Concord, MA

July 10, 2022

We arrived July 8 as planned, at what will be our home base for the next week. Using Waze as our navigational tool, we avoided some nasty messes on 95, and got to enjoy seeing some little towns along the way. Like most of the New England area, Southbridge, CT may have a part in our nations history, but without knowing for sure, I can definitely say it has a lot of really beautiful old churches! And following the Hudson River Parkway as it meanders, probably like the River itself, is tree lined with decorative, low old stone and cement bridges, which we couldn’t help think would certainly not allow passage with our 13 foot high Motorhome! We had to make a pit stop along that route, and the rest area, built in a time of different cars and travel, was tiny and jam packed , and had signs for 15 minute parking to make sure you got out to make room for others. I would avoid Rt 95 completely anyway, were it up to me, so it was a pleasurable experience. I hope to make our return trip without time limits, and without the expressway.

I was very pleased to see our accommodations for the week at the Residence Inn, which is basically brand new and modern, with a kitchenette and couch, and should prove very comfortable. We met the kids, minus Grace who had to work, at a nearby restaurant for dinner and a nice visit before turning in for the night.

Love the space, and so nice to drink from a glass after the paper cups at the Hyatt in Baltimore! Small things….

Breakfast provided, but I asked Clem to bring it to our room to enjoy in the quiet, and in my pajamas!

Saturday morning we enjoyed just relaxing a bit and catching up after our busy schedule, then we took a walk into downtown West Concord, which was the home of my first store. Like a trip down memory lane, but with so many changes, the memories were bittersweet. My old hair salon was there, and I popped in to find the daughter was now the owner. She remembered me when I told her who I was, and promised to tell her Dad hello. Sadly, no other businesses were the same!

This once housed one of the Pub 99 restaurant chain, and my store! The building has even changed, as I had two windows on either side of the entrance on the long side of the building. I can’t remember exactly how many years I was in this location before moving to downtown Concord center, where I remained until we moved in 1991.

Across the street, the old train station was then the Whistle Stop Cafe, replaced now by Club Car Cafe, with what appears to be a booming business!

The local grocery store now a fancy dinner restaurant.

In the afternoon we joined the family at their house where we met their two new kittens, marveled at the size of the older cats, all Maine Coons, and then made pizza in their slick pizza oven ! I see a new purchase in my future! The weather is gorgeous, and we enjoyed a nice evening on their porch visiting and watching the many varied birds that have learned they can find a good meal there. Such an array! Such a nice day!