Cummings Candy and Coffee House

While in Butler, Pennsylvania, I was sure to stop at Cummings Candy counter, one of the oldest such shops in the United States. Of course, these days more people stop by for the coffee, I think. But I made sure to pick up some peanut brittle for the road.

Rosehaven Bed and Breakfast

 

Stayed at the Rosehaven Bed and Breakfast in Butler, Pennsylvania while on my book tour.



 

 

It was a lovely room and an even lovelier breakfast. There was so much food! But somehow I kept eating it.



 

Much Ado About Nothing

My wife and I actually met on a UB trip to this production in 2002, even though we wouldn't officially 'meet' for another 2.5 years. I can still see her there, next to Roxie Ray in the lobby. I thought she was cute, and checked her out across the theater (their seats were not with ours) during the show. True story.

Butler Civil War Roundtable

I had a great time presenting Becoming Tom Thumb to the Civil War Roundtable of Butler County, Pennsylvania. It is the farthest I've gone (so far) for an author event. They asked great questions and we all enjoyed an evening talking about Charles Stratton and his circle.

Zeno's, State College

Stopped by my old haunt of Zeno's, in State College, Pennsylvania. It was fun to take my wife back to this legendary graduate school pub.

I'm afraid I don't have the tolerance for alcohol I did back in grad school, when I could drink two pitchers of beer myself. But I still had a great time visiting this English department mainstay.

In related news, I have an elegant solution to Zeno's paradox. But I'll keep that to myself for now.

20 Minute Therapeutic Yoga Flow

Felt the need for better flow today - so I watched this video by a friend of mine, Jenifer Parker. She's a wizard with her yoga, and a fantastic teacher. She already fixed my posture, which, let's face it, needed a lot of work.

Pleasure Beach

I appear in this short documentary about Pleasure Beach by some very ambitious and adept Westport High School students. Great job, guys!

The Walrus and the Carpenter

The Walrus and the Carpenter in Black Rock is the best new thing to appear in Bridgeport for a long time. It took the place of the Ash Creek Saloon, of which the less is said the better.

I went there with some colleagues from the University of Bridgeport and we dug into a menu full of heart-stopping treasures, from poutine (above) to maple pork belly (below).

Fried oysters...

Pulled pork...

Scallops and pork belly (a different cut as you can see, thick and wonderful)...

 And ribs, which I had. And I would be remiss if I didn't mention their cornbread, which was delightful. Not a bad dish in the lot; everyone went home satisfied and pleased. High-quality smoked meats (done right on the premises) served with class and genius. Keep up the great work!

Big Book Club Getaway 2014

Enjoyed appearing at the Big Book Club Getaway this year. Dr. Ruth (above) appeared with her usual energy, and Debbie Macomber headlined. We actually had no idea what she looked like and offered to sign the copy of History of Connecticut Food that she was carrying around!

I was on a panel with Diane Smith (the "ambassador of Connecticut" for those who don't know), Garrison Leykham of Those Diner and Motorcycle Guys, and Chris Jones of the Monte Cristo Bookshop in New London.

It as an honor to meet Diane Smith, who is currently reading Becoming Tom Thumb in preparation for another event, my appearance at the Old State House in Hartford this summer.

And Garrison and I had a good time signing each others' books and chatting about Connecticut diners! The event had more people than last year, and I can only hope that every year gets bigger and bigger.

Noah's Restaurant, Stonington, Connecticut

Stopped by Noah's Restaurant in Stonington the other day for a delicious lunch.

It was recently made famous by the movie Hope Springs with Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones.

I must say that the food was great - a perfect place for lunch, and my new go-to place in Stonington.

Presentation at La Grua, Stonington

I enjoyed speaking to the people of Stonington at their new community hall, La Grua, about Tom Thumb. Everyone enjoyed it, and I don't think I've ever had so many questions. Thanks for inviting me!