Florence Griswold was born on Christmas Day so her museum goes all out to celebrate the “Magic of Christmas.”
Florence Griswold ran a boarding school for artists after her wealthy family needed some unexpected support in the 1800s. This is their home. Her legacy remains for all to enjoy.
The Magic of Christmas provides a tour of the museum as well as the home with stunning displays of artfully designed Christmas trees as well as the mantels throughout the home. There was even a contest to select your favorite! I’ll only post one so as not to ruin it for others but to entice a visit!
Fun to learn at the museum is that on the property is a tree which is a descendent of the famous Charter Oak tree of Hartford, Connecticut. It is within the original Charter Oak that the Connecticut charter was hidden from the British Invasion. When the original tree was destroyed people saved pieces and planted its acorns throughout the state. One such tree is on these grounds majestically watching over the home and museum.
This tree was fun to locate as it was not marked and initially the volunteers were unfamiliar with its location. So we all got to learn a little something together. Another opportunity to bond over nature and make a couple of new acquaintances.
Charter Oak descendent
The grounds are along the Lieutenant river. I look forward to returning in the Spring as the trees and plantings even lured me on this December day. I have come to greatly appreciate stick season as the trees become bare and show their shapes and better share the beauty around them.
Please know that tickets must be purchased on line 24 hours in advance as the museum is very well controlled due to the pandemic. I do not take these times lightly. I share to encourage and motivate others who at times have felt uncertain where to go.
This museum is also part of the CT art trail. Follow me to see other opportunities along the art trail.
If you’re out hiking or even in your backyard gardening, shower and launder timely as deer ticks can be hard to detect and there is no safe season. In November 2020 I found a tick and researched how to handle.
When you live in Connecticut and you enjoy the outdoors you likely also have ticks in the back of your mind. While it is referenced they may go dormant you are not out of the woods. Deer ticks may or may not go dormant based on when they had their last meal and the warming winters in CT.
Ticks are aggressively looking for a host because they need a blood meal at every stage of their life cycle to survive. So they “quest” on something waiting for a host to latch onto like tall grasses, a deer or even your dog! So stay with me on this point.
Case in point: If you hike with your dog and the tick uses the dog to latch onto you can acquire from hugging your dog when you’re home “safe and sound.”
Prevention
Repellent- Use a repellent (based on your comfort level natural or otherwise). I choose to use a natural repellent. A bit pricier it’s true. TIP: please keep in mind especially with natural you should spray more often.
It’s not once and done! Makes a great gift too for your family and friend hikers!
Clothing- Ticks do not jump. They get on you when you brush upon something on which they are waiting. Your ankles and arms are key points of entry for this reason. Examples for clothing may include high socks, high waisted leggings and even a light scarf. They can get on your clothing and wander to warmth however. Wearing light colored clothing is helpful to find them on your clothes.
Shower- Throw your clothes in the laundry in case any are waiting on your clothes. Take a thorough shower when you get home in case one found it’s way on you.
TIP: Use a body scrub or loofa sponge when you shower to add a little friction to better ensure any ticks are scrubbed off.
Discovery
Examine- Examine yourself and your hiking buddies (like your dog) when you get home. Focusing on areas which may be more hot and humid. The one I found was on my side waist.
Say cheese! – Let’s say you checked yourself and found one that burrowed – which I did. Start by taking a picture of it.
This helps for the analysis of the type of tick (e.g., Dog, deer) as well to determine if it’s engorged and therefore exchanged fluids with you. I screamed and there was no calm for me to take that picture while she was in me (yes it was a female) but I did take a picture after we took it out.
Removal- remove the tick straight out with a tweezer trying not to twist and trying to keep it as whole as possible but keeping any and all parts. You will likely need someone’s assistance to do this. Then take a picture of the tick and the area you took it off of as an ability to watch the progression.
Testing
Transport- Store the tick in something you can use to transport without further harming it. I used a cleaned out spice bottle.
Initial Assessment- Fortunately the government center in Stamford has a process whereby you can deliver a tick and they will confirm the type and send it off for testing at no cost to you. Find out if you have something similar in your area. That’s what we did to be told on the spot that it was a female tick that did not appear to be engorged so it was not thought that it exchanged fluids with me to share any diseases.
Testing- You will need to complete a form and it will then be sent to the lab for testing to include Lyme plus additional types of diseases it may carry.
Antibiotics- I did acquire a dose of antibiotics while I awaited the results as I have experience with Lyme and did not wish to risk something in my system that could progress while I waited for the results. This is of course is your option and under the discretion of a physician.
