This is the time of year when everyone seems to be in a giving spirit.  The Coginchaug Regional High School in Durham Ct is doing there part with the  Coginchaug Regional High School Community Round-Up tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  At the Community Round-up the Coginchaug Regional High School will be collecting donations of Food and Gift Cards for needy residents in the area.This is a great way for these young High School students to learn the true meaning of giving, and for the community to come together and help them in their effort.  So if you can stop by the Coginchaug Regional High School Community Round-Up tomorrow from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Durham, CT with a food donation or a gift card you will be a part of making this a happy time of the year for those in need.   ... 12/01/2017

School Craft Fairs are a excellent way to show support for local schools, and this Saturday is an opportunity to do just that by stopping by the Coginchaug Regional High School 2017 Holiday Craft Fair.  School Craft Fairs are also a great way to find special Christmas gifts for those hard to buy for people.I still remember when my two sons were in school, my wife and I would spend our day helping to set up, man a booth, and then help take down things at the end of the day.  It was a lot of work, but it never seemed like work, it was fun.  Now we get to just go and enjoy the Craft Fairs we use to assist at.If you are near Coginchaug Regional High School in Durham, CT. this Saturday stop in, and support the kids with even a small purchase.  You will not only be supporting the kids, but fe... 11/02/2017

      Fourth Blog Of The 2017 Progression Of Fall Colors In Durham, CT.  We are in the middle of Fall here in Connecticut, which means I am half way through my Progression Of Fall Colors series I started six years ago.  The first two years the pictures were of a farm which is only about a minute walk from my house.  Three years ago I decided to change the location for the 2014 Progression Of Fall Color Series to a lake about 5 minutes from my house on RT17.  I tried that location for two years, but the colors were not as good as I expected them to be.  So last year I decided to change locations again to this present location on a site of Lyman's Orchards in Durham CT. As I have done for the last six years, I will post pictures of this same spot at different points throughout the Fall t... 10/27/2017

  November is the month for Christmas Craft Fairs and Bazaars, and there will be several Craft Fairs and Bazaars over the next few week.  One of my favorite ones to go to every year is the Epiphany Christmas Festival Bazaar, In Durham, CT. At the Epiphany Christmas Festival Bazaar this weekend there will be: Food Crafts Jewelry Homemade Baked Goods Gift Baskets Raffles There will also be several Vendors on hand at the Epiphany Christmas Festival Bazaar, such as: Pampered Chef Tastefully Simple Nancy's Vintage Shop Jamberry All Natural Soaps   With so many booths and vendors at The Epiphany Christmas Festival Bazaar, In Durham, CT. this weekend, this may be the place to get most of the Christmas shopping out of the way, and avoid all of the crazy mall shopping and parking.     Church of... 10/26/2017

I don't know about you but I love good chili.  I am not so hot on mac & cheese, but I love good chili.  So I am going to make it a point to go to the Church Of The Epiphany In Durham, CT 2017 Chili & Mac & Cheese Cook Off this Saturday, October 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. With all the Craft Fairs going on in the area I would suggest making it a point to stop at of few of them as well.  The Craft Fairs would be a good way to work up a good appetite before stopping by the The Epiphany In Durham, CT 2017 Chili & Mac & Cheese Cook Off this Saturday, October 28, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and enjoying  some of the best chili and mac & cheese around.     *****************************************************************************************************  Info about the author: George So... 10/22/2017

    Third Blog Of The 2017 Progression Of Fall Colors In Durham, CT.  Fall Has arrived in Connecticut, which means it is time for my Progression Of Fall Colors series I started six years ago.  The first two years the pictures were of a farm which is only about a minute walk from my house.  Three years ago I decided to change the location for the 2014 Progression Of Fall Color Series to a lake about 5 minutes from my house on RT17.  I tried that location for two years, but the colors were not as good as I expected them to be.  So last year I decided to change locations again to this present location on a site of Lyman's Orchards in Durham CT. As I have done for the last six years, I will post pictures of this same spot at different points throughout the Fall to show the progression of t... 10/20/2017

    Second Blog Of The 2017 Progression Of Fall Colors In Durham, CT.  Fall Has arrived in Connecticut. which means it is time for me to begin my Progression Of Fall Colors series I started six years ago.  This is a series I started six years ago and have continued it ever since then. The first two years the pictures were of a farm which is only about a minute walk from my house.  Three years ago I decided to change the location for the 2014 Progression Of Fall Color Series to a lake about 5 minutes from my house on RT17.  I tried that location for two years, but the colors were not as good as I expected them to be.  So last year I decided to change locations again to this present location on a site of Lyman's Orchards in Durham CT. I posted my first blog this year in the 2017 Progress... 10/14/2017

