Saturday, November 25, 2006

Sakonnet Lighthouse

I have been thinking about viewing the Sakonnet Lighthouse for sometime. One would think that with a state as small as Rhode Island, I would have been everywhere, especially when I spent all those Sunday mornings wandering around aimlessly on my motorcycle. Nevertheless I had never been there. I did my research on my favorite lighthouse site www.lighthousefriends.com and Marie and I set out this morning. It was a lovely day, bright sunshine and blue skies. I recommended heavy jackets as the ocean breeze can be very brisk this time of year. The easiest way to get there is to go into Massachusettes through Fall River and take route 24 towards Newport. We took exit 6 (Fish Road) and eventually connected to route 77. This quaint country road wound us along towards Sakonnet Point. Along the way we were able to see beautiful country stone walls, grand old homes and occasionly, views of the Sakonnet River. We drove by the restaurant where our oldest daughter was married and where the reception was held. We passed by a couple of small villages and finally arrived at the very end of the road. I parked along side the massive stone wall and ignored the "no parking" signs.

As we passed throught the wrought iron gate, I read the sign that announced that we were not welcome and we were trespassing on this private beach. I will add that Marie collects rocks. We have rocks from up and down the east coast, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Cape Bretton, most of the Great Lakes, assorted river beds, Yellowstone and from the Crazy Horse museum. This beach was filled with rocks of all sizes, shapes, colors and they were so smooth. A lady from Connecticut was carefully selecting rocks for a dry riverbed she hoped to construct on her property. Marie began her search for the chosen few while I snapped pictures of the lighthouse. I have to admit that these rocks were beautiful so I took about 6 small stones also.

A lengthy description of the Sakonnet Light is available on the web site mentioned above. I will give a brief history. Funded in 1882, the light was lit November 1, 1884. It is a cylindrical cast iron tower that sits atop a concret filled cast iron caisson. It was damaged during the 1938 hurricane and was repaired. The 1954 hurricane severely damaged the light and some discussion began concerning tearing it down. The local townspeople raised money and it was eventually restored and remains in private hands. It has been relighted.

On the way back we took a little time to look at Compton Commons (a post office, general store and a diner). It is very quaint New England. We also stopped at Greys Ice Cream Parlor. They make all their ice cream and is touted to have the "worlds best" coffee ice cream. Marie told me that it was up there with the best she has ever had. I tried the butterscoth and was disapponted.

All in all, it was a great way to spend the morning, and yes, we were glad we had warm coats.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Tippy Tumble

Marie and I were watching the news about the hoards that were waiting to buy the new Sony game player. We were also dismayed at the violence that has occurred. I said I would never wait in line for a product for myself. Then I asked Marie if she remembered the Christmas Eve when I stood on a loading dock, long after my little angel was sleeping, waiting for a truck to arrive. I held in my hand a numbered slip that guaranteed that a Tippy Tumble would be mine. I must confess that my memory was of the bitter cold and the hour. Marie remembered the name of the toy. Looking back on that night, I now wonder if the truck driver had a family waiting for him to arrive home for Christmas.

I wonder if any Tippy Tumbles still survive.

Saturday, November 11, 2006

Veteran's Day

Earlier in the week, I received a phone call from my eldest daughter. My granddaughter's fourth grade class was scheduled to March in the Middleboro, MA. Veterans Day Parade. Each child would wear a gold star with the name of a veteran and / or an active service member. Lilia had chosen me to be on her star. The problem was that my daughter needed to choose between another equally important function for my grandson or Lil's parade. Would I be able to take Lil to the parade. Yes of course I said and can I march with her?

This Veterans Day was beautiful, a bonus for New England, sunny skies about 60 degrees. While we lined up in our designated area, Lil gravitated towards her classmates and I began a conversation with Cosmo who was wearing a hat for his Navy ship. He was in the Navy from 1946 to 1948. He could not get his mother to let him lie about his age and he still is sorry he missed WW II. He's 78 and when the parade started up a long incline, I noticed he was dropping back. By this time Lil was in a pack with her classmates, so I dropped back and Cosmo and I brought up the rear of the fourth grade class. We compared notes on the navy in the 40's and the 60's. He was a delightful person to march with. The parade ended at the town hall for ceremonies. The local high school marching band played all the theme songs for the 5 military branches. The flag was raised and moments of silence for those departed and those fighting. It was a nice way to spend Veterans Day.