Monitor Progress- I also took a picture daily of the impacted area to see how it was progressing.
Test Results- Within a week I received the results by email which were quite comprehensive by testing for three different potential issues. Fortunately for me they were all negative.
Positive Results
People choose to see either a physician or naturopath – seek one of the two out should you receive a positive result. There is much controversy and books written about how and who you should go to to address Lyme or its related diseases. That will be based on your personal preference and interpretation of the approaches.
Please know however that the test for Lyme in humans is an indirect test meaning it’s not positive or negative but one that is subject to interpretation by the reader based on the analysis that needs to be performed. Educate yourself on this so you know why the result was interpreted as it was as there is also controversy here. Also the symptoms you may experience vary and may or may not be related to Lyme so that too is subject to interpretation. For this reason, prevention and mindfulness are key and your next steps are a very personal one.
Final Note and Personal experience
Stay diligent regardless of location, season and length of time as they are all contributing factors but none discount the need. I had a tick burrow in November and the only outing in the prior 24 hours was walking on a beach in my long winter coat at sunrise. However, it could have also been acquired from my dog so remember it’s not only a direct encounter it could also be indirect.
Additional information from the CDC in the link below
Keep hiking just stay safe and stay informed. Hope these tips are helpful. Feel free to join me on the blog as I share other tips as well for safe outdoor adventures.
Mystic is a village which is part of both Groton and Stonington. It’s a lovely seaport town with a great main street filled with shops and restaurants and the Seaport Museum.
While I went to see how it was decorated for the holiday, I was fortunate enough to arrive as the Mystic bridge began to rise and the Peacemaker Tall Ship approached.
The village stopped in its tracks as those in cars, on bikes, walking or jogging took out their cameras and cells to watch the grandiosity of the Peacemaker stretched beyond the now vertical bridge.
A Bascule bridge is a bridge that uses a counterweight to balance to open and close. The Mystic bascule bridge built in 1922 uses cement counterweights on Main Street connecting the Groton and Stonington sides of the area. All it’s parts are fully exposed which makes it particularly fun to watch.
The Main Street is filled with unique and local shopping options encouraging you to browse safely and masked.
On my December evening it was a balmy 55 and I fortunately chose S&P Oyster to have a bite and watch the sunset colors of the sky over the bridge with the Mystic Christmas tree beyond. I paused and appreciated the opportunity. I thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance of the firepit patio, a good red wine and a salad with pan seared scallops. The staff was welcoming, accommodating and covid compliant. Music was also playing and we were all together excited by this December evening.
You can also take a brief ride over to Olde Mystic village which has a bountiful set of holiday lights to encourage shopping. Please Note: I saw the beautiful lights from the road but this venue was quite crowded so I chose not to go see it for that reason.
Be Present Gift of the Day
As I quickly write I see an expected similar day today, December 13th 2020, and hope to encourage and suggest others have such a wonderful holiday experience.
Below link is to a Mystic Seaport Holiday Event – Lantern Lights Village with which I would recommend coupling your holiday stroll in Mystic.
Lantern Light Village is an outdoor event at the Mystic Seaport Museum December 4, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20 (5 was cancelled due to weather) from 5-9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on line.
When you first walk in you are greeted with a forest of Christmas trees which are lit to the beat of the music overhead. There’s a church with a queue lined up for a socially distanced visit with Santa Claus. While I have never personally met Santa Claus I was also greeted by the star and menorah glowing over the Christmas forest!
The walk is certainly what you make of it so stop by the open cabins to be greeted by yesteryear workers who share their 1876 profession. There are musicians and fire pits and horse drawn carriages completing the ambience for you. Stop and warm your hands over the cauldron of flames and listen to the fiddler.
So much fun to hear the families describe the old world charm to the kids who happily ran around the Christmas trees dancing to the music overhead. There was also a cabin for Christmas games.
Everyone is required to wear masks and capacity is limited. I felt quite comfortable there and I am quite conservative when it comes to exposure. Enjoy! Be Safe! Be Happy! It’s out there. Just a little extra research to find so join me and I will help. I do it anyway so why not benefit and encourage one another.
Couple this with a Mystic Holiday stroll and lovely outdoor restaurants (those blogs coming up next!)
Seen at first from afar from Interstate 95, I was anticipating my return to Westport to see the holiday lights on the Saugatuck River Bridge.
I didn’t know before this visit that this is the oldest surviving movable bridge in Connecticut having been built in 1884.
I waited awhile for all the cars to go through (in both directions) to get this shot! Yay!
