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Category: Things To Do
Thanks NHMS
New Hampshire Motor Speedway gets my vote for the best community outreach program! Once a year, they open the track to locals for the Kohl’s Safe Kids 500. Kids and their parents are invited to bike, scooter or skate around the 1 mile oval track.
This is the third year we’ve gone and it has become a much anticipated family tradition. My son especially enjoys this opportunity. As soon as the flyer comes home from school he memorizes the date. Anytime any day NEAR the date of “The Race” is mentioned, he reminds us solemnly that “The Race” is coming up. As if we could possibly forget or worse double book for that night. Yesterday he wore a frown of concern for most of the afternoon as the skies were cloudy and there were sporadic showers. I had heard a detailed forecast earlier in the day that predicted the skies would be clear by the time we were to leave, but even I kept my fingers crossed.
I’m not a NASCAR fan. I’m not a hater, it’s just that cars driving around in a circle at ridiculous rates of speed does nothing for me. That said, even I get giddy as we drive on to the infield.
This is my son’s first year on a two wheeled bike. The first year, he had just mastered the tricycle and we chuckled as his chunky little legs struggled to make it around one time while he told us he was “faster than fast” and “quicker than quick” just like his hero Lightening McQueen. Last year he was still on the tricycle, but managed almost two and a half laps before running out of steam. This year on his new to him two wheeler, he was feelin’ the need for speed. On his second lap, he crashed and burned just after turn two, but after a Band Aid and a few kisses our racing pro was back tearing up the black top.
All in all, it was a great night, and one of us, is already counting the days until next year. Thanks NHMS!
Time out
This weeked brought the first of May and 80 degree temperatures. We celebrated by heading North. My mother-in-law has a camp in the Lakes Region. She very generously makes it available for family to use. The Lake as we refer to it is by far, one of my favorite places on earth. There is a TV, but we rarely turn it on. There is Internet access, but that just means my husband can really vacation there because if a client desperately needs him, he can help without having to leave.
There’s a lake for enjoying, and activities for partaking, or . . . not. There are playgrounds for the kids and other kids for the kids. There is a well posted and community enforced speed limit of 10 miles an hour. There is excellent pizza and fabulous ice cream within reasonable driving distance.
By far, my favorite feature is this.
A firepit, encircled with comfortable chairs. There is usually cooler with cold beverages close by. After the kids go to bed, we sit and swap stories, or we don’t talk at all. We just sit and watch the flames dance. It is my definition of relaxation.
Yes, there are meals to be prepared, and cleaning to be done. but less of both. The space is smaller, the pace slower, life, simpler.
This weekend we made the first of what will be many trips in the summer of 2010 and it was a much needed break for all of us.
Ahhhhhhh
Writers’ Day 2010
This past weekend, I attended Writer’s Day 2010. Writer’s Day is a one day conference, presented by The New Hampshire Writers’ Project, that brings together more than 200 members of New Hampshire’s writing community for a day of learning and networking.The day is a mix of general and break out sessions. This year’s keynote speaker was Nicholson Baker, (above far left) an award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction who currently resides in Maine. There were breakout sessions that focused on creativity, selling your work, point of view, word choice, and children’s books, just to name a few. There were plenty of opportunities for networking as well as time for authors to pitch work to agents and editors.
The day ended with Literary Idol, where contestants had three minutes to present a story for a live audience (above far right Susan Nye presents). All were offered immediate feedback from a panel of esteemed judges that included James Patrick Kelly, Joni B. Cole and Jim Collins. The session was moderated by the fabulous New Hampshire story teller Becky Rule (above second from left and below right). Those who went over the three minute time frame were sprayed with water by the armed and dangerous Carla Gericke (above second from right).
Props to NHWP Executive Director Kathy Boss and Program Director Carla Gericke and everyone who worked so hard to make Writers’ day a success. As a recovering event planner, I understand how much effort goes into executing a such a successful event. I also want to thank the sponsors who stepped up to support New Hampshires writers. Without organizations like Delta Dental, Lincoln Financial, New England College, Riverstone Resources, Southern New Hampshire University and Whitebridge Farm Productions delivering such a high caliber event just wouldn’t be possible.
