Christmas Traditions

   It fascinates me every year the many different traditions that people have for their holiday season. For my family, we celebrate Christmas basically twice, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
   Wigilia (Christmas Eve) is when we do up hold some Polish traditions. We gather together before dinner and we each get a piece of Oplatek (Christmas wafer), we say a prayer and remember the ones that have gone before us. Then we share with one another a little piece of each others wafer and wish for a healthy prosperous year ahead with love.

Next is dinner full of fried fish, homemade pierogies (my favorite- potato and cheese), fixins, and homemade desserts. We sit, talk and catch up with those whom we don't see often. When everyone is full and dinner is mostly cleaned up, we move to the living room to play a game of White Elephant or Yankee Swap, if you will. There is a gift for everyone and each person takes a turn picking a gift, or with your turn you can steal a gift from someone who already has chosen. Its great fun and can be quite chaotic when a select few steal each others multiple times. 

   And finally Babcie (Grandma) gives us our stockings, or Home Depot buckets in my Dad's case, that she has filled with amazing goodies. To me it is a great, yet relaxing evening of just seeing my family and making memories. Sadly, to say our family has lost some wonderful members in the past few years. I too have not been home for Christmas in 8 years. Every year I have missed, I call and get to talk to everyone but its not the same. I feel my family is very close, reason at least for me is some of what I know from the past is still happening. Though the phone calls leave me in tears every time.

     Christmas Day consists of gifts from Santa under the tree, my Mom in the kitchen, whipping up some more masterpieces. Dad and my brother in front of the TV playing their new shoot-um-up video game they found in their stocking(s) hours earlier.
    Around lunch time, those we were with the night before and more start showing up for another fun day of food and laughter. "I'll be home for Christmas. If only in my dreams"

To:

V-Ski & Crotty clan.

Merry Christmas. Wesołych Świąt

 Hope to be home real soon.

I Love you.

Hancock Shaker Village

Hancock Shaker Village

3

  Shaker belief, to me, was very strict. It was a celibate community which made me wonder how it would last without any offspring. Then I realized all they really could do was recruit people into the their way of life.  Men and women were not allowed to touch, sit on the same side of the table, walk down the same side of the hallway. They lived on opposite sides of the house, sat on opposite sides of the table. There was a Men's kitchen, a Women's kitchen. They attended church daily, men on one side, women on the other, some services lasting over eighteen hours.
    "The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, known as the Shakers, is a religious sect. Founded upon the teachings of Ann Lee, Shakers today are mostly known for their cultural contributions (especially their style of music and furniture), and their model of equality of the sexes, which they institutionalized in their society in the 1780s. A Shaker village was divided into groups or families." 1

Friend, Nikki checking out the canned vegetables, fruits and spices in one of the kitchens. >

Jars, bowls and other accessories ready for baking, canning foods for the winter.








    I would definitely have to say my favorite building out of the whole area was the Circular barn. It was a great way to create the space you needed for the cows and not create a long building that took up a lot of extra square footage. (see top picture)

 Brooms were made on the premise and by hand.

Friend, Nikki giving us a smile as she checks out the different brooms and dusters made from straw.

'The Privy' or community bathroom. Just like an outhouse, but with multiple seats and not very spacious. Only some got to use the toilet, 'chamber pots' within the houses for privacy and convenience.

 I found this a fascinating place to learn about their culture, religion, music, cooking, and the great craft work they created. I found some fascinating things in the gift shop, such as the oval boxes of all sizes and shades of color the volunteers make on site. However in my opinion, the shop is rather on the expensive side, but I do realize certain things like the oval boxes are handmade.

They hold lots of event through the summer from quilting to poultry to beekeeping and a workshop on how to make those beautiful oval boxes. HSV also offers great school programs. They teach you all about the ways of the classroom in the Shaker time, and way of life in the village. Available from Pre-K to High school.

