All week, I've had a busy Sunday planned - however, I really didn't expect to be able to do all of the activities on my list. Still, the day had to potential to be really fun and interesting! It didn't start auspiciously, though - I slept later than I'd planned (the heavy rain made it seem earlier than it actually was). While getting ready to leave my apartment, I realized I'd missed my window for Mass at Sacred Heart. Too bad... Instead, I left early for my volunteer shift at the Billings Farm in Woodstock. Encountered tough traffic troubles (summer visitors, rain, construction and single lane at the bridge in Quechee) all the way to the Farm but still arrived by 0915. After getting inside 10 minutes later, I suddenly realized I'd forgotten my wallet! Putting this "senior moment" out of my mind, I began my volunteer session, part of the Annual Dairy Celebration, at 0925. As usual, I soaked up happy vibes from all the visitors as they tasted yummy samples of the three kinds of cheese made from milk produced on site. Had a bonus today, though, since we also had jam from Blake Hill Preserves that was made especially to pair with the cheese! End result = even bigger smiles! Nearby, there were vendors from Norwich Farm Creamery, Only Cannoli (Burlington) and Cabin Hill Farms - I learned a lot about (and sampled) their local products. The nice folks at Vermont Farmstead Cheese Co. even made me a delicious grilled cheese sandwich - mmmm… Lots of guests came throughout the day and I reveled in the happy, cheery and wide-eyed looks of delight. We were all serenaded by the music of Ali T (really good). Can’t beat this kind of volunteering! Rain permeated the events outdoors but I was snug in the Exhibition Barn until the sky started clearing (1300). After my session ended (1325), I ate some lunch in the break room and then picked up my (2) free cheese bars (reward for volunteer sessions last year). On the road by 1340, I headed back towards New Hampshire. Ran into trouble again because of the traffic and construction on the Quechee Gorge Bridge. By the time I made it to the Upper Valley Aquatic Center (1405), I was already late for my lane reservation. Unfortunately, the UVAC was scheduled to close at 1500 so I only got 30 minutes of my scheduled 45 minute lane reservation... This development caused me to tip back towards attending the Open House at the Justin Morrill Homestead Homestead (I'd been reluctant due to the rain). To reach this next activity, I got on I-89 and headed north. It started raining again as I got off at Exit 2 but I continued northeast, arriving at the Homestead by 1520. When I visited Strafford (VT) last year, the home of their famous son, Rep./Sen. Justin Morrill was being repaired after extensive water damage. Today, I was able to return to town with hopes for a tour of the unique “cottage”, barns and grounds. The historic displays and Gothic Revival architecture were quite impressive. I queued up for a tour of the main building but delays before the tour guide was ready caused me to give up before we left the first room. Elsewhere, the site probably had too many people for it's size (mostly because there were a lot of young children who'd come to watch a popular puppet show). Consolation Prize: I spent time walking the grounds, looking at the placards and displays in the little museum. Afterwards (1550), I left town and followed VT-132 (parallel to Ompomanoosuc) all the way back to US-5. Sadly, encountered more rain - I arrived at my condo by 1615 and barely got my car unpacked before it started pouring. Had thought about going to Mass at St. Helena's but decided to stay inside for the rest of the evening. Despite the inclement weather, I’m glad I made another trip into the Ompompanoosuc Valley!
