This is a stunning view of Waterville Valley from the Kangamangus Highway. No more words are needed.
All My Best,
Heart and Soul
mountains
My Fall Favorites
Why I love the Number 13 & 13 Things to do in New Hampshire
The lore of number 13 is that it’s unlucky. Superstitious people tread lightly on Friday the 13th and believe that terrible occurrences will happen on that day. It’s said that it’s bad luck to seat 13 at a dinner table and some restaurants go to the trouble of setting 14 instead.
Despite this superstition, my favorite and lucky number is 13! Even though people talk of it’s negativity, I associate it differently. You see, I was born on Friday the 13th and think it’s special that it was that day. My home address is 13 and it happened randomly. My little niece’s birthday is on October 13th, a day of fun and celebration.
A few great things that are 13, a baker’s dozen ( for who doesn’t want an extra yummy muffin or cookie), there were 13 original American colonies and in math 13 is a prime number and can be divided by any other number.
Have I convinced you that 13 just has a bad rap? I am not superstitious and so 13 will continue to be a special number to me.
Here are 13 ways to enjoy New Hampshire if you visit our beautiful region.
1. Visit historic covered bridges in small towns of New Hampshire. The Windsor- Cornish Covered Bridge was built in 1866 and crosses from Windsor Vermont into Cornish, New Hampshire. Stop by and see the Bath Covered Bridge in Bath, New Hampshire. It was built in 1832 and has been renovated a few times. Nearby the Brick Store hosts a country atmosphere with homemade fudge, smoked meats and unique gifts.
2. Hike trails in Franconia Notch such as Lonesome Lake Trail and the Basin.
3. Go swimming at Echo Lake in quaint Franconia Notch. Rent a paddle boat or canoe or just lounge in the sand and enjoy the lake and mountain views.
4. Eat a yummy breakfast or brunch at Polly’s Pancake Parlor in beautiful Sugar Hill. They have a variety of tasty homemade pancakes and waffles in the renovated dining room.
5. Do the Zip-line at Loon Mountain in Lincoln. If you visit in the winter you can ski or snowboard.
6. Go fishing at peaceful Pearl Lake in Lisbon. This used to be the town reservoir.
7. Shop downtown Littleton to see thrift stores, clothes boutiques and Chutter’s Candy store. It sports the world’s longest candy counter!
8. Eat delicious pizza and drink an ale down by the river at Shillings in Littleton.
9. Shop the outlet malls in Tilton.
10. Attend the Keene Pumpkin Festival on October 28th.
11. Gaze at colorful foliage in late September into early October. Go on a road trip through the Kangamangus Highway. Stop by one of the many rest areas for a picnic lunch and panoramic scenic view.
12. Go bike riding on country roads.
13. Take in a movie at the Jax Jr Theater in Littleton. In 1941 the theater premiered The Great Lie starring Bette Davis. About ten thousand spectators attended the show.
If you ever travel to New Hampshire try some of these activities. Breathe in the fresh air and soak in all the beauty of its lakes and majestic mountains.
All My Best,
Heart and Soul ❤️
Share this:
Wedding Blessings
It was a magical wedding on August 18th in a bucolic New Hampshire countryside. Although the weather was drizzly and cloudy in the morning, at the wedding time it cleared up enough for all to enjoy the event.
My first son Dylan James took his longtime girlfriend Alexis Hite in marriage. Here he is proudly watching his bride approach him, with love and awe. She walked down a trail in the field holding on to her dad Jerry. Her look of extreme love and deep emotion shows on her face and is endearing. My dad and stepmom Corinne are in the background watching proudly. ( my dad is on the far right and Corinne beside him snapping a video.)
Wedding guests stood, sat in chairs or hay bales as the ceremony started. Their close friend Gary spoke inspirational and loving words. Lexy’s mother Arlene orchestrated the ceremony and married the two, being a Justice of the Peace in New Hampshire. How special that must have been marrying her only daughter!
Dylan and Lexy wrote their own personal vows and as we all listened, I was impressed and proud with my son’s choice of words. He said that when he was with her he felt like David Ortiz knocking the winning homer in the ALS series, one of the greatest comebacks of all time. This was in line with Dylan’s 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞lifelong interest, baseball. The crowd chuckled as probably most are Boston Red Sox fans as well. It’s a New England thing!
Dylan vowed to fix things Lexy didn’t mean to break. More laughter ensued. He vowed to protect her and keep her from harm.
Alexis promised to support him even when that meant having a deer hanging in their garage. These are powerful words coming from a vegan! Her vows were poetic as she promised to love him with every beat of her heart.
The proud newly married couple danced their first dance to ” My Best Friend” from Tim McGraw. What a lovely moment for them.
