5 Weeks in Massachusetts

FIVE WEEKS IN MASSACHUSETTS - 10.11.08 - 15.12.08
Norman and I visited the US to stay with Martin, Carey and Adam in their new house in Belchertown, Massachusetts. We had waited three long weeks to meet Adam and we were so looking forward to seeing the expanded Hough family.
I have written elsewhere about life as a new Nana so will confine myself here to other events and thoughts about our holiday.
9th November 2008
We travelled to Heathrow via National Express coach from Crewe, changing at Birmingham. This was a new experience - it was very efficient. We stayed overnight at the Heathrow Sheraton - a bargain through Holiday Extras, including breakfast. There was nowhere to eat dinner nearby though! Even McDonalds was shut for renovation so Norman had to make do with a sausage roll from the Garage.

10th November 2008
After a leisurely morning in the Sheraton we checked out and took the H 54 Hoppa to Terminal 5. It is all glass and metal / warehouse -like but we had no complaints (at least not on the outward journey!) All was very efficient and shops were good but it is a long way to the International Gates via a train, though you can walk in about 20 minutes. A nice, helpful BA lady found us the Emergency seats when we went to self check in so we had a comfortable flight.
It was a good and punctual flight followed by quick and FRIENDLY Immigration - yes you are reading this correctly! It is usually such a pain that I am delighted to report such a pleasant Immigration Officer. Martin was waiting in the Arrivals Hall even though we were early - it was great to see him
We arrived at 403 Michael Sears Road at 8.45 pm (local time) and finally got to hug and kiss Adam - he is so beautiful and good and so like Martin. He was 3 weeks old today and was very alert and could hold his head up already. He has no fat - just a big boy with big blue eyes which he fixes on you - I already adore him. By any standards, he is a handsome boy and not like a new born baby.
The house is also beautiful with lots of space and a massive garden - lots of lawn to mow!

11th November 2008
Our first day bonding with Adam. We went with Carey and Adam to “Stop and Shop” in Belchertown in the afternoon and Nancy came to dinner. Good to see her again


12th November 2008
We were a bit tired but spent a lovely day at Sturbridge Old Village. Carey was kind enough to drop us off and collect us with Adam. There was a lot to see - preserved houses and costumed guides to bring the experience to life. It was sunny but the cold took us by surprise.
Nancy came to dinner again - we had another excellent roast. Carey worked very hard and is an excellent cook.

13th November 2008
Carey took us to Holyoke Mall and we had a good look round before Martin collected us after he finished work. I bought a Swarovsky bracelet and Norman had a great time in the music shops.
Rod and Carolyn came to dinner - another superb meal. Adam behaved impeccably throughout the day - he was even more alert and stronger than 3 three days ago! I changed his nappy (diaper) and we both fed him - wonderful. We have to show the new proud daddy that we can do nappies and bottles before we can be left to babysit!

14th November 2008
Martin took us for an orientation drive and dropped us at Eastfield Mall for a few hours. He went to a meeting and then collected us. I bought cheap but very comfortable trainers and Norman bought more DVDs. Martin collected Adam’s first portraits from Sears and we bought some extra ones. Afterwards, we went to Springfield to book the Peter Pan bus to NYC on Monday 17th.
I passed Martin’s full diaper change test without getting peed on (I successfully avoided this throughout our stay!). You never forget how to manage a baby - it was all a real pleasure - even dirty nappies.
We had a quiet evening in as Martin, Carey and Adam went to April and Jack’s for supper. It was nice to give them some space. I did some washing ready for New York.

15th November 2008
It was Saturday so Martin was off work for the first time since our arrival - good for him to spend time with Adam. It was warm and wet and we stayed in and spoke to Kathryn and Marj. Adam spent time asleep in Norman’s arms. He is very good with Adam and loves walking him round the house - Adam even seems to like his singing! Martin, Carey and Adam went to Border’s Twilight Party in the early evening.


16th November 2008
We were up early to go to Breakfast at Hawleys in Belchertown with April, Jack and Emma - a good American Sunday experience. It was nice to see April and Jack again and meet cute Emma as well as April’s sister, Carol and her lovely children Caitlin and Ryan. It was cold but sunny. We then spent the day at Martin and Carey’s home - giving Adam lots of cuddles - he adores being held.
We packed and relaxed in preparation for NYC.

