We're getting a skewed impression of New England on this trip. Based on our drive from JFK up 95 and then on to Vermont, we're pretty sure Connecticut is a neverending string of McDonalds. Sometimes two on the same exit. Driving through Massachusetts took less time than driving over the Bay Bridge. No matter where we go, we constantly hear Stevie Nicks and Bryan Adams.

We hung out in Vermont for a couple days with Elaine and Brian and their kids and their dog, Pearl, who has a gimpy foot and likes to snuggle. We took a little jaunt to the Vermont Country Store (I'm using Gabe's computer now, so hot links will have to come later) and dutifully appreciated the maple products and aged cheese. W

Today we moved on to Saratoga Springs, home of Jen and Gabe and Stella and Happy Dingo. Jen took us to the Olde Saratoga Brewery, run by the Mendocino Brewery people. No one was around, but they waved us into the tasting room and told us to help ourselves. We did, and eventually some other people came in and Sarah bartended for them for a while before we finally left some money and moved on to run some errands. That was all in the first hour of being here, so we have great hopes for the weekend. Must go barbeque now.