What a special day of celebrating love with family and friends together. There was barbecued food and vegan choices, and a lovely birch looking cake with sunflower cupcakes. Wedding guests had a red neck apple pie moonshine toast with wedding party speeches preceding it. Dancing and twinkly lights filled the tent. Towards the end of the evening the bride and groom and their friends danced to their music choice as we started cleaning up.
All in all the wedding was a success with much fun and celebration. It was a day to remember and our photos will be mementos of the happy occasion.
Thanks to all who took pictures that I have shared, Tiana Sparks, Jojo Anderson, Glenn Castro, Wendy Wells, Barbara Payer and anyone else I may have forgotten.
I hope you all had a magical month of August. Now my husband and I enter fall with an empty house. We brought our son to college in Cambridge yesterday where he is sharing a cute apartment with his girlfriend. We are extremely happy for them and look forward to having time together this fall.
All My Best,
Heart and Soul 💕
Share this:
Chandler Pond
Our little town hosts serene mountain views as well as farming fields and pastoral hillsides. It’s the type of town you can relax in and absorb all the scenic wonders. One such wonder is lovely Chandler Pond. It sits at the corner of Millbrook and Gale Chandler Road with a mountains in the distance framing it in. Chandler Pond is a man-made water hole and Tom says it was for transporting logs for a business. We are assuming this was many years ago but we don’t know an accurate date.
Now and then on a spring or summer evening Tom and I will seek peaceful refuge here. A stillness lives here and it settles us. We don’t talk much at Chandler Pond and we don’t need to. We stand and look in this quiet country setting and just be. Sometimes Tom hooks a fish and others he doesn’t and I don’t think that matters to him other that he is here amid the beauty. It bursts at you right away, for it is reflective of the surrounding trees and mountain ranges.
There have been moose here and deer nearby. Ducks flock here. Beavers swim and build lodges of sticks and mud. Parading geese and their young trek on the bank. Unfortunately Tom and I had to walk as if in a maze, dodging the poop piles. Most of you must know that geese are great to look at but very messy where they live. It is what it is…a sign of nature.
On a July evening Tom and I visited this gem with intentions of seeking peace after a hectic day. Our wishes were met as we walked along the pond and looked for fish, as the night air cooled
There are two places you can park and get out and walk around the freshly mowed edge.The water flows into a spillway, which runs into a winding stream. That’s where Tom likes to cast his fishing pole and catch fish that are stocked there.
Here is the spillway with the Chandler Pond overflow feeding into it. From there it goes in a culvert and into a stream.
When we first started dating Tom took me on a boat ride here. It was in a cheap blow up boat with plastic oars, one that I won in a work raffle at the store. Shifting every so slightly caused the plastic to squeak and I couldn’t help wondering how sturdy it was. I remember that day and the stillness as my heart fluttered being with this man. Although I should live in the now, coming back to the pond taps into this past memory.
How blessed we are to live in this town and reap the ponds rewards. I suggest that you find your peaceful spot in your town. Visit when you need to fill your cup and cherish the silent moments.
All My Best,
Heart and Soul
Share this:
The Ice Castles
As winter is supposedly making its last call, I am recalling events of this past season. I spent a bulk of the season sick with a flu, pretty much weighing me down and leaving me stuck indoors. Although winter was tough to get through, I do have a pleasant account of a visit to the Ice Castles in Lincoln, New Hampshire.
Lincoln is about 45 minutes from us south on route 93, a place we frequent throughout the year visiting one of our favorite Chinese restaurants, Chieng Garden. They serve delicious and fresh food, without MSG. We also used to go to Lincoln to watch Dylan’s baseball games .Those days are long gone but still strong in our memories and hearts.
It’s been a few years since people started talking about the Ice Castles. This year I told myself that I would buy Tom and I tickets and just go, seeing what all the hype was. I’ll tell you that if you are ever in the area in the winter, it’s an amazing sight but a little disappointing towards the end of the season.We went the first week of March, probably a little too late. I would recommend going in January…just bundle up and experience an outside wonder. Also the tickets were expensive totaling $35 for two.
Upon entering the parking lot of the monstrous frozen structure, I have to admit we were a little disappointed. We had to visualize it looking as a castle. To us, it appeared melted and worn down and the structure just looked like mere ice. Even so, we gathered our hats, gloves and my camera and gave it a try. I had longed to go for years and the least we could do was check it out once. Sometimes that’s all you need to satisfy your need and then you never need nor want to do it again.
A narrow walkway with flowing icicles actually was magical but drippy. That made me nervous as I envisioned chunks falling as we walked through. But thankfully it was all in my mind.
