Quick trip.......

Way back in the early 70's, my dad complained to the local power company about the pile of telephone poles that they left near his front yard, along the road.    After a year or two, he gave up and moved them to his workshop area and started carving them up.   They mostly became totem poles, patterned after the native art of the various  tribes in Canada and Alaska.

He shipped one to me from California to Connecticut and it stayed in our house for about 30 years.    It moved to Jon's when we moved to Florida.   He kept it outside where it slowly deteriorated. 

  

And then it came to life again.  

 

 And now, it is totally restored by Dad's great grandsons and I'm sure he is  just beaming.    Well done !!

Labor Day found us once again in Newtown, CT for the annual Labor Day parade.   The biggest and probably one of the oldest continuous parades in the state,  we marched and were actively involved for many many years.    Last year was the first time we had returned for it since we moved and altho it was hot and humid, we loved every minute.   Especially since our favorite band members were marching.    This year, the weather was threatening but they managed to just squeak it all in before the rain drops fell.  

This is the oldest house on Main Street, built in 1750 and now maintained by the Historical society.  

 My favorite fife and drum band.

 My favorite parade watcher....

One of the local assisted living communities was in the parade.   A nice lady brought over a freshly baked pie, neatly  boxed and gave it to us.   I declined and said someone else might appreciate it and she said, " we have 300 to give out !"..... I noticed more seniors holding pies walking to our cars..... It's going to take more than a pie to entice me to move in but it was a grand gesture.  

The day before, we traveled over to West Point for the annual Labor Day concert at Trophy Point.   As I mentioned last year, we used to drive over for their Sunday night concerts and the LD extravaganza for many years.     Returning once again is just the best thing ever.    In a natural amphitheater, the setting is perfect.     It requires that an early arrival insures decent seating.    We took a picnic and a deck of cards for cut- throat games of Hearts.   Plus walks around the historic buildings, statues and cannons.   

The rousing 1812 Overture with cannons is the moving finale followed by the best fireworks right over our head.  We agree every year that it's the best show ever.     P captured the final part of the Overture and all of the fireworks if you are so inclined.   Here
    Since this is with an iPhone, the sound is just OK, not of the heart stirring magnificence of a live concert....but you get the idea.   The artillery cannons are located behind and below the band.

It was a great weekend.......!!