Happy Birthday, New England Bloggers!

Elizabeth, over at Thoughts From an Evil Overlord is the brain child of New England Bloggers. We are a group of bloggers from the six New England States of Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. In one year, our membership has grown to over 120 members with active blogs. To celebrate our one year birthday, Elizabeth has encouraged us to do a  post that relates to our interesting region.

New England is the only place I have ever lived.  Most of my life was lived in Massachusetts (the western part of that state). Here is where my life began.......

(A lot has changed since the 1950's)

 
Most people think of the beautiful and historical Berkshires when you mention Western Massachusetts.  My favorite part of Western Massachusetts has always been the lovely and well known five college area.

Amherst, Massachusetts has been named the number (1) College town in North America. The Amherst area offers the prestigious Amherst College, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, and the University of Massachusetts.

The other New England state that I call home is Rhode Island  (the smallest state in the US). It's funny when we were on vacation one time and we told the waitress we were from Rhode Island, she said, "what state is that in New York"? LOL

The entire population of the State of Rhode Island is just over (1) million people (2008 population was 1, 050,788). But, if you have never been to Rhode Island it has so much to offer, despite the high taxes, high unemployment and corruption that you may have read about at some time.

Appropriately coined the "Ocean State," Rhode Island has more than 400 miles of scenic coastline, featuring more than 100 public and private beaches. Their pristine beauty is one of the state's most appealing attributes.  And, don't forget to take a tour of the Newport Mansions (a fabulous place to visit). Home to Ivy League Brown University , or perhaps you'd like to send your child to a University with views of the ocean, like Roger Williams University or Salve Regina University , and I could not go without mentioning The University of Rhode Island (not on the ocean, but only about (5) miles away).

How about a few of the lovely Rhode Island Libraries.

(Not just one, but three great public libraries in a town of 28,000)

 

Many of you have asked about the photo in my blog's header. HERE is some info about it's history.

How about food favorites when visiting Rhode Island.  The personal favorite of friends and family is RI Clam Fritters (please don't ask about calories...if you plan to make and eat these; you just don't want to know.....trust me)! It's worth it though....LOL

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 can (6-1/2 ounces) minced clams
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/3 cup diced onion
• Oil for deep-fat frying
• Tartar sauce and/or lemon wedges, optional

Directions

• In a bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and pepper; set aside. Drain clams, reserving 2 tablespoons juice; set clams aside. In a small bowl, beat the egg, milk and reserved clam juice; stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Add the clams and onion.
• In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat oil to 375°. Drop batter by tablespoonfuls into oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, turning occasionally. Drain on paper towels. Serve fritters with tartar sauce and/or lemon wedges if desired. Yield: 14-16 fritters.

And just for a little nostalgia........Here is a photo of the High School I graduated from.

Isn't it a lovely building?

(Built in 1921, it was a beauty, but then, all good things must come to an end, so in  2004 a brand new High School took it's place)

(With every modern convenience you can imagine, but I'll always like the old one better).

I can't choose whether I like Massachusetts or Rhode Island better as (we call them both home), but, don't believe just me, there is so much more to be experienced by living in or visiting New England.  For a virtual tour of more of what New England has to offer, check out this site.

Be sure to stop by Elizabeth's Blog during the week as well. She has posted a Mr. Linky so you will be able to tour New England all week by visiting the blogs of those New Englanders who are participating. Thanks to Elizabeth for coordinating this effort.

HAPPY VIRTUAL TRAVELS.