tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22305580905680106382024-03-20T15:42:29.898-07:00Mr. B's BlogTom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-73801351622287200982020-12-12T09:05:00.000-08:002020-12-12T09:05:35.180-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<b>End of a Generation</b></h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley and Robert Bissonnette </td></tr>
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On January 10, 2019, I officially became an orphan. With the death of my Mother, a whole generation of my family is now gone. Those of us who were the children of the 40's and 50's are now the next senior generation. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley Bissonnette and Tom Bissonnette styling!<br /></td></tr>
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Over the past ten years, since the death of my father, my sister and I have been the caretaker for my very independent mom of 96. She has lived alone since the death of my dad in January of 2009. When dad passed away, my sister and I questioned how long that mom would survive. She and my dad were attached at the hip and had been partners in their marriage for 63 years. However, this strong lady was unwilling to give in to life and continued on her way through the details of daily living. </div>
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She was a very independent caring and thoughtfull person. She continued to be interested in today's national politics as well as the local politics. My mother never really knew her parents as her mother died when she was one year old and her father not long after that. She grew up under the guidance of her grandmother and cousins. She was a big city girl.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirley Bissonnette<br /></td></tr>
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My sister and I grew up in a two tenament home in the suburbs, which was owned first by my grandparents and then my parents. When our grandparents lived downstairs from us a common communication practice was easily banging on the water pipe to alert them that we needed to discuss something. Each would open the back door and have that discussion in the hallway. <br />
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When my grandparents retired, moved to a livin position at Groton School in Groton, Ma., our cousins moved into the house. We were lucky to have a home with extended family.<br />
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My mother and father worked very hard to make a good life for both my sister and I. We both had the opportunity to be the first in our family to attend college. Mom and Dad held education as a high priority in our home. Both my sister and I also new the work world holding jobs once we were in high school. We certainly learned the lesson of being self-sufficient.<br />
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Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-41817614811169585502020-11-27T07:42:00.003-08:002020-11-27T07:42:38.671-08:00<p> Well, it has been quite a while since I took the opportunity to write in this blog. Holidays always bring back memories. This year many things have taken place that have embellished this review of my life. Over the past couple I have been diagnosed with a life threatening lung disease, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. I am getting excellent care and the disease was caught early. Currently I have medication that slows the progress of the disease. </p><p>In January 2019, my Mom passed away at the age of 96. My sister and I then decided to sell the home that we were raised in. We ran into some deed issues which has slowed the pace of passing papers on the house which have yet been solved. However, we are currently waiting for the courts to make a final decision which will allow us to complete the transaction. </p><p>Along with these several major issues we currently are in the 9th month of a medical pandemic with the virus Covid 19, running wild through the country. With the underlying lung condition I have I have been extremely careful to make sure I am isolating away from groups of people and situations which could have me vulnerable to this disease., </p><p>Today I found out that a former colleague passed away at age 73, I just turned 72. This man was also a long time educator as I was. When death takes someone of your own generation who you have known and respected it does lead you to begging wondering about your life. I have memories and mental photographs of a wonderful childhood. My sister and I grew up in a two tenement house which in the early years we lived with our parents and our grandparents. The home was built by my great-grandfather. After my grandparents left we had another family member living on the first floor. Eventually we had a couple my parents new who lived on the first floor until their dea ths many years later. Our last tenant was also a cousin and her husband. Now when I go to check on the house, which is empty, memories of the good times playing in the yard and celebrating holidays with family come rushing back. </p><p>We are all just passing through this life and it is apparent tome that it is our job to make the world a better place, in our small way, for all of us to live. I hope that my 40 something years of being an educator will have allowed me to touch the lives of many of my students. I am lucky that I do keep in touch with a number of students through social media. </p><p>I plan on taking the time to continue to write in the blog at least weekly. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCMDF8J5uOWnutfQfLoFZklkcmEt1mGxv2JDZQmCE6rtoMzg6BuFAV5aqohqKC3bvdKV8y__i0H4b7LKsIUULc-38KJ1IMg-iyAJhMNfIs9WjcXRn0VVfxj36xyMyEpukhY34YqYVQvBx/s1536/IMG_1642.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCMDF8J5uOWnutfQfLoFZklkcmEt1mGxv2JDZQmCE6rtoMzg6BuFAV5aqohqKC3bvdKV8y__i0H4b7LKsIUULc-38KJ1IMg-iyAJhMNfIs9WjcXRn0VVfxj36xyMyEpukhY34YqYVQvBx/s320/IMG_1642.PNG" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-71839606436885431422019-03-09T08:00:00.000-08:002019-05-21T13:07:42.532-07:00Seine River/ May 2018<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">M.S. Bizet docked in Honfleur, France. </td></tr>