Personally, I learned some, I networked some and I laughed a lot. I also had an opportunity in one workshop to briefly address the issue of albinism and the evil character that in itself was almost worth the price of admission. The day was also an opportunity for me to reaffirm my commitment to writing. My time at the keyboard is incredibly scares these days and promises continue that way until at least the fall, yet, I am clear, that I want to write. I have words in me that need to get out and I am so very comfortable with those who are similarly afflicted.
The New Hampshire Writers’ project offers many opportunities for writers to gather an learn through out the year. For more details or to become a member visit it their web site http://www.nhwritersproject.org/
Community
This was our weekend:
Saturday
A pancake breakfast for the Lion’s Club, the PTA Easter Egg Hunt and the bake sale, the Winter Farmer’s Market in Concord (Fresh eggs and Apples yum!), and a birthday party for one of my son’s classmates. The neighbors had asked us to stop by, so we meandered across the street for a “quick” visit. Two hours and two tired kids later, it was time to go home. 8pm is too late for steak tips, so Lucky Charms and frozen pizza it is!
Sunday brought a trip to visit the Mudgett Hill Mumbling Maplers and their annual fundraiser for Make A Wish. A gallon of syrup, some raffle tickets, 4 maple whoopie pies and we were on our way home for a brief stop before I took my son to another birthday party.
After the party, it was home again. A little family time, dinner, tubs and bed.
Crazy? Oh yeah, but other than the birthday parties, it was all optional and yet, I wouldn’t have wanted to miss a single activity. One of the things that I most treasure about living here is the active community. Parents work hard to support the school and citizens volunteer their time to make the world a better place. I can’t think of a better place to call home.
What are some of the “can’t miss” activities in your community?
Town Meeting
Another sure sign of spring is Town Meeting season.
Town Meeting is the epitome of citizen government. One person, one vote. One vote on issues that directly impact my day to day way of life. One vote on issues that are right in my backyard (sometimes literally).
When I moved here, citizen government was something I read about in my high school AP American History class. I grew up Levittown, Pennsylvania, where local government was managed at the township level. Honestly, I have no recollection of local government at all. I moved to Boston, a big city with a Mayor and City Councilors. I voted, but still felt very removed from the process.
Our town is governed a Board of Selectmen and legislated by a traditional town meeting. Warrant articles are proposed (most frequently by the selectmen, but I’ve seen a few drafted by regular citizens too). Some are voted on during the annual elections (for town officers). Most are discussed and voted on at Town Meeting, held on a Saturday in March. One of the warrant articles is always dedicated to raising and appropriating the sum of $X million dollars to run the town, a.k.a, The Budget. Other articles have been about buying police cars, maintaining roads, or constructing buildings just to name a few. The Budget is always second to last on the agenda and is frequently cause for the most discussion.
I can honestly say I enjoy town meeting. The back and forth discussion is sometimes comical, sometimes frustrating, sometimes long winded, but at the behest of the meeting moderator (an elected official), it is always polite. It is worth noting that polite discussion doesn’t preclude heated discussion. I’ve seen red faces and teary eyes as people discuss spending they find outrageous or cuts that go too far.
Is it exciting? Nah. I bring my knitting and a water bottle. The Boy Scouts sell, hot dogs, and pastries. The Girl Scouts sell cookies. The folding chairs or bleachers are less than comfy, but in my mind it is a small sacrifice for having a say in how my hard earned tax dollars are spent.
I do find it disconcerting, that I am frequently one of the youngest faces in the gym and let’s face it folks, at 41, I’m not a babe in the woods, but by Town Meeting standards, I’m a youngin’. People my age in this town typically have kids, frequently, both parents work and Saturdays are devoted to items on the to-do list or kids extra-cirricular activities. I get it. We’re all busy, but this matters.
