Grantham, NH (USA)

I went cross country skiing in Grantham (at Eastman, near the Cross Country Center) again!  Skies were clear and the temps were in the mid 20s.  Worked the trails for about 2.5 miles in 1.5 hours (1445 to 1615).  The "sweet spot" was at the hour mark when I was able to ski a full circuit of the “curved hill” with no spills.  Enjoyed the bright sun, long shadows and almost empty trails.  Got gas at Irving in Grantham on the way home (1630).  Beautiful afternoon!

Fairlee, VT (USA)

This morning, I went to 0800 Mass - very cold!  Once we were done (0900), I decided I'd go up to check out the activities at the Lake Morey Resort.  Over the last winter, I'd seen other folks using Nordic Skates and I became intrigued about this sport.  Seemed like a good day to try them out for myself!  Used I-89 and I-91 to reach Fairlee (VT) and arrived by 0930.  The place was packed with amateur hockey players because they were participating in a huge tournament.  Meanwhile, I had to wait until 1000 to rent the skates.  The people working at the resort were very friendly and gave me lots of pointers about the equipment and techniques for skating on them.  I had to try several pairs of boots in order to feel completely ready to get on the ice.  My motivation for trying this new sport was that I recently heard (at the Eastman Cross Country Center) that Nordic skating techniques are directly transferable to learning how cross country (skate) ski.  After getting a final pep talk, I headed outside to try out one of the ice tracks (one is four miles long!).  I then spent about three hours getting used to the gear, learning balance skills (only time I fell all day was before I even reached the lake) and gaining confidence on some rather fearsome looking blades (not your average skates).  It was cold (high single digits to mid teens) and a little windy but the sun was shining brightly.  Skated about 2.5 miles, almost six full circuits of the smaller (half mile) trail, and only quit after one of the skate bindings broke.  When I was finished (1230), I enjoyed watching the championship game of the big amateur hockey tournament that was taking place at the Resort.  Also ate a late lunch in the warm café (done at 1310).  Headed home (I-91 to Norwich) after that.  Today was a good learning experience - will definitely return to try this again!

Hanover, NH (USA)

I’ve been talking to the Hanover Conservancy about adopting a trail near my condo (more details to follow!) and decided to join their staff for a winter walk in Pine Park today.  Located on the edges of the Hanover Country Club (and along the Connecticut River), this place is Hanover’s oldest conservation area.  With the closing of the golf course there are plans to return many of the greens to pine forests.  at 1300, I joined a group of about 30 other hardy souls on a tour of the grounds - it was supposed to be a snowshoe walk but most of us used microspikes (snow not deep enough, lots of ice).  That was ok.  What I didn’t bargain for, though, was that the leaders of the group wanted to stop every five minutes to talk for ten.  In single digit temps.  With cold, icy winds blowing all around.  Some of what they were talking about was interesting but I would have preferred the conversation taking place in a warm room with a cup of hot chocolate nearby.  I eventually began to think I wasn’t one of the hardy souls after all - about 40 minutes into the “walk”, I was VERY cold.  Everyone else seemed nonplussed (or were they just feeling trapped?).  Faced with a choice of continuing to follow or blazing my own trail, I detached myself from the crowd and headed off solo.  I walked several circuits of the trail on my own and soon warmed up - this helped me to truly enjoy the wintry beauty of the aptly named, pine filled park along the frozen river.  The sounds around me were a bit ominous: creaking trees, groaning ice, wailing wind.  But I was glad to moving at my own pace and experiencing a typical New Hampshire winter day.  Fortunately, I was able to avoid answering questions when I accidentally encountered the group towards the end of my hike (they were stopped, talking again)… Walked about 3.5 hours in less than two hours, even with the slow pace initially.  Before getting back in my car (1500), I stopped to check out the Dartmouth Outing Club Ski and Skate Center.  For the first time since I’ve lived in the area, the place was packed. Decked out in their dark green school colors, lots of young people were happily skating, playing hockey, tubing, snowshoeing, skiing and making s’mores - saw many smiles and heard many happy sounds!  After that, I drove north on NH-10, looking for the main Conservancy building.  I couldn't find it initially and got distracted by a stop at the Kendall (55+ community, I got a brochure).  Thinking I needed to keep driving north, I continued on NH-10 into Lyme.  Part of me wanted to find something fun to do but, just before reaching town, I decided to turn around because it had gotten more snowy and windy.  On the way back in Hanover, I finally found the Conservancy building...  Reached home by 1615.  Snow’s coming down harder now - I think I’ll see about that hot chocolate...

