Waterfalls of Southeastern Connecticut

Haddam Falls, corner of Rt. 82 & Rt. 154

     I'm on a mission to visit waterfalls! Passing by this one in Haddam last month inspired me to go back and visit it again. I took photos, drank in the surroundings, and discovered a fascination with the step-stone like layers of ledge worn away by time and water. 

There is something both serene and exciting about the sound of rushing water.

The surrounding woods provide shade and atmosphere.

     

     Last week, we took a ride to Latimer's Brook Falls in East Lyme. My husband used to fish here when he was a teen. The last time we visited was probably 30 years ago. It's not a peaceful spot. It's wedged between I-95S and Rt. 1, so the roar of traffic can't be ignored. But, it is beautiful.

From the top you can see the calming reflections on Latimer's Brook

A sneak peak of the Falls

Latimer's Brook Falls

From the photos, you'd never know I-95 is above us, just beyond the trees.

     Yesterday, we broke from our usual lazy Sunday morning routine. We were out of the house by 7:30 and on our way to Indian Leap Falls in Norwich. This was our first visit, but it won't be our last! The overlook walkway is handicap accessible, and a small park is the perfect spot for a picnic with a view of the falls. 

This view from the walkway shows the small park.

Indian Leap Falls is also known as Uncas Leap Falls

Gary enjoys the view from the walkway.

This angle is taken from the park and shows the old railroad bridge behind the walkway.

Uncas Leap Falls spill into the Yantic River. You can learn about the origin of the name at www.thedistractedwanderer.com

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides. 

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

 ©2016 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.

Lichen, Moss and Organic Lawns

Colorful lawn by the Connecticut River 

Lately, I've been craving nature. Not the planned, landscaped kind, but the organic kind. The kind of nature you see in un-manicured spaces, where plant seeds take root in the conditions they thrive in - all on their own. I've been using organic fertilizers for quite  a while now, and last year decided I could cut back on the heavy work of weed-wacking if I pulled out the grass and let moss take over along the edges. It's a slow process. I expect it to take a few more years to fill in the way I'd really like it. 

On a recent trip to Haddam, CT I found my lawn could be greatly improved with a few more weeds in it. I love the color, texture, and varying heights of this organic approach. 

Organic diversity

Delicate beauty

A few days later at Day Pond in Colchester, I couldn't help but admire the lichen growing on the trees and rocks; the moss growing around the base of the trees, extending into the shaded areas and sprinkled with lavender flowers.

Day Pond, Colchester

Moss and grass

Lavender flowers among the grass and moss

Low maintenance moss

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides. 

 See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

 ©2016 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.

Redbud

Redbud Tree in bloom - May 2017

  It's amazing how fast a decade can fly by. We planted this Redbud tree ten years ago. It was the one year anniversary of having moved in to our new home, and we celebrated by digging a big hole in the un-landscaped front yard and planted Redbud. The following year we planted a Kousa Dogwood tree, and after that our passion for planting mushroomed out of control! A decade later our landscaping projects are almost complete! 

Redbud blossoms

  This spring I've really enjoyed how all the pinks and lavenders have played off the greenery and worked together to brighten our days with color. We have lavender azaleas, pink heather and creeping phlox. Combined with the lavender blossoms of Redbud, we have waves of color stretching from the ground to the sky.

Creeping Phlox

It's still early May. In a few more weeks this will all have passed and we'll have a second wave of color from the roses, grape hyacinth and ???? - Stay tuned!!

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides. 

 See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

 ©2016 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.

Little Polonia

Amazingly, I've lived in Connecticut for over 40 years and never new about the Polish Community in New Britain! That changed on Sunday when I attended the Little Polonia Festival!

Little Poland's Catholic Church

I took shelter in this magnificent Catholic Church during a downpour, and immediately found myself transported to Poland. How is that possible? Well, when festival goers started running for the church, I joined in, having no idea services were in progress. The church was filled with Polish immigrants dressed in their Sunday best. As we stood in the entry politely trying not to interrupt and just stay dry, services ended. I was suddenly in the middle of a crowd, all speaking Polish to one another. I instantly understood what it was like to be in a land where you don't speak the language. I didn't understand a word but enjoyed the sights and sounds, feeling joy in the experience.

Zieleniak Green Grocer

As the rain let up, I slipped out of the church and into this delightful little market filled with baskets of fresh produce, a deli, Polish foods (complete with Polish language packaging), and even Polish language newspapers and magazines! How fun is that?!!!

Booth with Polish Products

Exhibit for the Polish Center of Discovery and Learning in Massachusetts

Rich Badowski Blues Band

Accordions

Polish Food Trucks

There were people dressed in red and white, Polish flags, Polish crafts and products, and Polish musicians. They played blues, rhythm and polka. But the main feature of the festival was the food. Good old world comfort food - Pierogis, stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes, sauerkraut, kielbasa, and much more. I wandered around stopping to eat from time to time. None of it is on my usual plant-based diet, but it was filled with melt in your mouth, flavorful deliciousness! Any way, when in Little Polonia, eat as the Polish do - and Enjoy!

Prices were very reasonable and servings large

The line for this booth extended half way down the street, so yes I got in line and splurged on a Polish feast!

If you missed this year's event, don't worry there will be another Little Polonia Festival next year!

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides. 

See books by Laura S. Pringle on Amazon

 ©2016 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.