During the week of 6/14/2009, I visited several colleges and universities in New England. I left for Connecticut on Sunday, June 14, 2009, and everything was going well. As I was exiting I-95 in CT, exit 24 to be exact, the brakes on my Jeep failed while heading down hill on the exit. God must have been watching over me because there were no cars in front of me and the light was green. I coasted through the light and another miracle presented itself, the hotel that I was staying at that evening was only 100 yards down the street. I slowly crept into the parking lot of the Black Rock Best Western on 100 King's Highway and used the emergency brake to stop my Jeep. My trip was just beginning and I was stranded. I called AAA to tow the Jeep to a local repair shop and started to conjure numerous scenarios in my mind that would allow me to finish my college tour while waiting for the tow truck. In addition, I also wanted to keep the dinner plans I had for Sunday evening.
Crissy Bowen, a friend from college, works at Fairfield University. I had plans to reconnect with her on Sunday night over dinner and would visit/meet-up with her again during my scheduled visit to Fairfield on Monday morning. I called Crissy and explained my predicament. In typical Crissy fashion she came to the rescue. She waited with me for the wrecker to secure my vehicle. We followed the tow truck to the garage. We kept our dinner plans (two hours after our originally planned time). She picked me up on Monday morning and drove me to Fairfield so that I could make my appointments and then took me to lunch afterwards, eventually driving me back to the garage once the Jeep was repaired. Crissy, Thank You!!!
Leaving Fairfield, I headed to Bowdoin College, Colby College, and Bates College. The visits were fantastic. The weather was majestic, a huge improvement over the constant rain we had been receiving in New Jersey; and I learned a lot about each school. I returned to Pennington on the evening of June 17, 2009. Owen gave me the biggest hug!
Laura finished her school year on June 22, 2009. Owen finished day care on June 26, 2009. For Laura and Owen there summer was officially underway.
On Monday, June 29, 2009, Owen started swim lessons. He took them last year and the lifeguards teaching the lessons were awesome. This year's guards are, well, not great. The planning just isn't there. Owen really doesn't notice the differences but he really isn't learning anything new. We will pursue other options net year.
On Saturday, June 28, 2009, Laura's cousin Val was married and the wedding was well planned. Owen kept calling Val Cinderella. He loves weddings. Having attended two now, my brother's wedding and Val's wedding, he associates them with dancing. Owen loves dancing.
On Tuesday, June 30, 2009, Laura, Owen, and I went to the shore. Yes, Jersey is getting to me. Shore vs. beach. What's the difference? Again, the weather was extremely cooperative and we had a wonderful time. I am looking forward to our next escape to Island Beach State Park.
The Fourth of July was jam packed. Owen earned two blue ribbons at the races held in town. Well, everyone who participated received a blue ribbon. No losers on July 4th! After the races we headed to a family reunion held at my uncle Tom's house in PA. Owen loved seeing his cousins and mastered the Slip-n-slide. Another extremely enjoyable summer adventure.
Now the present.. Owen's third birthday is Saturday. It is hard to believe that he is going to be three. Time sure goes by quickly. Interesting quote - "As parents, the days go by slowly, but the years fly by." On Sunday I head north again for another college/university visitation trip. This time I will visit seven schools. I will have seen over 30 colleges and universities this year once I complete this trip. Not bad!
Until next time. I have booked a rental car for this trip. Pray I don't have any vehicle problems this time.
