My mother and I have used Peter Signore for more than 30 years to clean out the septic tank as required by ordinance. Peter is reliable and reasonably priced. They left the grass in perfect condition and gave our compliance document to be filed in the Old Lyme Village Hall. We highly recommend this family business. Use a phone to reach Peter 860-859-2319

I have been disappointed with nearby bakeries until I started frequenting Pursuit of Pastry. They made a flourless chocolate torte for my son's birthday which we drove up to Boston last weekend. It was yummy and nicely decorated. For Thanksgiving, they made a Frangipan pear tart and a pumpkin pie for traditionalists in our family. The pear tart had a layer of raspberry jam and was unbelievably delicious. We selected the wrong kind of rolls but this was not their fault. Basically, we are Francophiles; we should have selected crusty french bread/rolls instead. The prices are reasonable and the baker is delightful.

Wednesday, I ordered a table for Saturday evening for 5. When we arrived, we were told we would have to be downstairs right next to a large Bachelorette Party. I asked to sit upstairs. She told me I should have specified downstairs, but I wasn't aware of basement seating option. We explained that we would like to be upstairs. The unpleasant hostess tried to say the seating was my fault; she refused to change our seats. Since it was a Saturday night, we decided to stay. We could hardly hear ourselves because the noise was obnoxious and we are all "seniors." The food took more than an hour and a half to arrive. Aspen will be put on our "never again" list.

One of the main reasons I stay away is Bower Bird's gift wrap policy. At the gift store where I lived, one of the main joys in paying full price was their lovely gift wrapping. Everything looked nice when you left that store. Now, I simply shop elsewhere!