Evan and I drove to Salem MA (the Witch City) Thursday afternoon for dinner. We spent the night at the Hawthorne Hotel, a lovely old establishment in the heart of the city. We had dinner at the Old Spot, a pub right across the street. There were stacks of the book
The Lace Reader in the hotel, a very good novel set in Salem and written by a Welch cousin named Sandy. Her pen name is Brunonia Barry. The book is selling well all over the country, and has been translated into at least five or six other languages. The movie rights have also been picked up. She and her husband just completed a USA book tour, and are departing for Italy after Christmas for a tour in Europe. They are down to earth, great people. We have also met her brother Mark-a lively, entertaining fellow who got a law degree in his fifties after a successful career as a plumber! He can surely entertain with humorous stories of practicing law!
We had a nice breakfast in the fancy hotel dining room and rode to Marblehead to visit a wonderful toy store named Mud Puddle Toys. Evan and I had a great time selecting gifts for the grandkids.
We finished our shopping and went across the street to visit Fraf in her office. It seemed strange to be in the office with her, after hearing so many wonderful tales of the newspaper, and to see the computer she uses so much!
Mud Puddle Toys - A place with very few battery operated toys!
Sign on Fraf's Office
Office Door
Evan and Fraf
Hi!
Caricature of Fraf Writing one of her Columns
Fraf with none other than DUSTIN HOFFMAN!! He was in Marblehead making a movie several years ago!
All in all it was fun, and we look forward to going again. Marblehead is a very old , beautiful place.
4 comments:
Years ago, when Nick and I were first dating, he rented a Carraige house on Marblehead neck(67 Nanapashemet Street). He rented it from a very nice woman named Honey O'Neal. I only visited there a few times in the harsh winter months...but it was beautiful.
Sounds like such a fun trip!!! What a cool name for a toy store, a place where kids can have as much fun as playing in a mud puddle!!!
Interesting all the boxes and "stuff" piled up behind Fraf, hmmmm, looks familiar!!! ;)
Frafs office! Now I know where she is when I chat with her!
Isn't travelling fun! No matter wher or why, the excitement and discovery is enlightning and creates great memories. Glad oyur having fun!
Post a Comment