We welcome Declan Charles Haverhampf, born September 20, if the 2am text message I received was close on the heels of his arrival.

We hear everyone is doing well.  What say you, fifer or drummer?

The Mariners will be performing in the annual Guilford Fair parade this Saturday morning, the 19th of September.  Parade steps off at 10am.

Apparently, so will at least one of the ‘Fying Wallendas.’

Now, as if these guys weren’t fascinating enough on their own merits, I have some dim memories of childhood when every stupid acrobatic thing I tried (that mostly ended in disaster) was referred to as “tryouts for ‘The Flying Wallendas’”  So there you have it: for me- hometown parade, hometown memories.  Hope to see some of you there.

From the grounds of scenic Fort Griswold, the Nutmeg Junior Ancients Muster.

Two very nice photos by Lisa Kirt-Palm:

The fort has quite the history and a beautiful view over the river of downtown New London.

From the Fort Griswold website: “This is the historic site where, on September 6, 1781, British Forces, commanded by the infamous Benedict Arnold, captured the Fort and massacred 88 of the 165 defenders stationed there. The Ebenezer Avery House which sheltered the wounded after the battle has been restored on the grounds. A Revolutionary War museum also depicts the era.”

The obelisk in the left of the first photo that bears remarkable resemblance to the Washington Monument, being designed by the same Robert Mills, is also open for climbing, all 160-something steps.  And from those lofty heights I captured these interesting, if mediocre, photos of the Westbrook Juniors on stand.

The Muster Season’s winding down, but there’s still time to get out and lift a pint with us in Marlborough or Sudbury MA. Hope to see you there!