Hundreds of people flocked in the court-yard. Children played and slid down magical slides. Surrounding speakers belted out elevator music, supposedly enhancing the experience. We could’ve lived without it, you were not going to experience peace here with all the gathered people. I’m sure bringing children and grandchildren is more fun, seeing glee and happiness through innocent eyes.
I thought of how they created the ice castles. Tom said they have water guns to shoot the water up and it ices up right away. It looks like a lot of time and hard work involved.
I thought the interior sides of the ice castle resembled frozen waterfalls, rushing down and stopping frozen in time. It was a magnificent sight against the beautiful March sky. As we walked around the main court, Tom and I were quiet. I think there are moments that call for peace and quiet, to absorb nature. Although we were hushed, many family voices rang throughout and you didn’t reach a peaceful state. I think it would’ve been better with fewer people so you could reflect instead of trying to ignore all the noise.
This was one of the mini slides with two stalls for wee tiny children to scoot down. I can just imagine how magical it was for them under the iced structure.
This was one of the rooms in the ice castle bearing a big fountain in the middle. It’s hard to see from my picture, but actual water spewed up from it. It chilled my insides just to see it, but it was amazing.
We were in the ice castle for probably a half hour. Perhaps most families spend much longer perusing the man-made wonder, while their children coast down on slides of sparkling ice. We were discouraged from the long lines at the slides and otherwise I would’ve given a go for laughs. It was an experience we can see we did…finally taking part in something many north country people have done. Tom and I decided that it was our last time because we had seen it first hand . Some events you only need to do once and in my opinion, this was one of them.
With this post, I officially say goodbye to winter. I’m ready for spring, with that said all weekend we had snow and freezing rain. This morning is a two-hour delay, a treat for a Monday. I’m having an extra cup of Joe and spending valuable time blogging.
I hope you all have a great Monday where ever you are!
All My Best,
Heart and Soul
Share this:
“Earning Your Keep”
I think most writers discover inspiration all around them…in nature’s beauty, in the eyes of their loves, in magical books and movies that take your breath away, to name a few. I watched a movie last night on Hulu, Tumbledown with Jason Sudeikis and a quote struck me so much that I thought about it all night. The female character was looking out over a frozen lake in April set in Maine and her prolific words touched my every being. ” I love living in a place where you have to earn your keep.”
What does that really mean? I know it was a reference to living in New England. It can be brutal here with harsh weather with loads of snow and little sun many months of the year to the point of driving many people south for a reprieve. Staying here in this sometimes unforgiving land is”earning your keep.”You have to work hard. Live hard. Love with all your being. You have to accept the seasons and love the changes that are thrust upon you.
In spring the hearty tulips emerge in patches of snow. Newly arriving robins flutter and fly while frosty snow covers the ground. That’s not what I visualize when I think of spring…yet that’s the reality here.
In summer the warmth and pleasant temperatures take over, a season when towns fill up with returning snowbirds. Small hamlets come to life as economies thrive once again, counting on the hot sunshine, the cool walks in the woods and the refreshing dips in the lake that appeal to any visitor and resident.
The crisp fall presence is a prelude of winter but a lingering glimpse of summer. Trees are an outstanding canvas of golden, pinks, bright yellows and rich reds. Mountains call to you to explore and experience the surreal peace on the way to the top.
Beautiful yet unforgiving winter brings sparkling whites, glistening sheets of ice and frigid air….testing your endurance. It’s the season your will must be steady and strong. You accept the harsh reality because the splendor and beauty can be humbling yet breath-taking.
When I think of living in New England, I think of “earning your keep”. It takes a strong-willed person to not only stick it out, but to love all the seasons for their unique qualities. We choose to stay, to live and love the changes the seasons hand us. That’s what a New Englander does….earns his keep and loves every minute of it!
The older I become the more my bones ache ( possibly arthritis) and my patience with the cold waivers at times. With that said, I still love living in the north. It’s all I know and my husband as well…both of us have lived in New England all our lives and I foresee that’s the way it will always be.
Happy Weekend to you all!
All My Best,
Heart and Soul
Share this:
Another Snowstorm!
As the morning trudges on
so do the frantic snowplows
and few cars
paving snow trails
to work.
Yesterday our little corner
of the world was dumped on
with several inches
of the fluffy stuff.
It’s the third Nor’easter
in a matter of days!
There’s a still peace,
as soft snow continues to fall
and pile up in substantial drifts.
A piercing early call woke me
to a no school message.
My husband had few hours of sleep
and he’s out in
the white world
fixing town machines and plowing.
Perhaps it’s winters last hurrah
and a fleeting chance to be
enveloped inside and read a book!
All My Best,
Heart and Soul 💗
Share this:
My February Facts
I thought I’d write this post with a February theme and as the month is almost in the books, I’m on a time crunch! So here it goes…
February is a birthday month for my family! Both my sons were born this month two years and four days apart. Their Papa’s birthday was tucked in between the boys. Now our daughter- in- law’s birthday is in the same month! Wow, that’s a lot of birthday dinners!