17th November 2008
We were up at 6 am and at Springfield Bus Station at 7.30 am. We left for NYC at 8.15 am and arrived at the Port Authority underground station at the junction of 42nd St with 8th Avenue at 11.15am after a smooth journey. We walked to the nearby McDonalds on 42nd St for lunch before checking in at the Edison Hotel on Broadway/46th St - such a convenient location by the Ticket Booth. Location! Location! Location!
The hotel was an excellent choice - nice ambience and friendly staff. We had taken a deluxe room as the standard class was full - only an extra $20 and well worth it - we had a huge room on the front with a sofa and apparently twice the size of the standard rooms which people said were tiny. It has been tastefully modernised without losing its Art Deco individuality. It has an authentic American Diner attached.
It was cold and sunny throughout our stay - temperatures were seldom above 40 degrees F and mainly well below freezing at night so we needed to wrap up.
After unpacking our few things, we walked to the Rockefeller Centre where we spent a wonderful afternoon at “The Top of the Rock”. There is an open terrace on top of the 82nd glass Observation Deck which was great as there were no barriers to spoil the view - it is safe as the top terrace is not on the edge of the building!! The weather was perfect for photography and long distance vision and gave a different perspective from the Empire State Building. The latter still has the magic but Norman preferred the Rock because of the uninterrupted vision. We stayed till it went dark so had the perfect combination - day and night.
Back at street level, we went round the Rockefeller Centre - skating ring, Christmas tree, shops etc and walked back to the hotel for a break - so handy. We had a lovely meal at Langans Irish Restaurant nearby and intended to walk around Times Square but it was so cold we went in Virgin - Norman loved going late at night as it is near the hotel and open till 1 am. After the first night, I left him to it!
The local deli is handy for food and coffee - good as there is no coffee facility in our room - typical in New York.


18th November 2008
We had a huge breakfast at the Edison Café, a traditional Diner well known in NYC as well as serving the hotel guests - had massive pancakes! Then we walked off some of the calories up to the Rockefeller Centre and then window shopping up 5th Avenue and went in Trump Tower. Why does he need to put his name on everything? So egotistical! It was very posh and mainly an expensive apartment complex but with Starbucks - welcome as it was so cold.
We spent a pleasant time in Central Park and even sat out at the café overlooking the Wolman Ice Rink - the blue skies and sun counteracted the cold! We went as far as the Dakota at 72nd St and then strolled back to Broadway and down it to the hotel. On the way we passed the Brill Building which thrilled Norman as it used to be the place where all his favourite musicians recorded in the 1950s and 60s.
We booked Hairspray at the half price Ticket Office - no queues. We enjoyed it - Harvey Weinstein. The original star was back in it as it was closing in the New Year.

19th November 2008
Today, we spent the day on Liberty and Ellis Island. As before, it was cold and sunny but at least it was dry and good weather for sightseeing. There wasn’t any wind either as we crossed the harbour so it was thoroughly enjoyable. We caught the 10.30 am Ferry - no queues and we even got tickets to go up the Statue of Liberty which was very interesting and a great experience although security was the tightest I have ever seen - can’t blame them and it was worth the short wait and inconvenience. There is a lift to the top of the pedestal so no strain and no one can go any higher as narrow spiral staircase only. The small museum was interesting including the original lamp and crown but the building and the stunning views were the stars.
After walking round Liberty Island, we caught the ferry to Ellis Island for the afternoon to look round the Museum. We went back to the hotel via Battery Park and subway and stopped off at the Ticket Booth where we booked Spamalot for 8 pm. Brilliant - like an adult Pantomime. It was light and funny and starred Clay Aiken from American Idol. It was only a block back to the hotel but it was freezing.

20th November 2008
We checked out at 10 am, leaving our case in the luggage room at the Edison and went to Rockefeller Centre. Tony Bennett had been live on TV from there but we didn’t know and missed him. The tree was still not finished but the Swarovsky Star was on top.
We caught the Green Line Subway to Brooklyn Bridge and walked over it and back - cold but exhilarating and a first crossing with spectacular views of Manhattan. We were amazed to see so many people walking across the bridge. We had lunch at South Seaport/ Pier 17 and got the subway to Macy’s for an hour’s retail therapy before collecting our cases at 5pm. We were at the Bus Station for 5.30 for a 6.15 pm departure. After a smooth journey, Martin met us at Springfield at 9.50 pm.
We had a super few days in New York but it was great to see the family again.

