesterday was such a full day. Since Jim lives here and knows the town, it was fun having him show us around and pick the prime spots.
We started at a Greek diner for breakfast. Tina was able to recall some Greek and talk with the owner and his wife. It turns out that they are from the Pelepanese but the other side of the peninsula from Tina’s roots.
After doing some chores we all went to the Yale Art Museum. It is a true gem. Many remarkable and recognizable works of art. To mention just a few: Monet, van Gogh, Degas, Matisse, Turner, O’Keefe the list goes on and on. And, everything is very accessible. If one wanted to get thrown out, you could touch the artwork. And, it is free.
Early dinner at a nifty Irish Pub while watching football and an early to bed.
This morning we met up with son Jim and caught Metro North in New Haven and set off for the Big Bad City. We have tickets for the Met performance of Rigoletto; an opera none of us have seen.
The ride into Grand Central Station is pretty much like the last time I made this trip a few years ago. The first hints of autumn color are beginning to appear on the trees. It also appears that there is an increase in the number of apartments/condominiums. Every old mill seems to have been converted to lofts and new construction is being built to look like converted mills. I am thinking less like Bauhaus and more like cheap construction.
Arriving at the Met is always an event
There is something special about performances at the Met
After the performance we stopped at one of our typical haunts, Saluneria Rosi. This is always a treat as the food is great and wine selection fun. Although, we just had a glass of wine and an appetizer. We had planned to get Sushi at a place Jim suggested. Likewise, the Sushi was great.
On our way back to New Haven. Some great street performers in Grand Central Station.
As we are approaching New Haven, we all agree that it was a fun day but we are all ready for some sleep.
It has been a while since I posted anything. But, I am planning to initiate a new series of posts as we are planning an event in New England.
Our daughter married a British fellow a couple years ago. We had a celebration in England last year with his family. Now we are planning a similar celebration in New England with our friends and family. Actually, this will be the third celebration since they were married in Vietnam.
Preparations for the celebration have been on going for a while. I have to admit that I have stayed at arms length from the preparation. Our daughter and Tina did most of the prep with significant help from aunts and uncles.
I am planning to use this forum to publish some photos of the event.
The preparations have progressed to the point that Tina and I have traveled to New England. We have made it as far as New Haven where our son lives.
I plan to pick up the blog tomorrow as tonight we are bushed. The drive from NYC to New Haven on I 95 was most likely setting in a parking lot.
This is an amendment to the post.
Yesterday we stopped to have a short visit with Tina’s uncle Chuck. He lives a short jog off the NJ turnpike. Chuck recently lost his wife Virginia. Virginia was cherished by all who knew her. Chuck took us to two memorials that were placed in her memory. It was a particularly moving time for Tina. A short but good stop.
Backpacking Bill 