A Journey of Discovery

Not much picnicking lately because I have been publishing my newest book: "How I Won the West: A Journey of Discovery" however, I have a picnic planned for early January in Florida.

In the meantime, I would love to hear your feedback.

Official Page: Jan Mann Books

The Big E

 

The Big E, the largest Fair in the Northeast, takes place in West Springfield, Mass. from September 12 though the 28th.

Visit the Midway for daily parades, attend concerts, go on thrilling rides, shop at Craft Common, and so much more. Check out all the options at www.thebige.com. And, don't forget to visit my favorite area, The Avenue of the States.

Each of the 6 New England State buildings is a scaled-down version of the original State House, and you'll want to experience all the exhibits and goodies unique to each state. In the Connecticut building, don't miss "Love to Read Connecticut Authors", a book store sponsored by Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association (CAPA.) Every day there will be different Connecticut authors signing books in a variety of genres. As much as we don't want to think about December, it is after all, only three months away, and autographed books make great gifts.

Make sure you go to the Big E on an empty stomach because you will find yourself in the midst of vendors that sell every kind of food imaginable. And, don't forget to check out the food specialties in each of the state buildings. What a picnic!!

Enjoy this once in a year experience!

 

 

July 1st is the first day of the most popular month for picnicking, especially the July 4th weekend! Why not take advantage of the many destinations in Connecticut for leisure-time activities, and bring along a picnic basket filled with your favorite foods.

One of my favorite places to picnic at this time of year is the pond at Gillette Castle State Park. Surrounded by picnic tables, the pond is covered with pink, white and fuchsia water lilies. If you are lucky, you may even see a frog jumping from one lily pad to another.

Here is a recipe from my book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket.

Best Ever Banana Nut Bread

My Aunt Madeline's recipe dates back more than 80 years. If you like your bread sweet and moist, you will agree that this really is the best.

 3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup mashed bananas
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts

*  preheat over to 350 degrees

* Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and sour cream, mixing well. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add this mix to creamed mixture alternately with the bananas. Stir in vanilla and nuts.

*  Pour into greased and floured 9X5-inch loan pan.

*  Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and bread breaks away slightly from the edge of pan. Cool in pan on wire rack for 15 minutes; remove from pan and finish cooling on rack.

 Enjoy the recipe and the season!

 

 

Give Yourself The Gift of Time

My 2009 cross-country trip yielded invitations to stay overnight in six different homes with people I met through online networking. After spending days on the road eating from my cooler and in restaurants and sleeping in hostels or budget motels, a home-cooked meal and a comfortable bed were welcome gifts.

What was even more precious was the gift they gave of themselves -- friendship and time, the time spent taking me to see the attractions in their world, a world I had not seen before.

During many of these outings, I would hear something to the effect that they had not been to a particular spot in a long time? And, I would hear my own voice, saying much the same thing when showing visitors around my home State of Connecticut. "This was so much fun, I wonder why I don't do this more often."

Why indeed? Why do we wait to enjoy an outing until we are called upon to be a gracious host? Are we not deserving enough to spend time doing the same thing just for us?

I know people who have lived in Connecticut for more than fifteen years and have yet to visit Mystic, one of the state's best-known tourist attractions. And as many years as I have spent day tripping in Connecticut prior to writing my book, there are still places on my "to see" list.

During this season of sunny days, let's give ourselves the gift of time, time to explore our world, time for the joyful discovery of all the best that your state, wherever that is, has to offer in the way of leisure-time activities. Leaving work and responsibilities behind, even for brief periods, revitalizes us in ways we cannot image. Traveling, even around our own neighborhood expands our world, giving us more clarity and insight, not only into that world, but ourselves.

Time and exploration, a gift we give ourselves.

 

It Must be Spring!

For me, the one sure sign of spring is the appearance of wildflowers. It was in January of 1986 that I opened a book in a Connecticut library and saw photographs of Garden in the Woods located at the New England Wildflower Society in Framingham, Massachusetts. I was hooked.

That spring I went on my first spring wildflower hunt, visiting over twenty state parks, nature centers and preserves. At the end of those six weeks, I had developed a strong passion for day tripping, so I just kept going, eventually leading to my day tripping, picnicking, and recipe book, Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket.