  First Blog Of The 2017 Progression Of Fall Colors In Durham, CT.  Fall Has arrived in Connecticut. which means it is time for me to begin my Progression Of Fall Colors series I started six years ago.  This is a series I hoped to continue for many more years to come, and have been able to do so far. The first two years the pictures were of a farm which is only about a minute walk from my house.  Three years ago I decided to change the location for the 2014 Progression Of Fall Color Series to a lake about 5 minutes from my house on RT17.  I tried that location for two years, but the colors were not as good as I expected them to be.  So last year I decided to change locations again to this present location on a site of Lyman's Orchards in Durham CT. I am starting the 2017 Progression Of... 10/10/2017

   The largest agricultural fair in Connecticut is the Durham Fair, and the 2017 Durham Fair will be going on all weekend.  As always rain or shine the Durham Fair draws a large crowd.  Most years it tends to be a 50/50 chance of rain, and this year the chance of no rain does not look to good with hurricane Jose making his way up the east coast. Every year the Durham Fair is packed with activities and entertainment for the whole family, such as the dog show in the picture to the right.   There will also be excellent musical performers like the Brothers Osborne on Friday night, and Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo on Saturday night. As always the fair will have rides, exhibits, animal pulls, and food that you only get at Fairs, liked the chocolate covered bacon that I am munching on below. Th... 09/21/2017

The 2017 Durham, CT 4-H Fair is going to be held at the Durham Fair Grounds this coming weekend, Friday through Sunday.  This is a great opportunity for the whole family to do something together. I don't know if you have ever been to a 4-H Fair, but there is something of interest for everyone in the family.I don't think people associate Connecticut with agriculture, but truth be know Connecticut has a number of working farms throughout the state, and Middlesex County has many more than people may be aware of.  I live in an area of Middletown known as South Farms, and within walking distance of my house there are at least four working farms.Some of the events and things to do at the 2017 Durham, CT 4-H Fair this year include: Several Farm Animal Shows Dog Show Robotics Demonstrations Art... 08/03/2017

  The 2017 Durham Farmers Market has been underway for a couple of months now and will continue through September.  The Durham Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:-00 p,m, in front of the Durham Town Hall, and across from the Durham Post Office on Main Street in Durham, CT.  It is held right on the Durham Green, and there is ample parking. One of my favorite things about Summer is all of the Farmers Markets in the area, and the Durham Farmers Market is one of the better ones in my area.  The Durham Farmers Market offers up a variety of local grown fruits and vegetables, as well as home made baked goods. It is impossible to go to the Durham Farmers Market and not purchase more than originally planned, because everything their just looks so good. I would encourage a... 07/14/2017

  I know it might seem strange to be talking about football in the Summer, but registration for the 2017 Durham & Middlefield, CT Youth Football & Cheerleading is now open. If you live in Durham or Middlefield, CT, and have a child between the ages of 6 - 14, you can start signing them up for Football and Cheerleading. This is an opportunity to get your son or daughter involved in a community sports program, and make some new friends.  And who knows may be it is your son that wants to Cheer, and your daughter who wants to play Football. Visit the dmfalcons.com website to find out how to register you child for the 2017Durham & Middlefield, CT Youth Football & Cheerleading.  Don't miss out by waiting to long to get your child registered, for the 2017Durham & Middlefield, CT Youth Footbal... 06/14/2017

The last Go Far Go Fast 5K event was this past Winter, and it went so well that another Go Far Go Fast 5K Will Be Held Tomorrow, June 3rd at the Durham Fairgrounds in Durham CT.  Unlike the Winter Go Far Go Fast 5K there will be an event available for every age group, and fun for the whole family.There will be 7 categories of events for this Go Far Go Fast: 5K- Adults ages 18+ 5K- Grade 7-12 1 mile- Grade 7-12 Little tots-Bean race- age 4 and under: 1/3 mile United Kids Race 1/3 Mile 1/2 mile-age 6 and under 1 mile- up to 6th grade (split by gender) 2 mile-up to 6th grade. The race schedule will be as follows: Registration & Race Bag pickup: Friday 6/2 6-8pm; Saturday 6/3, 7:00-8:45am 8:00 am 5K adult ages 18+ AND 5K grades 7-12 8:45 am  1 mile grades 7-12 9:30 am  Bean Race 1/3 mile 9:... 06/02/2017