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My wife and I were able to add to our travel log recently in May 2018, as we joined other guest on the the M.S. Bizet travelling from <b><i>Honfleur, </i></b>France to Paris, France on the Seine River. The Bizet is owned by Grand Circle Travel Company and is made specifically for this river and Paris environment.<br />
After arriving in Paris, after a smooth direct flight from Boston, we took some time to go into Paris and enjoy the beautiful afternoon. We then spent our first night at a hotel near the airport in the village of <b><i>Roissy.</i></b><br />
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<a href="http://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/discover/normandy-must-sees/the-10-top-normandy-must-sees/honfleur-86-2.html">http://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/discover/normandy-must-sees/the-10-top-normandy-must-sees/honfleur-86-2.html</a><br />
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After our breakfast, we joined the rest of the passengers and made our way by bus to the port of Honfleur to board the M.S. Bizet. On the way to our destination we took time to stop in the city of <b><i>Caen, France</i></b> to visit the <i style="font-weight: bold;">Peace Memorial Museum. </i>This museum presents a view of the circumstances that led to World War II and the duration of the war.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyikVHe4MQdfJrxAoPLbRffwJCCa0JDydsDQ5TJHn8ecxkCGzfltDxJa7DZ8po9P1J-vvBYLb6kprvH-UWIMRqQ9-eLv3qBLcxO-HWSyFLb8P_natPXwe8_eC4eAf7_TeCVT5sgWSsN0Q/s1600/IMG_2134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyikVHe4MQdfJrxAoPLbRffwJCCa0JDydsDQ5TJHn8ecxkCGzfltDxJa7DZ8po9P1J-vvBYLb6kprvH-UWIMRqQ9-eLv3qBLcxO-HWSyFLb8P_natPXwe8_eC4eAf7_TeCVT5sgWSsN0Q/s320/IMG_2134.JPG" width="320" /></a>After our visit we again boarded our bus to continue to Honfleur.<br />
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This port, Honfleur, established in the eleventh century, provided a beautiful start to our trip as it is quite a picturesque location. It helped that we had exceptional weather. We happened to be in Honfleur during the annual Mariners Celebration. Boats, decorated, came into the harbor to receive the yearly blessing. A bustling harbor area with a large number of restaurants and cafe's created a great deal of local color.<br />
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St. Catherine's-Church. The largest wooden church in France dominates the beautiful skyline in Honfleur.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2GzXtxfyneXGGShYh75cm0X4iOKMOPS3M6rXKZqKolIGSYp904_8FizzIu63GrpGaFTOBbswET7rucEAvM-F5RvxhLElraGyDYnYLPjBuy4wSlssy311Rql26aqmQF6VHQ1TuWxbMPuC/s1600/IMG_2196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG2GzXtxfyneXGGShYh75cm0X4iOKMOPS3M6rXKZqKolIGSYp904_8FizzIu63GrpGaFTOBbswET7rucEAvM-F5RvxhLElraGyDYnYLPjBuy4wSlssy311Rql26aqmQF6VHQ1TuWxbMPuC/s320/IMG_2196.JPG" width="320" /></a>From this location, Honfleur, we spent a day traveling through time back to June 6, 1944, "D-Day", to visit three locations that changed the destiny of Europe and the world. First to <i><b>Pointe Hoc,</b></i> where American Rangers, scaled the tall cliffs as entry into France and Europe. Our second location was <b><i>Omaha Beach</i></b> where thousands of American service members lost their lives. Lastly, we visited the <b><i>American Cemetery</i></b> where 9,368 young American service members gave their lives to fight against the tyranny of Hitler and the Third Reich.<br />
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Our next stop was in Caudebec, France . A short visit but long enough to take in the local cathedral, Notre Dame.<br />
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Another visit on our itinerary was to Rouen, the capital of the Normandy area and known historically as the place where Joan of Arc was imprisoned, tried for heresy and killed in 1431.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74N17g8Ph1SYsIM24Gl_ScXdqjYKIDCJVj1vRLD82atNArm0RD2Vk9QWKq3uFgFo67HENQ4NQrTkpFaZFG0fvhYklgTJu62VkV6Hv30xhszwyvGjK3DmSftubFlQbYq3aD6D5GvwsbuuX/s1600/IMG_2253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74N17g8Ph1SYsIM24Gl_ScXdqjYKIDCJVj1vRLD82atNArm0RD2Vk9QWKq3uFgFo67HENQ4NQrTkpFaZFG0fvhYklgTJu62VkV6Hv30xhszwyvGjK3DmSftubFlQbYq3aD6D5GvwsbuuX/s320/IMG_2253.JPG" width="259" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gros Horloge (Great Clock) of Rouen is iconic of the city. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The monument that locates the location that Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake. Rouen, France.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rouen Cathedral. The cathedral was consecrated by William the Great in 1063.</td></tr>
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Another highlight of this trip was the visit to the home and studio of <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "merriweather" , serif;">Claude Monet, in Giverny . We docked on the banks of the city of Vernon along the Seine River. We then drove to the beautiful home of Monet which today is a museum. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A local artist paints as we watch.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Giverny is a village in the region of Normandy in northern France. Impressionist painter Claude Monet lived and worked here from 1883 until his death in 1926. The artist’s former home and elaborate gardens, where he produced his famed water lily series, are now the Fondation Claude Monet museum. Nearby, the Musée des impressionnismes Giverny highlights the Impressionist art movement.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vernon, France, in the Normandy area of France. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claude Monet's studio in his home in Giverny, France.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwuVZ9FoXK5TMeoNKHKUuoW3vJssZzHUoNhrv3DoCxhlB940lxDMrHASypDGZ30hRFLaJlYn_2gBWZabtCrd4-O2HUufb37XiamkxQP_32FToy_l0pm4-LTvBXUKps7yI_UDWY6Vs3Mws/s1600/IMG_2302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMwuVZ9FoXK5TMeoNKHKUuoW3vJssZzHUoNhrv3DoCxhlB940lxDMrHASypDGZ30hRFLaJlYn_2gBWZabtCrd4-O2HUufb37XiamkxQP_32FToy_l0pm4-LTvBXUKps7yI_UDWY6Vs3Mws/s320/IMG_2302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "merriweather" , serif;">Another afternoon visit to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "merriweather" , serif;">Auvers-sur-Oise.