UCAAN Change a Life Road Trip - Day #9 - Friday June 24th, 2016

Day #9 - Rochester, NY to Kent, CT - "Experiencing Life"

"Experiencing Life is about taking time out to enjoy the little things, the simple things in life that in most cases cost nothing. When dealing with cancer it's hard not to stress.... but take a moment out of every day to enjoy something that makes you happy" ~ Rachel Shur

 

 

As I sit in this huge house that started off as a barn probably a century ago, I reminisce about the days travels. Today, despite the long day, was a simple drive. Uncomplicated with the craziness we tend to get caught up in. We have now mastered our constant packing and unpacking of our car, we have practically worked it to a science of the best ways to get in and out of hotels and today was the first time that we arrived in a town with ample town to really experience it.

   

Our drive was the standard kind, we drove some freeways through areas of upstate New York which were gorgeously green, lined with trees and lush landscapes. We made a few pit stops at a few travel stations and noticed some interesting signs on the road ways for "Parking Stops" without restrooms. The sign accompanied with these signs said TEXT Stop. You've guessed it, these stops were meant for people to park and text, discouraging people from using their phones while driving - way to go NY! At one of the pit stops, we saw something that looked like a farmer's market, as we approached there were 2 Amish girls; one younger and one older. The older one was in charge of the booth, selling their delicious fruits, vegetables and honey. The zucchini was unlike any I had ever seen in California, they were huge!! And talk about a steal... $1 for one or $2 for 3 of them. I couldn't help it and bought 2 for us and one to give to the family hosting us in Kent. I also bought some green pea pods, strawberries, green onions and honey.

When we reached Route 22, which was like a mystical path into what felt like another world. Within minutes of driving down Route 22, we were off the beaten path driving through a forest of trees that curved and created archways down the road. The beauty was breathtaking, serene and so different from the busy hustle and bustle of our town of Thousand Oaks. The road continued to curve through trees and then small towns with huge homes on even bigger pieces of land, it felt like a calming place with little shops and signs for school buses and people living a simple life.

Eventually we saw the sign for Kent, we had arrived! We drove down one street that we ended up at a small one lane road that drove through a very small bridge, on the other side with more of KENT - like I said it seemed like we were going to another place, a mystical place. The streets are lined with small businesses, people running shops out of their homes, a little cafe and a huge library book sale in front of the library. As you drive down the roan Main Street, you come across even more quaintness in this town of only 3,500. You find yourself feeling at home, looking at the shops, the local Kent Dentist, the small jewelry shop with hand written signs, the bowls of water in front of stores to encourage the locals and the visitors to bring their dogs out for walks in town. Through the town, right near where we are staying are train tracks. Past that is home of the Fife and Drum, a restaurant & Inn established in 1973 by Dolph Traymon and his wife Audrey. (Find out more here: http://www.fifendrum.com/)

My family has been friends with Dolph & Audrey Traymon for over 50 years and I remember coming here as a child, staying at the large yellow Victorian home behind the inn, where Audrey & Dolph call home. Behind the house is a large barn, that has been turned into a remarkable home for Audrey & Dolph's Daughter and son in law Elissa & George, While we are not immediate family, we feel like it here. This home is amazing and so much love and creation has gone into it. You will see from the photos.

When we arrived here today, Doryn and I went exploring... venturing out into the town of Kent to experience life in a small town. We walked past the numerous art galleries and shops, stopped by the local library outdoor book sale, walked past little shops and locals. Families walked down the road, enjoying local restaurants and sights. We found ourselves stopping by a local coffee shop, filled with tea, coffee and sweet treats, we were just looking for a healthy nibble, so we went 2 doors down to see what a local sandwich shop had in store for us. Doryn and I shared a Turkey BLT, delicious and enough to share!! We enjoyed our snack and then walked back to the barn. We walked past some local sculptures and posed with them, taking photos and enjoying the other local art work sculptures on the street including the bush like sculpture in front of the Fife n' Drum - except they were metal letters swirled together, very cool indeed!! From what Audrey told me the town is filled with sculptures like this one (the Alphabet one) throughout the town!

When we returned to the Barn house, we took some time to relax before heading to dinner with Dolph & Audrey. The last time I saw them was when I was 16, that's 20 years ago. It was so wonderful to see them. Now this is a couple that met 66 years ago, when Audrey was 19 and Dolph was 29, within 6 months of meeting they were married! Amazing how things have changed over the years huh!? 66 years folks.... and they still look at one another like it was yesterday I'm sure. The love in their eyes.... beautiful.

So tonight we enjoyed a delicious dinner at the Fife n' Drum with Dolph & Audrey and a wonderful singer named Kendra (i believe) who sings often at the Fife and brings her own crowd. Boy was it hopping for this little town of Kent!!

 

 

 

I forgot to mention. When we first arrived in Kent and met up with George and Elissa, we went to the Fife, my first time in 20 years and on the door was a sign - it was all about me coming to town to speak to cancer patients in the area!! VERY COOL! Elissa told me that she had been informing people in the community about my talk and people were very excited! I am looking forward to it, no matter how many people show up; as Information is Information whether it's 50 or 5 people! The information will spread like wildfire.

So, I'm still sitting here... writing about today like a wonderful story. I hope that you one day decide to come and visit Kent, CT to experience all that Doryn & I have. I hope you have a bite at the Fife and stay at the Inn. Visit and enjoy the shops and feel the energy of this small but strong community!

 

Oh! I forgot to mention, the house here rattles as the train passes by. But at first when you hear it, it sounds much like a helicopter about to land... then you feel the rumbling followed by the train horn. It's a surreal experience, but it kept Doryn and I listening for what was next.

Here's to a wonderfully magical day and a good night's rest!