Grantham, NH (USA)

[in the morning and early afternoon, I teleworked - finishing my work day early, I left for Grantham (1430) and drove to the trailhead for John's Glen in Grantham (at Eastman) - the tracks there were perfectly groomed and I only saw four other people - did multiple circuits on the trails near the ponds - skied for 90 minutes (1500 to 1630), 2.5 miles (temps in mid 20s) - before leaving Eastman, I stopped at the Cross Country Center to see if the pub was open (couldn't tell) - instead, I went over to Whaleback to meet Jon H for drinks (stayed until from 1700 until 1900) - arrived home by 1930 and noticed (forecast) that more snow was coming...]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[drove to White River Junction in the morning (0800) so I could get my COVID-19 booster shot at the VA Medical Center - did some errands in West Lebanon on the way home]

Somersworth, NH (USA)

I read an article in “Parable” (Manchester Diocesan magazine) a few months ago about a man who wanted to give something special to his Parish before he passed away.  He ultimately decided to donate a Nativity made by expert craftsmen in Italy and the article described the positive impact of this gift.  The idea of leaving a meaningful token of a full life lived in faith was intriguing to me and I actually wrote to the Pastor (also the author of the article) to find out how I could actually see it.  He told me to attend Mass at St. Martin Church (part of St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish) in Somersworth so I left the house early this morning (0645).  I used I-89, I-93, I-393, US-4, US-202, NH-9, NH-16 and city streets (listening to audiobooks on the way) to get to the parish and located it near the border with Maine.  I was just in time and only barely managed to find a parking space (!!!).  Following 0900 Mass, I met Father Andrew and he gave me a personal (interpretive) “tour” of each piece in the Nativity.  We weren't actually alone - lots of other people joined us and marveled with me at the amazing artwork.  The minute details on each carving tell a story and my photos didn’t do them justice.  Father Andrew told me the display would remain in place until February 2, if you want to go see it in person - highly recommend!  I then drove a short distance until I reached the nearby Dover Community Trail.  There wasn’t a lot of snow on the ground near the Seacoast but I found an ice rink there!  Wearing microspikes, I gingerly logged about five miles between the Watson Road Trailhead and the Train Depot in Dover (1100 to 1300).  Everyone with dogs was having a heck of a time keeping their pets from taking them on a wild skating ride.  Other than seeing some interesting businesses in town and crossing under a busy highway in the middle, about the only other scenery was watching the (mostly frozen) Cocheco River meander to the sea… Regardless, it was nice to get some good outdoor time in a new place - I’ll bet this area is even better during the warmer months!  After getting finished, I drove southeast (partly on NH-16 and some on US-4) until I reached the Fox Run area of the northwest Portsmouth suburbs.  There were several pretty water crossings.  I ate a nice Veterans Day (raincheck) appreciation meal at Texas Roadhouse (1330 to 1500) and then got started for home soon afterwards.  I arrived at my condo (after using US-4, I-393, I-93 and I-89) by 1700.  What a great trip to the Seacoast!

