10.23.10 ~ Pomfret, Connecticut
Saturday afternoon Tim and I drove north up Connecticut State Route 169, a National Scenic Byway, to do some more leaf peeping in the “Quiet Corner” of Connecticut, and have a late lunch at the Vanilla Bean Café in Pomfret.
It’s been a nasty political season in this state, with tight races for governor and US senator. Sick and tired of it, I can’t wait for election day to put us out of our misery one way or the other. It didn’t help to see huge Linda McMahon signs lining up one after another all along the roadside – I’ll stick my neck out and say I hope she will NOT be Connecticut’s new senator!!! I was hoping the ride would get my mind off such horrifying possibilities. Dick Blumenthal isn’t perfect, but I’ve watched him over the years, as our Attorney General, fight hard against the corporatocracy our government has become, and no amount of McMahon’s $50 million of corporate riches spent on advertising will tear him or his record down in my eyes.
After arriving at the popular restaurant/coffee house and settling down to chattering away and eating our salmon pesto salad and turkey sandwich, out of the blue, gubernatorial candidate Dan Malloy came up to our table and introduced himself and shook our hands! It was the first time either of us had met a politician face to face! Now to be honest, I had been supporting his opponent in the primary, but since Malloy won that contest I had shifted my support to him. Meeting him was an encouraging experience, but it was what I realized after he left that made an impression on me. It wasn’t a photo op! There were no reporters or TV cameras following him around. He was spending a Saturday afternoon out on his own, connecting with and listening to citizens in a rural town, out of the limelight. And of course, I had left my camera in the car…
10.23.10 ~ Woodstock, Connecticut
After that bit of excitement we drove through Mashamoquet Brook State Park, enjoying the fall scenery and crisp autumn air, and then found two charming shops in Woodstock, the Christmas Barn (oh what a 12-room wonderland of a barn!) and Mrs. Bridges’ Pantry (British imports and a tearoom/restaurant). We found the perfect indoor pumpkin for Halloween and returned home by way of the Interstate as darkness fell around a full bright Harvest Moon. ‘Twas a good day. 🙂
Politicians can make a very positive impression simply by turning up occasionally. A UK politician (Conservative MP Nadine Dorries) recently admitted making up false Twitter entries to make it appear she was spending more time in her constituency then she really was. I think your guy has more of the right idea.
It’s true, Paul. It’s difficult at times telling the difference between genuine and phony presentations of themselves that politicians offer. I can respect a politician who will willingly admit to his or her mistakes. Especially dishonesty which, unfortunately, is a very human temptation because we’re all so concerned about the impression we make. There will never be a perfect candidate, but I look for a humble one, aware of his or her limitations.
It sounds like a lovely way to spend a day 🙂
x
It was, Hayley! I’m hoping another time I can get closer to an alpaca, maybe even pet one! There was a farm there but we didn’t have time to see everything! Thanks for stopping by!
what a lovely day and great pictures…I too am excited that the election is soon to be over and done with…Corporations have arrived with bucket of money and nasty, nasty ads…I hope all the ugliness will be over with…
My oldest child’s best childhood friend was killed in Palestine and the local politicians and senators/representatives that showed up for her memorial service are the folks that I am impressed with/ They are all winners no matter the outcome.
I agree with you, Patricia. Even though words do inspire sometimes actions speak far louder than any words could. As of yesterday we finally have Dan Malloy certified as our governor-elect. And since I got to meet him that day I have high hopes for more success in the battle against corporate agendas.