Connecticut Revisited

I didn't think that I would be able to get back to Connecticut to visit my friends anytime this year. Scheduling and money were the big barriers, certainly not a lack of desire. However, fortune smiled on me and I was invited at the last moment to participate in a Cities for Financial Empowerment meeting in Providence, RI. These people do amazing work and I was very excited to join them. And, since I was going to be in the area anyway, I decided to spend a few days trying to catch up with some of my friends!

I had breakfast with the Chominski clan. Nolan is the latest addition and at 4 months he's a handful!

Do these three look like trouble or what? I describe Jenny and Karen as two of my oldest friends: the kind of friends you'll never let go...because they have too much dirt on you! We spent hours talking and laughing and picking on each other. It was like I never left.

Reagan, Sammy and Hannah kept each other occupied while the girls and I caught up. It never ceases to amaze me how fast kids grow...

Julie and I got to catch up over dinner and enjoyed a stroll through Wilcox Park. I dearly miss living just a short walk away from her and all the fun times we shared. Thankfully, Julie is great at keeping in touch and, again, it's as if I never left.

I also got to visit with Diana and Carolyn, two of my former co-workers. These ladies always make me smile, and hearing about all the changes around the old office made me so glad that I took this job in GA! And there's no way I could come to CT and not go home to the Saporita's. A part of me feared the visit would be bitter sweet, scratching the scab off of our losses. But I should have known better. Though it will always stir up the memory of Jen and mom, I can never feel anything less then joy and love when visiting my adoptive family. On the way out of town I got to check in with my friends at the Inn at Stonington, which I'm happy to say has not changed a bit! There were far too many people that I didn't get to see this trip. Hopefully next time I'll have more than two days...

I couldn't have asked for better weather for my weekend getaway. Spring was in full bloom and I got to sample a taste of one of my favorite New England seasons.

What trip to Connecticut would be complete without a visit to Bluff Point? I've spent so many hours here over the years: whether walking, biking, journaling, bird watching, meditating or laughing with friends, Bluff Point is a touchstone in my life. When I needed to clear my head, lift my spirits, or struggle with my demons, Bluff Point was my refuge. Since my back was still very sore and time was tight, I could only manage a quick stroll. But it was still enough to refresh and recharge me.

Did someone order an Ark?

While I've been enjoying beautiful Spring weather and 80 degree days, my friends in New England have gotten hammered by heavy rain storms. Basements flooded, streets flooded, rivers overran their banks, schools and businesses closed and people have lost power. Here are a few pictures of the Westerly area and their water woes.

Two Reasons I Love Westerly

The election process is finally over and we have a new president elect, Obama. I am glad both in the outcome and that the process itself is over...at least for 4 years. I have to admit that, unlike many friends and colleagues, I did not follow the election day hub-bub at all. I was in NYC for work most of the day, listened to an audio book on the drive home ("A World Without Us") then read another book when I got home (after debating with my dad for a while...). I slept soundly, wrapped warmly in the hope that hope would prevail. In the end, it did. I wish Obama the best of luck taking on the job of President of the United States (with emphasis on the "United").

Though I've been quite busy lately, I did have a moment to snap two quick pictures depicting why I love Westerly:

Wilcox Park, at any time of the day, is beautiful and relaxing. I played around with a few camera settings to snap this picture of the fountain at night. I must say, I am very pleased with the outcome!

What other city boasts a human-sized Mr. Potato Head dressed as a Vote-promoting super hero? I'm going to say, just Westerly! (if you happen to find another, please don't tell me.) Like I need another reason to love living here...