The Ladies Who Lunch

We drove to Manchester to meet Carol for lunch. Later Brian took the bus to Boston and then the train back to NYC. We found a fabulous Chinese restaurant with delicious food, large portions and good prices. We were able to sit and visit for a long time. So wonderful for us to all be together.

Macarena

 

 

 

Some photos from my iPhone. We had a luau weekend and our mascot Great Dane Sarge was ready with his lei. Sarge accompanies his master Paul during the workday in his golf cart. Some of the kids with Moe Z Moose and Jeff practicing the hula. The three of us on the cog railway at Mt. Washington.

The Fool on the Hill

A sunny day as we set out for Mt. Washington with Brian. As we drove north of N. Conway we passed through the town of Bartlett, NH. Can't help but wonder if the show, West Wing didn't get the president's name from this burg. Stopped to take pictures as this was one of our favorite TV shows. Onward to lunch and then the cog railway station on the north side of the mountain.

The cog railroad was started in 1869 and still running up the mountain with bio diesel engines replacing the original wood fired engines. The steepest grade is 37.41% and the seats are slanted forward going up so you ride comfortably.

At the top it is cloudy and you can barely see anything. the height is 6288' and is the highest summit in the northeastern US. They boast some of the worst weather in the world with temperatures below zero over 65 days a year. It was cold and windy and we bundled up in our sweatshirts and wished we had worn long pants.

Inside the weather observatory building there was no wind and we visited the small museum and gift shop. Then we ventured outside to the observation deck with high winds and no view. We went into the Tip Top House built in 1853 to accommodate visitors. The we climbed over rocks to the actual summit where we braved the wind for photos.

Time for the return train to the bottom and sunshine. We drove through the Franconia Notch area and had dinner at the Woodstock Inn. Now we are back at camp and relaxing with some Beatles music. A fun day.

Money, Money

Brian is here to visit and took a train to Boston and then a bus to us. He spent Tuesday relaxing while we worked and then we had a quick dinner and theatre. We all went to The Barnstormers to see Other People's Money. None of us had seen this play and we all loved it. It is truly funny and a lesson in economics and life. The production was excellent and it made for an enjoyable night at the theatre.
In the morning Brian and I took Sirius for a long walk and enjoyed the warm, sunny weather.

Come Saturday Morning

Our lovely village of Tamworth has a farmer's market on Saturday morning. I got to go this week and purchased some fresh vegetables and breads while enjoying the small town ambiance and fresh air. Across the street is the town memorial to fallen soldiers dating back to the Revolutionary War.

Wind Beneath My Wings

We have discovered lovely White Lake State Park across the road from our campground. The beach is large, clean and terrific mountain view. The swimming area is huge and the water is clean and warm. We really loved it and hope to return often.

Surfin' USA

Our day off and we are back at the Lower Falls on the Kancamagus. Spent some relaxing hours sitting  on the rocks reading and venturing into the cool water.

Happy Talk

Carol came to visit and we did a lot of talking. Tuesday night and Wednesday it rained and rained. To make the best of the situation we went to North Conway and did some retail therapy, shopping at the big outlet center. We ventured out during a thunder storm to have dinner with Jeff and then we all went to see a play at the Barnstormer's Theatre in Tamworth. The musical was The Full Monty and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. The production was excellent and the theatre is adorable with comfortable seating and a four person pit combo providing music. It stopped raining by the end of the show and stayed dry today. We awoke to sunshine and it was nice all day. Carol and I went out for brunch and then took Sirius for a long walk around the campground. Jeff decided it was time to replace our toilet and called upon his plumbing skills to get the job done. He was able to purchase a toilet at the Camping World in North Conway and got it installed before dinner. He has so many hidden talents. Carol drove home late afternoon and we settled in for supper, a walk and lots of TV. 

Meet Me in St. Louis

 

We had our carnival today and it was great fun for the kids and for us. Jeff and I helped set up the games and I ran the ticket booth. Jeff said my sign should say, "The doctor is in." Remember Lucy and Charlie Brown? While we were there we had company. Neighbors Cece and Daryl from Sun City stopped by to visit. They are staying with their family in Concord and took a drive. Wish we knew they were coming so we could spend some time together. Still great to see familiar faces.

Later we went to a surprise birthday party for another staffer and then ate dinner and watched Avatar on TV. It was better in 3D at the movies, but still a good flick.

Here Comes the Sun

 

Finally have some beautiful, sunny days. Yesterday we celebrated the 4th of July in grand style. Jeff and I ran field games for the kids including three legged races, water balloon toss and marshmallow toss. Of course we ended with a tug of war. So much fun and prizes for everyone. Afterwards Jeff jumped in the pool wearing his sweaty clothes which delighted the children. We hung out and rested all night.
Today we are off and slept late and read. This afternoon we walked to our lake (Moore's Pond) to cool off. We put our chairs in the water and we got in too and swam for a while. So refreshing! Later I took Sirius to the dog park and then we went out to dinner at a nearby seafood place. Afterwards we made a fire and sat outside with some good music on our outside speakers. Now we are watching Harry Potter film 7. A glorious day.