Connecticut

We drove through the Groton, Mystic, Stonington, New London area this morning.  This is the area that Dad was stationed in after he and Mom got married.  We checked out more of the New England homes and drove to the Thames River where Dad's sub, USS Grouper, was docked.  Sadly his sub has was decommissioned and scrapped in 1968.  There is a submarine museum in this area but it was closed today.  We were only able to view his base from the gate since it is now restricted due to 9/11.  In Groton there is a US Submarine Veterans of WWII memorial that was very nice and recognizes all  sub vets that have given their lives at sea for our freedoms.

From here we traveled northwest a bit to Preston, outside of Norwich.  It was here that Mom and Dad lived while he was stationed here.  The old convenience store on the corner is still there - though it has been added to it sounds.  The house where they lived is no longer there, but we drove the entire street and enjoyed the scenery.  The road reminds me of parts of Tchulohoma in Memphis with all the overhanging trees and undergrowth.  Mom had said that it was probably an area covered now with subdivisions.  Though there were some newer looking houses, it still feels quite secluded.

Next we were headed for New York, or so the boys thought.  They have been asking to visit some church friends, Nicholas and Samuel, who moved up here several years ago ever since they knew we had crossed over into Connecticut.  We kept putting them off and asking them if the boys weren't probably on their way to Memphis to visit family.   I think they were figuring that we wouldn't be stopping.  (Taylor, however, was getting smart to our plan by later this afternoon.  He was a good sport though and kept it quiet.)  When we exited the highway onto a gravel road they started asking questions about where we were going.  Cleverly Nathan spotted another historical marker sign, started taking pictures of it and reading it to the boys.  There was also a stone marker at the corner of the street engraved with NY.  A bit confused the boys asked if we were now back in NY.  I told them that I thought we were still in CT.  As it turns out, Stateline Rd in New Fairfield, CT is truly that.  One side is CT and the other is NY.

We enjoyed a 2 1/2 hour visit with the Loveras.  What good times!!  All five boys were able to run and play out back and build all kinds of Lego creations while the adults took some time to visit and catch up.  We were so glad to be able to have stopped to see them.  We couldn't imagine coming this far and missing them.  There were several sad faces when we had to pack it back up and head down the road, but so glad for the time we did get.  A deer even ventured out of the woods by their house as we were pulling out.  We are settled down for the night in Brewster, NY, have grabbed a bite, and the boys even managed to get in some swimming.  Better get in bed for the busy day to come!