Hanging out in Massachusetts

  [Monday 14 July] 

Well actually we really spent the better part of today in Rhode Island and Connecticut. 

After a very leisurely morning of coffee and a light breakfast the four of us packed ourselves into D & D's car and, with Dick at the helm, off we went for our first adventure of the day. As you might expect, that involved food. 

Last year when we visited here the four of us had lunch at the Matunuck Oyster Bar in Matunuck, RI. (Susie and I had eaten here with friends Andrea ad Barbara back when we lived in Rhode Island.) Although none of us are particularly fond of oysters (the Phlegm family of food as Dave Barry referred to them) the location is lovely and the food very good.

Sadly, back in May of this year, there was an extensive fire which naturally caused the business to close. But not for long. They opened back up about two weeks ago under a large tent just across the road from their old building. They have food prep trailer close by and the best port-a-potties any of us have ever seen!

After dropping our car off with the valet (valet parking only) we walked across the road -- no jumping from the bridge of course -- and since we had reservations were seated straightaway.

The food was still scrumptious and the service spot on, as we expected. Dorothy had a lobster roll (a standard with her) while Dick had one of his favorites: a stuffie with a bowl of New England chowder. Susie and I each had the blackened chicken sandwich which was truly blackened low-country style.

waiting for the rebuild

the place was hoppin'

D & D just happy to be here

blackened chicken, yummmeeee

across the road from the big tent

temporary dining room

After a relaxing lunch, fueling us up for the next leg of the day, we drove out of Matunuck and eventually crossed over into Connecticut. (For those of you living in more wide open spaces, you must remember how close things are in New England.)

Our next destination was the village of Chester, CT. Located a stone's throw from the Connecticut River, it boasts the last remaining ferry on the river and is also home of the Gillette "Castle". More of that shortly.

After about an hour or so cruising the back roads of CT we pulled into Chester. But before stopping in town we drove the mile or so to check out the ferry crossing.

In the distance, we could see William Gillette's "castle" on the hill on the opposite side of and overlooking the river. We opted not to cross and check out the castle, today a state park, but you can find out more right here.

Osprey nest?

Gillette Castle up on the hill

In Chester itself we found parking plentiful and enjoyed a half hour so strolling this lovely, quaint village. We stopped for coffee at Simon's Marketplace along the Main street and were greeted by a trio playing a set of tunes reminiscent of folk singers Peter, Paul, and Mary.

Simon's Marketplace along Main Street

We made our way back to the highway and were soon off to Glastonbury and the MacDonald home for dinner. After another hour or so driving we found our way into town with the goal of locating the Whole Foods to pick up a prepared salad and a couple of bottles of wine. We found the store just fine but they didn't sell wine so Susie and I walked across the street to a liquor store and grabbed two bottles. Unfortunately they didn't have much of a deli section at Whole Foods and so off we went to the Highland Market (a Christina recommendation) where we picked up a large container of red bliss potato salad. 

A few minutes later we were ensconced on the patio at the MacDonald's with a glass of wine in hand. Christina put a plate of hummus with diced cucumber and tomatoes and olives which went like the proverbial hotcakes. Deeeelicious!

Liam was at home and Kiera arrived not long after we sat down. All of us spent a wonderful evening chatting, catching up on the latest developments in Lego Land and got to see Kiera's costume for the upcoming ConnectiCon (Connecticut's version of Comic Con) in Hartford. 

Dinner proved to be another outstanding home-cooked meal: flank steak on the grill, cheesy potatoes and potato salad (OK compliments of Highland Market). Dessert was a blueberry pie à la Christina and Liam's Rice Crispy Treats, the latter having just the right amount of chewiness I thought.

Eventually it was time for goodbye hugs. I have no idea when we'll see these guys again -- sooner than later I hope -- and will miss their company. The Bergman kids and their various spouses are always a joy to be around and their kids a special treat for us. 

Tomorrow the four of us meet up with old friends Andrea and her mom Barbara for lunch in Providence. Always food, of course.