   If you are looking for a pet, then the Homeward Bound CT Shelter Dog Adoption Event This Weekend May 20th & 21st at the Durham Fairgrounds Cow Palace located on 24 Town House Road, Durham, CT is the place to be.  At this event you can not only be able to adopt the dog you are looking for, but also rescue one. Homeward Bound CT is a group of friends who are committed to finding homes for dogs in kill shelters not only in Connecticut but across the country as well.  I am not a pet person but my oldest son and daughter in-law is, and they have three rescue dogs.  However, I do recognize the need to rescue these dogs, so for anyone who is looking to bring a dog into their home, rescuing a dog from one of these kill shelters is the perfect way to do it. At the Homeward Bound CT Shelter D... 05/19/2017

 Lyon & Billard has been hosting an Annual Home Show since 1990, and this weekend is the 2017 Lyon & Billard Home Show In Durham, CT.   Admission is free as well as parking at the Durham Fairgrounds on 24 Townhouse Road, Durham, CT.Below is a video with a little more information on the 2017 Lyon & Billard Home Show In Durham, CT.  If you are in the area this weekend, make sure you stop in at the 2017 Lyon & Billard Home Show In Durham, CT YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED!!!   ****************************************************************************** Info about the author:George Souto NMLS# 65149 is a Loan Originator who can assist you with all your #FHA, #CHFA, and #Conventional #mortgage needs in Connecticut. George resides in Middlesex County which includes #Middletown, #Middlefield, ... 04/07/2017

  My favorite weekly stop is a small specialty market called Lino's Market In Durham, Connecticut.   Every week either myself or my wife go to Lino's for all our deli, meat, catering, and specialty food needs.  Lino's also has the fantastic prepared food, soups, and the BEST chicken cutlet sandwiches you will have ever eaten.  Lino's Market In Durham, Ct. opened in 1994 at 472 Main Street in Durham, Ct. by Pasqualino Aparo (Lino) an American Italian and his family, and it is not unusual to see Lino at the stove doing much of the cooking. From the outside Lino's Market In Durham, Ct. may not seem like much, but OH how looks can be deceiving.  Once you step inside you will be treated to one of the best deli's I have ever been to.  Everything is cooked fresh daily by Lino, and staff.  Eve... 03/29/2017

 We are into the holiday season and that means it is Santa Claus time, and what better way to spend time with Santa than at the Lyman Orchard Brunch With Santa On December 4th, 11th, & 18th In Durham, CT.  A brunch with Santa is also a way of creating a life long memory for the younger members of the family.Besides getting to meet and have brunch with Santa, you will also get to meet Mrs Claus, and Santa's Elves, and have pictures taken with them.  However, you can't just show up on December 4th, 11th, & 18th, you have to make reservations by calling (860) 349-6043.  Dates have already started to fill up so do not delay in making your reservation for the Lyman Orchard Brunch With Santa On December 4th, 11th, & 18th In Durham, CT.Below are the dates and times for the the Lyman Orchard Br... 12/03/2016

        This is my Final Blog Of The 2016 Progression Of Fall Colors In Durham, CT, and also my entry in the "Real Life" category of Dick Greenberg ActiveRain contest,  "The ActiveRain 2016 Photography Contest".   None of the pictures were altered, except for being cropped. Fall is just about over and Winter is arriving in  Middletown Connecticut which means my Progression Of Fall Colors series I started five years ago is coming to an end for another year.  This is a series I started four years ago and hope to continue for many more. The first two years the pictures were of a farm which is only about a minute walk from my house.  Two years ago I decided to change the location for the 2014 Progression Of Fall Color Series to a lake about 5 minutes from my house on RT17.  I tried that lo... 11/27/2016

      Sixth Blog Of The 2016 Progression Of Fall Colors In Durham, CT.  Fall Has Arrived In  Middletown Connecticut. which means it is time for my Progression Of Fall Colors series I started five years ago.  This is a series I started four years ago and hope to continue for many more. The first two years the pictures were of a farm which is only about a minute walk from my house.  Two years ago I decided to change the location for the 2014 Progression Of Fall Color Series to a lake about 5 minutes from my house on RT17.  I tried that location for two years, but colors were not as good as I expected them to be.  So for this fifth year in my Progression of Fall colors series, I am going to try a new site located at Lyman's Orchards in Durham CT.  I went by this site last year and thought... 11/19/2016

      Fifth Blog Of The 2016 Progression Of Fall Colors In Durham, CT.  Fall Has Arrived In  Middletown Connecticut. which means it is time for my Progression Of Fall Colors series I started five years ago.  This is a series I started four years ago and hope to continue for many more. The first two years the pictures were of a farm which is only about a minute walk from my house.  Two years ago I decided to change the location for the 2014 Progression Of Fall Color Series to a lake about 5 minutes from my house on RT17.  I tried that location for two years, but colors were not as good as I expected them to be.  So for this fifth year in my Progression of Fall colors series, I am going to try a new site located at Lyman's Orchards in Durham CT.  I went by this site last year and thought... 11/13/2016