Starting November 23rd, they are holding their Annual Holiday Sale. Every weekend until December 8th. 10am - 5pm. If you can make it out, I believe this historic place is something to support.

Hancock Shaker Village is open from early April to October every year. 2
Adults – $18
Youth ages 13-17 – $8
Children 12 and under - FREE 
If you are a member of the NARM, it's free for 2 adults and children up to 18 years of age.

Interactive map - http://hancockshakervillage.org/interactive-map/

1 http://hancockshakervillage.org/
2 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakers
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hancock_Shaker_Village

Good Bye Gunner

Today I'm not going to write about museum or historic place I went to in June, but will jump back on that soon.

Today is a sad day for my family. We had to send our Handsome and Loving boy, Gunner off to the Rainbow Bridge.

Gunner and Tucker

(Sadly, I don't have a pic of them on the computer as puppies.)



He was about 8.5 years old, we got him and his brother Tucker in February of 2005. I remember that very night. I was with my grandparents and it was a cold, stormy night. I think it was a snow storm. My mom called and said we all had to come over right away, in a very (good) excited voice.

We pulled in and there was my mom on the porch with two little Boxer puppies 8-10 weeks old (give or take some). My mom has wanted Boxers since before I can remember. They were the funniest little things, with lots of sloppy kisses and their little wiggy, wiggy, wiggy butts. (inside joke)

We got very lucky with these guys, puppies aren't usually available in February.

Gunner was the one my Dad chose, he became the strapping brut you see there on the left and Tucker is the taller, skinnier one my Mom chose. The story goes that my Dad picked out Gunner, then my Mom picked up Tucker and my Dad held a finger and said "one!", so we ended up with two. And they were floppy eared Boxers, just what Mom wanted. 

We have been lucky with some great pets/friends, dogs and cats, one cat 'who shall not be named', Matty,  was a little witch but we loved her, she lives with another woman now, and is a mouser. And loves it, we hear.

Gunner and Tucker have been a riot since day one. Running, jumping after bugs, bunnies in the field, boxing each other as Boxers do. Quite a circus, especially when Mom added chickens and Bella, her little Shih-a-poo. Daddy's princess. They loved car rides too. When I was home in June I took all 3 of them all the way to Florida, Mass with me in the convertible. It was a good hour or so drive to get there and back. So I'm glad I got to spend that time with all of them.

But sadly, Boxers are known for cancer, bad hips and ACLs. We've been lucky with no cancer, but the ACL and hip on Gunner we had to bear. A few years ago we had his ACL 'fixed', but since then with his size and him wanting to run like a pup, it hadn't helped. Recently, Mom and Dad had him checked to possibly due the surgery again but unfortunately the arthritis had built up so badly that there was nothing we could do except for a particular weekly shot, which could only do so much. But as of late, he had to be carried up all the stairs, it hurt to stand and wouldn't get off the couch.

So, last night they fed him an awesome meal of Burger King, steak and chocolate ice cream. I know he had to be very excited for that. And today, my parents brought him on his last ride down to our family vet. I'm so glad I got to hug and kiss and say Good bye to him when I had the chance.

We will never forget you, Gunner. We Love you. We will miss you. Please wait for us at the bridge.

 

Gunner

RIP August 28, 2013

 

The Rainbow Bridge

inspired by a Norse legend

 



By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together. 1

 

1. http://www.newrainbowbridge.com/NRB/rbpoem.htm

 

Votes for Women

Susan B Anthony Birthplace Museum

Susan was born February 15, 1820, in Adams, Massachusetts. She was brought up in the Quaker family traditions. Quaker is defined as "The Religious Society of Friends is a movement that began in England in the 17th century. Members of this movement are informally known as Quakers, a word that means, "to tremble in the way of the Lord." In its early days it faced opposition and persecution; however, it continued to expand, extending into many parts of the world, especially the Americas and Africa."2

After teaching for 15 years, she moved her energy and power to the Temperance movement. For the last 40 years of her life, she was one of the most legendary American Civil Rights Leaders of the time. She died in 1906 at the age of 86, but until that day she did not stop fighting for Women's Rights. The Susan B Anthony Birthplace house was the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association when she was its president.