As Josephine Citizen, I feel I have no direct impact on what happens in Washington, D.C. or even Concord. Sure, I can pick up the phone or fire off an email to my elected officials, but I am one of thousands or hundreds of thousands of voices. My input is collected, aggregated, analyzed and weighed against many other factors. But, I can (and do) have a say in what happens in my own backyard.
This year, I brought my 9 year old. I warned her it would be boring, but I want her to understand that life isn’t always exciting and sometimes you just have to slog through the important stuff. She too brought her water bottle and knitting and I also had her bring the Town Meeting Scavenger Hunt from the Concord Monitor to help pass the time.
Of course, this year, thanks to the hard work of the selectmen, we were in and out in an hour. The drama was minimal but it was a good introduction to the democratic process. I fully intend to keep bringing her and as soon as my 5 year old can sit relatively still, he’ll come too. I hope they’ll gain an understanding of what it really takes to be an active citizen.
How is your local government run? Do you feel like you have a voice?
T U B I N G!!!!
TUBING WAHOOO! YEAH!!
So, we’ve already established that I love the cold weather and the activities that it brings. Recently, we participated in another of my favorites, Snow Tubing.
We headed to Gunstuck for some family fun and adventure. We arrived early on a Sunday and while everyone else was jockeying for position in the lift lines, we made our way over to the tubing area. There was only a handful of other people. We took at least 10 runs in the first hour. Sometimes individually, sometimes as a foursome, sometimes racing in pairs. The conditions were awesome. The sun was shining it as just perfect. I love to hear my kids giggle and scream with joy and excitement as we swoosh our way down the hill.
The staff at Gunstock is great about insuring everyone is safe and having a good time. They are more than enthusiastic about tubing and that adds to the fun. They’ll suggest differnt options and with your permission, they’ll give you a push or spin you around as they start you on your way down.
The second hour brought more people, so our total number of runs during that hour dropped from 10 to 7, but really, that was enough. We were all getting tired and ready for a break.
Gunstock sells tubing tickets for $16 for a two hour block (discounts are available for bulk purchases) and they limit the number of tickets sold for safety and enjoyment. According to their web site mid-days and Saturday nights are their busiest times. There also are height restrictions, so if you are thinking of going with small children, make sure you know the requirements beforehand.
When I awoke Sunday morning, I seriously considered staying in bed and going tubing later, I’m really glad we got their early and had more runs when both the slopes and us we fresh.
The colder the temperatures, the faster the runs, so if you are taking a less adventureous child consider going early afternoon on a slightly warmer day. Also, dress in layers because you may not think it looks as acitve as skiing, or boarding, but you can work up a sweat.
Here is a list of other restorts that offer snow tubing around the state. Have you been to any of these? I’d like to hear your feedback.
- Cranmore Mountain http://www.cranmore.com/info/winter/tubing.asp
- Great Glen Trails http://www.greatglentrails.com/Winter-Page-61.html
- KingPine http://www.kingpine.com/snowtubing.php
- Loon Mountain http://www.loonmtn.com/info/winter/gravity.aspx
- McIntyre Ski Area http://www.mcintyreskiarea.com/tubing
- Pat’s Peak http://www.patspeak.com/snowtubing.htm
- Tenney Mountain http://www.tenneymtn.com/tubing_park.html
Doot Doot Doot Walkin’ Out My Back Door
At the risk of repeating myself. I LOVE winter. Generally I love the snow (although there are times when it is frustrating). I love the cool air, warm sweaters, steaming mugs of tea or hot cocoa, soups, roasts, and I could go on and on.
I also enjoy a host of outdoor activities. I’m a solid intermediate down hill skier and have been on cross country skis once or twice. This year, Santa brought me snowshoes, so I can add that activity to my repertoire.
We are fortunate that there is undeveloped land with quasi-cleared trails just outside our back door, so I got to try them out last week. It was a bright sunny winter day and the morning temperatures were making their climb from the high teens to the projected high just above freezing. The air was crisp and clear. In short, a great day to be outside.