February usually presents itself in a milky white with snowy landscapes and frosted trees. Sometimes temperatures hover near freezing and other times we have spring like conditions with melting snow and flooding. You never know what you’re going to get here in New England!
February meals simmer in crockpots and we eat our hearty comfort food by our fire. I cook cream of chicken ( rice pilaf on the side), baked beans and barbecued ribs this month. With cold and snowy conditions, there’s nothing better than hot homemade food! I must mention I bake up a storm this month too….cookies, brownies and goodies!
This is the month I consider planning my garden and read up on planting techniques. It’s a way of bringing spring closer than what it is. Four months from now Tom and I will till the garden and plant for the season! I can’t wait!
February is cabin fever month for me. Winter seems long here and although I like the season and some of the beauty it gifts, by mid month I’m itching for green grass, summer birds and hot sun. Most northerners pack up and vacation south, but we need to stay for Tom’s job. Needless to say, February is a soul-searching quiet month.
What I love about February is that the wildlife emerges from a deep sleep and start trekking all over the region, in hopes of spring. Chipmunks, squirrels, skunks, foxes and deer show themselves and play amid the snow, leaving their tracks behind. These movements are my hope that spring is around the corner!
Just a few February facts to share with you….I wonder if your Feb facts are similar or different? What do you love about February? Here’s looking forward to March and spring!
All My Best,
Heart and Soul 💗
Share this:
A February Snowstorm
We’ve just weathered ( excuse the pun!) a snowstorm . It dumped a few inches shy of a foot of new heavy snow. Looking outside my window all I see are mountains of white, pushed against our house in drifts. The road is encased with snowy forts up to four feet. The DOT monstrous orange plows rumble back and forth, pushing snow up against the banks. Private snowplows rush by with the flashing lights on their roofs as the new promising day begins.
It started its magic about 11 am on Wednesday and continued with nature’s force until it petered out in the late evening. We were released early from school at noon, and even then teachers were already digging their cars out and roads were frosted with new snow. Most cars slowed down in slow motion, as snowflakes fell at a rapid rate.
I arrived home quietly and greeted my two lovable lounging cats. As I lit my candles and ate a little lunch, our road became still. There wasn’t the usual deluge of passing vehicles going somewhere. I suppose many people went straight home, as I did and nestled in it’s comfort.
Is it odd to say that’s one of my favorite elements of winter? The nesting inside…beside the blazing heat and crackle of the fire. Gazing at the constant glittery show of the snowfall, sometimes pelting against the windows. The feel of snugly lap blankets and fuzzy slippers. The good hot cup of tea or rich coffee in hand and an interesting book or my iPad to write.
That night while I prepared for bed, snowplows hurried by and I hoped the drivers would be able to rest soon, including my husband. I went to bed and left the light on for him and in the midst of the night I heard the ruffle of blankets as he tiredly climbed in our cocoon. We both fell asleep and I didn’t even get to ask him about his snowy work filled day.
I woke up to more plow trucks racing by with weary drivers at the helm. The school bus barreled by and as I fixed my breakfast I thought that this is a way of life here. The outside world is piled up with snow and even so, life goes on as usual. I would dress and anticipate my school day, as I always do.
Yes, we have to endure snow boots, gloves and hats, snow tires, huge heating bills and sometimes inconveniences of messy roads. But through all this, I’ll take it and my husband will to. For we chose to live here, to dwell in the four seasons and reap in its rewards. Winter has its lovely elements, despite nasty flu floating around as well as cold temperatures and snow.
A winter blessing is the sparkling beauty of snowfall and it’s magical presence hung on branches. The cold air makes you feel alive ( I’ll take this over too much heat). Winter is the perfect time to rest, to renew from the passing year and prepare for the months ahead. It’s the only time you can snowshoe and stargaze at a perfect sky frosted with unbelievable stars. Tracks from our wild friends scatter throughout the yard like a busy maze, something we can’t see in other seasons.
So winter is in full force here, in New Hampshire. Our beef stew is ready in the crockpot along with a pan of freshly baked biscuits. The stove crackles and pops and the white wonderland outside is where I live, where I rest and mostly love my family.
I was born in New England like my mom and my dad and both sets of grandparents. I hope to die here. I’m proud to live here! Maybe I’m crazy! Maybe it’s a stubborn trait, to defy the odds and stay. Or maybe I’m just at home, no matter which beautiful season it is! I’ll accept winter and the rest as snow falls outside and the stars twinkle their show.
Are you content where you live? Do you have snow or tropical weather?
All My Best,
Heart and Soul ❤