One young man was wearing a gold star for his dad who is with the Army in Iraq. He has been in my thoughts all afternoon.

Saturday, November 04, 2006

Old habits

My last two vehicles came equipped with auto locking doors and auto lights on at dusk. My new Honda Odyssey does neither. We blissfully ride with doors unlocked as we seem never to remember to push the button.

Last night as I pulled away from my sister-in-laws, I mentioned that the dash was dark. My wife told me that the headlights were probably not on. Yep! Old habits are hard to break.

However, this car has a most aggravating chime every two minutes if the seat belt is not fastened forcing me to finally wear the damn thing. So I guess I'm safer as I head down the road in the dark with the doors unlocked.

Friday, November 03, 2006

Mom's 91st Birthday Gift

Mom has had a good life. My dad was an engineer and did well and mom was a saver. Needless to say, trying to figure out what to do or get for her birthday is always a problem. She buys whatever she wants and tells everyone..."no gifts". A while back I took her to lunch and she began to talk about the things she missed since my dad passed. She told me how much she liked going to Maine. Marie and I have been going to Maine for several years to complete our semi-annual visit to L L Bean. Sooo, I asked her if she would like to come along. She jumped at the opportunity. Mom has macular degeneration and her vision is failing, she is also a little hard of hearing which sometimes makes for interesting conversation. I said it would be nice to have her come with us, She answered, oh it will be icey. Yup!

Mom is very independent and feels she must pay her way. I explained that I would pay for her meals and that would be her birthday present. I also explained that part of this ritual would be The Steakhouse Restaurant. I have never had a better filet of beef anywhere than here. I made this clear as mom's favorite is KFC and Subway and I did not want any doubt as to where we would eat.

I arranged to pick her up the day before and we were able to leave from my house on the 31st. We did some shopping in Kittery and had a so-so lunch at Noels. We then stopped at the Stonewall Kitchen outlet. Their manufacturing site is in York. They have jars of small crackers and open samples of all their jellies, jams, butters, etc. It was like I turned a kid loose in a candy store. At one point my wife said I can't find your mother. I said I was sure she was somewhere tasting samples. I stood in line to pay and as I was almost finished paying, Marie spotted mom. She proudly proclaimed that she had tried everything. I shuddered to think of the three different salsas after the assorted jellies and butters that she had consumed. She said she had the best time and it was better than any dessert that she could have had anywhere.

The Steakhouse was super. All steaks come with a little tub of herb butter...just wonderful. Mom wanted halibut which is getting harder to find or baby scallops, neither was on the menu. She refused to have a small steak and ended up with baby back ribs.

The Hamton Inn in Wells, Maine opened this past July. It is one of the nicest Hampton Inns that I have stayed in. It has a double sided fireplace in the lobby and a wide screen TV. The morning breakfast was also one of the best. So after our breakfast we went to Freeport for shopping at L L bean, Carters, and an educational toy store. A generally nice day. That night we once again went to The Steakhouse. Mom was cranky, she was not going to order a steak. I would be happy with a sandwich, she proclaimed, you eat too much red meat. Mom, I did not come all the way here to eat dinner at KFC or Subway I replied. She pouted a little and settled for a half order of crab cakes and a baked potato.

The next morning we ate a hearty brakfast and headed home in the pouring rain. Once we got her to my niece's home and settled in, she told me that she had a great time.
I kissed her and wished her a happy birthday.

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Big Bay Point Lighthouse

Marie and I have visited Michigan several times over the past 5 years. On one of those trips we decided to stay overnight at the Big Bay Point Lighthouse. It is currently privately owned and operated as a Bed & Breakfast. First a brief history of this lighthouse which sits on a bluff overlooking Lake Superior. Construction began in May of 1896 and it was completed in October of that year. It is 52' by 52' with 18 rooms with a light tower that is 105' above Lake Superior. In the mid 1940's the light was automated and the last keeper was reassigned. In 1951 and 1952 the U S Army leased the property and Army and National Guard units were assigned for two week training periods to practice anti-aircraft artillery. One of the soldiers stationed at the lighthouse committed the murder that was to become the basis for the book and movie Anatomy of a Murder. The actual murder took place at the Lumberjack Tavern in Big Bay, Michigan. In 1961 the property was sold to a private party who began restoration. The present owners purchased the property in 1991 and began the Bed & Breakfast.