I’ve heard it said that snowshoeing is great exercise and I’d have to agree. I was only out half an hour and definitely broke a sweat yet at the same time, it wasn’t strenuous, in the way that say running or riding a stationary bike would be, It was more like being on an active walk. It was really fun being able to trek through the snow with relative ease.
Frequently, when walking, I have my iPod for company, this day was no different, but a few minutes in, I was moved to pause the music and just listen. To those who say the country is quiet, I say BAH! Aside from the crunch, crunch, crunch, below my feet, there were birds chirping, and the occasional skittering of critters I didn’t stop to identify. There was a slight breeze, that rustled ever so slightly through the evergreens. It was perhaps the quintessential definition of bucolic.
If you like to move, but don’t seek the thrill of speed, snowshoeing could definitely be for you. Compared to some winter activities like skiing or snowmobiling, the cost of entry for snowshoeing is relatively low. Some ski resorts and inns offer snow shoe rentals as do some sporting equipment stores including Eastern Mountain Sports (http://www.ems.com). At the store on Fort Eddy road in Concord, you can rent snow shoes for $15 per day, $30 for 3 days or $35 for a week. They even have a few small sizes for elementary aged kids. If you are in the market to buy, it is possible to spend an iceberg of money, but on the other hand, Sam’s Club had decent pairs for $60-$90.
You can snow shoe at many state parks, ski resorts or even golf courses (make sure you ask permission before trespassing on private property). Trails.com lists their best snowshoeing trails. http://www.trails.com/toptrails.aspx?area=13704
Here are some rules of the trail so-to-speak for first timers. http://www.treadlightly.org/page.php/responsible-snowsports/Recreation-Tips.html?gclid=CJClqLiRn58CFRh15QodZWM20w
Here’s a list from New Hampshire.com of snowshoeing venues. http://www.newhampshire.com/winter/nh-snowshoeing.aspx
If you are looking for a get away that includes snow shoeing, Visit New Hampshire (http://www.visitnh.gov) was kind enough to provide this list too (thanks Tai):
VisitNH New Hampshire has numerous places to stay and enjoy a variety of winter sports – from skiing and snowboarding, to snowshoeing, snowtubing, ice skating and more. Here are some ideas:
- The Balsams, Dixville Notch – www.thebalsams.com/home or call 800-255-0600
- Mountain View Grand, Whitefield- www.mountainviewgrand.com or call 866-484-3843.
- Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods 800-314-1752 or 603-278-1000 or visit www.mountwashingtonresort.com.
- Cranmore Mountain Resort in North Conway visit www.cranmore.com/winter or call 800-SUN-N-SKI.
- Purity Springs www.purityspring.com or call 603-367-8896 or 800-373-3754.
- Waterville Valley 800-468-2553 or visit www.waterville.com/winter/.
- Mount Sunapee Resort in Newbury www.mountsunapee.com/mtsunapeewinter/ or call 603-763-3500.
So, grab your gloves, pull on a fleece and let’s get moving!
Disclosure, I have no ties to any of the organizations listed in this entry. Marketing information about vacation packages provided by Visit New Hampshire. Follow them on Facebook or visit the web site at http://www.visitnh.gov
Oh Christmas Tree
I don’t think there is a much more quintessential Christmas-in-New-England activity than tagging and cutting down your own Christmas Tree.
Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, the quest for the “perfect” tree meant visiting the Boy Scouts, a local church or the camper of questionable origin inhabiting the abandoned gas station on the corner. Sometimes, it meant visiting all three (or more) but that is a story for another time.
The first Christmas I spent in New Hampshire my future husband and mother-in-law took me to a local tree farm to cut down the tree. I was amazed that such places really existed (city kid, remember??).
Now that we have our own family, one of our traditions is to tag a tree around Thanksgiving and return to cut it down a few weeks before Christmas. It eases us into the Christmas season.