There are several food options beside the bridge. I chose the Lobster Shack having a lobster salad. There are several outside tents technically for the sister Rizzuto restaurant to enjoy. TIP: I purchased a portable outdoor heater which has been coming in quite handy! Nice and toasty!
I was also on the search of a menorah in a holiday stroll as tonight was the first night. I found one in Westport! Balancing the cell phone on top of an electrical box I got the shot to prove it! Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate!
I continued up the road about a mile and a half to Main Street to find holiday shopping at both local and chain stores and a lovely walk by the river. Plenty more outdoor tented restaurant options here as well.
The riverfront reflected beautifully last night. But you’ll only see it if you pivot towards it and pause to take it all in. I would have missed this in prior years for sure!
Westport River Front
Boy this is fun and certainly can enhance an otherwise long workday from home! Where shall we encourage each other to go next?
There were snowflakes outside late afternoon so I made a hot beverage for the thermos and went on another Holiday stroll. This time in Milford with the second longest town green in New England!
I picked Milford for its picturesque town center and showcase of lights and decorations on the green.
Down the block from the town center and to the right you hit Milford’s Green. A holiday stroll down Main Street was an impressive display of lights with a central gazebo and four towering Christmas trees.
As you stroll, you can hear the holiday music from the church and review Milford’s history.
After the stroll, take a ride around town to see the houses and their decorations. It’s a popular and tracked activity in Milford. There’s even a Facebook page for it called “Christmas in Milford CT.” I love the page and it’s contributors as they all genuinely are trying to spread good cheer by altruistically decorating their homes and even the street signs for simple pleasures.
Plenty of stores and restaurants as well to grab some gifts or grab some food! Where should we go next?
If you want a gingerbread house walk in Ridgefield, CT here it is below.
Crazy eight stone fireplaces named Hearthstone castle.
A New York portrait photographer E. Starr Sanford had this 16 room castle built starting 1895 as his summer retreat for his wife Emma. The stones were acquired on site with a small railroad built to transport it. The interior wood imported from Italy.
Source: New England Historical Society
Emma was not a fan so they sold it in 1902 to a gentleman named Victor Buck. In 1918, Buck sold it to Charles Darling Parks, who bought it as a wedding present for his daughter Irene.
It was then renamed the castle “Hearthstone,” reportedly after the eight stone fireplaces throughout. Irene lived there until she died in 1982. It apparently had the means to produce its own electricity!
In 1985 the city of Danbury purchased the castle as well as Tarrywile Mansion across the street. In 2016, the city approved a plan to convert the long-abandoned castle into a walled garden
Unfortunately it has been heavily vandalized throughout the years. When considering the beauty of Gillette Castle in East Haddam CT (refer to separate blog) it is truly ashamed to see this castle which is almost 20 years older not maintained.
It does however provide a backdrop for your imagination to soar recalling the high society parties that took place over the mountainside view of Danbury through the many stone arches and the plethora of stone fireplaces.
Architecturally interesting but sad to see someone’s home so thoughtfully created in this condition. In between some of the stone work you can even find a dash of brick to add to its character and uniqueness.
The castle is on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re in the area I would stop by in hopes that you can see a “now and then” when it’s reworked.
Please note the castle is behind a fenced area targeted for construction. I am hoping to see an encouraging change by the restoration by Danbury. It is located at 18 Brushy Hill Road.
The Tarrywile site below has some great history with photos of the interior in its day as well as aerial photos now. It’s future remains uncertain.
Let’s find some other adventures to post in this just for fun blog to encourage us during these challenging times! Join me! Meanwhile below is the magical experience at Gillette Castle in East Haddam with encouragement to go!
Grab a gingerbread hot cocoa, a gingerbread cookie and take a Gingerbread House stroll!
The 2020 Holiday season is a bit tougher to find ways to get in the spirit and stay safe so I continue to seek opportunities for myself and others.
So I made my own hot beverage and brought it along to my stroll in Ridgefield down Main Street. I was immediately brought into the holiday spirit by the star lights in the sky and a musical van which was roaming the streets with a grinch Santa Claus.
My favorite shops lit up their window displays to remind me and others that with caution you can still enjoy their offerings. My personal favorites include the Book Store, Sweet shop, Candlelight Shop for the best pajamas and the newly located Cakebox bakery. All wonderful options for holiday gift giving.
The Lounsbury House was where I went to my final group event before Covid wave one. A wonderful mystery dinner with a friend. I was so pleasantly surprised to find that today, in addition to their beautifully holiday decorated venue, was an outdoor gingerbread house walk where you could see locally created gingerbread houses on window display. I only included one shot so as not to ruin the surprises!