Our reservations were made in May and our directions were to take state road 550 from Marquette for approximately 25 miles nw to Big Bay and then follow signs for the light. The last several miles from Big Bay were over a dirt road. After check in we found out that our dining choices were basically back to Marquette or the Lumberjack Tavern. Our host also informed the guests that state road 550 was overrun with deer after dusk. Marie and I opted for the Tavern which served roast prime rib on Saturday evening.

As I approached the Tavern, I wondered why there were so many vehicles parked along the road. Once inside, the place was packed and the attraction was the Detroit Redwings hockey game. Detroit had not yet been eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Luckily we found a table ordered drinks and ordered dinner, no menu, only one item for dinner. It was a wild crowd but as soon as the game ended, the place emptied and only couples remained for the dinner period. I noticed several other couples from the B & B. Dinner was more than adequate and we were able to get back before dark. Marie and I climbed up into the tower and enjoyed a marvelous view of the lake and surrounding countryside. Later that evening our hosts told stories about the lighthouse. The building was originally a duplex. What was interesting was that both sides had the same number of rooms, but the rooms on the assistant keepers side were slightly smaller in square footage. Another example of "rank has its priviledge". Marie and I were on the assistant side. I have to say that this location was certainly quiet and dark. There were no lights to be seen outside.

The next morning we went for a brief walk before breakfast and were surprised to see ice on the rocks along the shore. Breakfast was a learning experienced. We were served "pasties". They look like a big apple turnover, but are filled with meat and other stuff. These had pork and I did not enjoy them. We left mid-morning to continue our search for the next lighthouse on our list.

Saturday, October 21, 2006

Poor General Motors

First, I have been a loyal GM man for many years. My first new car was a 1965 Pontiac Lemans convertible. Over the years I have owned new or used every GM make except Cadillac. I came close once after driving the SRX. I wanted two wheel drive and was told that I live in New England (as if I did not know that) and should get AWD. No one had a RWD.

Yesterday I received a survey from GM concerning service work completed by a Massachusettes Pontiac dealer on a Chevrolet that I traded 3 weeks before the service took place. Perhaps its because for the first time in over 40 years I purchased a foreign brand, so GM has no notification. I did try to buy a GM van. I really did.

I have been escaping to Florida for several winters. Last year I decided that I would no longer stuff everything into my wife's Bonneville. My first stop was my local Rhode Island Pontiac dealer. This dealer is absolutely the finest car dealer I have ever dealt with. The salesman informed me that Pontiac was out of the van business. No more 06's to be built and no 07's. My next stop was to the Chevy dealer where I purchased my Malibu Maxx, a neat car with a wide range of amenities, but too small for the winter trip South. As we approached the 06 Uplander, I asked if it had the 3.5 or the 3.9 engine. Neither he said with authority it has a 3.4 engine. Not so said I. Thats when he told me he was certified salesman and he knew he was right. I asked him to pop the hood and lo and behold, it was a 3.5 engine. So much for certification. As I only wanted the larger engine and this was their only van on the lot and I had no interest in a gas sucking SUV, I left. I now decided to wait for the 07's. In early September I found a Buick dealer with an 07 Terraza. The 07's only come with the 3.9 engine as GM figured out the smaller engine did not cut it. The salesman listed the options and I made an appointment for the next morning. In the interim, I researched the internet and had a good handle on the dealer cost and the value of my trade. After a test drive, the salesman huddled with his manager and gave me a price about $1500. more that I thought it should be. Before, I could start to negotiate, he said "this price is only good until 5 PM tonight". I said I would think about it. As soon as I got in my car, my wife looked at me and said where they could stick that car. I might have tried to talk a deal, but the Buick cornered like the Queen Mary in heavy seas, and I was being careful. So GM, I tried. I'm not sure who took the car for service.... for sure it was not me.

How I ended up with my Honda Odyssey, will be a story for another day.