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "merriweather" , serif; font-size: 20px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "merriweather" , serif;">This traditional French city was the location of the end of Van Gogh's life. </span><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Dr.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Gachet" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Paul Gachet">Paul Gachet</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">lived in Auvers-sur-Oise. He was acquainted with the avant-garde artists of the time. Through this connection,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_van_Gogh" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Vincent van Gogh">Vincent van Gogh</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">moved to Auvers to be treated by him, though he considered the doctor to be in a worse state than himself. Gachet befriended Van Gogh and was the subject of two portraits, one of which,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span><i style="color: #222222;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_of_Dr._Gachet" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Portrait of Dr. Gachet">Portrait of Dr. Gachet</a></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, was sold at auction for over $80m (£48m) in 1990.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Dowd_2-0" style="color: #222222; line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auvers-sur-Oise#cite_note-Dowd-2" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a></sup></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Van Gogh died by a gunshot to the chest. The room on the upper floor of the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auberge_Ravoux" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Auberge Ravoux">Auberge Ravoux</a> where he died has been preserved, although no furniture remains. Auvers-sur-Oise is the final resting place of both Vincent and his brother <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theo_van_Gogh_(art_dealer)" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Theo van Gogh (art dealer)">Theo van Gogh</a>, who died six months later.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Dowd_2-1" style="line-height: 1; unicode-bidi: isolate; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auvers-sur-Oise#cite_note-Dowd-2" style="background: none; color: #0b0080; text-decoration-line: none;">[2]</a></sup></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auberge_Ravoux" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0b0080; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium; text-align: start; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Auberge Ravoux">Auberge Ravoux</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The field where Vincent Van Gogh took his life.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grave of Vincent Van Gogh, Auvers-sur-Oise, France.<br />
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Our final stop on this wonderful trip was in the magical city of Paris. Paris is a vibrant, modern, yet quaint city that is in constant motion 24 hours a day. Everywhere you look in Paris is another history lesson. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moulin Rouge</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paris at night along the Seine River. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconic Eiffel Tower shines against the twilight sky.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bette and I with our wonderful guide Sandrine. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris, France.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Louve along the banks of the Seine River. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Eiffle Tower during the day.</td></tr>
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This was the third time I have visited this beautiful city. It is such a beautiful and rich city. Travel the world, you will see how small it really is.<br />
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Tom<br />
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Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-73363850715784517272018-01-27T12:17:00.002-08:002018-01-27T12:19:24.919-08:00<h2 style="text-align: center;">
St. Maarten Visit January 14-20, 2018</h2>
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During the third week of January, my wife Bette, and I had a chance to go back to St. Maarten. Bette is the Director of Library Resources for the American University of the Caribbean on the Dutch side of the the island. During the month of September a devastating hurricane, Irma, did major damage to the island it's infrastructure and buildings. While on the island, Bette was working, and I had a chance to see some of the major damage. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sonest Hotel, Maho, St. Maarten</td></tr>
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While spending time on the island during the last two years I have had the amazing opportunity to volunteer some time at a local school. The Hillside Christian School, started by an amazing woman, Asha Stevens, is a vibrant school with a very competent staff and administration. The school weathered hurricane Irma fairly well. They lost their main office but were able to reorganize and reopen once the government allowed that to happen. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front of the Sonesta Hotel, Maho</td></tr>
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Back at the American University of the Caribbean (AUC), the damage during the storm was not as bad. The buildings constructed of concrete withstood the hurricane force winds. Winds up to 185-200 mph were recorded on the island. Students and staff were evacuated after many days and just now have returned to the island. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main road through Maho, St. Maarten</td></tr>
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It was evident that cheaply constructed buildings did not withstand the storm leaving them in rubble. The tragedy is that now many individuals are out of work until the island gets back on its feet. There is signs of reconstruction all over the island. Hopefully we will be able to see more new construction when we return again in March. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mullett Bay Lagoon</td></tr>
