Tower Hill Botanic Garden

By Cathy Burnham, Photos by Ann Wolfe
Sunday, May 20, 2012

What an absolutely gorgeous day!  Five women from our WCW family ventured out on a sunny Sunday morning to reconnect with each other and nature.  Tower Hill Botanic Garden is located on a magnificent wooded hill adjacent to Lake Wachusett in Boylston, MA.  Our day started with an early lunch at Twig’s Restaurant where we enjoyed soup and sandwiches while being bewitched by an awe-inspiring view of the grounds and the lake.

I think we could have stayed there all day just chatting and catching up, but more beauty awaited us and so we were called by the natural and manicured landscape to continue our exploration. We each chose different paths to explore, some venturing farther than others. There was an orchard and perennial garden in one area and a classical wading pool surrounded by stone sculptures spouting water in another. There was also a large traditional fountain that if you looked closely in its spray displayed a colorful rainbow.  On the path to the summit, we had to watch our steps as roots had been exposed in a well-worn path. The climb to the summit rewarded us with spectacular views on the valley and lake below.  As we descended onto other pathways leading to a pond and gazebo we were delighted by many mythological figures and a curious moss covered stairway that seemed to lead nowhere!

We returned to the main building to browse through a charming gift shop after which we reconnected with our group.  What an absolutely delightful day!  It was decided that this would be a great seasonal trip for anyone interested so stay tuned for future dates for additional trips to Tower Hill.

Circle of Friends Book Club

Ties That Bind   by Marie Bostwick

Margot Matthews loves her job at the Cobbled Court Quilt Shop and the life and friendships she’s made in New Bern, Connecticut; she just never thought she’d still be single on her fortieth birthday. And Margot’s friend, Abigail, is trying to match-make even though Margot has all but given up on romance. When Philippa, a new female pastor arrives in town, truth be told not everyone is happy about it. Yet despite a rocky start, Philippa begins to settle in – finding ways to ease the townspeople’s burdens, joining the quilting circle, and forging a fast friendship with Margot. When tragedy threatens to tear Margot’s family apart, Philippa’s friendship – and the help of the quilting sisterhood – will prove a saving grace. And while she untangles her feelings for another new arrival in town, Margot realizes that it is the surprising detours woven into life’s fabric that provide its richest hues…

Led by Cathy Burnham
Wednesday, June 20
6:30-8:30 pm
First Congregational Church of Milford, 4 Congress Street
Please RSVP 508-473-4244 or
cathy@womenscenterforwholeness.org

June Spiritual Circle II

UNCONDITIONAL FORGIVENESS: Eight Steps to Freedom

There is nothing that is unforgivable. There is no hurt, loss, betrayal or disappointment that is beyond our power to heal and resolve. Though forgiving is not always easy, having the power to do so is the ultimate path to freedom. Join us as we explore a unique way to learn how to forgive once and for all.

Tuesday, June 5
7-9 pm
First Congregational Church of Milford, 4 Congress Street
Please RSVP 508-473-4244 or
cathy@womenscenterforwholeness.org