West Lebanon, NH (USA)

It was Veteran's Day so, like many recent years, I made big plans to capitalize on all the freebies!  Early in the week, I'd considered driving to Manchester because there were more businesses there that we don't have in the Upper Valley.  After thinking about it, though, I decided to stay closer to home so I could log a few more hours for my job (and save vacation time).  The decision to stay nearby required even more than normal planning to maximize the haul.  Starting my telework day at 0600, I logged about 45 minutes of work before leaving my condo.  I first drove to West Lebanon, where I visited Denny’s for a free Grand Slam breakfast.  While there, I met a few other Vets there and talked to them.  Afterwards, I drove to Walmart and checked their shelves for the elusive Ozark Trail Hiking Boots that I haven't been able to find online: success!  Even better, there was a discount for Vet's Day!  Afterwards, I drove across the street to pick up a free breakfast combo at Wendy’s.  Full of food by that time, I saved the food for later and drove to Target to pickup an online order (10% off for Vet's Day) I'd made the night before.  With that complete, I drove to the Shaw's (across NH-12A) - before going inside the grocery store, I walked to the nearby Dunkin’ Donuts for a free donut.  Next, I went grocery shopping, where I got 10% off my groceries.  Crossing NH-12A again, I shopped at Hannaford (another 10% deal).  Thinking there might be some more Vet's Day "pop up" opportunities, I crossed the Connecticut River to check out some rumors I'd heard about on social media.  First, I visited Cumberland Farms in Wilder (two free drinks) and stopped at Subway in White River Junction (free 6-inch sub and Gatorade).  With a large break until the next free stuff would be available, I decided to drive to Hartland (via US-5) because I'd heard about a Vet's Day breakfast deal at the Three Corners Market.  More success!  After picking up a free burrito bowl and some hot chocolate (both to go), I drove back (via I-91 and I-89) to Lebanon.  Once there, I stopped at the Marsh Brothers' Deli for a free breakfast sandwich (to go).  This was my first time visiting the little restaurant (lots of good "word of mouth" since I've lived in the Upper Valley).  The place reminded me of the Corned Beef Row restaurants in Baltimore... Returning to West Lebanon (I-89), I set up in the Target parking lot and got some steps (walking).  I'd planned to do some more things but Eileen called during this window and we had a serious talk for about 30 minutes.  In the end, I entered Chili's just after they opened (1105) and ordered a light entrée from their special menu.  I enjoyed about half of it and took the leftovers with me.  After a successful Vet's Day haul (finished with this last location at 1145), I drove home and resumed teleworking until almost 1630.  One of my Happy Hour friends, Ed, had earlier suggested that we meet at Jesse’s Steakhouse for their annual Veteran's Day Steak Dinner.  When I arrived (1645), the place was packed and I felt lucky to get a seat.  Before eating even more food than I'd had in the morning, I spent some time drinking happy hour beer and talking to other patrons.  One recognized me from the Billings Farm (he saw me when I last volunteered).  Ed's arrival seemed to be delayed and I had a Knights of Columbus Council Meeting planned for a bit later.  Reluctantly, since Ed hadn't arrived, I ordered the 12oz prime rib and potatoes and ate all of it before departing at 1755.  After driving home, I joined the KofC meeting (via Zoom) and, when it was over (1830), resumed teleworking.  By 1900, I knocked off work for the day and spent the evening watching movies and texting with the kids.  Even locally, I really cleaned up on this Veteran's Day!