Rearview

Sometimes when you're in the thick of things you don't always realize how great those things are.  It takes a bit of reflection and a look in the rearview to realize how great they really were.  That's not to say that I didn't notice I was having a great time last weekend, but as I look at the pictures I realize that a trip away from CT with friends was much needed and over due.  Now if only the weather had cooled down a bit more to fully turn the leaves it would have been perfect... but nothing is ever perfect.

 

 We tool long walks out in the country. We went to cider days in Belmont and I got a handmade apron from all fo the lovely people selling their wares.  Apple pressing was happening and cider was being made fresh, and unpasteurized in front of us.

We drove through Okemo Mountain to see the beauty of ski runs without the snow.  The leaves had begun to change, but given the storms and warmer weather, they weren't fully there yet.

We watched UConn Football and discovered new brands of hard cider.

 We witnessed real glass blowing next to the Harpoon Brewery

We discovered that Harpoon BrewFest was also hosting a strong men and strong women competition that Molly and I tried to enter, but sadly missed out on.  We totally could have done the event below.

The boys, of course, bee-lined for the keg bowling to find out what the prize was this year and to assess the slope and angle of the 'course' this year.  They made some friendly wagers and the keg bowling commensed.  

 

 

 

Some people won prizes for strikes and others... well, they stuck their tongue out instead and demanded a do-over.

Commence 'Do over' for another chance at the coveted bottle opener.  Remember, last year, Mike won two prizes in his first turn for 2 strikes. This year, it was more like one prize for 4 turns. But he 'won' nonetheless, right?

Prizes in hand at last.

We had a great time and enjoyed some of Harpoon's finest offerings. It was great to catch up with far away friends and to spend a day in the sunshine surrounded by good beer and German themed fun.

And on the way home, Jeremy discovered this gem laying beside the road.  There was no way we were driving by without stopping to check it out.

And on the next day, I awoke to this, right outside my bedroom window.  The leaves had turned slightly more. Beauty.  We hiked and went to Long Train brewery and thoroughly enjoyed our day.  It was peaceful and relaxing and included so many of our favorite things.

Life is good.

Yours in fall love,

Whitney