.: A New England Tradition

With spring briefly emerging every few days, I have realized that we only have a few weeks left before our time is consumed with one sports event after another. I have decided that we must take advantage of the few Saturdays a year that are tucked in between near arctic temperatures and full days in pop up canvas chairs on the sidelines of soccer, lacrosse and baseball fields. So this past Saturday we left Sudbury for the Pioneer Valley, which is the middle section of Massachusetts, stretching from top to bottom. Our main event for the day was a tour of a maple sugar house, with breakfast served in an adjoining tiny cafe. After that we had no plans but to meander along the Mohawk Trail, stopping at any point that caught our attention. We did our research on sugar farms and followed one windy New England country road after another until we reached our destination, a little maple farm truly off the beaten path. Smoke billowed out of a small red shack and as soon as we stepped out of the car, the sweet smell of maple syrup engulfed us. A burly New Englander, donning a plaid flannel shirt and rubber boots welcomed us. This was his farm, which had been in the family for over a hundred years. We had chosen the ideal weekend to enjoy this Northeastern tradition. The weather was ideal for maple sugaring, with freezing temperatures at night and warmer temperatures during the day, allowing the sap to run. He walked us around his property, pointing out maple pails, tubing running from the trees to the boiling house and the gathering process that only takes place a few weeks during the year. He then took us into the sugar house. We learned all about sap boiling, the grades of syrup and why this area of the world is just perfect for maple.

After plenty of questions, we thanked the man and were turned over to his wife and daughters in the cafe. They brought us Belgian waffles heaped with blueberries and french toast and pancakes for the kids. Of course each plate was dripping with maple syrup right from the very trees that we could see from our table.

Afterward we sat around the family's fire pit, with a box of maple sugar candy to share. We found that the pace in this area of the state was much slower than what we are used to. While we warmed up, Sophia and Annelise headed off to play Indians and Ezra searched for muddy puddles to stomp in and treasures to find.

Upon leaving, one of the son-in-laws pointed us in a scenic direction where he promised we would see quaint town centers and white steeple chapels while on our way for a quick peek at Historic Deerfield.

Along the way we realized that Jonathan had learned not only about maple sugar, but also about family businesses. He suggested that we start a family business of our own. After a moment in thought he decided that a hair salon would be great for our family.(I always thought it ironic that despite having few skills or interest in the art of hair styling, each morning I am requested to curl, braid, twist or straighten three heads of hair.) The girls could work in front, cutting and dying the hair, and the boys would work in back, managing the books, he suggested. I mentioned that the backroom workers would also be responsible for such duties as mixing dyes and sweeping up locks of hair. Suddenly I don't think he could quite see the concept becoming a reality. Later I asked Emiie about her future as a beautician. She was unenthused.

After a short drive through Deerfield, a picturesque town that we visited last spring break, but that Steve had missed, we arrived at the Yankee Candle Factory. This was also a favorite spot that we visited last year. This time the kids were excited about the additions to the retail area. We first entered a toy shop that rivaled FAO Shwartz in every way except scale. There was truly something for everyone, including a Santa's workshop where the girls made green paper carnations for St. Patricks Day.

We then made our way to the candle dipping area. Jonathan and Emilie immediately spotted the wax hand creations and Annelise had her eye on the candle making area. Sophia picked out a ballerina candle to dip and for just 99 cents, I let everyone dip their own tappers.