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The beauty of the island still is evident as you enjoy the warm weather and crystal clear waters. </div>
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St. Maarten Strong!</div>
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Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-86623810930900053422017-09-14T15:55:00.000-07:002017-09-14T15:55:06.461-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a parent we are all looking for a connection that creates a bond with our child. It may be a multitude of things. As our children move into adulthood that bond becomes even more important as we tend to see our children less as their individual lives blossom. My son and I have a love of several things. The first being good food. He has even gotten the cooking bug from me. Another is a love of music. Although he does not play any instruments, no fault of ours, he does have a great appreciation of many kinds of music from Rock, to Grundge, Accoustic, A Capella, Blues, and Jazz. Finally we have an appreciation of sports and follow our teams, especially the Celtics. <br />
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A pleasure of mine is to join him for breakfast, lunch or dinner, in an off the beaten path location. The above photo I took at the Paul Revere Restaurant, in West Medford, MA. A little hole in the wall that has great food and very fairly priced. Don't hesitate to try it.Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-66122206511301515082017-08-23T05:18:00.000-07:002017-08-23T05:18:04.399-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Several years ago my wife and I took a week long windjammer trip on the Schooner Isaac Evans out of Rockland, Maine. We arrived on a Friday evening, boarded and got to know our fellow passengers. We were leaving port in the early morning. When we awoke we were barely able to see our hands stretched out in front of us. We wondered how we were going to maneuver through the harbor. However, our crafty and well trained Captain was able to maneuver us out of the harbor into the open bay so we could enjoy the sights. Several hours later the fog had lifted and the sun shone brightly. At first I was a bit disappointed with the weather but later realized that the fog had provided an opportunity to take pictures such as the above photo (Foggy Morning #1).<br />
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Each morning we would wake and prepare for a new day once we had a wonderful breakfast cooked by the cook and her assistant on the wood fired stove in the very small galley.<br />
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During the day we would enjoy the scenery, take photographs and compare them as this was a photography cruise. Later in the day the Captain would select a spot to pull in for the night as we enjoyed our time on the schooner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07AB2Mf1VrzcikJFufmVSr8eSTIcXITiDhqzCGRO1oDbUdrlaDbiiLsBA0mnxskJT5c7iV4p1jLm4UbvN67TRDtVqVzq66jIvTyyGZ7mzOjnQs6q-HYVnept6AdtpWsqdmCQtQAdRTTH_/s1600/433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07AB2Mf1VrzcikJFufmVSr8eSTIcXITiDhqzCGRO1oDbUdrlaDbiiLsBA0mnxskJT5c7iV4p1jLm4UbvN67TRDtVqVzq66jIvTyyGZ7mzOjnQs6q-HYVnept6AdtpWsqdmCQtQAdRTTH_/s320/433.JPG" width="212" /></a>The first night out we anchored in a quiet harbor and the crew prepared and amazing lobster feast. What else do you eat when in Maine on a schooner? There was lots of lobster, corn, burgers and hot dogs to go around. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner is served!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Safe Harbor for the night.<br /></td></tr>
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During our trip we were able to enjoy the majestic, beauty of the coast of Maine in the Rockland area. <div>
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If you ever get the chance or opportunity to take a trip on one of the the majestic schooners in Maine do not hesitate to do so. It is an amazing experience. </div>
Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-50760336123841314812015-07-21T20:28:00.001-07:002015-07-21T20:28:13.489-07:00Baseball<br />
Summer night, warm sky, and minor league baseball. What is more American than enjoying a baseball game on a warm summer night. The crowd is energetic and the players are playing to show that they are destined for the major league. America's past time. <br />
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<br />Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-60670807750734782772015-07-04T06:27:00.001-07:002015-07-04T06:27:12.345-07:00Celebrate America July 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On July 12, 2014, I had the opportunity to sing on "Liberty Island" with a group of fellow barbershop singers. The National Park service rangers were extremely welcoming and visitors to the island welcomed us with open arms. It was a real treat to join this group, sharing patriotic songs so close to celebrating our countries birthday.<br />
<br />Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-25611328762082229822015-03-29T07:46:00.002-07:002015-03-29T07:50:00.367-07:00Lawrence, MA Everett and Stone Mills Taking a step back in time, I had the opportunity to join Bob Lussier and Steve Perlmutter along with seven other photographers to visit and photograph the Stone Mill (1845) and the Everett Mill(1909) in Lawrence, MA. The Everett Mill was once a bustling cotton mill housing 4,728 looms operated by 2,100 employees of whom 50% were female. These mills now have many vacant floors that provide in insight into history. Walking through the mill buildings one gets a sense of that history viewing the worn, tattered and no longer used areas of the buildings.<br />
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The Everett Mill 6th floor is expansive and empty. However, if you close your eyes and listen you can bring yourself back in time to when the looms were hard at work being tended by the many employees to create some of the finest cotton fabric in the world. The stain and battered window shades provide and eerie lighting to this enormous room.<br />
