Typical Street in the Fall

I’m not originally from Mansfield; my family had relocated from Walpole, Ma when I was about 8 years old.  Never the less, I consider Mansfield my hometown and have many fond memories growing up in such a quaint, family-oriented atmosphere.  After many years living in Massachusetts, I relocated to Lakeland, Fl.  Although I love the “laid-back” lifestyle of Florida, there are many things I miss in Massachusetts.

First and foremost, I miss all my family in Massachusetts.  When I moved to Florida, my parents joking said, “It’s the parents who are supposed to relocate to Florida, not the children”.  Thanks to unlimited free long distance phone calls and the Internet, I am still able to keep in touch with everyone on a daily basis.  I still feel somewhat involved in the special occasions I have missed and am always receiving pictures and videos of my Nephews as they grow older.

Secondly, I miss the changing of the seasons.  It’s funny, when I was moving, everyone said how lucky I was to live in “paradise” and have beautiful weather all year round.  It’s true, we do have phenomenal weather in Florida, but when it’s a daily event you don’t appreciate it as much.  For those of you who have never had the opportunity to visit New England and experience the seasons, I will describe my recollections of the seasons in an upcoming post.

Machine Making Salt Water Taffy

One of my most missed guilty pleasures from Massachusetts is the food.  Perhaps if I had grown up in Florida, I would not feel the food in New England is quite as good; it’s all in what you grew up with.  Every region has a different take on various types of food.  The seafood available is Mass is outstanding.  To have fresh lobster straight from the boat to the pot is like nothing you’ve ever tasted!  Walking along the beachfront on the Cape (Cape Cod) and stopping to nibble on some fresh salt-water taffy is another perk of New England.

I am fortunate enough to fly back “home” a few times a year to visit.  Since I am able to keep in close contact with my family, everyone understands what I most miss and they make every effort to embellish me.  I will be heading up North again soon and, in between visiting family, enjoying the weather and eating, I will take some scenic pictures to post.