White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworked from early in the morning - at 1435, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards (1545), I headed back to Hanover so I could walk the entire trail network in the Greensboro Ridge Natural Area (the system I "adopted" for the Hanover Conservancy) - was out in the woods (it felt good!) for about an hour (done at 1700) - next, I took a water sample from Medical Center Pond so I could do the fourth salt test on this water source of the Winter of 2024-2025 - once I was home (1715), I teleworked some more and later entered the results of my volunteering activities online]

New London, NH (USA)

My sinuses had been acting up during the preceding week and I wondered if it was a good idea to attend my second session of Dive/Scuba training with First Stage Divers.  When I woke up this morning, I felt well enough to try.  Another reason for me to head down to New London (diving or not) was to meet up with one of my genealogy friends, Jerry C (a resident of that town).  He asked me to meet him at 0830 at a local diner called Tucker's for breakfast.  This turned out to be a great venue and I enjoyed one of their signature "Bennies" (Eggs Benedict) dishes - I tried the TJ Irish Benny - and some good conversation.  At about 0945, I drove a short distance to Colby-Sawyer College to meet with Marley for my session in the pool.  The group was small again - Brett was there and another new diver (Shannon) joined us.  This allowed for some good one-on-one with the instructor and some buddy training in gear fitting/use, buddy assist techniques and general comfort under the water.  We spent about two hours together (one hour in the water) and I felt very comfortable.  Afterwards, we all went to Little Brother Burger Company for lunch again.  This time, I had a good gyro sandwich ("You're my Gyro") and some fries.  It was interesting to learn more about the group during our conversation.  I'd thought about doing something else before heading home but the colder and windier weather deterred me from that idea.  Instead, I went home (arrived before 1400) and did some more moving prep.  During the coming week, I'll continue my online NAUI Dive Course - there is a lot more to learn before I get the certification!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[did chores around the house all morning - my landlord set up an Open House (to sell the condo where I live) and that took place between noon and 1400 (I was allowed to stay and do some work while that was going on) - at 1445, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (52 lengths) - this was the first time that I was allowed to use the pool since March 31 (due to repairs on the filtration system) so it felt good to be back in the water - afterwards, I headed home (arrived at 1615)]

New London, NH (USA)

During the last month, I worked with the owner of First Stage Divers (located in Concord, NH) to set up a series of training sessions for me so I could obtain my Scuba/Dive certification.  Today was my first scheduled class!  After taking care of some chores in the morning, I departed my condo (0900).  My route to Colby-Sawyer College in New London started with a drive down I-89.  There was very little snow and the weather was pleasant - I guess Winter is really over...  I made one stop (0935) at the Grantham Irving station where I've always had good luck with gas prices: with discounts, I only paid $2.53 a gallon today!  Continuing on to NH-11, I arrived at the Hogan Center (swimming pool on campus) just before 1000 and managed to find Marley, my instructor.  I also met my fellow classmates: Lisa, Brett and Chris.  For the next hour, we all learned about our gear and how to prep it.  I felt a bit lost at the beginning (I'll get caught up on some online training during the coming weeks) but everyone was very nice.  By 1100, we were ready to get into the pool, which ranged in depth from 4 to 15 feet.  This made for some wonderful training with the regulator, masks, weights and other gear.  Gradually, we did drills and make our way around the shallow end to get used to everything.  Towards the end of our hour, though, we ventured all the way to the deep end.  Even though I had trouble clearing my ears, I was able to do almost everything that the other class members (who'd had one more session than I had) could.  Marley got some good photos of our underwater antics too!  After noon, we started wrapping up the class and learned how to clean and stow the gear.  After getting changed back into my street clothes, I joined everyone else at a nearby restaurant called Little Brother Burger Company.  My burger, called the "Bro Mac", was excellent - we also had some good conversation about the class, life in New Hampshire and Mud Season fun.  Saying goodbye to everyone (1330), I next drove (via back roads) to the eastern edge of Lake Sunapee - I followed NH-103A around the southern end (through Newbury) until I was able to get on NH-103B.  From the base of Mount Sunapee, I then drove a bit north until I reached the Harding Hill Farm.  Mollie and I had visited their Sugar House in early 2021 - since then, the company has become very successful and had even bought a brand new, $60K evaporator during the new season.  I spent some time touring and geeking out on the engineering of everything before buying some syrup and maple sugar candy (1420).  From the farm, I headed north and west on NH-11 until I passed through Newport.  I explored town a little bit but then continued west.  Soon after leaving town, I noticed some activity in an old building that had looked abandoned whenever I've been on NH-11/NH-103 - it was a new Brewery!  During the next 30 minutes, I tried a flight of four delicious beers, all made by the Rockingham West Brewery (departed at around 1500).  During a stretch of due-west driving, I believe I was able to see the snowy slopes of Okemo Mountain!  I continued towards Claremont and eventually reached the Market Basket - I wanted to check the prices there and get some exercise so I stopped for about 45 minutes.  The weather was pretty nice and I was able to walk along the edge of the Sugar River for a bit - all told, I almost walked two miles and learned that my Shaw's and Hannaford stores are better for most items than the vaunted Market Basket...  [Note: in the process, I walked most of the eastern end of the Bobby Woodman Trail.] As I wrapped up my stop, I had a choice: find something else to do to kill another 90 minutes (so I could go to Mass at St. Helena's in Enfield) or head for home immediately.  Feeling tired, I chose the latter option, driving west on NH-103 all the way until it became NH/VT-12 and crossed the Connecticut River.  Getting on I-91 at Ascutney, I drove all the way to Norwich (the I-89 interchange was closed for construction).  I should add that I listened to audiobooks during the nearly 60 hours I drove today.  Arrived in Hanover (and reached my condo) at about 1700.  Felt quite good about how the day had gone and spent the rest of the evening relaxing and getting ready for the upcoming work week.  I'm planning to do some more diving next weekend!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 1445, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I headed home (arrived at 1615) and continued teleworking until 1715 - after getting ready, I went to Sacred Heart to volunteer during the fourth Friday of Lent fish dinner (Filipino Night!) - arrived home at about 2030]

