Good News for Book Lovers

The Connecticut Author Trail (http://sites.google.com/site/connecticutauthortrail), a consortium of libraries in Eastern Connecticut, will host 16 local authors as they showcase their books and share their stories. I was pleased to be invited by the Lebanon Library to talk about my book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket on July 21st and had an amazing experience. The event runs to September 24 when the finale takes place at The Mohegan Sun.

After my talk, the librarian gave me a packet of materials about Lebanon's beautiful and historic mile-long green, one of the largest in New England. The green is on the National Register of Historic Places because of its rich agricultural and Revolutionary War Heritage.

I heard about this green prior to my visit and intended to arrive one hour early so I could walk the path around the green and have a picnic supper, however, the weather did not cooperate. (What else is new!) So, it is now on my list of "Things to Do." I plan to start at The Lebanon Historical Society Museum and Visitors Center where there is an orientation video, library, shop and visitor information, and then visit any of six historic buildings clustered at the southerly end. In addition, many other buildings can be viewed along the trail.

Lebanon is a member of the Northeast Connecticut Visitors District known as the "Quiet Corner", and residents and visitors enjoy community activities on the green year-round. Check out this special place on http://www.historyoflebanon.org/.

I am constantly amazed that even with all my fervent Connecticut day tripping through the years, there are still so many exciting places I have yet to visit. But, first I will take a hiatus from Cruising Connecticut to cruise cross-country.

More about this upcoming adventure next week!

July is National Picnic Month

The eternal optimist in me believes that the weather for the rest of July will live up to our expectations so that we can finally enjoy some serious picnicking.

This month, I am offering my blog readers a special discount for mail orders for Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket. Just go to my website (http://www.cruisingconnecticut.com/) during July, print out the order form and write at the top "SPECIAL BLOG PRICE." Next,
change the retail price of $15.95 to $12.00, add tax of 72 cents plus the normal S&H charge and mail with a check for $14.22 to the address on the form.

Orders will be filled immediately and sent media mail to arrive in approximately 4-5 business days. You will then be treated to 42 exciting and diverse day trips throughout Connecticut, all with picnicking facilities plus easy and delicious recipes.

Whether or not you order Cruising Connecticut, please enjoy this recipe from my book in honor of National Picnic Month.

Blue Broccoli
1-1/2 lbs. broccoli
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced rings
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 cup bleu cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, if desired

* Rinse broccoli and cut off stems leaving only the florets. Cook in microwave on high for 2-4 minutes, or in saucepan with a little water just until fork tender. Don't overcook. Rinse thoroughly in cold water to halt cooking and retain the bright green color. Drain well.
* Place in bowl. Add onion.
* Mix sour cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice together and add to broccoli. Fold in bleu cheese and walnuts. Chill.
Serves 4-6

May all your picnics be perfect!