(Sorry for the glare) but this hangs over the stairwell in the house, it is one of the original banners that the women marched with. c. 1910.

Here is a painting of Susan Brownell Anthony as an older women. I think fighting with all your might, would give you white hair too.

*****************************************

The house, is two-stories. The bottom floor consists of 5 downstairs rooms and the upstairs was converted into office space. The gift shop is a separate building just a few feet from the house.

First, the guide brought us into the Kitchen/dining room, had a large table with different instruments for cooking, and a fireplace. This room has artifacts that you can touch.

Second, was what they believe was a storage room for excess food, possibly, in the room also one of the walls is open, so you can see how it was built. It was different slats of wood, and in between each slat was this type of like mud/hard substance with horse hair. The horse hair creates a stronger hold.

Third, was a bedroom, where Susan was born along with all of her siblings. She was the second oldest of seven siblings, along with sadly, a few were stillborn, if I remember correctly. She remained close to her sisters all her life. Susan herself never married.

Houses in the 1820s did not have indoor plumbing (that came about 1930s), here are chamber pots, that would be emptied each morning, either by a servant if you could them or yourself. Usually they would have lids, like the one on the right with the fancy doily.  

Next, room was her father, Daniel's store. Who was a cotton manufacturer and abolitionist himself. Also, he was big in the temperance movement, he ran his store as a temperance store- no alcohol. He was a stern but open-minded man who was born into the Quaker religion. He did not allow toys or amusements into the household, claiming that they would distract the soul from the "inner light." 3 

Finally, but not least, was a room that was turned into a timeline room. As you went around the room, if portrayed newspaper articles, stories, quotes from Susan and other Abolitionists, Suffragettes, Labor Activists.  

On November 18, 1872, Anthony was arrested by a U.S. Deputy Marshal for voting on November 5 in the 1872 Presidential Election two weeks earlier. She was sentenced, it was just a $100 fine, but not imprisonment; true to her word in court ("I shall never pay a dollar of your unjust penalty"), she never paid the fine for the rest of her life, and an embarrassed U.S. Government took no collection action against her. After her trial Anthony petitioned the US Congress to remove the fine in January 1874. 2

Here are plaques, pins and sashes worn by women, in parades and town meetings. 

Just like what Mrs. Banks wore in Mary Poppins. 

Next up on A Mile Above the Syrup: Hancock Shaker Village

1. http://susanbanthonyhouse.org/index.php 
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quaker_history
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Susan_B._Anthony

Norman Rockwell Museum

Here it is finally. Sorry it has taken me so long.

I got to go home for 2 weeks this year to visit my family and go to one of my oldest friend's wedding. Congrats again Ash and Greg!

One of my favorite places I visited while I was home was the Norman Rockwell Museum,. Normally I wouldn't have gone because it is a little on the pricier side, $16 per adult. Thankfully, the museum I work for in Golden, CO is part of the NARM (NARM website ) and as a staff member we are allowed the privilege to use it. This allows us to see museums for free, if the other museum is also part of NARM.







The Norman Rockwell Museum (NRM)is located in Stockbridge, MA. A quaint little, quiet town tucked in the hills of the Berkshires in Western Mass. "Founded in 1969 with the help of Norman and Molly Rockwell, Norman Rockwell Museum is dedicated to the enjoyment and study of Rockwell’s work and his contributions to society, popular culture, and social commentary."1 "The Museum houses the world’s largest and most significant collection of Rockwell’s work, including 998 original paintings and drawings. Rockwell lived in Stockbridge for the last 25 years of his life."1 His studio was moved from downtown Stockbridge to the museum grounds it is open to the public, May through October. The museum is a not-for-profit educational institution.





