Birthdays, part 2

Gen and Roger's mom at Stecco

We celebrated my birthday on Sunday, four days after Roger's. Since we exhausted all the sites in Hanover, we took Roger's mom to Enfield and had brunch at the new Italian restaurant. Check out some pictures of the place here. Roger's mom gave me a pretty necklace with a cross pendant.

After brunch, we took a walk along the nearby Rail Trail and took pictures along the bridge.


Roger and Genevieve after brunch


Roger and his mom walking the Rail Trail

We rested that afternoon, with Roger's mom and I doing some downtown shopping. Later, we "suited up" once more headed out for dinner. This time to the Canoe Club.

What a surprise! Chocolate mousse birthday cake! Roger had sneaked off some time during the day to pick up the delicious cake at Lou's and delivered it to the Canoe Club.


Roger and Genevieve, sporting her new turquoise necklace from Roger

Birthdays, part 1

Here we go again! This time we turned 32!


Roger and mom in front of Lake Champlain

Roger's mom made her annual birthday visit to the Upper Valley. She was ready for some R&R, New England-style, so for her first full day back, we drove up to Burlington to see the lake.

It was a gorgeous, if windy day. We picked up some lunch at the tasty Burlington Bay Market & Cafe. I had a very good blackened salmon sandwich! We walked along the waterfront and proceeded to shop Church Street. Roger's mom picked up a copy of my friend's mom's memoir, Falling Leaves.

Roger's mom helped me and the DeVries plan a surprise birthday for Roger on Wednesday. We picked up a yellow cake with chocolate frosting at Lou's and delivered it to Gusanoz, Roger's favorite local restaurant.

We drove him to Gusanoz on the premise that the DeVries wanted to meet for dinner and meet Roger's mom. Surprise!


The cardiology gang at Gusanoz

Roger was very happy to see everyone! People handed out some jokes and gifts, including an "authentic" Ricky Bobby autograph and a copy of Dodgeball. Also lots of biking-related toys.


Roger opening some Shot Bloks from Sal

Yay for surprise birthday parties!


Roger likes his cake!

The rain and Maine, part 2

Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Company in Freeport

On Sunday, we headed out early to Maine, the rain following us, although tapering a bit. We drove first to Freeport, where we did some outlet shopping at Patagonia and JL Coombs fought the crowds at LL Bean to use the bathroom. Even though it was rainy, we managed to grab lunch of lobster rolls and fried fish at Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster Company. Pretty good fried clams!

We drove down the coast to check in at the Juniper Hill Inn in Ogunquit. An afternoon jaunt to nearby York was dampened a bit by more rain, although we did purchase some candies at The Goldenrod and squeezed in a game of candlepin bowling at the Fun-o-rama.

After a pretty terrible cup of coffee at the local Daily Grind, we called it a day and went back to Ogunquit.


Exploring the rock formations along the Marginal Way

The next day was the best day, in terms of weather. We woke up to sun and clearer skies. We left the hotel and took a walk along the Marginal Way. It was a great way to jumpstart our morning.


Lynna and Peter amid the rocks

We walked all the way to Perkins Cove where we had another less than fabulous cup of coffee at Uncommon Grounds. Later we walked to Barnacle Billy's where we waited until our boat tour started up.


Nubble Light House

For this trip, we signed up for a longer boat tour that would take us out to the Nubble Light House. We had the same chipper tour guide as last time, Hannah, who gave out lots of good facts and stories. The ride itself was a little choppy. When we circled the light house, a flock of seagulls started to hover near our boat. They knew it was feeding time! Hannah passed out pieces of bread for us to throw at the birds. On our way back to Perkins Cove, the boat stopped once more to watch a seal eating.

All packed up, we were ready to take the Lins to the airport. But first, we stopped at a local Maine institution, Flo's Steamed Hot Dogs, one last Maine institution, for a quick lunch.


Peter and Lynna eating at Flo's

The specialty at Flo's: Hot dogs topped with special relish and mayonnaise!


Genevieve explains how the bun is similar to the used for a Fenway Frank

Thus endeth the Lins' late summer visit to New England! Our last summer hurrah. Thank goodness for the one bright day of sun.

The rain and Maine, part 1

View of the Quechee Gorge

For Labor Day weekend, our good friends Peter and Lynna came up to visit from DC. We were hoping for sunny weather so we could show them around the Upper Valley, and later Maine, but alas, the first part of the holiday weekend was kind of gray and drizzly.


To back up a bit, we picked them up from Manchester Airport late Friday night and enjoyed a surprisingly tasty meal at the nearby Airport Diner. (Unfortunately, Gen accidentally left her keys in the booth! But fortunately, the owner found them and we swung by again on Sunday to pick them up.)

We took Peter and Lynna to our Upper Valley Hot Spots, including a stop at the Norwich Farmers Market for some pastries and Dirt Cowboy for coffee. Then we headed west to see the Quechee Gorge and browse the souvenir shops.


Laro Country Store in Quechee

We also stopped at many of the unique stores along Route 4, including Scotland by the Yard (sort of preview, as Peter is visiting Scotland this month) and our favorite, Fool on the Hill, with its faux animals.


Lynna, Peter, and Gen enjoy Fool on the Hill


With the rain sort of spoiling any outdoor plans for fun, we went to Simon Pearce to check out the glassblowing and the man-made waterfall.


Roger at Simon Pearce


Roger and Peter take a break from all the sightseeing

Lastly, on Saturday, we visited Woodstock and enjoyed another cup of coffee at the Woodstock Coffee and Tea House.