MONTHS OF NEGLECT (Part 3) August-September 2019-New England to Utah

I began August 2019 in Vermont. My host was the epitome of the rugged and hospitable that one would expect to find in a place that experiences harsh winters but is beautiful year round. I don’t think I’ve ever eaten so many good meals, fine beverage, incredible company and conversation in such a short span of time. New England felt like home and I’m sure it had to do with the quality people who live there. This was a region where I felt at ease in everyone’s company, not worrying what I was saying about politics, religion..anything.

The people I encountered went back generations. Vermont contains some roots of my cultural, LDS (Mormon) heritage. I visited the birthplaces of both Joseph Smith and my great-great-great grandfather, Brigham Young. The first video has to do with my love affair with the area. If you wish to see the interviews go to the YouTube channel and click on playlists to find the states and people you see featured in the video.

I went to Maine after Vermont and was hosted by a generous family on Long Lake near Naples. It was a most memorable week. I saw two bald eagles, loons and other critters: truly pristine. i went to a Congregationalist meeting. I tried to go to places of worship wherever I found myself, especially if my hosts were practitioners. This family is carrying on a tradition that their parents began of spending summer months together. There were three siblings and some extended family there the whole time. They were extremely well educated and well traveled. I’m not sure how many doctoral degrees were there but every conversation was enlightening and positive. It reminded me of the Medici Effect, where masters from different disciplines get together to discuss issues from a variety of informed perspectives. I was very fortunate. I interviewed Frank and there are both a long and short version of the interview.

The following interviews in New Hampshire, Boston Massachusetts, and Mystic Connecticut were all revelations to me, shedding light on ideas and insights that I’ll carry with me the remainder of my life.

I spent two nights in Rhode Island but was unable to get an interview. I drove through New Jersey and Ohio talking with but not recording people.

The most popular interview, the one with the most YouTube hits is Janet in Pittsburg. I also interviewed Jeff but for some reason the video did not record the first 7 minutes. You can still get the sound. He forwarded me pictures of himself. I found his interview and insights very helpful. I think you’ll agree.

I then drove back to Michigan and left my car with my daughter and her family while I flew out to do some business in Utah. I interviewed Gary in Michigan who is someone with both feet firmly planted and who gave a unique perspective on current events and some very sound advice for people starting out in life. I was able to interview my cousins while in utah for that week and I also interviewed Dave at the airport on the flight back to Michigan to retrieve my car. Dave was short and to the point.

The car. You probably noticed by the picture that it was in the shop. It was rear ended while my daughter was driving it in Michigan. I’m so glad she and her cello were unharmed. The car didn’t fare as well. I ended up driving it almost non-stop from Michigan to Utah where I took it to a friend who has a bodyshop and who did a wonderful job repairing the damage. Thank you Carl.