Windsor and Hartford

I really had a relaxing time in Connecticut. I slept in every day, worked out, and went to dinner...that's it! Rick worked, and went to dinner....not quite the same, but he did enjoy himself. The food was awesome. Ruth Chris was my favorite. If you've never had their Pork or Sweet Potato Casserole, I highly, highly recommend them. Delicious, decadence to die for. We also had some delicious Italian and Seafood. We had dinner every night with Rod Stoker who works with Rick. He was a most entertaining dinner companion. We enjoyed getting to know more about him and his family.

Below are a couple of highlights we really enjoyed while we were there. #1 Mark Twain's home. I watched some television program before I left about Mark Twain's home, and how they were having trouble keeping it open because of money, so I knew I had to see it. It may be the only chance I would ever have. We really, really enjoyed the museum and the tour of the house. He was truly an amazing man. It is incredible one person could pack so much living into one life time. He was a printer, steam boat captain, a gold prospector, an author, a speaker, an inventor, a newspaper man. He was poor, rich, poor again, rich again. He traveled the world. He was a loving family man. He was revered, and hated. He was funny, and insightful, and so much more. I highly recommend you visit if you have the opportunity.



This is a beautiful home. I loved all the attention to detail. The home had running water, flushing toilets, and electricity even though it was built in 1874. I could just imagine him sitting on this porch with his children. It was also fun to see the place where he wrote about 2 young boys named Tom, and Huck.

We were lucky enough to be at the Clemens home during the holiday season when they display Victorian Christmas decor all done by Tiffany's (also my fav.) The Clemens family lived next to Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote a little book called Uncle Toms Cabin...you may have heard of. :)


In the museum there are little sayings of Mark Twain's carved into the walls. Here are a few of my favs.






#2 thing we saw was The Connecticut State Capital Building. I really enjoy visiting capitol buildings. They give you a feeling of what the people of the state are really about, their history, and their struggles. You also get to see some amazing architecture and craftsmanship. By far, this is the most beautiful Capitol building I've ever seen, and Rick agrees. We were both in awe over it. I really could just sit for months and just look at all of the detail inside and out. Our tour guide was so personable and knowledgeable. It's a must see if you are ever there.

The Capitol building was completed in 1878 in High Victorian Gothic style (my fav.)



Below are statues on the North side of the building. I believe the statues are of L to R. John Hayes, Connecticut's first Governor. Joseph Wadsworth, the man who hid the Royal Charted of 1662 in the Charter Oak Tree. John Winthrop, Jr. The 6th Governor of Connecticut. Theophilus Eaton, who helped found New Haven. And, John Mason, founder of the town of Windsor.


Below you can see a water fount. It was used to get water for the horses back in the day. It was said that the Governor's horse had a golden bucket...but it's mysteriously disappeared...hum....



This is the Genius Of Connecticut sculpted in 1877. She is the symbolic protector of Connecticut. She used to be on top of the Capitol, but was blown off. They plan to put her atop the Capitol again one day....



This last pic is kinda blurry, but is has some importance. Rick and I are sitting in the chair the Lieutenant Governor presides from called the Charter Oak Chair. It's made from the tree Joseph Wadsworth hid the Royal Charter in when Sir Edmund Andros sought to reclaim the document for the Crown (England.) Apparently, it's a magic chair...one that makes wishes come true. So we sat, and wished. We also rubbed the foot of a statue in the Capital...said to give good luck...so we're set! :)