Norman Rockwell was born in New York City, NY, February 3rd, 1894, Norman Rockwell always knew that he wanted to be an artist. "At age 14, Rockwell enrolled in art classes at The New York School of Art (formerly The Chase School of Art). Two years later, in 1910, he left high school to study art at The National Academy of Design."2

His best known work even today people know it from The Saturday Evening Post. My mom actually owns one. I couldn't tell you if it's original or a replica, I'm going with replica myself. This is the one she has-

 

I definitely could tell you that one of his most popular paintings is the Thanksgiving gathering. With everyone smiling around the table, with the heads of the household serving up the turkey.

 

Even with these amazing paintings there was controversy with some of them, depending on the time period but that is definitely a story for another time. The Saturday Evening Post, is still around to this day, but I can definitely tell you it is not the same as when Mr. Rockwell was doing the covers. I was very happy to get to see this museum. It is definitely a must see! I was fortunate to be visiting the museum right after the newest temporary exhibit opened in the museum. The 1937 art works of Disney's Snow White. It was amazing!

 

I would have to say my favorite piece in the museum (besides of course the Disney exhibit) would be Stockbridge Main Street at Christmas

(sorry the pic is very small)

 

 

 

 

"In 1973, Rockwell established a trust to preserve his artistic legacy by placing his works in the custodianship of the Old Corner House Stockbridge Historical Society, later to become Norman Rockwell Museum at Stockbridge. The trust now forms the core of the Museum’s permanent collections. In 1976, in failing health, Rockwell became concerned about the future of his studio. He arranged to have his studio and its contents added to the trust. In 1977, Rockwell received the nation’s highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom."2 He passed away November 8th, 1978.

 



Next up on A Mile above the Syrup: Susan B Anthony Birthplace

1. http://www.nrm.org/about/museum-history/
2. http://www.nrm.org/about-2/about-norman-rockwell/

New England recap

I know it has been awhile since I have posted anything and I am terribly sorry. Work and being home in New England kind of got in the way. Either I was too tired or too busy to get anything down. But I've got lots to tell you about my jaunts around Western Mass and Maine this past June. I know I said my next post would be on the differences in Chowdahs but... I've collected some good stuff to tell you all about!

See you soon!

10 Year Anniversary of the collapse of
Old Man of the Mountain

aka. Great Stone Face or the Profile

 

The Old Man was located in Franconia, New Hampshire which used to sit on Cannon Mountain. "It is composed of Conway red granite and it is an illusion formed by 5 ledges."

 "He has been described as a relentless tyrant, a fantastic freak, and a learned philosopher, feeble and weak about the mouth and of rarest beauty, stern and solemn, one of the most remarkable wonders of the mountain world." 1

"Geological opinion is that The Profile on Profile Mountain is supposed to have been brought forth partly as the result of the melting and slipping away action of the ice sheet that covered the Franconia Mountains at the end of the glacial period, and partly by the action of the frost and ice in crevices, forcing off, and moving about certain rocks and ledges into profile forming positions. It is supposed that the Old Man of the Mountain was completed during the latter part of the post glacial period, from 2,000 to 10,000 years ago."1

 

The face was first observed in 1805. "In 1832, Nathanial Hawthorne visited the formation and dubbed it The Great Stone Face."2 The face became a New Hampshire symbol it was featured on a 1955 stamp.

 1955                                2000

It was than placed on the 2000 New Hampshire quarter.  

 

Throughout the 1900s, many efforts were made to help keep the Old Man in tact such as metal cabling, probably steel.

He unfortunately came to his sad end
between midnight and 2am on May 3rd, 2003.

 The memorial to the Old Man was can be found at the Profile Plaza.

 

Next up on A Mile above the Syrup: Clam Chowdah: Red, White or Clear?


1 www.mutha.com 2009
2 www.wmur.com  2013

Patriots Day

April 19, 1775

I guess this is the best time as any to talk about Patriots Day.

