It was a bit sad leaving our BNB to move to another hotel, unfortunately we could not extend our stay.
The next hotel was definitely a study in contrasts. We went from a clean Airbnb in a mythical fairyland to an understaffed Hojo's between a Staples and a Chili's
They changed our room the second day to a room without black mold in the bathtub. It was slightly better. Really can't complain too much about a Hojo's during a pandemic; you get what you pay for.
Speaking of which; the breakfast.... was an attempt.
I swear they looked up "breakfast" in the dictionary and attempted to manifest a somewhat palatable approximation. The pancakes were wobbly bits of dough and the coffee was sometimes good and sometimes mud. It went down and I am still alive; so it worked at least.
We spent the rest of our time in Amherst visiting my uncle and watching Korean Zombies on Netflix.
( " Train to Busan" and "Sweet Home" )
We usually ate at my Uncle's or had sandwiches; but I did get a patio lunch when no one else was hungry.
110 Grill; good fish tacos and friendly staff!
That last day I met my mom at the Barnes and Nobles by the mall, then we went to my uncle's to watch some more Zombies.
The drive back to Maine was rather fascinating. We stopped first at Atkins Farms Market to get snacks. It is in a peaceful, scenic setting surrounded by hills like the rest of the Pioneer Valley.
Before we left the Valley my mother showed me a new Mill Complex in North Amerst full of little shops and some quirky art, then stopped at a farm stand. The corn was delicious.
A final stop in Keen before we went home. We had more bad coffee and took a lovely stroll around town. The place had a nice feel to it, but was oddly loud.
We were so tired when we got back to my mother's we just zonked.
The next day we were out again. We went to see my brother in Damariscotta for a repeat of pizza and a movie. This time we saw the first episode of "Titans", "Captain Marvel" and more "Mandelorian."
After a long nights sleep we had coffee and a donut and we're off to Unity. I saw " Magic Poop" candy at the dollar store on the way; how
poignant.
We are now in Unity visiting my aunt and uncle. We had a lovely dinner of eggplant and corn and are watching mysteries. I will hopefully take more photos tomorrow but until then; check out this spider stalking outside their front door.
It has been a good visit to New England so far; but sad. Every other day I learn of a new tragedy; An old school friend, a beloved pet, an aunt's father. I feel as if death is slowly circling and I have to fight off sadness with a pitchfork. I am not giving in until it is my time, I need to enjoy my food while I can still taste it.