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The 5th floor of the Everett Mill was a stark white with only this emergency door providing some color to the again well worn work area.<br />
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The attic of the Stone Mill again provides a peek into history. The Stone Mill was used as a machine shop, housing a forge and foundry for the Everett Mill. However, at one time this area housed an experimental worsted wool machinery testing and leading to the eventual production of the popular worsted wool. </div>
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These photos once again taken in the attic area of the Stone Mill display the basically lit areas of the work space. Many individuals toiled to make their living in these spaces. </div>
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This photo shows a sealed door which led to an enclosed walkway from the Stone Mill to the Everett Mill. The only remaining portion of this walkway are the steel beams which still find their way across the courtyard. </div>
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The Stone Mill was built entirely from stone. This is the only mill in the city, which houses many mills from the era, which is built in this style. The slate room provides protection from the elements but also heat in the summer for the many floors.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sixth floor of the Everett Mill. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4TH floor entrance in the Everett Mill. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairway on one end of the Everett Mil. A unique design that added some architectural character to the building. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFY2AYyr8gHuQNgwwEVknKpEgKcE-ZUOP9-9Gxp-_Ye0-ZhOtqox32yTAucFD3AwyCJW2iv22YdWhQVOUJReXsG2LDhsEXNLx2Pb_Rp7vBt1lGBPaQswWzVnw2uEfoXjU_Thjm8ZZEXAS/s1600/Everett+Mill+Valve+(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFFY2AYyr8gHuQNgwwEVknKpEgKcE-ZUOP9-9Gxp-_Ye0-ZhOtqox32yTAucFD3AwyCJW2iv22YdWhQVOUJReXsG2LDhsEXNLx2Pb_Rp7vBt1lGBPaQswWzVnw2uEfoXjU_Thjm8ZZEXAS/s1600/Everett+Mill+Valve+(1%2Bof%2B1).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many pressure valves that can be found in the mills which were originally powered by water from the man made canal which provided water from the Merrimack River. </td></tr>
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Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2230558090568010638.post-3623934540941992952015-02-15T06:15:00.000-08:002015-07-04T06:52:41.480-07:00OAT Costa Rica/ December 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Costa Rica<br />
Visiting the most "environmentally friendly" place in the world was a true pleasure. From December 12 though December 24, Bette, Adam and I, visited beautiful Costa Rica. Traveling once again with our favorite, Overseas Adventure Travel, we flew <br />
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first to Miami, Fl., and then our next flight took us to San Jose, Costa Rica. San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica, is a small metropolitan city compared to large U.S. cities but very cosmopolitan. The charm of the city was reflected in the beautifully restored <b><i>National Theater</i></b>. We then visited a local <b><i>Saturday market </i></b>viewing many different types <br />
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of fruits and vegetables that are not local to our home. Sampling some of these fresh fruits grown locally was a sweet pleasure. <br />
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Our next stop, as we drove through the Valley to <b><i>Alajuela,</i></b> was the <b><i>Doka Estate</i></b>, a 100 year old coffee plantation. We toured the plantation learning about the production of some of the worlds best coffee beans. After a great lunch we were off to the <b><i>Ara Ambigua lodge </i></b> outside the town of <i style="font-weight: bold;">La Virgen. </i>Settling in for the night we were lulled to sleep by the songs of birds and the gentle rain.<br />
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<b><i>December 14, 2014</i></b> An early morning wake-up to join our guide, David Sanchez, for a walk around the grounds in order to see some of the natural wild life, David proved to have an excellent knowledge of the wildlife and natural fauna of the area.<br />
Our first order of business for the day, after breakfast, was a white water rafting adventure on the <b><i>Rio Sarapiqui</i></b>. These are Class I and II rapids, so fairly tame in the bigger picture. The sun broke through the clouds and we enjoyed the view of many different types of birds and several "<b><i>howler monkeys</i></b>". After an exciting and enjoyable wet ride we had lunch at a local restaurant.<br />
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We also had the opportunity to visit with Johnny Sanchez, a local potter, who still keeps the art of clay pottery alive, continuing to use a simple wheel, hand powered to make some beautiful and creative pottery.<br />
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Evening dinner at the lodge and then back to <b><i>Tirimbina Biological Reserve</i></b> for an informative lecture discussing bats and their place in the natural order of the environment.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wing span of the bat. </td></tr>
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Learning about the life of the bat and the different types of bats was extremely interesting. The local scientists had humanely caught several bats that they shared with us. It was quite interesting. A good nights sleep and another travel day ahead.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">December 15, 2014: </i>Today started back at <b><i>Tirimbina Biological Reserve,</i></b> for another nature walk to take in the natural beauty of the area and to see if we could spot some unique animals. We also had our first opportunity to cross a <i>suspension bridge</i>, over the <b><i>Rio Sarapiqui. </i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1fCZRT7LFxfezEjDV4FAJAWC7rXW-kahSqFrBoWsEdSn5hIP0427MIQ3I1u8-PtONu6RQsoSgaBSrBT7GIUFRBCjql4hX6riGBkIf1q-6QSY9VEma30uM7Lv1RYpNaD4jCSJw5jORKoi/s1600/IMG_0106.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh1fCZRT7LFxfezEjDV4FAJAWC7rXW-kahSqFrBoWsEdSn5hIP0427MIQ3I1u8-PtONu6RQsoSgaBSrBT7GIUFRBCjql4hX6riGBkIf1q-6QSY9VEma30uM7Lv1RYpNaD4jCSJw5jORKoi/s1600/IMG_0106.CR2" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bette, crossing suspension bridge. </td></tr>