Additionally the surrounding homes were decorated with care for the enjoyment of all that pass. It was so welcoming and beautiful. A wonderful holiday evening respite.
Follow this just for fun blog to encourage me to share other opportunities where we can have wholesome and safe fun virtually together.
Ride the second wave with s’mores, hot cocoa and sunsets!
While I love the outdoors, I am not a fan of the cold and with the second wave of the pandemic am seeking opportunities to continue my adventures.
Fortunately Madison and specifically the Madison Beach hotel offers a setting to achieve just that! I’d ride the wave here!
The old hotel was originally a rooming house for the men working at Hoyt’s Shipyard on the beach and the nearby wharf in the early 1800s and was called the Flower hotel way back when.
Later as the original Madison Beach Hotel it became one of the oldest continuously run businesses on the Connecticut shoreline where families would return year after year to convene at this beach side resort. College boys were bus boys here during the summer even driving folks back and forth from the railroad. I found the below postcard in a Madison CT history site. I can feel that vibe can you?
In 2012, the hotel was completely rebuilt and re-opened to the public. It remains a place to gather in a beautiful setting. While I have never stayed here over night, I have enjoyed their restaurant “The Wharf” for it service, it’s ambience and the food.
During certain times of year it also offers a direct view of the sunset.
With the second wave of the pandemic I enjoyed their “Magic of Madison” event with outdoor fire pits, a special adult cocoa 🙂 and s’mores while watching the sunset. Seriously, it was safe fun and beautiful.
I have been here several times and this is a jaunt I enjoy each time. Plenty to do in the area as well which will be the subject of future blogs. I can’t say enough about Madison CT.
Sign up to join me virtually on other adventures during this second wave. This is strictly for fun to motivate me and you. There is no business affiliation with this blog.
A Ghost Town, A Ghost, A Song of the Year, and A Documentary
Please note: I stumbled upon this village while driving by and seeing the interesting dual -tunnel covered bridge and made a turn out of curiosity. I saw some workers who were part of the organization which since purchased the area who gave me permission to walk the grounds but not enter any buildings. Should you decide to visit the ghost town please do be respectful of the new owners and recognize the town is in current disrepair necessitating some caution. Please stay on the main roads should you have interest in a visit.
A Ghost Town
This once thriving mill town was the center of twine production in Connecticut used primarily for fishnets, and was sold on both coasts and the Great Lakes.
In 1832, the Neptune Mill was constructed and over the years expanded until it reached three stories tall, architecturally resembling a church with its steeple and bell that would call workers into the factory each morning.
In 1862, Emory Johnson built the Triton Mill and tenements and worker housing soon cropped up and Johnsonville was born. The Triton Mill was destroyed in a fire.
A Ghost or Two
The Emory Johnson homestead still stands and they say is haunted by Johnson himself. Fun fact I learned while watching the documentary when they showed the bathroom is that while it looks like an outhouse (prior to plumbing) it has two holes instead of one. This was to accommodate different size needs of the household.
In 1965, Raymond Schmitt, purchased the area to make it a tourist attraction and was seeking to recreate an 18th century Victorian Village. He even brought in other vintage buildings from Connecticut and had them moved to Johnsonville including a stable, chapel, general store and a school house.
Also written is that the the ghost of Schmitt roams the grounds. Perhaps Johnson and Schmitt both were so fond of the place they hang around together.
A Song
In 1993, Billy Joel filmed part of his music video, “River of Dreams” at the village and various Connecticut locations along the Connecticut River. An article about the album describes Billy Joel “raises the stakes with River of Dreams, diving further into the philosophical abyss of middle age with the fury of a dreamer searching for an answer before time fades away.” This album hit #1 on the Billboard 200 chart including Song of the Year. Interestingly, the beautiful album cover was painted by Christie Brinkley.
A Documentary
The village was featured in Season 1, episode 10, Connecticut Ghost Town, of the National Geographic TV series “Abandoned” which I was able to view on Amazon prime. It spoke and focused on some of the items I took photos of and included here. The series are guys who purchase antiques and fix them up to resell. It was from this episode I was able to view the inside of some of the buildings. This team wound up purchasing the vintage schoolhouse itself with its antique bell and antique desks with carvings from the 1800s!
On July 7, 2017, a Philippine-based independent Christian organization bought the village and appears to be restoring it for use based on my visit.
Couple this as I did with a visit to Devil’s Hopyard for an awesome creepy day!
Pivot and Pause in New England 