Old Grove Park & Chatfield Hollow State Park

Often once is enough for me for some site seeing places, but then there are those that you don't tire of. This is one of them. George has often said he wished he lived here. He said he would walk down here every day. Not only is it a gorgeous park on the ocean, but it is also the former site of my beloved Savin Rock Amusement Park that fills many of my fond childhood memories. Although it is gone (and I have thoroughly enjoyed the museum exhibit about it), the spot still provokes happiness. From the ocean views, the board walks, the jetty, the many benches and even watching people play boccie ball, it is just a great place--especially to go and reflect after spending a few hours at the VA Hospital and killing time until your next event.

In the middle of summer, although a weekday, I couldn't understand why there weren't more people on the beach.

With more time to kill, we found ourselves at Chatfield Hollow State Park and took a walk on this boardwalk.

 Connecticut is really a beautiful state.

Barkhamsted 4th of July Parade 2016

It was a perfect day for the annual 4th of July Parade in Barkhamsted today. Candy flew from trucks and cars as kids on the sidelines scrambled to collect their loot.  The All Star band comprised of all ages who gather only once a year for this sole purpose, sounded great as always. Fire trucks loudly announced their presence. The newest addition was the Ravenbane's Firecraft entertaining with fire eating and fire breathing tricks. The clubs in town and the churches and the veterans and the politicians all came out to celebrate together the birth of our nation in the best small town way.

At the end of the parade, a short ceremony included more songs played by the All Star Band; a prayer and recognition of groups. The love and pride of the small town shone bright, as it does every year.
Once again, I'll just let the pictures do the talking.

That's small town America, for you. That's how we start the 4th in Barkhamsted.