A cup of Assam Tea

    The month of December always transports me back to my hometown, to the delightful years of growing up, holding my deuta's hand, walking around in the book fairs, and visiting different book stalls. The crisp scent of those books is still in my mind, so fresh. Reviving and reliving those winter December days, we visited RJ Julia's Bookseller, an independent bookstore. Visiting an independent bookstore is an experience, one and unique. Set on the serene shoreline of Connecticut in the charming town of Madison, RJ Julia's Bookseller offers a diverse selection of books for adults and children, catering to a wide range of interests.  Serving for more than 30 years, this two-story bookstore with its delightful and helpful staff genuinely feels blessed to have visitors. Additionally, a charming and cozy cafe offers delicious sandwiches, soups, tasty desserts, tea, coffee, and refreshing cold beverages. I had artichoke and spinach dip with tortilla chips, and hubs had Paninis...

 A beach has its own beauty, whether sandy or rocky, and the landscape of a wide-open green meadow has its own beauty as well, but when both come together under one roof, it creates magic.  Located in Waterford,  Connecticut,  that's how I'll probably describe Harkness Memorial Park...magical.    If you are someone who loves the beach or someone who loves to spend a day picnicking with family with a built-in charcoal grill, or someone who is looking for a venue for a wedding or special event or just any photoshoot or you are an avid fitness enthusiast who loves to workout in heart of nature, there is plenty of places for all that or plenty of space for kite flying or just roam around and gaze the shore and get a glimpse of new England's beautiful colonial houses along with the long island sound there you are. If that's not enough, add to it the gorgeous 230-acre mansion called "Eolia," with a painstakingly manicured lawn and a serene garden featuring vivid ...

 Happy New Year, everyone. A brand new year with new hopes and new planning and whatnot. This year I took it a bit slow and steady, not going overboard on anything.  Taking it slow does not always mean doing nothing, but rather doing something at your own pace. Also, in New England, winter has just begun, and we are limited in what we can do due to COVID-19. Keeping myself or the kids inside all the time is not a good idea, so we decided to go for a short outing. Then, Saville Dam came to mind. Nested in the quaint countryside of New Hartford, Saville Dam at Berkhamsted reservoir was built in 1940. I had been to Saville Dam many times and experienced all the seasons except winter. Every season offers its unique beauty. Spring and summer offer crisp blue skies, sparkling water, and emerald green mountain backdrops, while autumn provides a vibrant color splash against the sweeping view of the mountains.  But visiting Saville Dam in winter is a solitary experience. Even thou...