Meeting George (and Jane)

I like going on outings, but it rarely occurs to me to plan them,

so I love it when someone else does. 

Like today . . .

. . . when Joy suggested that Anna and I join her . . .

. . . on a tour of the Boutwell House in Groton.

It was the home of George S. Boutwell,

who served as Massachusetts' youngest governor (up to that point*) at age 42.

He later served as a U.S. Senator,

and as Secretary of the Treasury under President Grant. 

It was fun to walk through the house and see

the fancy antique stove . . .

. . . the colorful vintage decor, 

and a dress one of the Boutwell ladies wore to a wedding

(I suppose that was the 19th-century version

of a "little black dress" you could wear to any event).

The house also serves as a museum,

with temporary displays that change throughout the year.

I couldn't help smiling at this fiercely optimistic comic:

"Cheer up!  The more you haven't got,

the more there is to get!"

*Jane Swift holds the current record as our state's youngest governor.

She took office in 2001 at age 36.

She was also the state's first female governor, 

and the first U.S. governor ever to give birth while in office,

delivering twin daughters a month after starting the job.

She worked hard to improve public education,

and helped our state navigate tough times (financially and emotionally)

in the months following 9/11.  Thank you, Jane!