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It was here that we had to first opportunity to view our first <i style="font-weight: bold;">"sloth". </i>These mammals that are entirely vegetarians snack all day on leaves. The are exceptionally slow and move in slow motion. They are sometimes hard to see as they blend into the trees as their natural coloration<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three toed sloth. </td></tr>
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provides a beautiful camouflage.<br />
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After lunch we leave for our next lodge in <b><i>Chachugua, Costa Rica.</i></b> <b><i>Bosques De Chachagua</i></b>. <span style="color: blue;">http://chachaguarainforesthotel.com/activities/</span><br />
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December 16, 2014:<br />
Today we are going to experience, "a day in the life" of a Costa Rican village. But, before this I wake early in the morning, 5:15 am to take a walk with our guide, David, in order to see any possible sightings of unusual birds or animals. The Bosques De Chachagua, is beautiful, however, once again we are dealing with rain and now some humidity. However, as David and I are the only early risers we venture out among the wooded trails. After walking for over an hour, we returned for a hot shower and a pleasant breakfast. Breakfast staples were rice and beans along with eggs and plantains.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbNvTVnCQac_QHnH4GmXuSJM4udpPvOeceGm4vTWqM1eBd-1R2Q1hvrkvq0_TgApV5EGnJ_1ce_WFpN_KEhAEZbDC2FCJTlpMjyhPvVWc_TLionBdqakeQDaSuobtXD26y-KVgFjf_8RC/s1600/IMG_0161.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAbNvTVnCQac_QHnH4GmXuSJM4udpPvOeceGm4vTWqM1eBd-1R2Q1hvrkvq0_TgApV5EGnJ_1ce_WFpN_KEhAEZbDC2FCJTlpMjyhPvVWc_TLionBdqakeQDaSuobtXD26y-KVgFjf_8RC/s1600/IMG_0161.CR2" width="200" /></a></div>
After breakfast our first stop was at the local home of Rena, a cook from the Bosques De Chachagua, to visit her simple house and to have a cooking lesson. Rena, a gracious<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve Satran prepares empanadas. </td></tr>
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woman, welcomed us to her home and opened it up for us to see simple, countryside living. Also present was her eleven year old son. Rena showed us how to prepare "empanadas",a cheese or meat filled dough. Anyone who wanted could help prepare the delicacies.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOqofnnhtepuGfU_1hEzo2YsCvlRKPGKzxbGXSGZdpzy0dqzM5ZB8u-HZKm3836ZjQX_pGy-6UXKd6sAo_Gmp4csa2AGj1Rhr3059wrugiRcCF_vgp80Rjbs7Fcs53u32kWjfX0eXscds/s1600/IMG_0185.CR2" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNOqofnnhtepuGfU_1hEzo2YsCvlRKPGKzxbGXSGZdpzy0dqzM5ZB8u-HZKm3836ZjQX_pGy-6UXKd6sAo_Gmp4csa2AGj1Rhr3059wrugiRcCF_vgp80Rjbs7Fcs53u32kWjfX0eXscds/s1600/IMG_0185.CR2" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Diaz and our hostess Rena. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iva Osburn and Melanie Satran cooking. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam gets into the act. </td></tr>
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Even though it was a Tuesday, Monday had been the last day of school for two months. However, a special group of children had returned to visit with us and entertain us.<br />
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We were greeted and each led, by a wonderful child, to the gathering area of the school. The children at this time entertained us with some of the local dances and explained their traditional costumes. This school uses a "project based" curriculum teaching the children not only to read, write and do math but they also teach them how to be self-sustaining and to protect the environment through the growth of their own vegetables and farm raised tilapia. The children were extremely proud of their school and just a delight to speak to.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School children greet us. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School children demonstrating their traditional dress. </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Our next stop on this day was lunch with a local family. I had the opportunity to visit the family of the young girl hosting me at the school. We arrived at her and were welcomed by her father, mother and older sister. They lived in a simple home and provided many of the fruits and vegetables along with meat that their family needed to subsist. Mom had made a wonderful lunch for us and we shared stories, in broken Spanish and English with the family discussing our family life and life back in the U.S. We had the opportunity to meet Dad's father who was in his 80's and still doing some fine woodwork. </span></div>
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After our lunch we returned to the lodge and had some free time during the rest of the afternoon. Before dinner was served, David, gave us an opportunity to prepare and eat some "bocas", Costa Rican appetizers. We prepared, some fresh guacamole, tuna dip, fried taco chips, and several other bocas. With the help of our excellent driver, Frank, (who was a great cook) we all enjoyed the food. I also had the chance to do some dancing with Rena, a little merengue.<br />
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After a full day we settled early to bed.<br />
December 17, 2014:<br />
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Our day today began with David giving us insight into the the very profitable pineapple business. Many of the pineapples that are grown in Costa Rica are shipped overseas. He provided us with a clear understanding of the growing process and the knowledge that there was both enhanced growth and organic growth. He also gave us some quick ways to identify a ripe and good pineapple. Bette was thrilled. </div>
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Our next stop was the Organic, self-sustaining farm of Don Juan Bautista. Don Juan had been a school teacher for many years and determined that he could enjoy both teaching and organic farming by starting this farm. He provides a look at sustainable agriculture techniques and the process of growing sugar cane. Our very pleasant and funny guide provided us with a unique look at the life on this farm.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish pond. </td></tr>
