Thanksgiving in Connecticut

They were long flights between Vancouver BC and Hartford CT, and three hours difference in time requires several days to readjust, going either way, but it’s all well worth the effort.  Our experiences on this Thanksgiving holiday were wonderful.

A good maneuver was to leave home in White Rock about four in the afternoon.  It became our driver’s concern to get us safely to Vancouver over a busy highway, one that turned dark and dazzling in the rain.  After three-quarters of an hour we arrived at the hotel where we would stay overnight.  It was convenient to be close to the airport when having to leave so early.  Our plane was scheduled to take off at 8:20 AM, which meant arising at five.  Considerable snow had fallen during the night, and the plane needed to be de-iced.  We were an hour late taking off.  Transferring in Chicago was convenient.  Our son and grandchildren welcomed us at the Hartford airport after our day of flying,

Thanksgiving was celebrated by having dinner with our son, daughter-in-law and two grandkids, along with the other grandparents, their other daughter and her husband and their two children.  Everyone enjoyed the occasion, especially the delicious turkey with its cranberry sauce, accessories and pumpkin pie.

Our week was delightful, a highlight being an afternoon in Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts.   Houses and businesses dating to the 1700’s had been relocated on this picturesque property.  One could imagine having stepped back in time, to watch the shoemaker, tinsmith, blacksmith and citizens of the town occupied with their various tasks.  The weather was cooperative, making the stroll between buildings quite easy.

Each day was highlighted by something special.  For example, there was the two-mile walk, with many other people through Willimantic.  It was an interfaith project to underwrite the cost of winter heating for poor people in the area.  Our daughter-in-law baked a number of pumpkin pies, which were sold to help the cause.  On Sunday morning, we attended our son’s church.  A country pizza restaurant was a great place for informal family dining.

Our four-year-old grandson demonstrated his bicycling ability without the help of training wheels.  He delighted in speeding, stopping quickly and wearing out the tire.  While he continued his wipeouts, his two-year old sister loved to ride in her stroller.

One can imagine the commitment of parents who have children ages two and four.  They were so happy to be given an evening to forget about kids and enjoy a movie, and afterwards, hear that their kids went to bed easily, and were resting for the next day.

This dad usually fixes a few things and this time he remounted the key and letter holder on the wall, the coat hanging board too, which had just fallen, and the weather strip at the bottom of the mudroom door.  There’s satisfaction in repairing things.

All in all, it was a great week visiting, interacting with our grandchildren and fixing things.  We look forward to another worthwhile visit in the summer.  As for anticipating their visit, we’ll have to wait until the kids are a couple of years older.  Such a long trip would be extremely tiring for them and taxing for their parents.  It is important to maintain a place in the lives of our grandchildren so they will know and love us.  Our closeness will continue with phone conversations.  Fond memories of a great week of Thanksgiving in Connecticut will be long-lasting.