21st November 2008
We enjoyed a leisurely day and spent lots of time cuddling Adam - he seems to have grown in the last few days! He is certainly more mature and alert and his eyes follow you. Uncle Tom from Virginia came with Marion and Nancy called in later - she had not seen her brother for a long time so it was a great family reunion. Adam happily went to everyone - he just adores being cuddled.

22nd November 2008
It got even colder so we stayed in apart from shopping at Stop and Shop. Adam has started smiling - it melts your heart! We saw both Jens who naturally made a fuss of Adam.

23rd November 2008
Adam‘s Christening Day - a really special occasion which Carey and Martin had arranged to take place while we were staying. The thought was much appreciated. All went amazingly well and Adam was adorable throughout. It was a little warmer (but not much) and still sunny. I am slowly adapting to the cold but it is hard.
We were ready to leave at 11.40 for a noon Christening. It was a very informal ceremony just for Adam which was nice and we could take movie and still photographs which we enjoy looking at - happy memories. We like Father Stephan who made a fuss of us and asked after Kathryn and went out of his way to welcome everyone. He even warmed the water for Adam! April and Jack were loving Godparents and most of Carey’s relatives came. It was nice to see Dennis, Linda and the girls again but a pity they couldn’t come back to the Party afterwards.
The Party was great - good food, drink and company. The youngsters played in the basement while Adam was the centre of attention in the lounge. Carey and Martin opened some presents.

24th November 2008
Jack had kindly offered to take us out for the day. He had a business call near Salem but didn’t take long and we then went to Falls River near Rhode Island where old warships were based at Battleship Cove, a private museum. You walk round the warships - USS Massachusetts (battleship), USS Joseph Kennedy (destroyer), USS Lionfish (diesel submarine) and Hidensee( old Russian Naval vessel). The sub was very confined though interesting but I would not like to go to sea on her! It was hard to imagine how the sailors coped with the basic conditions - modern ships are so much more comfortable. Warships don’t have windows - I would find this difficult to adapt to. Jack had wanted to visit for a long time as he stayed on the Massachusetts in the scouts as a boy - fond memories.
April went shopping with Carey and Adam and Emma went to Daycare. We all had supper - leftover specials from the Christening.

25th November 2008
Chilled out / family time / washing. It was warm and wet.

26th November 2008
We were delighted to babysit Adam while Carey went to see a movie with a friend at 11.30 am. He was very good - he fed quickly, had his diaper changed and slept till Martin and then Carey came home.
In the evening we went to see The Eagles at the DCU Centre in central Worcester. Carey, Martin and Adam dropped us off and went to visit friends nearby. We were up in the gods but the sound and atmosphere were good. It was a great evening and the played from 8 till 11.20 pm with an intermission. Martin managed to park outside so we had door to door service - much appreciated. The only down side was the huge queue for the restrooms - we won’t have a large Pepsi when we come for Neil Diamond!

27th November 2008 - Thanksgiving Day
The family came for Lunch. Nancy, Fred and Marion prepared the magnificent roast turkey dinner at their homes and brought the food to Martin and Carey’s to finish. Fred’s speciality was the Apple and Pumpkin Pies for dessert. Our first Thanksgiving was a happy celebration.

28th November 2008
This is known as “Black Friday” as it is a holiday and people traditionally go shopping - the start of the Christmas rush - and shops start to make a profit. Shops open at 5 am and it is always chaotic so we stayed at home till afternoon and then went to Holyoke - Carey bought a huge snowman and baubles at the Christmas Tree Shop to use as a backdrop to photograph Adam for his Christmas portrait.
We bought a Garmin GPS from Circuit City so we don’t get lost on our travels! We booked a hire car for two weeks from Sunday and reserved rooms at Comfort Inns at Hyannis and Newport for next week. Nancy came to dinner.
29th November 2008
We went to Montague Mill Falls with Martin, Carey and Adam and tried out the new GPS which was a great success. It was totally accurate and was invaluable for the rest of our stay as well as allowing us to relax in the knowledge that it would prevent us from getting lost! Martin was so impressed that he bought the same GPS for Carey’s car.
Montague Mill Falls is very pretty with a craft centre and nice café attached with lovely views - we had lunch there. It is near Yankee Candle Centre and we were going to stop there but it was very crowded being a Saturday in the weeks near Christmas. We returned via Amhurst and were back by 3.15 pm for Adam’s feed time.
Carey and Martin went to Church with Adam but it was full so they didn’t stay.
We all went to April, Jack and Emma’s house at 7 pm and had a lovely evening. We met Carol, April’s sister and her children Caitlin and Ryan - really nice people.

