… and I don’t think I’ll be taking pictures of the Triborough Bridge or Queens Midway tunnel anytime soon. Today Jen was in the city for an interview with a talent scout. A fairly un-assuming building on E36th Street in NYC, Jen vanished for a half-hour whilst I waited in the lobby and talked with a delightful old Italian lady by the name of Isabel.

To be here was a huge relief as earlier we were caught completely by surprise at the idiosyncrasy of New York law. Whilst waiting to pay a toll I, stupidly in retrospect, took a picture of the Triborough bridge. Next thing we were being pulled over by a police officer. I was completely suprised to find out that it was illegal to take a picture of or from this bridge since 9/11. After consulting with a couple of other officers, and obviously aware of my complete surprise at this, we were gladly let off with just a caution and the deletion of all the bridge photos on the SD card in the camera. As we drove off we both breathed a huge sigh of relief.

After Jen’s interview Isabel wished us well, and we were on our way again. We drove across town to Battery Park to meet with some friends of Jen’s, and eat lunch at Steamers Landing before spending 3hrs in traffic getting home. Gotta’ love New York traffic. Whilst on I-87 we passed Yankee Stadium, in the heart of the Bronx.

Well I have another job interview on Thursday, 9th. An agency in New York has seen my work and is interested in talking with me, it’s all pretty exciting stuff. Last week, Thursday, 2nd I was being interviewed at the World Wrestling Entertainment HQ in Stamford and am waiting to hear back from them. Fingers crossed.

After leaving the comfort of the air conditioned car I figure I’d lost a half-pint of sweat in just the short walk from to the waterfall. The 250ft waterfall was pretty amazing to see and was even more amazing to walk up. Even with the comfort of the shaded woods the heat was exhausting.

After Kent Falls we continued to drive North until we came across a familiar town called Cornwall. Only 20 mins away from the state line and into Massachusetts the villages become more quaint and the abundance of covered bridges became more apparent.

We stopped at another waterfall just outside Kent that fed a Hydo-Dams further downstream.

I pondered… as “gas-guzzling” as alot of people make America out to be I have noticed alot of Hydro-Dams and other re-newable energy sources. I empathised a little with America for the brush its been tainted with in matters of the environment and green energy sources.  

Later that day as I read a National Geographic Picture Atlas of “Our Fifty States” I realised we’d travelled a section of the Appalachain Trail, a 2000+ mile trail running all the way from Maine to Georgia ! and I also learnt why Connecticut is called the “Nutmeg State”. Apparently Yankee peddlers, in the earlier days of settlements, sold fake nutmegs carved from wood instead of the spice itself. huh! learn something new everyday.   

So it was kinda’ funny on a casual trip to downtown Danbury and the local CVS (Chemists), to find a whole section of “Boots” products. “Boots - Britains Best Kept Beauty Secret”. I chuckled.

Good old England. Tescos is trying to crack the US market to compete with Walmart’s acquisition of Asda in the UK, and now Boots. I wonder what’s next ! … lol as my beautiful wife just pointed out… “a good ol’ English Pub” !!  So there you have it : )

Tom and April, good friends of Jen’s, kindly said we could borrow their boat and lake house anytime. So taking them up on that offer we headed out Sunday night to spend a couple of days R&R here.

With wildlife in abundance, including bugs… it’s been a very relaxing couple of days. Squirrels and Chipmunks on the lawn, regular visit’s from Ottis ( next doors golden Labrador ), and a thunderstorm over the lake last night that was more spectacular than any fireworks display.

Sitting out on the covered deck, listening to the wind bristle through the trees, watching the lightening bugs dance in the dark, specs of tiny light, like Tinkerbell dancing amongst the trees. The lake illuminates again as another crash of thunder rattles, and lightening parts the skies.

Today has been a little more sedate. A slow rise and guests over for a full English Breakfast. I discovered the best place for “English” food is the Irish section of the local supermarket. Bacon like we do in Blighty, Baked Beans, HP Sauce and for $9 a small tub of Cadbury’s Drinking Chocolate. The rate my sister drinks that, she’ll need a small loan !

Then onto a little tea-shop that Jen has spotted before, such an unassuming little place. Tucked away behind the hustle and bustle of the bigger shop front’s on Danbury’s High Street. Nestled on the side of a tranquil lake, and a selection of tea greater than I’ve ever seen this side of the Atlantic. Assam, Chai, English Breakfast and a few infusions of coffee and we’re all set.

Earlier this afternoon we were out on the lake in the canoe, until we get our boat licenses we can’t drive the boat. Some of the houses here are amazing with celebrities living in some of the more prime locations. We paddle past an island, a house stands proud. It’s an amazing site. Sun beating down, blue skies and a gentle current ebbing us along.

New Haven County really is amazing to see at this time of year, the start of fall in New England. Anyway just a couple of pictures today.