T Stands for Laying The Wreath

We had planned on going to the cemetery to bring the Christmas wreath in mid-December. Himself would have a day or two off between exams. With the thought of December fast approaching and unknown weather, we decided on a change of plan. We would travel the Friday after Thanksgiving. And then on Wednesday, the doctor's office called Himself. He had an appointment scheduled for the week after Thanksgiving, but someone called and cancelled their appointment on Friday so Himself thought he'd rather push up the appointment so the trip to the cemetery was moved to Saturday.

Lots of people were leaving Grandma's house after the Thanksgiving break at the same time we decided to leave for the cemetery (10:30 AM). We were barely to the next exit on the Pike (I-90 westbound) when traffic came to a grinding halt. The Pike would be backed up from Exit 9, the junction of I-90 and I-84, the major roadway to Hartford, Connecticut, and New York. The drive to the cemetery would normally take an hour and 10 or 15 minutes, but at this rate, we wouldn't get there until February.

The Pike is a toll road, and I thought most of the problems at this stretch were caused by all the cars trying to get through the tolls. The Commonwealth (Massachusetts is a Commonwealth, not a state) went to electronic tolling last year. That still hasn't helped the congestion at busy travel times of the year.

So, we got off the Pike at the next exit to take Route 20 West as an alternate route. Traffic was busy in places like Charlton and Sturbridge, but the traffic was moving. Once we got past the shopping areas, we pretty much had the road to ourselves.

We traveled to Palmer where we would pick up the Pike again. While we were waiting at a traffic light to make the turn to the Pike exit. We were across from a cemetery. There was a man at the corner holding a sign which read Open House. I found it amusing as I wondered if the cemetery was advertising.

We finally reached our destination. The Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Agawam. 

This last section is filling in fast. 😿 On the drive up, lots of families had already left wreaths for their loved ones.

As always, the first thing is flowers for Ma. Some beautiful red roses to look Christmasy and a sprig of baby's breath to let her know she'll be a great-grandmother in the Spring. Ma and Dad would be thrilled to be great-grandparents.

I was so glad we didn't have to go crazy looking for a wreath stand. Earlier in the morning, I found some sheer red and gold ribbon to make a pretty bow to replace the cheap flocked bow that came with the wreath. I wish I could decorate the wreath as I used to do for their front door at home, but the only decoration allowed at the cemetery is a single bow. Deep sigh. Forlorn look.

After our visit, we usually stop for lunch at Michael's Pasta in the Pan, a small nearby restaurant. To our surprise, the restaurant wasn't open for lunch. Note to self: On Saturday, the restaurant doesn't open until 4 PM. With the help of Siri, we found another restaurant close by

We had never been here. It was a small place, but lots of cars. We figured that was a good sign.

The restaurant consisted of a bar, tall pub tables, and we found the only empty regular size table at the back. Tall pub tables are a challenge for a Hobbit.

Our view at the back entrance. On the way to the restaurant, I had told Himself other T for Tuesday husbands were good sports and posed for the picture of the meal. He said that was nice.

"Don't eat, I need a picture."

And being a good sport, he posed for the picture with his lunch choice of steak tips, fries (chips), sauted vegetables, and a Coke.

I had beer battered fish and chips (I substituted sweet potato fries), Irish slaw, and a Coke.

Madge (short for Magellan), the GPS decided to send us home through the city of Springfield. We think Madge was upset with us on the trip down as we disregarded all her directions for the alternate route.

Springfield is the largest city in Western Massachusetts, the third largest city in Massachusetts, fourth largest city in New England, home of the Basketball Hall of Fame (the sport was invented here), and home of Dr. Seuss, famed children's' author.

For a big city, not much going on.

Stop and Go, an aptly name convenience store. Next door is the packie. A packie is what is known as a liquor store in other parts of the country.

Finally, back on the I-91 North which will take us to the Mass Pike. (I-90)

Traffic was backed up from Exit 9 (I-84 and I-90 interchange) on the Westbound side.

We weren't going anywhere fast on the Eastbound side.

Good thing I had some provisions with me.

And finally home, sweet home.

Drop by hosts, Bleubeard and Elizabeth's blog to find out what the rest of the T Stands For gang is up to. If you want to play, include in your Tuesday post a beverage or container for a beverage. Don't forget to link your blog to Bleubeard and Elizabeth's page.