With what happened Monday and has been going on since then I think celebrating our Patriots from 1775 is a good thing to do right now.

Patriots Day commemorates the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. Two months later George Washington would be made leader of the new Continental Army.

Patriots Day is actually held on the 3rd Monday of April, but with not alot of people given the day off they hold the Battle reenactments the Saturday before. It is held at Minute Man National Historical Park area. The first 'battle' is held at Lexington Green in Lexington, Massachusetts, (around 6:00 am) and The Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts, (around 9:00 am). In the morning, mounted re-enactors with state police escorts retrace the rides of Paul Revere and William Dawes, calling out warnings the whole way. (1)

As a re-enactor, you can either buy a replica costume but we find alot make their own. Some people laugh at one another about how much "one might have spent on their replica musket or the hours spent to finish the pair of breeches, but for big time re-enactors this is Woodstock."(2)

"You’re not allowed to fire a gun–even an unloaded replica during a re-enactment–on Park Service land. It’s also against the rules to pretend to be dead, so no one falls down on either side. High drama it’s not, but if you’re here to be entertained, you’ve missed the point." (2)

The Boston Marathon is scheduled to happen on Patriots Day every year. "Many Bostonians refer to it as Marathon Monday." (1) Every year since 1959 the Red Sox are always scheduled to play at home on Patriots' Day. This year games have been postponed due to the sad and very unfortunate circumstances.

Next year's Patriots Day is Monday April 21, 2014. The reenactments will take place on Saturday April 19th, 2014 at same time and place as stated above.

Next time on A Mile above the Syrup: Old Man of the Mountain

1. 'Patriots Day' Wikipedia. 2013

2. Patriots' Day: Two Mornings in April article. Yankee Magazine March 2012. Justin Shatwell  

Boston Marathon April 15 2013

I was going to post the next time about the Patriots. Patriots Day that is but with what happened yesterday I'm just going to make this short so we can have a moment of silence for those who lost their lives, were injured, some injuries that will change the course of ones life.

I could upload pics from all the sites that have been posted but some were so gruesome, there is no reason those of any age should see and have to remember.

We <3 you Boston. 

Sugaring Sweetness

   It's that time again in New England. The Sun is peaking out and the temps are above freezing. Now its time to tap those Maples and get that delicious sap a-flowin'. Whether you tap the trees with hoses, plastic jugs or use the old fashioned metal buckets, when the bucket is full, its time to start boilin'.



   The sweet smell lingers through the air and you crave those hot pancakes, waffles, sugar on snow, whatever strikes your fancy with that Pure New England Maple Syrup. Did I mention it's a good winter food source for weight loss (or so they say today).

Not only is Pure Maple Syrup a household necessity, its a way of life for alot of families (most passed down generation to generation) throughout New England, New York and Canada, possibily anywhere you find maples and the right temperatures. 

If you plan on Sugaring make sure you have the ambition, time and biggest one of all - Patience. I personally have not sugared but I have friends and know people who have and still do and its ALOT of work. Long hours, stirring and checking the temps to make sure it comes out juuusssttt right!    

Also, make sure you don't tap the trees in the same areas as those who been tapping for years, territory is key. Be sure to ask around where its ok to tap. Or ask a shack if you could help them out to get a feel for it.

Maple Syrup can be made into different types. "Maple syrup is graded according to the Canada, United States, or Vermont scales based on its density and translucency. Sucrose is the most dominant sugar in maple syrup. In Canada, syrups must be at least 66 percent sugar and be made exclusively from maple sap to qualify as maple syrup. In the United States, a syrup must be made almost entirely from maple sap to be labelled as "maple"." 1

I personally prefer the:

           Grade A Medium Amber to Grade B

Don't forget the Maple candy & Maple cream, its great on toast.

Have you ever tried sliced peaches with Maple syrup?

For those in the Pioneer Valley I have some Sugar Shacks waiting for your visit!

