No time machine

Having a little trouble with the website, so the "old" version is appearing (party like it's 2009!!). Speaking of time, sad to hear of another great actor passing...Steve Landesberg of Barney Miller. He had so many great quotes, including passing a lie detector test by saying he was born long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away. Between him and the great Leslie Nielsen (makes one want to watch Airplane over and over), it has been a tough stretch for straight-faced comic actors. Just in case time passes quickly between now and Christmas, a Merry Merry wish to all our friends and campers!

Holiday Happenings

With less than 10 days until Christmas, noticed that the new gas station/car wash is now open near exit 85 on RT 164. Surprised they did not utilize a "self serve" car wash design, which would have attracted many RVs. Although the Dunkin' Donuts sign is up, I don't think it is open yet. This will make 8 stores within 7 miles, if my count is correct...and will be the closest, just edging RT 2 near Foxwoods. The others are at the Mobil in Voluntown on RT 165/138, the one on RT 138 Griswold (back road short cut), the 2 across the street from each other at Lisbon exit 84N, the one in Walmart at 84S, and the one in Norwich, just before Seafood Etc. Although I don't drink coffee, I do enjoy the breakfast sandwiches. I may have mentioned earlier, but the new Panera Bread is open in the Walmart plaza, next to the pet store (Pet Co or Pet Smart or Pet Something). Speaking of pets, was happy to see that the dead skunk at the bottom of my driveway at home was removed after 3 weeks. Other road kill gets better treatment from scavengers, but notjing was taking this carcass. Did not intend to start such commotion on facebook (congrats Mr. Zuck on MOTY) by mentioning that the basketball nets had been clipped. Not a big deal, just odd. Even if you are not a hoops fan, be sure to watch the highlights from the Celtic's win over the Knicks, simply for the celebration by Nate Robinson, as he tries to jump on Paul Pierce, misses, and bounces his face off the floor of Madison Square Garden. Jen laughed until she cried, and started over every time they replayed the clip. Speaking of Boston fans, condolences to Marc G on the recent passing of his grandmother. Been a couple of years since mine passed away, but she would have been 98 yesterday. Stay warm, and maybe the Sunday storm will now miss us (Geoff Fox on channel 8 has been waffling lately).

Surviving the wind & rain

Despite some heavy rains and nasty wind, looks like no major trees or branches came down at the campground. The warm temps mean that the crazy guy we saw ice fishing in Preston on Saturday is either back at home or at the bottom of Hallville Pond. I know it was cold last week, but I would think a few more chilly nights were needed for safe ice. As noted on the main web page last week, the haunted hill is not yet dismantled in the Rec Center, so there will not be a New Year's Eve Party. Sorry for the inconvenience. Congrats to the Pats for qualifying for the play-offs, and hope that Jets fans don't start leaping from bridges. Nice that the Giants have a neutral site game vs Vikings, but it won't be on TV around here. If you have not gotten your tree yet, there are a few fine places to cut your own out this way, including Maple Lane Farms and Oakwood Farms right here in Preston. Still waiting to hear if the Yanks will get Cliff Lee, or if the Rangers will snatch him up again, just like last year around the trade deadline. Congrats to the Sox on their pair of big-time free agent signings. Not quite sure whose line-up is more home-grown these days, and which team could be accused of trying to buy a ring. Hopefully, Tampa Bay can stay competitive in the division, and look out for those Orioles. Just a reminder that although January 2 is usually "opening day" for reservations, since reservations can be made a year in advance, the office will not be open on New Year's Weekend, but will re-open on Monday, January 3. If you are one of those folks who a traditionally in the parking lot at 6am on January 2, give a call to make your reservations so you can sleep in that day.