30th November 2008
Today’s big event was picking the hire car up from Bradley Airport at 11 am. Naturally, the weather didn’t favour us - We drove through a rainstorm with some snowflakes and came back through heavy rain - not ideal conditions for Norman to drive a new car, on the opposite side of the road and with an automatic transmission - for the first time! We followed Martin and managed ok. It is a great, funky little car - a cream Chrysler Cruiser - and we soon enjoyed driving around once we got used to the car and the different roads. We even occasionally ignored the GPS voice - she didn’t like this and kept telling us to follow the proscribed route! Great fun.
After lunch, we took the car to Belchertown and drove in the circle to Palmer via Nancy’s road for a practice. We had a good Chinese Take- away in the evening.

1st December 2008
We embarked on our second mini holiday of the trip, this time to Cape Cod and Newport which we had previously visited and loved but hadn’t had enough time to see everything properly.
We had booked to stay three nights at Hyannis Comfort Inn and we got there in just under two hours after a clear drive. The weather was great throughout our stay - we were very lucky as it turned cold again after our return. It was warm and sunny - like a Spring day and we didn’t need coats!
We were able to book in early - nice room and excellent pool and on the Mall road into town (I 132) so it was very conveniently situated for going to the shops in the evenings when it got cold.
We went to Hyannis Port, JKK Memorial and walked on the beach and drove around the Kennedy Compound area - you can only see the houses from the sea though. Back in town, we were able to park in Main St and had a walk - the JFK Museum looked interesting but is only open from Thursday to Sunday in Winter. Most shops, cafes and hotels were closed for the season so it was very quiet - locals tend to shop in the Malls so they were all open. We drove to the Cape Cod Mall - huge - and stayed till 7.30 pm before looking for somewhere to eat. We tried to go the Christopher Steak House which we liked last year - it was further out of town than we thought and was closed! We went back to McDonalds as we were tired and then bought a Santa Suit for Adam - seen on later photos!

2nd December 2008
Another gorgeous day although there was a cool wind on the pier in Provincetown - it is December! Apart from this, we were able to walk on beaches, cliffs and the Cape Cod National Seashore Park without coats and pretend it was spring.
Having visited Cape Cod last year, we were keen to revisit places at a more leisurely pace. The day confirmed the Cape as one of our favourite places. It was very quiet - most places were closed and even the parking in Provincetown was free. It was great to almost have places to ourselves - from Race Point Beach to the front at Pilgrim Park.
We drove the length of the Cape, stopping at Eastham ( there is an Eastham on the Wirral where we were born) and The Highland Light - we were the only people there and even the Golf Course was deserted. It had an honesty box - $10 a round but there were no takers! The sea which is notoriously rough was calm and a vivid blue. Next stop was at the Provincelands Visitor Centre at the highest point of the Cape Cod National Seashore Park - also closed but the views from the terrace was superb. We enjoyed the drive through the park and our stops at Race Point Beach and Herring Cove. Both are spectacular beaches on the Atlantic Coast and splendid in their beautiful isolation although Herring Cove is more sheltered being protected by Race Point spit with its Lighthouse.
First Landing Pilgrim Park with its hotel on the outskirts of Provincetown is the perfect holiday location. We would love to spend longer here - we could walk out on the 1.2 mile long breakwater, spend time in the Wetlands or just sit and watch the scenery - bay, boats and Long Point Lighthouse on the true Spit End. We did a mini walk on the stone breakwater, looked at the Park and walked round the edge of the hotel.
Then, we drove into Provincetown and parked on the front - not much was open but it was really nice. We walked to the end of the pier and saw the Whaling Fleet - it would be great to take a Whaling trip in summer. It was exposed to the wind and we didn’t linger but found the Coffee Pot Café for a welcome snack and drink (and a warm)!
We drove along the deserted coast road till it rejoins the Highway 6 which runs the length of the Cape. Our final stop was at Nauset Light just before it went dark at 4.30 pm. The sunset was amazing - vivid red.
In the evening, we went into Hyannis and had a great dinner at the British Beer Company on Main Street - highly recommended.