Last week, when I spotted a notice in the Venice, Florida newspaper announcing a guided wildflower walk at the Curry Creek Preserve, I was thrilled. This one, led by Sarasota County Environmental Specialist Jeff Weber, was an easy hunt. I just enjoyed the beautiful day and environment as Jeff pointed out all the wildflowers on the one and one-half mile trail called the Pinebrook parcel. And birds, On this day, Jeff spotted a swallow-tailed kite, a new species for their bird list, bringing the total number to 103!

Curry Creek Preserve, is an 82 acre preserve purchased by the Sarasota County Natural Resources - Preserve Management in 2002. The native habitat includes a mangrove forest, tidal marshes, and scrub and pine flat woods. Their website also lists wildlife: gopher tortoises, alligators, river otters, eastern indigo snakes, and an assortment of wading birds, such as roseate spoonbill and wood stork. Oh yes, there is a creek, separating the Pinebrook parcel and the Albee Farm parcel, including a canoe and kayak launch located near the preserve's west entrance.

When I got home and deciphered my scribbled notes, I was surprised to count over 20 varieties of wildflowers, including Carolina jessamine, four-petal St. John's Wort, Chapman's Goldenrod, Yellow star-grass, Hoary pea, rose rush, and several clumps of hatpins.

A few looked somewhat familiar to me, but I surmise they are just different varieties in this state. Oh, if only I had thought to bring my wildflower identification book and journal to Florida with me!

 

For more information on Curry Creek Preserve: www.scgov.net

 

Happy Spring!

 

International Day of Happiness March 20th

Two of my Facebook friends, Dennis Schleicher and Margaret Hudson Greenberg posted the  information about this day, which made me look at my calendar and say "Yikes! I meant to blog on this day." That's the problem with getting so engrossed in writing my book, How I Won the West I don't even know what day it is most of the time.

Anyway, I had a happy day today. Worked in the morning, then went to lunch with a friend at The Three Sisters tea room on the island in Venice, which was yummy. Then we walked into a shop that had the most amusing greeting cards, we stood there for 20 minutes laughing out loud and then buying a bunch for people in our life who would appreciate them. Next door there was a small breakfast and lunch restaurant that was new to us, so we wandered in to look at the menu and immediately made plans to bike over next week for breakfast. Finally, my friend spotted an Arthur Murray Studio across the parking lot so we walked over to inquire about their schedule. Guess which one of us ended up signing up for three private lessons for ballroom dancing? Yup, me. Although I have been dancing my entire life, I have had the yearning to learn some more sophisticated and groovy moves for the fox trot and waltz, and some basic moves for the swing which I have not done to any extent, but LOVE!!

Yes, this was a very happy day, and although not every day is eating out and having fun, I usually find something happy about each one. It's just the way I have decided to live life.

Then, there is the other meaning of this "Day of Happiness" and that is thinking of ways to make other people happy. There are so many small ways to touch someone's life which not only makes another person happy but us as well. Wow - simple concept. All we have to do is to put the thought into our consciousness more often. Perhaps I will make a sign to put over my desk. Something like "Who can I make happy today?"

For everyone reading this blog, I sincerely hope this was a happy day for you. And thanks, Dennis and Margaret.

Picnicking in Florida

After what felt like an extra long period of cold temperatures and then steady rain for several days, the balmy weather on Sunday, February 1, 2014 was most welcome for the crowds that attended the 20th Annual Sarasota Highland Games & Celtic Festival. Bagpipes, drums, dancing and athletic events occupied our attention, along with the colorful scarves, kilts, sashes and ties indicative of the Scottish clans represented on this day.

At lunchtime, I was thrilled to find one of the food booths serving Cornish Pasties. Not only were they the best I've ever tasted, but it brought back wonderful memories of years ago when I made them for family dinners, and most often, for picnics. It's an easy and tasty dish of Great Britain and Ireland origin for tin miners who took them down into the mines for lunch because they were easy to carry and eat, plus the filling of ground beef, chopped onions and potatoes kept warm wrapped in pastry.

I hadn't thought about Cornish Pasties for years and in fact, have no idea where my recipe is. But, when I got home yesterday, I went online and typed in Cornish Pasties recipes. Thankfully, a few recipes popped up and I will once again be able to create this tasty delicacy for future picnics.