1. Lawton Family Sugarhouse - 47 Goshen Road (Route 9) next to Pat's in Williamsburg 
   (413) 268-3145 (also sell Grassfed beef) call for hours.
2. Gould’s Sugarhouse – 570 Mohawk Trail in Shelburne – (413) 625-6170. Open 7days a week, 8:30am – 2pm.
3. Pomeroy’s Sugar House – 491 Russellville Road in Westfield – (413) 568-3484. Open Fridays – Sunday, 7:30am – 1pm.
4. High Hopes Farm Sugar House – 1132 Huntington Road in Worthington – (413) 238-5919. Open Saturday and Sunday, 7am – 2pm.
5. Tessiers Sugarhouse - Fairgrounds Road in Cummington (413) 634-5022 call for hours.

Did you know:

The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association was founded in 1893 making it one of the oldest agricultural organizations in the United States.

Vermont is the largest supplier of syrup in the United States, generating about 5.5% of the global supply. WOW!

Next time on A Mile above the Syrup: we celebrate the Patriots!

1. 'Maple Syrup' Wikipedia. 2013.  (Yes I used Wikipedia for that small amount of information, but they are right on the Sugar account of Maple Syrup)

Unwelcome Shamrocks in Boston

St Patrick's day is right around the corner. A day of frolicking, prankster leprechauns who may or not be actually Irish. 

The Irish immigration to America began in 1846, less than a year after the Great Potato Famine of Ireland. Just under 2.9 million Irish men, women and children migrated from there homes. It was the second largest migration to America behind the Germans.

At the time the Irish arrived and were looking for work, Americans liked them for cheap, hard manual labor but alot of people didn't want the Irish taking over, alot of signs stated 'No Irish Need Apply'. The roughest welcome they got of all was in Boston.

Proper Bostonians laughed at their clothing, made fun of the fact they had no education. Landlords forced them to pay $1.50 a week for a room that was no bigger than a jail cell, a place that had no ventilation, sanitation, daylight or water. In such poor conditions, 60% of children born here never saw their sixth birthday. Adults lived about only six years more since stepping of the ship(s).

The crime rate sky rocketed, school children ran through the streets creating mischief, pick pocketing and begging........

Looking ahead to 2013, we have seen in the past 50+ years that celebrating St Patrick's Day has become a way of life every year on March 17th. Cities such as NYC, Boston, Chicago go from Green beer, Green Rivers, Celtic Music concerts and parades to show their support of the heritages, history and folklore.

Fun fact: Boston held its first St Patrick's Day parade march 18th, 1737.

This year's parade starts at 1pm, Sunday March 17th. in South Boston.

Next time on A Mile Above the Syrup: 'Maple Syrup & Patriots'

Here we go...

Here we go... Everyone seems to have a blog so I'm jumping on the Chowdah train... I'll tell you alittle about myself and get into why it’s all about New England…

I'm from Western Massachusetts. A small little town just on the border of Hampshire & Berkshire County. Where its nature farther than the eye can see. Its fresh air and quiet. Farms, small town fun.

I lived there for the first 19 years of my life. Then moved around a bit, to Florida to work at Walt Disney World then to Colorado (why? you ask, my boyfriend is from Colorado). I currently work for a history museum in Golden, CO which centralizes on Golden history alone. Golden does have some great history, like Coors and Colorado School of Mines, dating back to mid-1800s and further with Native American history. But what I like the most is my New England history, almost 600 years of documented history we live and breathe even today.

So many great things come from New England- fall colors, maple syrup, Patriots, Red Sox… hehe...
Even the tragic history of Salem Witch Trials, Boston Massacre (more like a riot) but all great things that influence us today and will live forever in history.

Though New England was not the first place founded in the 'New World' (Jamestown beat us by 13 years) I believe the Pilgrims did make the bigger impact. (No offense Virginia)

Well thats all for now... Be back soon with my first story on 'Shamrocks in New England'.