3rd December 2008
Another beautiful day - we really have been lucky on this trip. We drove to Wood’s Hole, Falmouth to catch the 10.45 am ferry to Martha’s Vineyard - a 45 minute crossing. We went as foot passengers for $7.50 return but it is expensive to take a car ($42 each way in December but $67 in season). Wood’s Hole was surprisingly built up and has virtually no parking - we discovered that the ferry car park is five miles away with a shuttle bus but took advice and paid $15 to park in a private lot by the ferry (it costs $8 in the official park in December). It was safe and convenient.
We watched the ferry - Island Home - come in. It was large and comfortable and we sat outside in the sun for the enjoyable sail to Vineyard Haven - yes in December! The boats offer a regular service every hour. In winter, they only go to Vineyard Haven as it is at the head of a deep estuary, well sheltered from the Atlantic storms, hence the name. Oaks Bluff is only three miles away but is exposed on cliffs. Nowhere is far on the island and the bus service is good - we would like to tour on them if we visit again. Buses are hourly to Edgartown - it only takes 10 minutes.
This was our first visit and we were content to walk round the Haven and round the bay. It is a pretty place though again, not much was open, certainly few tourist shops but we enjoyed a stroll over the Causeway and had fish and chips outside by the lagoon - delicious and freshly caught haddock. The place is famous for live lobsters etc - you can choose your food! Apparently there is far more open in winter in the Haven than anywhere else! It has charm, a nice beach and marina and interesting building unique to the island. Our favourite was the Granite Church built from natural shaped rocks. We enjoyed a cappuccino and bought the Father Christmas mug and name decorations for Adam and Kathryn before catching the 3.45 pm ferry, arriving back on the mainland just as it was going dark.
Martha’s Vineyard is certainly somewhere we would like to visit again - when more is open and the day is longer but no doubt we will have to put up with crowds - you can’t have everything. It was lovely to visit off season in such perfect weather though.
In the evening , we went to the Mall for a last look round and had a rest in the hotel as we were moving on to Newport in the morning.







4th December 2008
Today we moved to the Atlantic Beach Comfort Inn and Suites at Newport. However, since it is not far, we first drove to Chatham Light at the southern tip of the Cape. We were there by 10 am and walked in perfect solitude on the magnificent beach for half an hour. Sunglasses were definitely needed but it was a bit cold.
We then drove to the R6 via the scenic route rather than the R28 - past beaches with spectacular views of the coast. It was much quicker although it looked further on the map - the GPS lady wanted us to go the other way! We were soon alongside Hyannis and then stopped briefly near the first Cape Cod bridge and by the Canal but we couldn’t see much.
We arrived at the Comfort Inn before 1 pm and they let us check in so we had the afternoon free. It is a new hotel and is beautiful with the sea nearby on one side and a lake on the other. We could just see the sea from our first floor room. We walked across the road to the beach - breakers today - with stunning views of the Mansions Coastal Path at Newport. The town is linked to Atlantic Beach by a Causeway which we drove across to the Mansions in Bellevue Avenue.
We drove and looked at the outsides of many houses before parking at Marble House. We visited this mansion today and will visit The Breakers and The Elms tomorrow. These are the three properties open for the winter season and all are beautifully decorated for Christmas with trees, decorations and poinsettias larger than any I’ve ever seen.
Marble House
This was the brief summer home of William K and Alva Vanderbilt. They spent 4 years building it but only visited for 6 weeks for 3 summer seasons following its completion in 1892. What a waste! Its Cliff top location is stunning - the Atlantic at the end of the manicured lawns where there is also a Japanese Tea House built in 1913 which is currently being renovated.
Inside, it is so opulent - “ over the top” doesn’t begin to describe it! It is literally made from marble - form Sienna, Italy in the Hall and from Algeria (red marble) in the dinning room for example. The building cost $11 Million to build! The Ballroom is all gold and mirrors in the Versailles style. The Gothic Room was a strange dark place with a Church- like feel - the windows are stained glass so you can’t see the magnificent cliffs. The chairs in the Grand Dining Room are so heavy that two are needed to move them! As elsewhere, everything is for show - Alva was a social climber who retained the House after her divorce. William worked in New York and seldom visited and went to live on his yacht in NYC-yachting was his real love and his association with The Americas Cup is his claim to fame.
Alva was famous for her Lunch Parties with 8/9 courses but little was eaten as the butlers began to clear away as soon as they had finished serving a course! The Chef was paid £10,000 a year - a lot at that time. Alva seemed a domineering woman, unusually independent for the time and Society she lived in. She was a prominent Suffragette but remarried and moved to Belcourt further down Bellvue Avenue and used Marble House as a laundry store although she did reopen the House a few years later.
Alva’s daughter, Consuelo was totally dominated by her mother who married her off to the Duke of Marlborough at 18 - he got money and she got a title but they weren’t happy and eventually got divorced - an annulment was granted even though they had children! It was argued that she was forced into the marriage and he was happy as he was given$2 million as a settlement.
Consuelo seemed glad to escape from her mother who wouldn’t let her have any of her own things in the house and reared her to make a good marriage - she even made Consuelo wear a rod strapped to her back to keep it straight.
Upstairs, Alva’s bedroom was elaborate but other rooms are small and quite frugal. It was an amazing house but not one to live in.

