The Connecticut Connection

We spent nine days in a Connecticut campground nearish to G’s family.  I say “nearish” because we were an hour north of Aunt Marie (pronounced Mauree) who lives in Westport, approximately forty-five minutes from daughters Chris and Kim in Norwalk and Trumbull, and about fifteen minutes from brother Eric in Harwinton.

At $442 for nine nights the campground was a budget buster.  Loads of trees made for deep shadows and downright gloomy sites.  Venturing out onto the highways is always a challenge when dealing with the rushed, aggressive drivers in CT.  Many of the roads are in bad repair although they pay the highest taxes in the USA. 

However, it was worth the pain of expense and nerves to be able to visit with G’s family.  We had a delightful lunch with ninety-two year old Aunt Marie on her screened terrace.  We even managed to keep our feet from being attacked by her nasty little dog Ruby who hates all visitors and generally goes on foot attack when one attempts to walk around.  She especially hates flip-flops and men’s sneakers.  One must tread lightly.

We also had multiple visits with G’s brother Eric and his lovable Chocolate Labrador at their country place.  Eric is entertaining and always makes us laugh.  Quiet daughter Kim cooked us a feast and we sat down to a sumptuous meal with her family.  Granddaughters Ashley and Anna have grown cuter, taller and wiser.

Longtime family friend Mary Rousseau invited us to lunch with her at Sturges Cottage which is her home in Fairfield.  Mary is also in her nineties and still going strong.  She was having the front of her massive, historic house repainted.  It’s always a delight to spend time in her company.  Mary is a gracious host and friend; so warm and welcoming and interested in everyone she meets. 

Chris works at a Country Club coordinating wedding events and since this was the busy season she and son Marty weren’t able to meet up with us.

On one occasion, G drove an hour to get his Aunt Marie and brought her to the campground as she was very desirous of seeing our rig.  Her nasty little dog Ruby went for our Westie's food and he nailed her.  Duncan has never shown aggression before, but it was clear that he meant to defend his food to the death.  Aunt Marie was quite surprised to find our fifth-wheel spacious, efficiently laid out and comfortable.  I fixed a nice lunch, we sat outside for awhile, and then G returned Aunt Marie and nasty little Ruby to Westport.

I am ashamed to admit that I haven’t a single photo from our time there as I was constantly forgetting to take the camera along on our visits. 

The family was sorry to see us go as it was a short visit.  If not so expensive we could have stayed longer.  But, also I was chomping at the bit to get to NY state to see my kids, grandkids and extended family since it has been more than a year since I saw them last.