Winter Trip - Day 9

I woke up at 0600 again (after a good night's sleep).  Eileen and I then spent several hours talking and working the woodstove to get the house warm (temps were around -25 F).  After we got warm, Eileen made us some delicious sourdough pancakes and then we played Scrabble (Eileen won).  By 1100, she had to go to work and we said goodbye.  After she was gone, I packed up my car and said goodbye to the dogs.  I drove back into Potsdam and drove out of town on NY-11B.  Stopped at the Valero on the edge of town for gas (1115) and then continued east until I reached US-11.  Followed that for most of the rest of my New York journey (with a short detour on a road called "Military Turnpike", not sure why).  Listened to audiobook and then switched to Moth podcasts.  Back on US-11, drove into Rouses Point and followed additional back roads until I was on US-2.  I passed a closed Canadian border station in that area and later crossed into Vermont.  Continued on US-2 until I reached Swanton, VT.  Got gas at Shell with my nice discount (1330) and then drove a short distance to reach I-89.  I was surprised to find myself north of St. Albans, where the "Vermonter" begins each day... I talked to Mollie on the phone for about half an hour and then resumed listening to Moth Podcasts.  After a relatively easy drive (traffic-wise), I reached my condo again (1545).  Took my time unpacking and cleaning up my parking space.  I then let everyone know I was safe at home and then relaxed for the rest of the evening.  Right before I went to bed, I considered how almost nothing on this business trip went as planned (lots of meeting cancelations and weather impacts).  Despite the constant “up in the air” nature of the journey, though, I still had a great time.  Mostly, this is due to the overwhelming generosity and welcoming love I received from several amazing friends.  That would be unbeatable, by itself, but there was also an unexpected common thread throughout - almost all the pictures in my phone feature dogs!  And, for some reason, they all thought I was great… In honor of their efforts in making lemonade from my lemons, I’m declaring this trip “Tour du Chien”!

Winter Trip - Day 8

This morning, I got up at 0600 and folded up the clothes that had been running when I went to bed.  The temps were close to -30 F (!) but the dogs went outside like it was normal.  I started teleworking early but also had time to play with Mika, talk to Eileen and enjoy the warm area near the woodstove.  Eileen went to work and I continued to telework until 1300.  I ate a light lunch and then went shopping at Price Chopper in Potsdam (1330) - I actually only decided to leave the warm house when I saw that the temps had risen to above 0 F!  Back at Eileen's, I played with the dogs outside (brrr) and moved firewood into the house.  Then I did some more telework (until around 1500).  When Eileen arrived home from work, we drove over to Hannawa Falls and went walking (boots only) on the Red Sandstone Trail (1540).  It was still pretty cold but we were able to get to a landmark (burial place of someone's dog) she wanted to show me.  Somehow, her dogs had a great time during our walk and I managed to stay warm during the roughly 3.5 miles.  However, Eileen's feet got really cold and she was worried about them for a little bit when we got home (around 1700).  Meanwhile, I prepped the ingredients for us to be able to cook a recipe (for Zuppa Toscana) that Kelly and John had made while I was visiting them.  Once Eileen was 100%, we had a great time cooking and talking and drinking her favorite wine.  About an hour after we started, we were sitting down to a nice dinner (included the soup, Italian bread and a cappuchino cream-type dessert).  We later cleaned up the kitchen, messed with the fire (it got really warm), played with the dogs and then watched a movie together.  Somehow, Eileen stayed awake until after 2200 - I'm really not sure she watched the whole movie, though...  Before going to bed, we talked for another 20-30 minutes (she got her second wind) and then I read for a little while before falling asleep (2315).

Winter Trip - Day 7

Despite all the moves from place to place that I've been through in the last week, I managed to get had another nice night of sleep.  I was awake by 0600 and started telework immediately.  When I had a chance, I got breakfast in the hotel lobby and made plans with Eileen.  Departed Binghamton at 0845 and continued north on I-81, through snow and wind.  Fortunately, I was able to make a work call from 0900 to 1200 because I had good cell signal.  I used I-781 and then US-11 to get into the North Country.  Along the way, the weather improved but temps also dropped from 20 F to 5 F (brrr).  I picked up lunch at McDonalds in Gouverneur (1130) and then stopped at Walmart in Potsdam get some supplies and drinks for dinner (done at 1300).  I then drove to Eileen's (1320) and hung out with Juneau while I did some more telework.  She arrived by 1415 and we talked for a bit.  Since there was still daylight, we decided to get ready for a snowshoe walk near her house.  We had to drive for about five minutes but the trail was good.  By then, temps were in the low single digits but we walked on untracked snow for about 20 minutes until we arrived at the Raquette River (dam).  We then backtracked to the car soon afterwards because Eileen had a meeting at 1600.  While she was busy with that, I did some more telework.  Later, we sat together near her warm woodstove (as the temperature kept falling) and enjoyed some Merlot I'd brought.  By 1800, we were ready for dinner and reviewed a few of the local restaurant menus to decide what we wanted to eat.  We eventually settled on the Thai Cuisine Restaurant in Potsdam and, after about 20 minutes, were able to pick up the food (1845).  The food was really good and we ate a nice meal while catching up on life.  Starting at 2000, we both did some reading and I called Mollie.  We also played with the dogs (Juneau and Mika).  Eileen decided to turn at about 2130 (to read the book I'd brought her) bust I wasn't ready to sleep yet.  Instead, I did some laundry and relaxed until I went to bed myself (2215).