After finishing our audio tour, we drove round Ocean Drive - wild - but it went dark and we returned to Newport, parked in the Main Street (meters are free out of season!) and had a coffee, walk and great dinner in Brick Alley Bar. It was busy while all other eateries were deserted so we figured it must be good and it was. Back at the hotel, we had a rest and I read up on all the Mansions in our Guide book.

5th December 2008
Another fabulous day with no wind and a calm sea so it felt warm and spring-like. We got out early and after a brief look at Atlantic Beach, we went to The Breakers and started our guided tour at 9.30 am with only one other couple. It was like a private tour. It is the largest Mansion and the only one still doing guided tours.
The Breakers
This was our favourite Mansion - it had belonged to Cornelius Vanderbilt who also only visited for 6-8 weeks in summer but they seemed much nicer than Alva and the house was more tasteful though still very opulent. The scale was huge compared with our National Trust houses and I couldn’t imagine living there. The rooms were jaw dropping especially the Hall and its balconies. I liked the unusual Loggias on both levels which had a side facing the sea which was opened in summer - an early conservatory. The Music Room with its huge bay window was stunning.
Outside, the location was perfect - the name was apt as the lawns meet the Atlantic where the waves break at the end of the sheltered zone inside the reef. Today, there were only small waves but it would have looked different yesterday.
We then moved onto visit The Elms a short distance away on the other side of Bellvue Avenue.
The Elms
This was our final “cottage” to visit and was a close second to The Breakers - more homely and liveable but lacking the spectacular views of the other mansions. It has expansive grounds overlooking Newport but its view today is largely urban. To compensate, it has more formal gardens with statues, walks and flower beds. Everything is done to prevent outsiders seeing in the house - there is a wisteria avenue which stopped tradesmen delivering to the house seeing any private rooms. Likewise, the Wisteria arches were in flower when House Party guests visited and the flowers hid approaching service vehicles from their view.
Lavish parties for 400 were frequently held in the beautiful Ballroom overlooking the gardens. The Christmas tree here was even more spectacular than the rest - it was composed of massive poinsettias shaped as a tree to the ceiling. The Conservatory was my other favourite room.
The Berwinds who built the Mansion had no children and Mrs Berwind spent all her life arranging social events but she was obviously fond of children - there was a lot of evidence from old photographs with godchildren who often visited. They had a living room upstairs which could be kept as a private apartment which was nice.
The Elms is built on a vast scale but seems a happy house with a very European style. It was later then the other mansions - 1901 and had more modern features but was still abandoned in the Depression when it was thought to be inappropriate to live in such opulent conditions. It was fortunate that the Society was able to rescue the house from demolition.

We left the Elms at 1 pm and reparked by the 40 steps near the Cliff Walk. You can walk for 6 miles along the spectacular walk and we did the section as far as Marble Hall - about 2 miles each way. There are many fine houses, most being in private ownership. The sea was calm but the coastal erosion is proof that this is seldom the case.
We left at 3.30 pm for Belchertown and arrived in just under 2 hours. We had had a marvellous short break in one of our favourite areas but it was great to see Carey, Martin and Adam again.
Carey had put the Christmas Tree up - it looked lovely.

