Decided to start the day by driving North to Vermont to pick up maple syrup for Katy. The morning started off in an optimistic manner; a full tank, 32 oz of Redbull, and two packages of PB&J Keebler cracker sandwiches. I know that New England gets cold, but despite the just-above-freezing temperatures in New Haven, I opted to drive North. Slushy roads greeted me in Massachusetts, and before long I found myself standing in line at 'Price Chop' supermarket in southern Vermont, armed with all varieties of local maple syrups, doing my best impression of a tourist. A painful ten minutes later, I was off to impress the locals with my California rendition of winter driving. Two hours across snowy, icy interstate 9 served me a healthy dose of well earned humility. I somehow made my way to Hudson, and was greeted by Chris and his three goats. I didn't know that goats liked cars until I saw Chris spend ten agonizing minutes trying to get his bags out of the car, while three goats grappled with each other for 'shotgun' in his passenger seat. I too was greeted by goat hoofs in my hatchback while fetching my things. I miss goats, and forgot how extremely entertaining and intelligent they are, and was more than pleased to make their acquaintance.
The farm is more idyllic than I can describe, and carries with it a sense of primal innocence. On the property is a homemade teepee that is not only fully functional, but warm and inviting. Sending the goats to bed on their alfalfa mansion in the barn, we left for dinner.
Chris took me to a restaurant that I cannot remember the name of, so let us refer to at as 'Awesome O'tastyhans', being as it was not only a perfect blend of country meets city, but also a wonderful combination of 1950's diner, and east coast chic. It was warm, inviting, and had a menu of perfectly executed American staples.
Back on the farm, I enjoyed great conversation, a lap full of cats, and a sizzling Franklin stove. Chris has made something great for himself here, and is an inspiration for taking a different path, and following your heart. A great day indeed!
Yay - so glad you made it to the farm - can't believe the weather you drove through. And now you know why I live across the street from you! You described the farm perfect...and we had the same experience w the goats, btw! Although something tells me you handled it much better than I did. LOL Safe travels to Ohio...fingers crossed that is the last of bad weather you have to drive though. I am sure the syrup will taste that much better :) So your "state count" wil be a bit higher with the addition of CT, MA and VT!??! Cool!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is higher by one!!! Vermont was definitely scary, and yeah, I love those goats, despite their desire to get into cars LOL. I wish the timing were better, and you were there at the same time! It would have been twice as fun, and twice as tall, and....
DeleteYAY! Syrup!!!! Those pictures make me cold!
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