vermont jaunt, part 2

After our trips to the two wineries, I realized I was running on scone alone. So we decided to leave the island and search for edibles. And in South Burlington, we saw a sign. Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chicken. Hey, I like all three of those things. And then we saw another sign. Lots of plump and overweight folks, streaming in and streaming out. Hey, that's gotta mean this place is full of greasy deliciousness! And it was. And the line was long. We feared it was going to be like the Soup Nazi, but we fared pretty well.


One or two, one or two, one or two...I couldn't decide! One chili cheese dog it was. The cheese is tucked there on the inside of the bun. And this was pretty satisfying...the chili was not as thick as I like, but it did a good job. Matt was considering asking them if it was all-natural cheese or cheese product, but Michael and I worried that would cause a minor scuffle, so we persuaded him not to.


And he avoided the cheese altogether, opting for a chili dog with jalapenos. He asked for both ketchup and mustard on it, and then quickly backtracked, asking only for mustard. Just in time! The server behind the counter said, "Ahhh, you were about to water down my chili! I make it every day...75 pounds a week!!" Holy chili.


Michael got the cutest little burger, and he proclaimed it "how a Big Mac should be."


Cup, pint or quart of fries. I wonder if you can supersize to a gallon. The fries were good, a little soggy and nothing to dream about. Sadly there were a lot of little runty brown bits in Matt's order.


But enough of that...we had to get ready and go to Andy and Bina's sangeet! A night of music and dancing, at The Old Lantern in Charlotte.


What are we going to eat next? I wore my big pants.


A buffet of Indian appetizers...samosas, pakoras, tandoori...


We lounge outside for awhile because it finally stopped raining! And the evening was a lovely one. That big ol' barn was hot, so it was nice to get some fresh air.


And then we heated ourselves up again with some spicy Indian food.


Tim's got the whole glamour pose down: chin down, eyes up.


Michael's having a private moment. What dialogue do you hear in your head?


Gooooooool! Doesn't it look like we're on a soccer field?


But sweet Jesus, what is this!?


Matt and Tim don't know it, but they're doing the dandiya raas dance and apparently love it.


Tim goes all Danielle a la Real Housewives of New Jersey. He takes his stick dance seriously. Who is this guy? Let's crucify him.


Aw, but the boys are just having a good time! Enjoying themselves and their sticks.


Uh, spoke to soon! Tim makes his moves.


Matt wards it off, but Tim plays bashful.


Oh, but might I?


And...he does.


And, once again, they seem to love it.


I, on the other hand, am loving my Indian sweets! My favorite is the Laddu.


More stick moves with Andy the groom.


The boys take a moment to shake off what they've just done.


Linda and I carry on.


The boys really try and pull themselves together. Hear no evil. Speak no evil. Make some evil.


Time to cluster together on stage! That only means its time for Trippindicular!


Everyone, make sure your backs are turned at ALL TIMES, except for Andy's.


Tuning? Or Playing?


Playing or tuning? Apparently the mass likes to stay huddled in the corner or pressed up against the wall. That's Andy on guitar, Matt on bass, Kristin and Tyrone on keyboards, Tim on machine, and Michael on keyboard as well, yet he has chosen to press himself up against the opposite wall to shake things up a little.


These were the thoughts in my head: I think they're going to start now. But why would they be crouching? And what is Tim fiddling with on the floor? Somebody, turn around! Why is Michael tuning all the way over there? Pull it together! Let's get going! And scene.


Soon enough, it was time for The Specimen! Do U Damage!


We approve this message!
Me: Wait, when's Trippindicular starting?


None of us got this memo.


The next morning, we head over to Shelburne Farms to get acquainted with some animals.


Off the road, or on the road? Off, or on? Which looks better?


So peaceful! So pastoral! I want.


Let's move it! Michael scolds us with his iced coffee. Is iced coffee pastoral?


Danger!! Oh no...where are they?


Oh God, there they are!


Here they come!


These, not so much.


They quickly surround Matt. I think they want that iced coffee.


I crouch down cautiously and am immediately pecked.


Rule this kingdom of chickens, boys!


Aggggghhhhh!!


I've fallen, and I can't get up! Actually, she's just pregnant. Just chillaxin'.


Sweet, sweet Marigold, all silky and chocolatey. Also, chillaxin'.


Marx the calf. Working on his manifesto, I suppose.


Matt lures him over to check his documents...


...and I give him some massages and rough lovin.


Marx returned the favor with slobbery licks on my arm. Ew.


Now this thing...this thing was stalking around, all angrily and stuff. Probably because he had to wear that thing on his head all day.


Jeebus, are you near? Get me outta here!


We wander over to a shed to see if there's some action. Nope. Just some meandering.


What the? This prompts us to get into some Sean Connery dialogue.


Make us some cheese, lady! And "do a good job!"


Oh! Uh, thanks.


Herb garden. Mmm...no surprise there.


We do a little hike to the highest point, and voila!


Such bounteous beauty! With the main house in the distance.


Fine, if we must leave this wonderful retreat...


It will only be for food. At the Farm Stand, we order an array of sandwiches that were all outstanding.


So outstanding, that we need a wagon to take us away.


And we will eat our sandwiches on your wagon. Pull us away, we say! Pull! Heave, ho!


And the kind lady pulled us away.

Next: A finale, Andy and Bina's wedding at Shelburne Farms!