CONVENT STATION,NEW JERSEY

family
This was a sad occasion to get together as Aunt Audrey passed away after her battle with cancer over this past year.  I met Denise in New Jersey and we stayed the weekend and toured the grounds that Aunt Audrey had spent for most of her life. We stayed across the street at the Madison Hotel which was quite grand yet homey.

Hilltop Steak House closing in Saugus

Hilltop Steak House closing in Saugus

HILLTOP TO CLOSE FOREVER :(

Wow! Hilltop announced it was closing in ten days on Oct 20th and everyone came out of the woodwork...now I can't even imagine how Boudy and his kitchen crew are managing this crowd!

 

 

Phantom Gourmet

At 6:30PM tonight, The Hilltop Steakhouse had at 4.5 HOUR WAIT! If you ever ate at the Hilltop, please share this post.

rooftop view of the full parking lot

NANTASKET WITH COUSINS

After the all day tour around Weymouth, we met up with Cheryl, Cindy and Donna at Paragon Park.  What a fun night we had eating dinner outside at the beachfront restaurant, walking the beach, riding the carousel, laughing in the funny mirror and sitting on the dolphin. Lots of catching up to do.

 

 

 

ROAD TRIP-WEYMOUTH

Denise and I got up and headed down to Weymouth where we revisited our childhood homes, of which there were many.  We had lunch at the Venetian for mom's sake and ice cream at DQ, for our sake.  we discovered that the dilly Bars were not as delicious as we remembered, but the chocolate dip was heavenly.

 
 
 

ROAD TRIP-BURLINGTON MALL

 We started Kohl's.  Waited for Boudy to come. Then on to the Burlington Mall and ended by meeting up with Cindy for dinner at 99...delish! Didn't have much luck in stores, but had fun anyways!

 

ROAD TRIP-BACHELORETTE FINALE

Stopped off to pick up  "Andy's" girlfriend, Wendy. Then. back to the hotel to watch the Bachelorette finale.

 

ROAD TRIP-CHRISTMAS TREE SHOP-LYNNFIELD

Usual traffic on 128.

OK, we're in Mass.

                       First things first. Coffee and Shopping.

ROAD TRIP-QUECHEE STOP

We were truly strolling down to Mass. Already 2 1/2 hours on the road and still in VT! Stopped at the Antique/Toy store. Andy seemed to enjoy this place a lot. And us, well we finally had to walk out with heads down, so as not to look at stuff anymore, otherwise...we would never make it to Mass.

ROAD TRIP TO MASS WITH ANDY

Stopped in Woodstock to see what fun could be had.  And here is where we found" our Andy". We felt a great sense of accomplishment already and the trip was only beginning.  Next stop, down the street at Maplefields for lunch where I had a surprisingly really tasty salad with Tuna. 

FAMILY REUNION

Fun time had by all at this years' reunion in VT.  Perfect weather, tons of food, conversation and laughter.  It was great to see everyone again.  We did miss all those who were unable to attend though, especially mom and all the aunts who have been struggling with medical issues and those caring for them.

MASSACHUSETTS VISIT

breakfast with Boudy and cindy

time for coffee!

Swampscott

Saugus at Greg's store

couldn't figure out a way to get me in the pic

Swampscott

Pupu platter and fried rice at Kowloon

it's obvious that we have Indian in our bloodline!
 

Boston Skyline from Nahant

Cannot tell you how great is was to visit with my siblings.  We had such fun being tourists in our old stomping grounds. Denise and I were able to fit in some marathon shopping, as well as visit with Boudy and Cindy each day.  We enjoyed our favorite eating establishments...Hilltop and Kowloon. I especially like the feeling that although things change through the years, things also stay the same. Only wished there was more time to visit more people....maybe next time?