Winter Trip - Day 6

I slept well and almost didn't wake up when I'd planned (0630).  After getting ready, I got started on my telework and then had a chance to take a walk in the neighborhood (I saw a fox) before my first meeting (0830).  Kim and David were late sleepers so I didn't see them until I'd done the meeting and also taken another call.  Got a short, light breakfast with them and then started a planned five hour meeting for work.  I was able to get lunch during one of the breaks.  We ultimately finished the meeting early (1400) and I had some time to pack up the car.  I then said goodbye to Kim and got on the road (I-495, I-270).  On the way, I made some work calls and then I sat in a traffic jam for a bit (ugh...).  Eventually, the speed increased and I made good time while driving on US-15.  I stopped for gas at Sheetz in Thurmont, MD at 1515 and then continued north (later using PA-581, I-83 and I-81).  I hit another slowdown near the I-78 split (east of Harrisburg) but then didn't have any traffic or construction issues all the way to the New York border.  I listened to an audiobook on the way.  Stopped once for a break and to make a hotel reservation.  Arrived in Binghamton (my intended destination) by 1915 and quickly checked into the Comfort Inn (pre-paid).  Once in my room, I did some more work on my computer (until 2000) and then took care of personal business on my computer.  Since I felt like I hadn't been very active during the day, I went walking around the hotel and found the gym - I used the treadmill for the rest of my walk.  Before bed (2315), I read some more (book was really good!).

Winter Trip - Day 5

I was up by 0530 and did some reading.  By 0615, I got online for my telework job and worked all morning.  At 1115, I took John and Kelly to have lunch at the Vienna Inn.  We ate chili dogs and fries and had drinks - the place was quite affordable.  We got back from the restaurant at around 1230 and I teleworked some more.  At 1430, I took a walk around the neighborhood, including a second stop at the Dunn Loring Metro station for my Metro card (I finally got the issue fixed).  Teleworked some more after I got back (Kelly and John had gone to Lost Dog because the maid was there).  Throughout the day, I kept hearing about an incoming storm that would hit DC on Thursday morning.  Because I wanted to avoid being stuck in NoVA for several extra days, I started to change my plans.  Since I had told Kim and David that I would move over to their house at some point on the trip, I contacted them to set up the move.  I finished working at around 1730 (when Kelly and John finally got home).  Visited with them for a bit and then drove about five miles east to the West Falls Church area (1615). Talked to Brenna on the way.  I arrived at Kim and David's before they were actually ready to visit.  As a result, I hung out by myself for a while.  By 1845, though, everyone was there and we had a nice dinner with great conversation.  After that, we talked for about two hours until we were tired.  After retiring to the guest room, I did a lot of reading before I went to sleep (2300).

Winter Trip - Day 4

Woke up early again and read between 0600 and 0800.  Once John was awake, I headed downstairs to visit with him.  Kelly came down later and then we wall went on a walk - it was a loop from corner of Gallows Road, east on US-29 (Jefferson District Park), surface streets to W&OD Trail and then back to Gallows (crossing I-66 and I-495 twice).  Kelly turned around at the half way mark but John and I continued the full loop.  There was lots of slush and some ice but mostly clear.  Tried to fix Metro Card issue at Dunn Loring station (unsuccessful).  Talked to Brenna about her drive home.  I met Kelly at Open Road and ate lunch there.  Then went back to John and Kelly's and watched retro TV ("Knight Rider") until around 1500.  I'd been in touch with Stephanie and she told me I could come to visit - so I drove to the Courthouse area of Arlington and we chatted for about two hours at her place.  Then we drove up to North Arlington and parked (free on holiday) near the Crafthouse, a beer garden.  We had a drink there (Maine Lunch IPA) and ate part of a soft pretzel before heading up the street (brrr) to the Melting Pot for our dinner reservation (1930).  It was Restaurant Week and they had a special menu.  Stephanie had never had fondue so she thought the the whole thing was really fun.  We had bread/fruit in a cheese sauce, salads and a iron skillet meet cooking experience for the entrée.  At the end of the meal, we also had dessert (chocolate sauce).  Stephanie said it was a really good time.  We finished just before 2200 and then I drove her home.  I got back to Kelly and John's about 20 minutes later and did some reading before bed (2300).

