The latter part of the summer brings a bit of sadness knowing the days of wearing almost nothing in hot weather are near over. But the latter part of the summer also brings so many activities that engaging in many of them just makes the days fly by. The last 3 weeks have been filled with various activities of the cultural type. Blueberry Festivals, Village Strolls, movies, plays, gallery openings, museums, circuses, community dinners, pancake breakfasts, outdoor concerts, visits by special friends and meteor showers. Wow! This is one of the main reasons I come east. Sure, some of the activities/events are small town, but that is what makes them special. One doesn't have to travel far for any of them. It feels good to take advantage of all (or many of) the opportunities out there. Wilmington's Village Stroll and Blueberry Fest are August events and bring out the locals and tourists. The mingling and community spirit is strong and a simple smile and nod of acknowledgement brings a warm acceptance feeling. The local theater group, which is not bad at all, put on a production of Pippin at our own Memorial Hall. All 3 nights are sold out, showing the support the community brings. When Kim came, we headed up to Manchester, VT for dinner at the oldest tavern in Vermont (opened in 1790), took in a few galleries, then went to a wonderful production of Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson. What a talented group of women and one man. It was fast paced, wildly funny, current and so well done. We had front row seats! With both of us rather gimped up, driving through this part of New England was the option and can be rewarding. We went south to the fun, funky, industrial, art town of North Adams. We ate at Jacks Hot Dogs and Hamburgs, a business that is going on year 105!! It was cheap, fun, nostalgic, not very healthy, but just what we needed. After Jack's, thrifting was the call and there were 3-4 interesting choices. Then it was off to Mass Moca, the sprawling museum of northern MA. We walked in and didn't notice the front desk at all and went into the galleries. There are 4+ wings, 3 floors and hallways and stairways connecting them all. It took us the better part of 2 hours to get through it, even leaving a building unseen. Couldn't leave a trip to Brattleboro off the to-do list. Walking around this fun and funky town never disappoints. Great galleries, fun shops, antique alleys, young and old hippies and fine food and drink. Had some gift cards to the Marina right on the West River/Connecticut River intersection. Beautiful night, good company, okay food, special location. Kim needed to spend time with family in Hampton, NH. I gave her 4 days before I went over to visit. It is fine to spend time away from the cabin and enter the world of known people. I was able to fix the Kobylarz' showers. They needed new valves and pressure mixers. Not too tough and made me feel that I earned my keep. Helping is easy and satisfying, not to mention important to her elderly parents. Stella is welcomed and spoiled. Pam, Kim's sister, has a nice pool set up so the party is usually there.
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