Whatever part of the Country you are living in, keep this dish in mind. After all, picnicking weather will come along eventually, and you'll be ready with a dish that is sure to please everyone.

Home For The Holidays

Greetings!

Although I am happy in my new state of Florida - hey, more opportunities for picnicking! - Connecticut will always be "home" for me. Having lived here almost my entire life, and having my three daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren here makes for pretty strong ties. So, to all my Connecticut contacts, Happy Holidays, and may 2014 bring you peace, love and joy.

This recipe for Cider Wassail has been a favorite at our family Christmas party for many years. Once you taste it, I guarantee it will become a favorite for you as well.

Cider Wassail (serves 10-15)

4 cups fresh apple cider
1/4 - 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup dark rum
2 tablespoons brandy
2 tablespoons apple brandy
1 tablespoon orange liqueur
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon allspice
pinch salt
1 rounded teaspoon frozen orange juice concentrate
whipped cream

* Bring cider to a boil.
* Add sugar and stir until dissolved. remove from heat.
* Stir in rum, brandy, apple brandy, orange liquor, spices and salt. Stir in orange juice.
* Heat over medium heat, stirring, for two minutes.
* Pour into cups. (My favorite are the short clear glass cups with handles, although hot paper cups work just as good.)
* Top with a dollop (or more) whipped cream, and if desired, a stick of cinnamon.

I have noticed through the years that this recipe is very forgiving. If I don't have one of the ingredients, I can substitute with something similar, or just leave it out. And, it's always delicious.

Enjoy.

Loosen Up - Lighten Up Day

Yes, a day has been reserved in our calendar to Loosen Up - Lighten Up.* I guess some of us could benefit from a day when we don't take things so seriously and even get out and have a little fun. Maybe go on a picnic?

Here is a recipe for unique Deviled Eggs, great not only for picnics, but potlucks, or any occasion. It's from my book Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket 3rd Edition:

Deviled Crab Stuffed Eggs
   (courtesy of Star Mader)

6 large to jumbo boiled eggs
1/2 - 2/3 cup crabmeat (or imitation crabmeat)
1-3 teaspoons sweet red pepper, finely diced
1-3 teaspoons chives or scallions, finely diced
1/4-1 teaspoon sea salt
dash black pepper
dash cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon tarragon
1/2-1 teaspoon parsley, finely chopped
1/2-1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1/4-1/2 cup mayonnaise

Optional: 1/2-1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, paprika, chives

*  Boil eggs and cool. Peel and cut in half. Poke out yoke into a medium size bowl and put whites on a serving platter.
*  In food processor (with the puree blade on) or mixer, finely process 1/2 cup of the crabmeat. Add to egg yolks. Mash together until smooth. Add red pepper, chives, sea salt, black and cayenne pepper, tarragon, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well. Add mustard and mayonnaise. Mix well.
*  Put a 1/2 inch piece of the remaining 1/4 cup of crabmeat into the egg white and stuff with the egg yoke mixture. Use a teaspoon to stuff, or pipe mix into whites using a pastry bag.
*  Top with paprika and chives.

Enjoy!

* Found on www.daysoftheyear.com

Farmington Valley Arts Center

Head over to the Farmington Valley Arts Center on October 5, 2013 to celebrate the first Authors' Meet and Greet Day. From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the beautiful park-like grounds of the Center, twenty-five Connecticut authors will be displaying dozens of published books in a variety of genres.

Featured speaker, Margaret Greenberg, author of Profit from the Positive, and other speakers, Melissa Croghan, author of The Tracking Heart, Jan Mann, author of Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic, Chuck Miceli, Author of Amanda's Room, Eileen Kaplan, author of The Breast Medicine, and authors of Just Ordinary Moms, will entertain you with the richness of their stories. In addition, nineteen additional authors will be ready to greet you and talk with you about their special books.

While at the Arts Center, be sure to stop and visit the artists in their open studios, and check out all the new offerings, including a Juried Art Show.

For more information, visit http://artsfvac.org/

Check out Updated Information Page on Website Plus New Recipe Idea

Check out the Updated Page on my website, www.cruisingconnecticut.com

I just posted new information to six day trips in Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket since publishing the 3rd Edition in the spring of 2012. The goal of keeping the information in my book up to date is that thousands of people who rely on the information printed may be spared disappointment to arrive at a destination only to find changes.