6th December 2008
Today was colder but not freezing. Rod called in the morning - it was his birthday. He helped Martin and Norman hang the Icicle decorations outside and I looked after Adam while Carey sorted the decorations and wrapped presents. Carey, Martin and Adam went to church in the afternoon and Norman and I set out for Worcester via the Mass Pike to see Neil Diamond at the DCU. We parked easily - $20 -where Martin had showed which was helpful. We walked to the Hanover Theatre where the Beach Boys were appearing that evening but there was no sign of them. All the restaurants near the DCU were overflowing so we had a hot dog in the stadium. Neil Diamond gave a perfect 2 hour non-stop performance. We thoroughly enjoyed our 2 concerts at the DCU - nice to go to a US Stadium.
7th December 2008
It snowed during the night and was white in the morning but the roads cleared quickly. We had breakfast at 9 am with April, Emma, Carol, Caitlin and Ryan and then went to Walmart. We cuddled Adam in the afternoon and then called to see Nancy and her colleagues at the Baystate Hospital where Adam was born. He naturally had a big fuss made of him which he loved.
We then had a family meal at Bernie’s in Chickopee at 6.30 pm. It is a converted railway carriage and a unique dining experience. The portions were massive and we had to have doggy bags! We then drove to Greenleaf Road in Hampden to see a special Christmas garden light display - almost all the houses had put up a display. It was colourful and festive - nice to see such neighbourhood spirit.
We stayed in the car, though as it was only 25 degrees F with a horrible wind chill factor.

8th December 2008
It was still extremely cold although bright, sunny and dry. The weather forecast was snow in the mountains so we decided to take days out rather than travel to North Conway / Mill Falls, NH to stay for a few days. Today, we drove north to Yankee Candle Village near the Vermont border - very Christmassy. Then, we went to Old Deerfield which is only five miles away. We had driven through it before but not walked round so we parked in the centre and enjoyed a stroll in this pretty village - preserved houses with interesting doors, a good village shop where we chatted with the owner plus a museum, church and Inn were all good to see. We had to keep moving though - so cold.
We returned to Belchertown via Amhurst for a short walk round. We love this town - it has style but, dare I say it? - yes it was very, very cold. My comparison of the Massachusetts cold and the English winter did come to haunt me on our return! Normally, our winters are quite mild with temperatures seldom dropping below 40 degrees F. However, it was cold in the UK while we were away and early January 2009 was just as cold as Massachusetts in December although we haven’t had snow.

9th December 2008
We spent a great day in Salem and Gloucester on the east coast north of Boston. It was a 2 hour drive but easy as it was all motorway. This was all new territory for us and was all very interesting. The weather was perfect again. We parked by Salem Common and visited the Witch Museum which recreated the story of the Salem Witch Trials of the 17th Century. There are no relics but we learned a lot and later walked the red line linking historic sights including the original Burial Ground from the 17th Century with gravestones of the Trial Judge and local Maritime people such as from the Mayflower. Most of the Museums were closed for winter but it was amazing to see so many themed Witchcraft related shops and museums in such a small place. It had charm especially around the Common, old town and the old Dockyard where the Friendship sailing ship is moored and open to the public. The 8 gable house is famous but we only had time for a distant glimpse and photo as we wanted to see Gloucester before it went dark
We got to Gloucester at 3 pm so just had time for a quick look round before dark. It was a lovely place and merit’s a return visit when we can go Whale-watching. We walked to the Esplanade, a wide promenade and looked at the Fishermen’s monument and memorial to those fishermen who had died at sea including those whose story was the true basis for “The Perfect Storm” movie. After dark, we walked round the town but most cafes were closed for the winter or empty so we drove back and had a great steak dinner at the Irish Pub in Belchertown.

10th December 2008
The weather changed totally - 60 degrees F but it rained heavily all day. We went to the Quabbin - the only people out in the torrential rain! It was fun but visibility was poor so we went to the steamer in Palmer and on to Holyoke Mall for the afternoon.
The evening was a special treat - Adam’s first visit to Santa at Bright Nights in Forest Park, Springfield. It is like Blackpool Illuminations in a park without the crowds and a local tradition. Adam was very good with Santa and we got some lovely photos and a special wave from Santa as we left. Magical.

