Thanks for all your helpful thoughts! Cady, the Loeb Library site should keep everyone busy until the spring thaw. Ginny, I am working my way through what appears to be a bit of very interesting history and much of what I know to date is 'hand-me-down' information as told by former plantation managers and head gardeners. Will shortly meet with an elderly lady who evidently has a complete set of pictures of the garden's construction. This landscape design was done in the early 1930's. I am hoping that the LA made historical reference to the earlier days of the plantation before house was burned during Civil War. I will post details when certain of facts. If the landscape plan and related papers are at Loeb Library as I was told, it appears that there may still be a need to review them at the Library. Will first see what results from e-mail contact. Thanks again, everyone.

Logee's in Conn. has a good selection. Danielson, right near the RI border. Directions From Boston, MA - 93 South to 95 South to Providence to Route 6 West (follow directions above from Providence, RI). Total distance 75 miles. From Hartford, CT - 84 East to 384 East to Route 6 East to Route 12 North/Main Street. Straight through town then left onto North Street at third traffic light. Bear right at the split, LogeeÂs is 4/10 of a mile on the left. Total distance 49 miles. From New York City - 95 North to 395 North direction Danielson. Take exit 92. Take left at bottom of exit ramp/second stop sign. Proceed to second traffic light Route 12/Main Street), right onto Rt. 12 to first traffic light, then left onto North Street, bear right at the split, LogeeÂs is 4/10 of a mile on the left. Total distance 156 miles. I've been meaning to get there myself ~Chills

I'm in southwestern CT, and I don't think you want to drive all the way down here. Plus, my Icon twins are 3 years old at this point. When I was looking, these had just come out. The dealer only had the side by side on the floor--they were gorgeous and I ordered them from the picture. The research I did implied it was a toss-up as to reliability, and since Elec had just started the new Icon brand, I knew buying them would be iffy. I bought the extended warranty, which I NEVER do, but I have had absolutely no problems--kind of like taking an umbrella to guarantee it doesn't rain LOL. I suggest you look at ANY Icon refrigerator on the showroom floor to get an idea of the quality of the brand. If you like what you see, then go for it. Hedge your bets by getting the extended warranty also. I know some people on this site prefer two fridges or a freezer in the basement, but I found I forgot about a lot of things in the garage or basement, resulting in spoilage or duplicate purchases. I love the fact that EVERYTHING is visible, plus they have been very energy efficient. If you want to see a picture of mine, follow the link to my 2008 posting from when I completed my kitchen. Here is a link that might be useful: Nuccia;s Kitchen

Plymouth Rock is a possible venue, but don't expect too much. Local historians will tell you they do not know if that is the actually rock the Pilgrims stepped on when going ashore. It was a possible choice and once chosen, tourists chipped away it carrying pieces away until it was half gone. It is now protected by a fence around it. However, moored nearby is a replica of the Mayflower and that is worth a visit. Pay a fee to go aboard and look around. Docents will explain life aboard. I found the navigation tools interesting and learned that the navigator was one of the most important members of the crew because he kept track of where the ship was. His job was hard due to primitive instruments. The clock was an hour glass. Time was adjusted at noon each day the sun could be seen. He periodically measured speed of the boat with a rope tossed overboard with a drag board attached. The rope had knots in it at measured spacings and he counted the number of knots that played out during a time period and then made the speed calculation. That's where the term, knots, came from. These measurements had to be taken continuously, day and night, to track the ship's progress. The ship is small. I could imagine how difficult and dangerous that a crossing of the Atlantic must have been. One other thing: Look up the punctuation of the word, Quincy. It is not pronounced the way mid-westerners or westerners say it. Folks around the Mayflower exhibit are quick to correct your pronouncement if it does is not meet the accepted local standard. Think "Quinzy".