Sunday, April 22, 2012

The Breakheart Trail: Arcadia Wildlife Management Area

The rain that was forecasted for the WHOLE weekend only just started today (Sunday) at noon giving us a chance to spend some time catching up on things like blog-posts from the hike we did last weekend.

On Sunday, April 15th we traveled to nearby Exeter, RI to the Arcadia Wildlife Management Area to walk the Breakheart Trail.  Initially we were a bit dismayed by the large number of cars at the trail- head, until we realized they belonged to the anglers who were out for the first day of trout season.   Once were were on the trail met only a lone hiker who seemed to glad to see someone else on the trail.   The trail is a moderate hike up and over rolling hills and around rocky ledges typical of this area that lies to close to the coast.  About half-way around our loop we came across the "ruins" of an old campsite that hearkened back to a different era.  There were the remains of many cabins, washhouses, and the footprint of what must have been a spectacular dining hall.  All that remained of the dining hall was the fireplace and the chimney built from Westerly pink granite.  The temperatures were unusually warm and Kokee enjoyed many of the small ponds and streams we found on our journey.

We continue to be impressed with this area of Rhode Island as we work our way through the walk/hike book that has given us a renewed appreciation for the natural beauty that lies so close to our home.

I forgot my goggles!
 Coffee Break
 Charming Bridge
Retrieving Sticks

John Prine concert

Last night we made a trip to the Bushnell Theater in Hartford, CT to see John Prine in concert.  We had seen him several years ago in New Haven, and he put on another great concert yesterday.  It was a late night, but well worth it.


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

10 years on

Ten years ago today we were married on the island of Hawaii.  To celebrate we have taken the day off from work, and we plan to spend it working in the garden (planting potatoes and leeks), drinking tea, and doing a little yoga.  We are still very much in love and enjoying all the time that we get to spend with each other!





Sunday, April 8, 2012

Mimi

On Friday, Mimi, Sheri's maternal grandmother began made her long journey home.  We will miss her greatly, especially in the evenings when we spoke to her as we made the transition from our work day to the evening time at home.  We were so glad we had the chance to see her in February while she still had that sparkle in her eye and could flash that devilish grin!


Sheri with Mike and Mimi 1969


Sheri with Mimi in February 2012



We share the lyrics of the song "Pilgrim Highway" by Mark Erelli  below and hope it bring comfort to you should you ever need it.



Pilgrim Highway by Mark Erelli

I'm going down that pilgrim highway
Though none can say for certain where it leads
I believe someday I'll reach a place
Where all my burdens shall be released

So often tested by toil and trial
Onward from the moment we are born
We must be steadfast through every darkened mile
Travelling toward that everlasting morn

So take my hand, brother
Take my hand, sister
In each other we must confide
Many miles to cover
Before we are delivered
Down that pilgrim highway side by side

Though some we love may by the wayside fall
We must never feel abandoned or alone
There'll be a glorious reunion with them all
Just beyond that last bend in the road

Happy Easter

We spent the weekend relaxing, starting with a yoga class on Friday night in Westerly.  On Saturday we had breakfast at The Mermaid, our favorite spot for Huevos Rancheros and Cod Cakes Benedict.  It was great having Bruno back home after two weeks of travel, that included an extended trip to England.

We spent some time in the garden and harvested the last of the "over" wintered veggies.  We had an Easter Eve dinner of fish (John Dory, a local white fish from the Stonington fleet) and roasted leeks, carrots and Brussels sprouts.  The veggies are captured in the April 2012 Face of Produce.

We celebrated Easter Sunday by starting with a brisk walk in the sunshine with Kokee, followed by a lovely Easter brunch with the Panosky's.  Jen's blueberry muffins and biscuits were up to their usual standard (as was everything else) and it was fun to play some lego afterwards.

Happy Easter!


Thursday, April 5, 2012

First Face of Produce for 2012

After a mild winter we were treated to some sweet carrots from the garden.  They survived the winter pretty well intact, and made for an good early season salad.




Swinging in Westerly

Last weekend we were both at home, and took the opportunity to go to our local music venue (the Knickerbocker Cafe) in Westerly.  We pleased to be able to see the Sweetback Sisters, who we had seen just a few months earlier at the Katherine Hepburn Performing Arts Center ("the Kate") in Old Saybrook. It was a great show and we had front row seats....and we were just 10 minutes from home.