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We also had the opportunity to try some local "moonshine" and fresh squeezed sugar cane juice.<br />
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After lunch we headed to the town of <b style="font-style: italic;">La Fortuna </b>which lies at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Surrounded by thermal spas and hot springs this was a beautiful location at the Los Lagos Resort and Spa <span style="color: blue;">https://www.hotelloslagos.com/</span>. Even though the volcano itself was shrouded in clouds for our two night stay. Very early the day we left the sun appeared and the volcano peaked it head through the clouds. <br />
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Arenal Volcano. <span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> A<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 45px; word-spacing: 1.29999995231628px;">renal’s most recent eruptive period began </span><a href="http://www.arenal.net/arenal-volcano-1968-eruption.htm" style="background-color: white; color: #216aaf; line-height: 19.5px; text-align: justify; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 45px; word-spacing: 1.29999995231628px;">in 1968</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.5px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 45px; word-spacing: 1.29999995231628px;"> with an explosion that buried three small villages and left 87 people dead. Up until July 2010, the eruptions had been constant, though much less severe—there were effusions of smoke and lava on an almost daily basis.</span></span><br />
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La Fortuna main plaza.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">Originally called "El Burío", La Fortuna was founded in the mid 1930's by settlers that came from </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ciudad_Quesada" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Ciudad Quesada">Ciudad Quesada</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grecia_(canton)" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Grecia (canton)">Grecia (canton)</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alajuela" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Alajuela">Alajuela</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;"> and other parts of the region. In 1968, the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arenal_Volcano" style="background: none rgb(255, 255, 255); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9200000762939px; text-decoration: none;" title="Arenal Volcano">Arenal Volcano</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17.9200000762939px;"> erupted to the west, killing all in its path, including 82 people. The eruption did not touch the village of La Fortuna. This catastrophe, nonetheless, helped change the destiny of the whole region, making it one of the most visited touristic destinations of Costa Rica.</span><br />
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One of the interesting tours that we took was "The Source of Chocolate Tour." We learned the process of making chocolate out of the cocoa plant and seed.<br />
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After some time enjoying the beautiful and warm waters of the hot springs at the hotel and a great dinner and night's sleep we woke to take on another adventure. This morning we were going to cruise the Rio Frio River and have an opportunity to witness some of Costa Rica's famous natural beauty and wildlife.<br />
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During this trip we had an opportunity to see howler monkeys, Jesus Christ Lizard, Iguanas, Great White Egret, Great Blue Heron, and Bare Throated Tiger Heron. We also had lunch on our boat at the Nicaraguan Border.<br />
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Our next destination after spending another night at the Los Lagos Resort was the province of Guanacaste. Here we will be spending several days and nights at the <b>Buena Vista Lodge. <span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.buenavistalodgecr.com/">http://www.buenavistalodgecr.com/</a></span></b><br />
The Buena Vista Lodge lies in the primary forest of <b>Rincon de la Vieja National Park</b>. <a href="http://www.anywherecostarica.com/attractions/national-park/rincon-de-la-vieja">http://www.anywherecostarica.com/attractions/national-park/rincon-de-la-vieja</a> This beautifully situated lodge is beautiful and peaceful. After arriving in the later part of the day we gathered to witness one of the most beautiful sunsets that I have had the opportunity to see. <br />
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Then next day we horseback rode into the park to the "hot springs" to relax. Here we had some fun with my son, Adam's, waterproof camera.<br />
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After the morning horseback ride, hot springs a great lunch we had the opportunity to go zip lining. Along with our guide and fellow travelers Adam and I suited up and enjoyed the challenge. Our guide David also challenged us to ride upside down. Adam and I took the challenge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKkFUfemBQ1G7mBmrdVcjNCYH6qzCoRUNcSQN4ten7Nd_mXvMKEPw0ZwFjb0D7AinjRZl6OlBiwBo8KFX6s3wY9iHc_nFKcagodsxc3flrGRmeNwQs-MXk91nTRfO7ZSljPBhtiqUknS6/s1600/untitled+(16%2Bof%2B20).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiKkFUfemBQ1G7mBmrdVcjNCYH6qzCoRUNcSQN4ten7Nd_mXvMKEPw0ZwFjb0D7AinjRZl6OlBiwBo8KFX6s3wY9iHc_nFKcagodsxc3flrGRmeNwQs-MXk91nTRfO7ZSljPBhtiqUknS6/s1600/untitled+(16%2Bof%2B20).jpg" width="150" /></a>Our small group of travelers who took on the zip line challenge. I even went upside down. A unique experience.<br />
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Adam, upside down zip lining.<br />
