Hello from New England -

Just a quick post!

As most of you know, the New England states are not strangers to me.

I lived in New Hampshire and Massachusetts for 12 years when first

 married. Bob took me to live in his hometown, Manchester, NH. 

I spent summers on the beautiful beaches of Maine, time in Vermont 

enjoying the countryside and mountains. Boston was the place when

 city life was required for a change of pace.

Almost every year since moving south to North Carolina, 46 years ago,

we've returned here to visit family, friends. . . . . . and favorite places that 

remain in our memories. There's nothing like 'the old days' and, although

the city is not the same, we still enjoy rambling around!

Our trip to the coast of New Hampshire and Maine is always the best. 

We had a wonderful time in perfect weather, around 80F and no 

humidity.

Look across the beach and you can see Cape Neddick with the lighthouse.

Nubble Lighthouse, Cape Neddick, York, Maine.

A really beautiful spot to sit, relax, and just look out across the water,

grateful for so much in life.

Enjoying this trip, as always.

Eating good seafood. . . . . . . in fact just leaving the hotel now for

another favorite restaurant in town. I can already taste a fresh broiled 

 haddock dish which I'll enjoy as I haven't eaten since breakfast!

More another day.

Time to return ----------

Lonesome gull - Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

We'll be flying south tomorrow after a really great trip.

Vacation worth waiting for..........

 

Yesterday afternoon at  Lake Massabesic, Manchester, New Hampshire 

Just so you know, we're fine and having a wonderful trip. . . . . .

. . . . . but staying so busy I have no time to blog!

More coming later.

Hugs -

Logistics. . . . . . .

Leaving home is somewhat scary these days.

Just getting organized - house and garden 'to do' list gets

longer by the day - takes time.

Because I haven't traveled in so long, just dragging out a

suitcase has become a roller coaster ride this past week.

Big one, small one, carry on. . . . . .black one, blue one,

which one etc.

Today I must pack.

Still do not feel 100% comfortable about traveling away from

 home mainly because of the airport/plane/hotel room situation.

We are vaccinated and we will continue to wear masks in public 

places.

We are not going overseas - sorry friends who may be hoping for

photos from new, exciting places. We are going north to New England

 to Bob's home state, New Hampshire, which is lovely also. We missed

 last year's annual "going home" visit. . . . . . . and I did actually live

 there also for several years when we were first married.

Sunday morning breakfast guest!  She was busy siphoning off the

 bird seed - we didn't shoo her off because obviously she's hungry.

The bird feeders will be stored away in the potting shed whilst we're gone.

This mama White-tailed deer has two young spotted

 fawns but I've not had a chance to take their picture yet. 

Our neighbor saw her yesterday apparently trying to teach

 them to jump over his chain link fence but all they would do is

 run into it - somewhat worrisome and I hope they weren't injured!

I hope to write and add some photos from New England later

this week. Have a great week everyone.

Green Mountain Country -

VERMONT is a beautiful state known for its GREEN MOUNTAIN National Forest.

The countryside, lush with rolling hills, endless fields of wildflowers, crops and

 dairy cattle, is amazing in summertime. Throw in scenic golf courses, thousands

 of acres of mountains, hiking trails and ski slopes, historic covered bridges,

 maple sugar, cheese and ice cream - all that makes it a great place to visit

 prior to what is usually a cold, snowy winter.

Note the station weather vane!

Our late day stop in White River Junction was mainly to eat at a wonderful, lively 

restaurant named ELIXIR located in the old freight house. We called from the 

road and were able to get a late table which was so worth waiting for. 

White River Junction is just that, a train junction with the station and tracks right

 across from our window table. 

The host/owner was charming and engaged us in conversation about the history

 of the railroad there. 

The food was awesome, I chose the vegetarian risotto of the day and for me

 it was the best dinner during this New England trip.

If you head that way on your travels, know the restaurant is only open

5-9 pm Tuesday - Saturday, and best to make a reservation, it's a busy place.

White River Junction Street Art

A visit to Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory for a light lunch!

Lovely New England. . . . . . . . .

Flying into New Hampshire. 

The heavy clouds parted as we landed in Manchester yesterday.
 Hometown for Bob. Full of memories.

The sun came out. No humidity. It's green and fresh. Cooler.

I can breathe again!

We lived here in another time. Long ago. Perhaps we will move back.

New England, old England. . . . . . .how would I choose?

Heading to bucolic Vermont - another day of sunshine.

Lakeside Independence Day. . . . . . . . .

Part of our afternoon was spent at lovely Lake Massabesic in Bob's hometown of Manchester, New Hampshire.
It was HOT - reaching 96F - with brilliant sunshine.
Because this is the drinking water for the city, there is no swimming, and 
only small boats are permitted on the water. 

Mommy duck with her babies - all were enjoying a swim along the

 shoreline where we were sitting enjoying an ice cream under a shady tree.

Flying home later today - from one hot spot to another. Actually, the heat has been even 

more intense here in New England and Eastern Canada than back in North Carolina

 these past 10 days!!!

Independence Day 2018. . . . . . . . .

The Lady of the Sea - New Hampshire Marine Memorial

Designed by Alice E. Cosgrove : 1909-1971

A memorial dedicated to all New Hampshire servicepersons
lost at sea due to warfare.

Hampton Beach, New Hampshire 
4th of July, 2018

Have a fabulous time today!

Eating at the source. . . . . . . Part II

Just have to tell you about the most fabulous 
baking company headquartered on the stunning Maine coast.

When Pigs Fly means "I doubt it's possible".

Go HERE to read, and enjoy pictures of the breads, 
and the story about former chef Ron Siegel, and his 
brother Andrew, and how this bakery grew from a tiny 
home kitchen business into what it is 
today. . . . . an awesome place making 
what has to be the most exciting array of delicious 

artisan breads I've ever seen - and tasted.

We bought a loaf of this fabulous savory bread - went 
perfectly with that Cabot cheese purchased the next 
day in Vermont.

 It was so hard to choose which breads to buy as we were 
going to be on the road for almost a week - this one above 
will be on my list next time.

But this one, oh my, after sampling - yes, you could sample 
any and all the 26 or so breads - was the most fabulous 
fruity, crusty topped bread I've yet to find anywhere.

Half this loaf remained to come home with us after spending 
as many nights in hotels as we did, and I'm finishing it up 
this morning toasted, delicious!

The SAD news, although there are six locations for When Pigs Fly

bakeries, they are all in New England. 

The GOOD news, you can buy this bread online (3 loaves minimum) 

and it will be shipped to your door. 
My tip would be forget the huge fee for overnight or 
even next day shipping, the lower priced options should be 
fine because the bread apparently has a long life.

To anyone up there in New England who enjoys this bread 
and is reading my post, perhaps you can tell us which 
are your favorite loaves. 

I'm green with envy if you are able to get to 
one of the When Pigs Fly bakeries whenever you want. . . 
and yes, I admit, I'm not only a cheese-aholic, I'm a 
bread-aholic too!

Meanwhile, I'm off to place an online order and I'll 
report back to you how well the bread ships, and tastes,
after its journey south.