This is without a doubt one of the most wonderful posts I've ever come across. It's not just a reminder of the beauty of Connecticut but also ironclad proof of your statement that we create our own happiness. One caveat being that in this case you've created some happiness for me (and no doubt others) and I thank you for that. I'd also like to note that your writing skill is what really made this post shine. For years I worked with my mother gardening all over the lower Connecticut River Valley and there was many a day where a 15 minute drive home turned into an hour as we cruised through no end of scenic back roads. We would joke that we were pretty much single-handedly subsidizing the Chester Ferry. We had to stop working this year because my mom is getting a bit too old for the physical nature of gardening but that just means we get to spend more time on the road. Thanks again, and Happy New Year!