Since it is difficult to keep up with 42 places throughout Connecticut, if any readers find significant changes during their travels, please let me know at jan@cruisingconnecticut.com and I will share the information on this updated website page. Thanks.

Summer Picnic Recipe from Cruising Connecticut: Fresh Fruit Kabobs There is not much to say about my fruit kabobs. They are so easy and quick it hardly pays to print a how-to recipe. But, what if you created a fun alternative to this refreshing summer treat.

For example, Instead of fruit kabobs, place your choice of cut-up fruit in a bowl and set out with a container each of vanilla and strawberry flavored yogurt. Add small bowls with a choice of toppings, such as granola cereal, chopped walnuts, banana chips, yogurt raisins, shredded coconut, Craisins and honey graham cracker sticks.

What a small amount of effort to surprise and wow family and guests at your next picnic.

Happy picnicking!

It's Picnic Time

For ideas on day trips and picnicing in Connecticut listen to Jan Mann, author of Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket on Chatterbox radio, Saturday, June 22nd at 6:30 pm. The show may be heard on your computer at the following link: http://www.easternct.edu/wecs/

It's Picnic Time!

My last blog was devoted to an indoor cold-weather recipe for my Connecticut family and friends. But, now that it's spring, it's time to dig the picnic basket out from the bottom of the closet where it's been resting all winter, dust if off, and make sure it is fully stocked and ready to go when you are.

In Florida, my picnic season starts a bit earlier than in Connecticut, although not by much this year. March, my favorite winter month here was marred by cool temperatures and gusty winds.

However, I did manage to sneak in a couple of casual picnics. One was at the drumming circle on Nokomis Beach, a celebration of sunset on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. We arrived a couple of hours early, placed our chairs around the circle, and for the next two hours, enjoyed the sound of drums, the sight of dancers, visiting with friends, and picnicking until the climax of the celebration, the beautiful Florida sunset.

For this picnic, I packed three snack-type food: cream cheese and pepper jelly, hummus, and guacamole. And, a variety of good crackers.

My favorite Guacamole recipe? Mash ripe avocados with a fork. Mix in fresh chopped tomatoes and sweet onion, lemon (or lime juice), and salt and pepper to taste. Serve with your favorite taco chips or crackers.

Another picnic destination was Stump Pass Beach State Park, a peaceful and unhurried beach located in Englewood. The trail is 1.3 miles one way with a view of the ocean on one side and the bay on the others. Plenty of shells wash up on the soft sand, although what fascinates me most is the shell decorated driftwood along the way. A must see!

This picnic was also simple - delicious Curried Chicken Salad with Cashews from my book Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket. Sides were croissants and fresh fruit. If you don't have my book, simply email me and I'll be happy to send you the recipe.

Happy Picnicking!

Jambalaya, a Warm, Feel-Good Recipe for Cold Weather

Wow, almost two months between blogs this time - much too long. As to why, the answer is the same one I use when people ask me why it took close to twenty years to write Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket: Life got in the way.

Although it took a lot to get me to Florida this year, I am now happily enjoying the sunshine as I work on my travel memoir. 

While I am basking in the warm weather, because of my strong ties to Connecticut, I am also aware of the brutually cold weather that has overtaken that state. So, this month's blog is devoted to a recipe from my book that, although it is surely made all over the country during tailgating, is also a warm, feel-good dish for cold weather.

Joe's Jambalaya

Joe Cahn, Commissioner of Tailgating, says “This is my favorite recipe because you

can put just about anything in it. If it walks, crawls, swims or flies, it can be thrown into
Jambalaya. Everything goes into one pot so clean-up’s a breeze."
(12—15 servings)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces
salt and ground black pepper
1 1/2 lbs. sausage cut in 1/4-inch slices
4 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups chopped green bell pepper
5 cups chicken stock or water flavored with chicken bouillon
1 tbs. minced garlic
4 cups long grain rice
2 tbsp. Kitchen Bouquet (browning agent)
2 tbsp. seasoning salt
2 cups chopped green onions
* Season chicken with salt and pepper; brown in hot oil in 8 quart Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat.
* Add sausage; cook 5-to-7 minutes.
* Remove chicken and sausage from pan; set aside.
* Add onions, celery, green peppers and garlic; cook, stirring 7-10 minutes or until vegetables begin to wilt.
* Stir in chicken stock, reserved chicken and sausage, seasoning salt and Kitchen Bouquet. Bring to a boil.
* Add rice and return to a boil.
* Cover and reduce heat to simmer.
* Cook 10 minutes; remove cover and quickly turn rice from top to bottom completely.
* Replace cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
* Stir in green onions.

