Slept like a log last night; I like this mattress much better than the expensive downtown Boston hotel we stayed in for two nights. Though I do not like that Courtyard does not offer a free breakfast. I have been spoiled by all the Hiltons I’ve stayed in but the ones around here were booked. Hence a new hotel experience.
This morning Barbara and I found ourselves in an usual situation - we’re each used to getting up and going about our business without much to-do. Today we realized we did not have to be at Brothers’ Restaurant in Danvers until 10 and had almost two hours to kill! What to do? I tried to roll over and sleep. Nope. Then I thought about facing the task of unsnarling that skein of yarn which was so entangled even Alan Turing and the Bletchley Park team would have blanched at the task. Nope. Then I tried to read the book I’m trying to find a reason to continue; I was lured by the movie trailer to read A Small Favor. The book’s craftsmanship is good; the story line is making me mad. I really don’t want the manipulative bitch to win, so I can’t decide if reading to the end is worth it. Yay! I’ve dawdled enough that it’s time to head for breakfast with some of my high school classmates.
Breakfast was, to my delight, wonderful. Elizabeth Aykinson, I recognized, but not Kathy Toomey, who knew me right away, as did several others. I was astounded that they remembered me at all, as my mental version of my high school self was of a complete dweeb. My Mom is up in Heaven chuckling right now, since she spent years telling me I was nuts, I did have a personality back then ... way before I realized it myself in college! Also, she would be tickled to know Kathy Toomey is still making her Blueberry Muffins!! Now I kind of wish I could have figured a way to attend that 50th reunion. There’ll be others.
(Note: I’m feeling my age as I write this because I neglected to write down the names of everyone at the breakfast and now can’t recall who said what. Sigh! My hope is that they do contact me on FaceBook so I can edit this blog post and keep in touch.)
We meandered 127 down the coast, talking about when we drove the Costa Brava along the Mediterranean in Spain and wandered through olive groves and up mountains. Same scenario - Barbara driving and me navigating.
Hammond Castle was all I remembered and more. When I was there as a kid, I never paid much attention to the historical details, I just gawked at the CASTLE. I am awed by what John Hammond accomplished - I never actually thought about who invented and patented the mobile home! Or that the mobile home is exactly as old as I am! I bet Dad knew about Hammond’s radio controlled boat and submarine from the 1920’s. I wish this man could have shared an afternoon with Elon Musk!!! But what a sardonic human - to have only left-handed stair rails in his home because he was not about to cede control to the right-handed universe! Barbara is very intrigued with him, who wouldn't be after all he owned the skull of one of Coumbus' crew!! And the largest home electronically enhanced pipe organ in the hemisphere. The visit was a huge success and would have lasted longer but for the wedding scheduled in the garden this afternoon.
From the Castle we continued on 127 to The Paper House in Rockport. we were astounded to discover the place empty but boasting this notice, “Today you’re on your honor not to touch anything and to leave your admission fee in the mailbox.” OMG!!! We must have spent 30 minutes remarking on the craftsmanship and creativity of the place. Not just all the furniture but the window shades and the wall paper are made from newspaper!! I had warned Barbara that I remembered it being tiny, it is; nonetheless, it is awe-inspiring what a determined man can achieve and what a dedicated family can continue to offer to a wondering public. If you ever have the chance, please visit this treasure! 
We intended to drive through Rockport to have lobster rolls at Salty’s and walk around looking at Motif #1, but were distracted by a stop at Folly Cove Landing. I am certain it is not a place I’d want to scuba because the tides look cold and rough and I’ve become kind of a Florida girl about cold water. Returning to the car, we decided we wanted clams so headed for Woodman’s in Essex. Barbara actually ate a clam plate, matched me onion ring for onion ring and clam for clam! She even posed for a picture with the Giant Clam AND she pulled out into traffic like a true New Englander when it came time to exit that parking lot!!!
We tried to see the Crane Estate Castle Hill in Ipswich but, again, were stymied by a wedding. I really can’t be upset. It’s been the first warm sunny weekend in over a month according to my local sources, so good luck to the brides and grooms!
It was a good day, though we didn’t earn our steps as we were in the car, but after 3 days of between 17,000 and 9,000 steps, we’re taking today’s mild number in stride. (Yes, I know it’s an awful pun, but I just couldn’t help it!)
Tonight is about getting ready to get back on the road again. It’s been a good idea to stay at the one hotel for our North Shore tour. But packing up again is a pain!
Oh, and according to my DHS classmates, the Endicott Pear Tree DOES still exist and still bears fruit, but the road to it is obscured by the Mass General Hospital construction.
I leave today with two thoughts: laughter is contagious at a high school reunion and varnished newspaper makes intriguing wallpaper!
PS: I finshed that book. GRRRR. 'Nuff said!
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