Winter Trip - Day 3

I was up early at my hotel in Harrisonburg.  Unfortunately, Brenna was not in town or I would have spent longer in the area...  I worked on my travel blog in the morning and then (0800) got started on my trip north.  There was still no snow so the drive on I-81 and I-66 was pretty easy.  On the way, I saw lots of other VT parents driving north too - I must not have been the only one who tried to get their kid onto campus before it was too late...  During the drive, I listened to an audio book to pass the time.  I arrived in the Kingstowne area at around 1030 and then took a walk at Huntley Meadows (I did two complete circuits of the paved trail in 19 F weather).  After I was finished, I texted Kelly, Kim and the kids.  Before heading to Tyson's Corners, I stopped at Nicky's to drop off an item for Erin and ended up talking to the Twins for about 30 minutes.  After that, I headed west to see Kelly and John.  By then, it had started snowing.  After parking at their place, I walked a short distance to meet up with them at Open Road.  We stayed there for a while, watching NFL playoff games, before going back to their place.  Since there was much more snow at this point, we watched a few more games there, while John cooked some great steaks.  It was really great to be able to hang out with him and Kelly - it seems like so long since I've been around my DC area friends...  Mollie called to tell me that Blacksburg had gotten lots of snow.  Later, I played with Gipper and watched more playoff games.  Eventually, the snow turned to rain and started washing away the accumulation.  I went to bed at around 2230, feeling pretty good about how I'd successfully navigated through the weather.

Winter Trip - Day 2

I got up at around 0600 and got ready to leave.  Mollie was also awake and my brother-in-law, John, was making breakfast for us.  After lots of goodbyes, we got on the road at about 0645.  With Google saying it would take nine hours to get to Alexandria, I tentatively told Mollie that we might have a chance to get all the way to Blacksburg in one day.  Using MA-3, I-93, I-95 to drive from the Boston area, through Providence and half way across Connecticut.  Google gave me a choice to get on the Merritt Parkway and I took it - this allowed me to skip the through-NYC drive.  Mollie took a nap while I continued west to I-287, crossed the Hudson and used some back roads to cut over to I-287 just south of Suffern (NY).  By the time we were in central New Jersey, Mollie woke up and we started talking about stopping for lunch/gas.  At around that time, we talked to Brenna about our plans.  Sadly, it appeared that COVID-hysteria had peaked in NoVA...  As a result of this call, I began to feel very uncertain about whether we could actually stay in Alexandria for the night...  Meanwhile, in an attempt to make me happy with avoiding tolls, Google routed me on to US-202 and, despite some traffic and light delays, we made pretty good time to the Trenton area.  We then used a few back roads and ended up reaching the Delaware River at Washington's Crossing State Park.  Mollie liked to historic buildings but was shocked by the old, narrow bridge...  We then drove south until we were able to get on I-295.  We realized we'd still not stopped for lunch finally found a place to stop on the Lincoln Highway in Langhorne, PA.  We got gas at Shell (1215) and lunch at Wendy's (1230).  I paid a few extra dollars and signed Mollie up for the free ice cream club that Wendy's had (this made her really happy but we later learned it was only good at that Wendy's).  We got back on the road and Google offered us a nice route on the Eastern Shore (my preference anyway).  As a result, we used I-295 and I-95 until we passed through Wilmington, DE.  We then used DE-896 and some other back roads to get to US-301.  We talked to Brenna again and it became certain that we'd probably not be able to spend a lot of time visiting with her and Erin.  This made me sad, but Mollie and I continued driving (US-50 and I-495) until we reached Nicky's house in Alexandria (1545).  Since getting out of DC again quickly became the next priority, Mollie spent some time loading up my car with things she needed to take to Blacksburg.  She also spent time playing with her dogs (she'd missed them).  Meanwhile, I shared the things I'd brought for Brenna (she really liked most of the items, especially the book I brought) and left some other things for Erin (in her room).  Erin and Austin actually arrived while we were getting ready to leave and I was able to talk to her a bit.  In what seemed like a whirlwind visit, Mollie and I found ourselves back on the road by 1615.  Before long, we were driving west on I-66 and later made it to I-81 without too much trouble.  Unfortunately, we had to travel through lots of traffic until we reached Harrisonburg... Somehow, I stayed awake all through this time - mostly with help from Mollie (food and conversation).  After what seemed like a Marathon run, we arrived in Blacksburg (2005) and quickly unloaded all of Mollie's things.  There were more students in the area than we'd expected, so I felt good about the decision to press through without stopping.  Mollie made me hot chocolate and I wished her well for her new semester.  I was on my way again by 2030 and stopped for gas at Shell in Christiansburg (2040).  I then called Brenna, trying to set up lunch for the next day - I also tried Erin (voicemail) and a few of my friends (to gauge whether visits during COVID-hysteria were going to work).  Mollie and I chatted on the phone briefly about my travel progress (by then I was already north of Roanoke on I-81).  To stay awake, I listened to a Spenser audio book.  I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of weather and traffic by this point - things had sounded worse all day...  After I was in my hotel (2230) in Harrisonburg (Motel 6 on south side of town), I checked in with Erin and some of my concerned friends.  Plans seemed to solidify after that...  Watched a bit of Patriots-Bills and tried to get some steps for exercise (pitiful) before going to bed at 2345.  What a day - but I'm glad to discover that I've still got it in me to drive all day!