For brown jambalaya, add 1 heaping tbsp. brown sugar to hot oil and caramelize, or

make a roux, or use Kitchen Bouquet. For red jambalaya, add approximately 1/4 cup
paprika or use 1/2 stock and 1/2 tomato juice or V-8 for your liquid. For seafood
jambalaya, add cooked seafood when rice is cooked.

If using an electric stove, reduce cooking time by 3-4 minutes.

Four Tips:

Use 1 cup of rice for every 2 cups of vegetables (onion, celery, bell pepper.)

Use 1 1/4 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of uncooked rice.
1 cup of uncooked rice will make 3 cups of cooked rice, season accordingly.
Cook jambalaya for a total of 25 to 30 minutes, stirring well after 10 minutes.

Check out Joe's website at: www.tailgating.com

Historic Homes in Connecticut Ready for the Holidays

Only three weeks until Christmas, and still so much to do: presents to buy and wrap, cards to be written and mailed, a holiday menu to plan and social dates to get on the calendar. A day trip might be the furthest thing from your mind. On the other hand, if you looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit and discover new ways to celebrate the season, consider visiting one of the following Connecticut Historic Homes.

Following are just some of the festivities; visit each website to get all the exciting details.

William Gillette, also known as Sherlock Homes, built Gillette Castle in East Haddam in 1914. Tour this ingenious masterpiece, complete with Holiday Decorations on weekends in December: 8&9 and 15&16 from 10-4. www.ct.gov/dep/site. Click Outdoor Recreation; click State Parks & Forests; Click Select a State Park or Forest.

Florence Griswold House & Museum in Old Lyme continues its holiday tradition of the Magic of Christmas. Enjoy teas, performers, decorations, shopping, and hands-on fun for families. In the main house, see how families celebrated Xmas in 1910. In fact, Florence Griswold celebrated her 60th birthday on Christmas of that year. In the museum check out the 12-foot Artist Tree, back for its 9th year with over 130 painted palettes by artists from across the Country. www.flogris.org.

The Mark Twain House & Museum along with Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford will present the sights and sounds of a Victorian Holiday Celebration at Nook Farm. Enjoy a guided tour of both homes to see how the families decorated for the holidays in the late 1800's. www.marktwainhouse.org.

Visit this blog again soon for more ideas for holiday day trips, all from my book Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket 3rd Edition.

Also, check out my website for two specials. www.cruisingconnecticut.com.

1. On my "What's in our Picnic Basket" page there is a free recipe from my book. Crab and Crackers is a good appetizer for any occasion, but if are looking for something new and special for the holidays, this is it.

2. On my Order page, check out my special "gift book" price. Two books for less than the cost of one. This is a limited offer so don't miss out.

A Good Weekend For Daytripping

Thanksgiving not only means turkey and apple pie, but many of us also get to enjoy a long weekend and the joy of company. Why not take yourselves and/or your visitors on a Connecticut daytrip.

Following are a list of daytrips from Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket that have special  activities going on this weekend:

1. Haight-Brown Vineyard, Litchfield is hosting a wine, cheese and chocolate pairing class on Saturday, November 24. www.haightvineyards.com
2. Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford will host Hal Holbrook on Sunday, November 25th. www.marktwainhouse.org
3. Mystic Aquarium will show The Polar Express 4-D Experience Premium on Friday, November 23. www.mysticaquarium.org
4. Mystic Seaport has Field Days on Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24. www.mysticseaport.org
5. Olde Mistick Village will host Santa and Mrs. Claus on Friday, November 23 and Saturday, November 24 from 12-3. Also, the Festive Brass on Friday, November 23 at 2:00. www.oldemistickvillage.com

Whatever you do on this holiday weekend, enjoy!