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Our next day would be spent taking the overland route to the Pacific Coast to the province of Puntarenas. Once we arrived we had the opportunity to go to <b>Agujas Beach</b> for an outrigger canoe excursion with the friendly guides from Jacko Kayak and Canoe. <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g309271-d1234079-i35887556-Kayak_Jaco-Jaco_Province_of_Puntarenas.html">http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g309271-d1234079-i35887556-Kayak_Jaco-Jaco_Province_of_Puntarenas.html</a><br />
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Again a wonderful experience with the paddling, snorkeling, and beautiful sunset.<br />
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Adam and Bette enjoy the warm, relaxing water. </div>
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Getting ready to snorkel. </div>
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Pacific Ocean snorkeling. </div>
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Puffer fish. </div>
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Bette and I enjoy the begining of the sunset. </div>
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Paddle partners. </div>
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Paddling back to the beach. </div>
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Pacific sunset. </div>
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Jacko outriggers. </div>
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After a restful night at our hotel the Villa Lapas Hotel <a href="http://www.villalapas.com/">http://www.villalapas.com/</a> we are going to spend the day hiking and swimming in <b>Manuel Antonio National Park.</b> <a href="http://www.manuelantoniopark.com/mapk/default.asp">http://www.manuelantoniopark.com/mapk/default.asp</a><br />
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On our short hike to the beach we were able to see many different types of monkeys and wildlife, including Halloween Crab and Pit Viper snake, and a very docile deer.<br />
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A lonely vulture sits awaiting his prey.<br />
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Pit viper along the trail. </div>
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A friendly deer along side the trail.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt118EvXPAsQ6J2S-nxoSUcHlXYhJV_ccyt13u7_jL56pxpx2UDq01SvQnIv0xhNMaCAloP96USHgjpou1K4CT058pDYJGr4WakRy0rNmr8_lg51_s9KethnF7kNO1eaOtj1CSDELtIHw/s1600/Adam++(5%2Bof%2B13).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">uchin </a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEt118EvXPAsQ6J2S-nxoSUcHlXYhJV_ccyt13u7_jL56pxpx2UDq01SvQnIv0xhNMaCAloP96USHgjpou1K4CT058pDYJGr4WakRy0rNmr8_lg51_s9KethnF7kNO1eaOtj1CSDELtIHw/s1600/Adam++(5%2Bof%2B13).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> Capuchin monkeys are playful and irritating. If you are not watching your belongings they will steal them away looking for food.</a></div>
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A sloth hangs in the tree. </div>
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After a wonderful lunch overlooking the Pacific Ocean we returned to the hotel for a relaxing night. We would be moving the next morning to our next destination which was our last, San Jose, where we began our trip. However, we would experience another boat excursion on the Rio Tarcoles, noted for his wildlife and especially the crocodiles.<br />
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Lunch stop overlooking the Pacific Ocean. <br />
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I ate the whole thing. <br />
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Rafael Tarrazas Restruant near Manuel Antonio National Park. <br />
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Taking a tour of the Rio Torcoles to see some more wildlife including the crocodiles.<br />
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After completing this tour we then headed for lunch and our final ride back to San Jose. A final dinner with our group from Overseas Adventure Travel along with our guide David. We also got an opportunity to meet David Diaz's beautiful wife Irene. All in all we had a wonderful trip with many unique experiences. Our thanks especially to David for allowing us into his life and the life of his country. Also thanks to our fellow travelers for making this a wonderful trip.<br />
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A few random group shots from our trip.<br />
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Where is that bird?????<br />
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Preparing for the rafting excursion.<br />
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Rafting buddies.<br />
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David explaining some of the wildlife.<br />
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Marjie helping to prepare the clay.<br />
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Our host lunch family.<br />
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A refreshing drink.<br />
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Learning about the wild plants.<br />
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Carol and Bob learning about the horses.<br />
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Group photo.<br />
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Carol, Bob, Melanie and Steve.<br />
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Ride em cowboys and cowgirls.<br />
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Craig and Claudio underwater.<br />
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Bob successfully traverses one of the lines.<br />
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Carol on her way to the end.<br />
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Steve about to land.<br />
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So where to now???<br />
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A refreshing swim in the Pacific.<br />
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Some beach yoga led by Shital.<br />
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Lunch at Rafael Tarrazas, Manuel Antonio National Park.<br />
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Our great guide David Diaz. I think we will adopt him.<br />
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Tom Bissonnettehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09159100260304020269noreply@blogger.com0