11th December 2008
Rained all day so played with Adam in the morning and went to Hampshire Malls near Amhurst in the afternoon.

12th December 2008
Rain stopped at last and there was a lot of flooding but we were very lucky - local places above 500 feet had freezing rain and ice caused chaos - loss of power and trees felled, roads blocked. It even made the world news and Kathryn rang up in the morning worried about us! It was dreadful for people without power for days in temperatures well below freezing
We went to the Quabbin again - nice and bright - and walked over the Winsor Dam but all the other Quabbin roads were closed - too icy. We then went to Palmer and Walmart and Peter and Paul Church - we fially realised that it was on the corner of the 181 (Palmer Main St to Belchertown) with the road to Wilbraham. Having the hire car has helped us orientate the local roads instead of seeing places in isolation.
We were back before dark as the roads were icy.

13th December 2008
It was our last day with the hire car - we had grown to love the funky little car. We had another lovely drive, this time to the Hardwick Winery where Carey had her Baby Shower. We had a wine tasting session and looked round the converted barn - it even had a special Christmas tree built of wine bottles (empty!). The owner came and asked us if we and a few others would like to see round his historic house - not usually open to the public. We really enjoyed the tour - a beautiful colonial house dating back to George Washington’s time and tastefully restored. We bought some wine for dinner.
The owner of the Winery told us about the Covered Bridge at Gilbertville not far away which was worth seeing. He suggested we went via the scenic woodland route to Hardwick village which was a great idea without the icy roads! It all looked amazing with frozen rain hanging from the branches but the driving was a bit hairy! We got photos of the beautiful winter landscape but they don’t do it justice - we had never seen this type of icy scenery before. We got to Gilbertville eventually - easy once we reached the main road and found the Covered Bridge which is one of only three in Massachusetts. It is being repaired and is closed to traffic but is open to pedestrians. We love seeing historical things like this. The scene looked even more spectacular as the river was a torrent with all the rain.
Our plan was to drive up to Orange the town at the northern end of the Quabbin and then return via the fast 202 to Belchertown. The drive up north was great, back through pretty Hardwick and lovely white countryside with views of the part frozen Quabbin. Orange was just a normal town so we headed for the 202 and then our plan fell to pieces! We had come to an area badly hit by the storms and the road was impassable so we turned back and retraced our outward route - safety first.
Nancy cooked a lovely roast dinner at Martin, Carey and Adam’s house in the evening as it was our last Saturday of the holiday.

14th December 2008
This was our last full day of the stay and we had to return the hire car to Bradley Airport for 10.30 am. We were sorry to leave it - many happy memories of our travels. Martin and Carey and Adam had followed us and then we all went to the big Mall south of Hartford. Santa had big queues and Adam saw him at Bright Nights so they didn’t wait. Carey and Martin bought us lovely Christmas Presents and we bought Adam a snowman and picture frame with Santa.
Back at their house, Kathryn and Marj both rang and we packed so we could spend time with Adam next day.
15th December 2008
Hometime. We looked after Adam in the morning - gave him a final feed and change and had a photo shoot of our little star, Adam with his teddy and snowman while Carey went to collect the second batch of their Christmas Cards with Adam’s photo on. They are gorgeous. We posted the cards for the UK when we got home.
Martin came home at lunchtime and we left for Boston at 3.30 pm with Adam obligingly staying awake between us in his car seat. It was all too soon before we were at Logan Airport and having to say Goodbye. We kissed Adam and he gave us a lovely smile. It was really hard to watch them drive away.
The flight was quick - only 5 ½ hours with a strong tailwind of up to 200km/hour.

16th December 2008
We arrived at Heathrow early at 7.15 am to no stand. We had to wait for 1 bus to take 350 passengers to the Terminal! The Captain joked that at least the luggage would arrive before us - he was right. I have to admit that we were through the Terminal quickly overall (25 minutes) but T5 is a place to avoid if at all possible - miles of stark corridors, poor liaison, long Immigration queues (which we managed to avoid) etc. Finally, the prestigious Heathrow Express which connects with the other Terminals broke down and we had to wait 50 minutes for a 2 minute trip. They said it had only happened once before but that doesn’t tally with other passengers’ tales. Must not grumble - it was a good journey and BA were very efficient.
We had to wait till lunchtime for our bus home - boring but smooth and punctual. I was good to see Kathryn when we got to Crewe.