I'm sitting in the Danby, VT library (open only a few hours Wed and Sat.) on our "free day", midway through the work week. This was Pearl Buck's hometown when she died. Her house was washed away from Hurricane Irene.

The whole area, in fact, was devastated--roads, bridges, trees, etc., washed away.

But let me backtrack a bit. First, my drive here was mostly good. There were the usual detours, traffic congestions, getting lost,etc. But you take the bad with the good.

I did find the cemetery my Great x 3 grandparents on my mother's side (Silverthorn) are buried (in PA). But, I couldn't find their graves. Many stones were pretty well weathered and impossible to read.

Going through the Delaware River Gap was interesting, as was other "scenic" regions off the interstates. I mixed up driving on and off the "I's".

I really enjoyed visiting Concord, Mass (and Lexington). I "hit" all the touristy places and paid money to be shown the "Old Manse", built by Ralph Waldo Emerson's grandfather. Ralph, himself, plus Nat. Hawthorne live there one time or another. The guide showed us the desk where Emerson wrote his essay on "Nature", and I had JUST read the essay the night before!! Talk about an affinity.

I also visited Waldon Pond, Henry David Thoreau's "residence" for his time communing with nature. I was surprised at how big the "pond" was--two miles to walk around it. His cabin is long gone, but the site was marked.
Oh yes, and I went to "author's hill" section of the cemetery where the aformentioned, plus Louisa May Alcott are buried.

I drove through R.I and up into Maine a bit to say I've been to those states, making only 3 yet to be in. Then on into N.H. and to Alfredo and Mike's school house--yes, it's a real school house. But, oh, what a transformation!! Wonderful. And I was welcomed and treated like a prince (which I am anyway)! We chatted all evening and the following morning. Mike fixed a salmon dinner, Fredo an apple pie a la mode!! I can still taste it! I slept on their comfortable couch. I will publicly thank them now for their gracious hospitality (privately when I return home). I'm sure that if you ever have the opportunity to be in their neck of the woods, they'll give you the same royal treatment they gave me.

I'll give the rundown on the actual work here in Vermont later. I can say the weather has been lousy, up until today. We hiked on the Appal. long trail today up to the top of Mt. Bromley--6 miles round trip. The view was spectacular, although the leaves (colors) have been disappointing. Too early perhaps.

In general, the other 11 people in our group have been good, the food and accomodations great! Details later (if you want to know).

I'm still planning on meeting Jon(dude) Sunday sometime. It's difficult to know exactly when I'll be through Tiffin.

In the meantime, carry on without me. I'm just happy to share this little bit at this opportunity. This is fun! Check off another item on my "bucket list".
Randy