HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEL!!

So it is August 15th and Joel has turned the big five oh...he even activated his AARP card before we left home! No worries, though. It is only a number and he is feeling younger than ever:) We left Providence early this morning (thanks again to the Deans who so kindly opened up their home to us. We have known Rachael since she was born and so enjoyed their wedding last July. Best of luck to them in their studies at Brown!) and began our trek to Connecticut. Today's ride was very peaceful and enjoyable...sure we had hills, but they were rolling/not steep. The weather was perfect and the traffic was light because it was Sunday. Our destination was Putnam, quoted as being a sleepy little town in a quiet quarter of Connecticut. Well, not today! As luck would have it, Putnam was hosting a car show and motocross demonstration event that attracted hundreds of spectators. What fun! There had to be at least 400 antique or souped up vehicles and their proud owners. Michael Brickey (Rachael's Dad and our good friend) would have been in paradise as he enjoys vintage cars. Anyway, we spent a good amount of time soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying a delicious lunch at a place called 85 with Mom and Dad. We only had 5 more miles to travel after our siesta to our Inn in Woodstock, but it was literally all up hill. Added on another 37 miles today and got the reward at the end of the trail...a beautiful country estate with a gourmet restaurant to celebrate Joel's big day. He was so pleased to receive calls from both Joel Rhein and Paige and his Dad and a sing-o-gram from his Mom and brothers Tom and Jeff and Anita, Anika, Jake, and Erv.