The Social

New London, CT  2016

Yet another bar recently opened in downtown New London.  This one boasts 50 craft beers on tap, craft cocktails, and handcrafted food.  Apparently New London didn't have enough bars.  

New Central Hall Construction

Mystic, CT  2016

The new Central Hall block in Mystic lies just a little west of the Mystic River and the historic Mystic River Bridge, pictured many times in this blog.  As such, the building will really be sitting over the water, which I'm sure must cause some interesting problems to solve during construction.  It appears that the building's foundation is just about complete.  

New Central Hall

Mystic, CT  2016

A fire destroyed the building on this site in 2000.  This year, construction started on a new four-story building which will contain retails spaces and condominiums.  To me it seems it takes a long time for anything to get accomplished in the state of Connecticut.  

Mystic Home

Mystic, CT  2016

Many of the homes in Mystic are labeled with signs attesting to their historic significance.  This one was once owned  by a George Woodward and dates back to 1838. 

End of the Road

Niantic, CT  2016

It was time.  Today my 2004 Ford Explorer was officially retired to a local junk yard.  I purchased this vehicle in 2004 knowing that I would need a large vehicle to move daughters back from college and between various apartments.  Living in the country when I first moved to Connecticut, I knew there would be many trips to the transfer station with loads of boxes and other household waste.  The all wheel drive proved very beneficial on a few occasions during the winter months. Trips to Ohio, Maine, all of New England, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Toronto, and one particularly long drive to Halifax, Nova Scotia began to take their toll this year, not to mention the weekly mileage to and from work.  The engine developed some new noises, and a hole was discovered in one of it's eight cylinders. When the "service engine soon" light would not go out I knew it was time to let her go, although on the trip to the junkyard, the engine was running pretty smoothly, as if trying to ask me to change my mind.  She served me well and kept all of us safe for 12 years.   I'll miss her.  

Main Street-Niantic

Niantic, CT  2016

The scene looks much prettier in person than what I was able to capture here.  

Merry Christmas

Niantic, CT  2016

Niantic Christmas Tree

Niantic, CT  2016

Niantic at Night

Niantic, CT  2016

Office

Branford, CT  2016

For the holidays we had a somewhat friendly "competition" to see who could best decorate their offices.  Fortunately for me, my lab mate is a very creative and talented.  She came up with the scheme and the decorations.  

Lab Bench

Branford, CT  2016

I've been doing a slightly better job of keeping my lab bench reasonably organized lately.  It's certainly much nicer than it was when first pictured here.

Christmas Wreaths

Mystic, CT  2016

Store Fronts

Mystic, CT  2016

Shed and Morgan

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2016

Seaport Street Scene

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT

Charles W Morgan

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2016

The Charles W Morgan had her upper masts removed for the winter.  She doesn't look quite as majestic without them.  

Joseph Conrad

Mystic Seaport, Mystic, CT  2016

Whale Boats

Mystic Seport, Mystic, CT  2016

Masts

Mystic, CT  2016

Winter time is approaching and one can see signs around Mystic Seaport that the staff here is preparing for the cold weather and snow.  While the bigger ships stay in the water throughout the winter, some have their masts and yards removed for safe keeping.

Mayflower II

Mystic, CT  2016

This full scale reproduction of the Mayflower was built in 1955 and was recently returned to Mystic Seaport for a 2 year full restoration.  She'll return to Plimouth Plantation sometime in 2019, ahead of the 400th commemoration of the Pilgrims' voyage to America.  

Store Fronts

Mystic, CT  2016

Two Bridges

Groton, CT  2016

These bridges have been pictured here many times.  This time a slightly different perspective and lens.  

Bat Cave

Mystic, CT  2016

Big Barrel

North Stonington, CT  2016

Vineyard II

North Stonington, CT  2016

Vineyard

North Stonington, CT 2016

Fall Day at the Winery

North Stonington, CT  2016

Trains Passing

Esssex, CT  2016

Wonderment

Essex, CT  2016

I'm not sure who enjoys watching the trains more, Colin or his grandpa....

Polar Express Steam Train

Essex, CT  2016

The Essex Steam Train runs during the holiday season as a North Pole Express, featuring a visit from Santa himself.

Tough Sleddin'

Essex, CT  2016

Model Trains III

Essex, CT  2016

The closer one looks at this model train layout, the more one finds.  

Model Trains II

Essex, CT  2016

See who's climbing the Northeast Press Building?

Model Trains

Essex, CT  2016

Model railroads appeal to the child in each of us.  Each year at this time at the Connecticut River Museum, a new model train exhibit is open to the public.  According to their website, the artist and train enthusiast Steve Cryan is responsible for this creation.  The detail he includes is fantastic, whimsical and at times very humorous, especially to the adults.  One can easily spend hours finding all the hidden gems in this ultimate model railroad. 

Connecticut River Scene Looking South

Essex, CT  2016

Connecticut River Scene

Essex, CT  2016

Giving Thanks

Colin, Age 3

Clara, Age 1

Niantic, CT 2016

I was thankful this Thanksgiving to spend time with my grandchildren.  I don't see them often enough.  I think they liked being with grandpa.

Happy Thanksgiving

Niantic, CT  2016

Roast Turkey with Maple Syrup Mustard Horseradish Glaze.  Very tasty!  Hoping everyone has a very nice Thanksgiving.

Visitor

Niantic, CT  2016

I'm not very good at wildlife photography, but I had to try to catch a few images of this guy as he grazed in my back yard this past Sunday.  He posed well and didn't notice me as I was shooting through a glass window.  He didn't stick around however once I went outside to try and photograph him.  

Toy Boat

Mystic, CT  2016

Shopping

Mystic, CT  2016

The Toy Soldier

Mystic, CT  2016

Finally after a week away from blogging, I've found some time to get out, take a few pics, and actually get back to posting.  I envy those of you whose blogs I follow who are retired and posting great images from all over the world.  I hope to join your ranks within a couple of years, but until then, I'll have to do a better job of finding time to photograph.  

Breeches Buoy Life Saving Drill

Mystic Seaport  2016

This is just one of the many demonstrations that go on at Mystic Seaport.  The breeches buoy is a device designed to rescue people from ships or to transfer people from one location to another in times of danger.  It is used by the US Lifesaving Association.  Looks like fun to me. This was taken earlier this year, when it was still warm and the trees were green.