In 2003, Ma had a stroke. Dad was her full time caregiver until he he had a car accident that totaled the car. So in 2006, I became their chauffeur among other jobs.
At the time, to deal with the stress of running two households and working, I kept a blog entitled CJ's Whine and Cheeze. Egged on by some friends who enjoyed the first read through, you'll see your part when it comes by.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Too Pretty to Whine
Fall is not my favorite season, but yesterday was too pretty to whine about anything. A friend and I took a road trip to Mystic. We wound our way through the back roads and farms under a brilliant blue sky and blazes of color as the trees have reached peak color.
Old Mystic Village is a collection of quaint gift shops arranged like a colonial village. We were surprised there was hardly anyone in the village when we arrived. We had the whole place to ourselves and poked into some of our favorite stores. The general store has free samples of fudge so we sampled the flavor of the day and of course, we bought some to take home. Yes, it even managed to arrive home still in its packaging.
We had no time limit, no commitments. What a relief to be just me for a whole day. I wasn't anyone's wife, mother or daughter for the entire day. I didn't have to shuttle, do, find, plan, help, or answer. I ate my lunch while it was still hot, and didn't have to clean up afterwards.
It's good to be yourself when there's lots of pressure, isn't it? I could feel you in this post. And I've been to Mystic, CT but never Old Mystic Village. I'm guessing it's still around.
ReplyDeleteI haven’t been there in a long, long time. A lot of shops closed. Either too high rent or not enough foot traffic with sales - CJ
DeleteOld Mystic Village sounds delightful, the sort of place to be featured on postcards.
ReplyDeleteFun to putter around. There were lots of unique shops - CJ
DeleteBut oh, what I wouldn't give to 'shuttle, do, find, help, or answer' just one more time.....
ReplyDeleteYes, but you don’t think of that in the middle of the mire - CJ
DeleteWhat a beautiful photograph/picture that is.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
The tree in the foreground is a maple tree in the backyard against the back drop of the neighbor’s yard - CJ
DeleteThat sounds like a very successful day in a rather difficult, challenging time. It is important to treat yourself to such breaks. For me, autumn is the second favorite season after spring, when everything awakens - I especially love sunny autumn days with beautiful autumn colors (like on your photo) and good autumn food. What is your favorite season?
ReplyDeleteAll the best from Austria, Traude
https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/02/weltreise-2024-reisegarderobe-resume.html
My favorite season is Summer. I love hazy, hot, and humid weather. I love going to the ocean. - CJ
DeleteSometimes it´s needed so we can stay strong.
ReplyDeleteAlso... we need fun in life.
Indeed - CJ
DeleteI love these written memories. If I've missed some I'll eventually come looking for them.
ReplyDeleteYou’re always welcome here - CJ
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