Winter Trip - Day 1

I finished working at around 1530 and got all the rest of my packing done.  Within the hour, I left the house and started my drive south (I-89, NH-3A).  On the way, I made calls to Mollie, Brenna, my dad (who gave me a recap of his visit with Mollie earlier in the day), Erin (voicemail) and Bonnie.  I made one stop for gas at Irving in Hooksett, NH (1730) and then continued south on I-93.  Traffic through Boston wasn't that bad and I listened to "Moth Radio Hour" podcast and some music to pass the time.  With minimal traffic on MA-3, I arrived at Katie's house by 1845 and found that no one was home.  After 1930, everyone returned and we all ate a light dinner (Katie's goulash).  It was fun to be around everyone and we had a good evening discussing the things the kids had been doing, work and travel plans, football and politics.  Mollie seemed glad to see me but it was clear that my sister and her family had genuinely enjoyed having her with them for a few days.  Everyone was sad that we had to leave the next day but I'd already seen some nasty weather forecasted for southern Virginia.  Mollie excused herself by 2130 and I followed her to bed a little later, getting ready for our big trip the next day (2230).

Grantham, NH (USA)

[cross country skiing at Eastman between 0745 and 0845 (to and from time was about 20ish minutes) - turned in a Heath Forest Trail card - didn't see any other skiers - stayed on practice loops (some hill work) - light snow on (sort of) groomed trails made for a pretty good experience]

Woodstock, VT (USA)

[I teleworked all morning and Mollie read in her room - I shared recipes with her and we talked about the logistics of her trip the next day - in the afternoon, I drove Mollie to the Billings Farm (Woodstock, VT) for an interview with Chuck, the farm manager (we arrived at 1430) - Mollie told me later that she’d enjoyed the experience - I’d planned to do some driving practice with Mollie but the road conditions were rather dangerous - instead, we returned home via West Lebanon, stopping at Mac’s Maple (closed), Home Depot (for nuts and bolts) and then got an early dinner at Koto Japanese Steakhouse (arrived at 1615) - we both really enjoyed the food and had a nice conversation about the success of her visit, her possible summer plans (work, internships, volunteering, driving), our travel plans for Virginia and upcoming school courses - Mollie checked in with my dad (planned lunch with him when she was staying with my sister's family) and coordinated with Gerard (who said he had to cancel our meet up on January 15) - after we got home, Mollie did chores (dishes and laundry), asked if she could have one of my coats (I gave her my dad’s old Navy Flight Jacket) and rested in her room - later, she made sandwiches for her trip and let me know about her travel/visit plans - when I went to bed (2200), she must already have dozed off because she never answered when I said good night]

Thetford, VT (USA)