What a Beautiful Weekend For a Picnic OR Apple Picking

I hope you all had an opportunity this weekend to enjoy your favorite outdoor activity.

Saturday afternoon I met some family members at Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford for an outdoor picnic. It must have been the sunshine, along with the 70 plus degree temperature, because everyone else in the world had the same idea. Dozens of tables and chairs on the huge side lawn were already occupied at 2:00, as were the tables on the patio on the opposite side. We did find one small empty table by the front door which a willing worker, Larry, helped me move to the front yard so there would be more room for our group. And, he came back shortly after with another table and several more chairs. This was probably my last picnic of the season and it couldn't have been more perfect.

Sunday was another gorgeous day, which I figured would be my last opportunity for a fall foliage excursion. Unfortunately I had some paperwork to do and couldn't get out, but I kind of went vicariously with my daughter and son-in-law. They decided to day trip to some of my favorite places: Litchfield, Kent Falls State Park in Kent, Cornwall Covered Bridge in West Cornwall, and to the top of the mountain in Mohawk State Forest in Cornwall. They shared their findings, such as the tower at Mohawk State Forest is gone.

One of their favorite parts of the day was driving on all the country roads, reporting that while the foliage was just a bit past its peak, "it was pretty darn good." So, there is still time folks.

Have you been apple picking yet? I know Lyman Orchards in Middlefield has a good supply of apples for picking and I'm sure there are other places still picking throughout the state. But, they won't last much longer. Whether you pick your own apples or buy them, don't let the season go by without making my favorite apple cake. This one is taken from my book Cruising Connecticut with a Picnic Basket 3rd Edition.

Apple Harvest Cake

5 apples
6 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon

Peel and pare apples. Cut into thin slices. Combine sugar and cinnamon and mix into apples. Put to one side.

4 eggs
2-1/3 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup orange juice
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 cups flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

* Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
* With electric mixer, blend eggs, sugar, oil, orange juice, and vanilla. In separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Add to liquid ingredients and blend with mixer. Continue mixing at medium speed until thick and lemon colored.
* Grease and flour bundt pan. Batter and applies are added to pan in layers, 3 for batter and 2 for apples. Begin and end with batter.
* Bake for 1-1/2 hours. Place on rack to cool for 10 minutes. Turn pan upside down on cooling rack, allowing cake to drop out of pan.

Enjoy!

Visit the Big E For the Ultimate Picnic

Those of you who have read my blog in the past know that I love picnicking, which is simply enjoying a meal outside, either from your own picnic basket or someone else's. In this case, you don't even need a picnic basket. Just an appetite and some cash will buy you scrumptious foods from around the world, all of which can be enjoyed at the biggest fair in the northeast.

The Big E at the Eastern States Fairgrounds in West Springfield, Mass runs from September 14th to September 30; seventeen days to visit dozens of concession stands. And, don't forget about the Avenue of the States where you can sample the best foods each state has to offer. Then, simply step outside with your tasty treasure and enjoy your picnic.

The Maine Building: giant baked potatoes served with an array of toppings

The Vermont Building: for the best maple syrup and cheese
The New Hampshire Building: for fresh baked pies
The Rhode Island Building: for seafood
The Massachusetts Building: for chowda and lobster rolls
The Connecticut Building: for fried dough and on the outside Rosco's hot dogs and steamed hamburgers

And, of course, the famous Big E Cream Puff at the New England Center is a must. I've never tasted better.

Don't miss this yearly tradition of not only the best fair foods, but also gifts from around the world, daily parades, exhibits, rides, top name performers, Storrowton Village Museum, the Super Circus and more.

If you happen to visit on Thursday, September 27th, stop into the CAPA bookstore in the Connecticut Building between 10-1. I'll be there with other local authors to sign our books. As a matter of fact, during each of the 17 days you will not only find the best books on every genre right there, but authors signing and personalizing them for your favorite gift recipient.

I'd love to say hello, and hear about your favorite picnic foods.

 

 

My Passion Took me to Some of my Favorite Places

Last week, I talked about my original passion sprouting branches and guiding me to other pursuits. However, my main passion, day tripping and picnicking, like the mighty oak, has grown so strong through the years, it still has the power to bring me great joy whenever I get back to it.