There is a sign advertising trees on a road we travel virtually every day. From the road, you don’t expect much, but once you pull in to the driveway, there are trees almost as far as the eye can see. I love it because clearly this is a side business for the homeowner, but one that he enjoys. We’ve never even met the man. Trees are tagged and purchased on the honor system (another reason I like supporting this business).
The day we went to tag our tree, we’d been geocaching (link), so I had the GPS with me. For giggles, I set a way point (a fixed location that you can navigate back to) in the GPS, so we could easily find our tree. This would have been much more helpful IF, I had actually remembered to bring the GPS with us when we went to cut down the tree this past Saturday.
Snow had fallen since our initial visit and our collective memory was a little foggy. Eventually Daddy circled in on it and much to everyone’s relief, our carefully selected tree was located.
I held.
Daddy sawed.
Then we all paraded back to the truck with our treasure. It rested in the basement overnight to shed its snow and on Sunday decoration commenced.
From a purist perspective, this is far from the perfect tree. It would never have passed my mother’s scrutiny. The trunk isn’t really straight, it has some bare spots and a bulge of growth on one side. The kids love it and, I think it is the perfect tree (even if it does require string to insure it stands upright).
As we were battling to keep the tree upright (see string above), my husband muttered something about an artificial tree next year. I have just four words.
Over my dead body.
I don’t think there is a much more quintessential Christmas-in-New-England activity than tagging and cutting down your own Christmas Tree.
Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, the quest for the “perfect” tree meant visiting the Boy Scouts, a local church or the camper of questionable origin inhabiting the abandoned gas station on the corner. Sometimes, it meant visiting all three (or more) but that is a story for another time.
The first Christmas I spent in New Hampshire my future husband and mother-in-law took me to a local tree farm to cut down the tree. I was amazed that such places really existed (city kid, remember??).
Now that we have our own family, one of our traditions is to tag a tree around Thanksgiving and return to cut it down a few weeks before Christmas. It eases us into the Christmas season.
There is a sign advertising trees on a road we travel virtually every day. From the road, you don’t expect much, but once you pull in to the driveway, there are trees almost as far as the eye can see. I love it because clearly this is a side business for the homeowner, but one that he enjoys. We’ve never even met the man. Trees are tagged and purchased on the honor system (another reason I like supporting this business).
The day we went to tag our tree, we’d been geocaching, so I had the GPS with me. For giggles, I set a way point (a fixed location that you can navigate back to) in the GPS, so we could easily find our tree. This would have been much more helpful IF, I had actually remembered to bring the GPS with us when we went to cut down the tree this past Saturday.
Snow had fallen since our initial visit and our collective memory was a little foggy. Eventually Daddy circled in on it and much to everyone’s relief, our carefully selected tree was located.
I held.
Daddy sawed.
Then we all paraded back to the truck with our treasure. It rested in the basement overnight to shed its snow and on Sunday decoration commenced.
From a purist perspective, this is far from the perfect tree. It would never have passed my mother’s scrutiny. The trunk isn’t really straight, it has some bare spots and a bulge of growth on one side. The kids love it and, I think it is the perfect tree (even if it does require string to insure it stands upright).
As we were battling to keep the tree upright (see string above), my husband muttered something about an artificial tree next year. I have just four words.
Over my dead body.
Sled Cam!
Ahhhhhh, finally, it is starting to look like December should in New Hampshire. I like, no, I LOVE snow. It blankets the world and with it comes ski season, and sledding and many other fun winter activities. I survive summer, I thrive in Winter.
Yesterday saw the first substantial snow storm of this winter and our first snow day. The kids and I slept late and then bundled up to play out side. We easily have 10 inches in our backyard. The snow was falling hard, but the temperature hovered near freezing, so conditions were just about perfect. You could be outside without freezing to death.
The day “off” yesterday put me behind, so for now, I’ll leave you with “Sled Cam”. Enjoy!
Live Fearless Lee 