[I teleworked early in the morning and then (0930) took Mollie out to visit Still North Books (to check on a possible book return), CVS (to check on COVID-19 home tests) and Price Chopper (so Mollie could get her COVID Booster) - we also practiced more driving, this time starting at the Ledyard Bridge (VT side), driving north to Thetford, crossing the Connecticut River Bridge, using River Road in the direction of Orford, circling south through Lyme and then taking NH-10 (55 mph) and NH-120 (four lane) to reach I-89 in Lebanon - by the end, Mollie admitted she'd gotten a lot more practical experience and confidence than she'd expected - back at my apartment (1200), Mollie helped me plan menus for the rest of the week (so we wouldn’t leave food behind) and then rested in her room for the rest of the afternoon - meanwhile, I teleworked for the rest of the day - at 1745, I left for a Knights of Columbus meeting while Mollie relaxed at home - when I returned, we spent a bit of time visiting before both of us went to bed (2200)]

Grantham, NH (USA)

[I was volunteering at church all morning and Mollie stayed home to relax - after I returned (1300, we left my condo and drove out to Grantham (Exit 14 off I-89), where I showed Mollie how to pump gas at Irving (1355) - after that, we did some driving practice on NH-10 - with all the repetitions of several rounds of “the circuit”, Mollie told me she liked having the chance to drive back and forth on a long stretch of relatively quiet road - she gained more confidence on driving around and  - we spent more than an hour on the road and drove over 30 miles before we were done - after we got home (1530), Mollie made enchiladas and did some chores (dishes) - we talked for a little while about family, college, friends from school and activities we needed to complete during the next few days - late in the evening, I gave Mollie some info about the Billings Farm so she could prepare for her “interview” with the staff on January 11 - after that, Mollie rested in her room until I went to bed (2200)]

Enfield, NH (USA)

Mollie was up relatively early and, by 0800, we left my condo so she could practice driving.  It was 7 degrees F and she told me she didn't miss this type of weather.  To get Mollie comfortable with my car, we used one of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock parking lots at first.  Mollie drove around and around there, practicing turns, stops, backing up and other tasks.  After almost an hour, I let her drive the “course” by herself while I waited outside the vehicle.  She seemed to have gotten a lot of confidence so I suggested that we drive on the road for a little while.  This was her first time outside of a parking lot and she was nervous.  Despite this, we successfully drove around on roads (paved and gravel) to the northeast of where I live (including Etna).  By the end, Mollie drove at 55 miles per hour on Route 10 and then around some rotaries.  Mollie called the whole experience a “trial by fire” and I told her I was proud of her.  After that, we visited the Howe Library in Hanover (Mollie checked out a book and we explored the building).  Next, we drove into West Lebanon and stopped at several places: Feed & Supply (we did some browsing), Sierra (our first time exploring inside), Target (to use gift cards and get supplies for my condo), Shaw’s (to get free Soliel Sparkling Water) and the Powerhouse Mall (to get Yankee Candles and window shop).  We then drove to Whaleback Mountain in Enfield so I could pick up my Hike Park Pass.  After we eventually got home (1330), Mollie cooked a late lunch (pizza) and then spent much of the afternoon in her room.  She did come out to eat dinner with me in the kitchen and we ended up having a long conversation.  Exhausted by this, I guess, she headed back into her room for the rest of the evening.  Still, I'm pretty psyched by the amount of stuff we were able to do together!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

Mollie came for a visit!  She started texting very early from Union Station (while waiting for the Vermonter) and shared videos of some friendly pigeons.  I asked her to keep me updated and she said she would - we then texted back and forth about her progress on the train all day long).  She arrived close to on-schedule (1830) and I picked her up at the train station in White River Junction.  We drove to Hanover so she could get some ginger ale and appetizers at Molly’s. Mollie ran into a lot of her old co-workers while we were there and seemed to be happy to have returned to her “home away from home”. I'd brought some Christmas gifts from my sister's family and she opened them while we were eating.  We had a nice conversation about school, National Parks, my activities in Hanover, incoming winter weather and our travel itinerary during her visit.  After finishing, we drove back to my condo and Mollie got situated in her room. Very glad that she's here!

Enfield, NH (USA)

[Attended Vigil Mass for the Feast of the Epiphany at La Salette (Enfield) this evening and got to enjoy one of the last nights for their Christmas lights.  Happy 2022!]