In early June, before the weather got really hot, a friend and I hiked the one and one-quarter miles up to the Heublein Tower at Talcott Mountain State Park in Simsbury.  Interesting how the trail gets steeper as I get older! But, it was invigorating. I dropped some of my books off at the bookstore, then climbed the stairs to view the dining room and Gilbert Heublein's bedroom, both renovated in recent years to resemble the way they looked in the early 1900s. After a light lunch at one of the picnic tables we walked around the outside admiring the flora and fauna before heading back. A great afternoon.

Twice this year, I took visitors on the Thimble Islands Cruise in the Stony Creek Section of Branford. Both times, it was a beautiful day for the 45-minute narrative boat tour through the interesting islands. The unique dwellings never fail to amuse me. On one island sits a 27-room Tudor Mansion with miniature golf course, swimming pool, gardener's cottage and other amenities, including - why not? palm trees. And, then there is the island with one small room on stilts.

Both times, we simply parked and waited for the next available tour. Once it was the Sea Mist and the other, Volsunga IV. Both were fun and informative. At the town beach which is adjacent to the dock and where I suggest picnicking, I found something new - a cement slab with several picnic tables. Nice.

Although it had not been planned, on the way home after both visits, we ended up on Main Street Essex. We drove almost to the bottom of Main Street - normally we would have enjoyed walking but it had been a full day - to visit the Sweet Pea Ice Cream shop. Yum.

I didn't have time to tour the following places in detail this year, but I did enjoy driving to and eyeballing the following destinations when I dropped off the 3rd Edition of my book to the gift shops:

Connecticut Trolley Museum, East Windsor

The Nature Center at Hammonasset Beach State Park
Gillette Castle State Park, East Haddam
Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford
Rose's Berry Farm, South Glastonbury (a new addition to the 3rd Edition)
UCONN (Bookstore)

Future plans this year include Gouveia Vineyards in Wallingford for an annual family picnic on the lawn and some of the younger generation want to revisit Farmington River Tubing in New Hartford, although we only have until Labor Day. Yikes! We'd better get going. I still have vivid memories of the 2005 trip with five teenage grandkids and the fun we had. In fact, the chapter in my book is all about that trip.

And, finally, I can never let mid-October go by without my annual fall foliage day trip, usually to Kent Falls & Cornwall Covered Bridge in Kent and West Cornwall, (only 7 miles apart,) Mohawk State Forest in Cornwall, and Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston, where the view across Lake Waramaugh is the best.

What is your passion? Whatever in your life is calling to you, whether it is spending more time on your art, taking a class, renewing friendships, or getting out and about more often, take time to pursue it with vigor and joy. Discover the gifts that are waiting for you.

A Passionate Pursuit Sprouts Many Branches

Isn't it interesting how a simple passion can grow like a mighty oak, and then branch out to take you in unexpected directions. Such as it was with day tripping and picnicking. For many years, I was absorbed in touring Connecticut to discover everything the state had to offer in the way of leisure-time activities. There was no end to the destinations I found, and after awhile I had enough information to fill a book.

So, that's what I did, wrote a book about all my favorite places; then because accuracy and timing was crucial, it was obvious I needed to self-publish; and, oh yeah, how to get my book baby out there so people could find it. Well, now I was in the marketing, promotion, and publicity business, and what automatically follows is warehousing, distribution, accounting, and well, on it goes.

During this process, I found another passion - speaking to groups about day tripping and picnicking, sharing all the exciting possibilities for adventure. In all, there have been over 200 book signings and talks during the past six years. And, this is where the irony comes in.

My original passion of day tripping and picnicking has taken me along so many roots (sorry!) that I sometimes long for the joy of those carefree days when I actually had time to cruise around the state with my picnic basket.

But, there are no regrets. I've couldn't be happier with the course my journey has taken. I guess that's the way it is with a passionate pursuit. Like a tree, it just keeps on sprouting and growing in new directions. The latest direction is my new book to be released in 2013, a travel memoir about a solo cross-country trip I took to visit ten national parks. Talk about an adventure.

Although I am working hard on this book, I still managed to get to some of my favorite Connecticut places during the past few months. I'll tell you about them next week.

I hope your passion takes you to incredible places!