November 1, 2007

Wow! Awesome! Aren’t we lucky?! I am referring the magical landscapes blanketing the Berkshires during October. Together with balmy temperatures, the great outdoors beckoned us almost daily! One of the best activities we experienced was when son Robert and I walked the “HAYMAN!” route—strategically placed scarecrow figures in the center of Pittsfield made from wood and hay, dressed in a wide assortment of clothing and accessories. They were standing on sidewalks and grassy lawns, climbing walls, peering down from rooftops—even hanging from a tree!  

“Mom!  This is so cool!” 

We couldn’t decide which one was best, but we did have our favorites! (We hope they do this again next year!)

As we enter November, my family will head north to Williamstown for the Family Day at The Clark set for Nov. 3.  Their special program, Home Is Where the Art Is really caught my eye…. literally of course!  From noontime on, we’ll join other families in a “Welcome Home” party of favorite Clark paintings that have been traveling around the world. It’s great because it’s free and includes a full afternoon of fun inside and out— art making, gallery talks, games, a “welcome home” movie marathon, and hiking.

“Hey Mom, they’re including map reading on Stone Hill.  Can we bring our compass?
And do you think maybe later we can have dinner in a restaurant?”

Hmm. There are a couple of restaurants on Spring Street in Williamstown that I’d like to visit – Spice Root Modern Indian Cuisine and Sushi Thai Garden.  There’s also Jae’s Restaurant on Route 7. I noticed they feature a “Zen Kids Menu” that includes vegetables, fruit and dumplings.  Amazing, a kids’ menu that is nutritious! Yes, I think we’ll definitely consider that.

We’ll also need to gear-up for Berkshire Museum’s 23rd annual Festival of Trees, opening Nov. 17 to Dec. 31 in Pittsfield.  Berkshire businesses are invited to decorate life-size trees according to the theme – On The Move. This year for the first time it’s a scout activity, for Cub Scouts Pack 1, Pittsfield. Our group will design a mini tree for this community event. The museum also features other family activities during the festival so there’s no doubt we’ll visit numerous times.

Coincidently, next door to the Berkshire Museum is the Colonial Theatre and on Sunday Nov. 25, at 4 p.m. we’ll be ringside watching Shaolin Warriors; Legendary Masters of Kung Fu.  Since Robert’s karate classes have taught him a lot over the years—it’ll be quite exciting to watch!

On Nov. 17, our family plans to visit Hancock Shaker Village, Pittsfield for their Day of Thanks.  It’s free admission for those who bring canned foods for families in need. 

This year, Thanksgiving Day is Nov. 22.  My family has a couple of options to consider: celebrate the holiday at home, travel to share it with relatives or do something new and really meaningful like volunteer in a local kitchen serving dinners to many who are in need of good food and good friends.  Come to think of it, we probably should make a visit during a November weekend to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge. The Four Freedom’s Gallery offers an inspiring focus on America’s freedoms. As Americans, there’s no time like the present to be reminded of who we are and why we need to be thankful.

“Mom, I wonder what Norman Rockwell would think of America if he was still living today?”  

Boy!  The mouths of children speak amazing things.  Happy Thanksgiving everybody!