Sept 10 - 17, 2024
Today we saw the Haskell Free Library and Opera House from the USA side. I’m so grateful that Sarah Barlow mentioned this when she and Alan were traveling in this area because I hadn’t known about it previously
Yesterday this traffic cone and plastic chain “closed” the sidewalk
It is open when the library is open and Canadians may walk across the border and enter the library on the US side - they may not leave the sidewalk
When Trump closed the borders to Muslims the library became a place that families would come to to visit, but once the officials realized it such visits were banned
The black line on the floor is the international border
The original bookshelves still in use
The Haskell wealth was from timber and each room of the library was done in a different wood - clearly visible on the pocket door jamb
Rubbing from Shakespeare’s gravesite from before it was banned to do rubbings
Backstage signatures
The curtain wasn’t down but this is what it looks like
The stage is in Canada but the majority of the seats are in the US. But there are a few seats in which you can have a butt cheek in each country
Obligatory picture
The family home of the Haskell’s who financed the library and opera house
Today we were to the left of these cones that lead to the border entry crossing. The post office is in the same building
Since we were so close we stopped at Cabot Cheese, thinking it was the processing plant but instead it was a large retail store with good tastings. But then we went to Ben and Jerry’s
Locks for your pints
We could have used a cozy when we had a pint for dinner last night
Solar field at the parking lot
Flavor graveyard where discontinued flavors are memorialized
Our Dear Depinted
Spotted these on our way to visit relatives
Spent the evening in Randolph, VT visiting with relatives Lori and David and cousin Kory - but didn’t get a picture with her
Toured David’s workshop before leaving
Then spent some time at the South Royalton Vermont Library
Before heading to Evelyn’s farmhouse
Where we had a lovely dinner and visit with Evelyn, Sarah and Bob, and Evelyn’s boarders. Evelyn, Sarah and I all had first borns at the same time in Massachusetts and became fast friends. I love getting to see them and catch up - although once again I did not get a photo
Woke to a foggy morning
And had a delicious breakfast before saying goodbye to Evelyn and her beau Verne
A sampling of their pickles and jams
Scenery driving through Vermont
Next stop was Orchard Park where we visited friends Xanda, Wil, and John (no photo again). Had to troll Mieke as we watched the Bills game
Next morning was a stop in Buffalo to see the former home of Matthew’s great great grandparents
After a lovely night at Anderson’s Winery and Vineyard we arrived in Wisconsin at my aunt Carolyn’s and had a lovely visit with her and her neighbors
There was a traffic jam on the way to see Tracy and Addie in Minnesota but we had a lovely visit once there - again, no photo
Then it was off to Plymouth, MN to visit with Ray and Dan. Ray and I traveled in Up With People together in 1979
Decided to rip the bandaid off and drive the 7 hours home, rather than split it into two days
Home again - loved seeing the kids. Mieke took this as we were watching the partial lunar eclipse