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 0645, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I did some quick errands in West Lebanon before returning home (arrived at 0900) - resumed teleworking until 1645 - after work, I went to dinner with Monte at Jesse's Steakhouse]

Cape Cod Trip - Day 2

After my whirlwind day yesterday, this morning seemed a bit lazy.  I was up early (0530) but found that all the dogs, Dad and Beth were already busy around the house.  After doing a little bit of reading, Sudoku and Duolingo, I got ready and departed for Mass at Corpus Christi Parish (nearby in Sandwich).  This was the first time I'd gone to church there but my dad had previously shown me the impressive structure.  It was even more amazing inside!  I arrived about 15 minutes before the 0730 service and had enough time to check out the architecture and some of the art.  Afterwards (0820), I returned to my dad's home and had breakfast with him and Beth.  Usually, my dad has all kinds of plans for us - a drive, some beach walking, etc.  Today, however, he seemed happy inside his cozy home with all the dogs.  They shamelessly begged for food from me but I was told that they seemed very comfortable (unusual, I guess) with me.  This made Dad and Beth happy.  Later in the morning (1000), Beth departed for a nap so my dad and I had one of our interesting political discussions for about an hour.  I'd coordinated to meet up with my sister (Katie) and husband (John) so said goodbye to Dad, Beth and the dogs at about 1145.  From Sandwich, I drove north (via US-6 and MA-3 until I reached MA-139.  I arrived at Katie's home in Hanover (MA) by 1230 and let myself in (they were running late after church).  By about 1245, though, we were all together and spent the next several hours visiting and eating a light lunch that John made.  It had been a while since I was able to speak with both of them and we got to share some happy stories about our kids, vacation plans and other family news.  Time ticked away quickly and it wasn't until almost 1700 that I asked if we could go get some dinner.  Hanover (MA) has one of the few remaining Friendly's restaurants in the area and I always try to visit when I'm in town.  Fortunately, John and Katie like it too!  We sat down at about 1730 and ate our fill of supermelts (I had the "fishimijig") and ice cream.  More great talks ensued and I felt quite satisfied with all the really high quality visiting I'd gotten in just over 36 hours.  At 1915, I said goodbye and departed from Hanover South for Hanover North.  I got on MA-3 and encountered some congestion as I made my way to I-93 and through Boston.  The closer we got to the NH-MA border, though, the lighter the traffic (and higher the speeds) became.  As I approached Hooksett, I decided to stay on I-93 so I could make up a bit of time - this meant that I used the toll both.  Overall savings in time was about 15 minutes (for $1).  Once on I-89, I was able to make great time to Lebanon (more audiobooks).  There were some ominous signs about a winter storm coming the next day but, happily, I didn't encounter any precipitation.  By 2115, I rolled into the parking lot for my condo after a nice, quick ride home from Massachusetts.  What an amazing few days!  I'll definitely sleep well tonight...

Cape Cod Trip - Day 1

With a new baby and puppy recently joining the family, I was enthusiastically invited to visit Massachusetts this weekend.  The weather was forecasted to be very nice so I packed last night and was on the road just after 0600 this morning.  I used I-89 to reach the outskirts of Concord and then took NH-3A (avoiding the toll).  After stopping for gas at Irving in Hooksett (0715), I got on I-93 and continued south (listened to audiobooks on the way).  The traffic was moving very nicely and I arrived in Boston well ahead of a weeknight pace.  Even better, I made it through the city very quickly too.  Changing to MA-3 in Quincy, I arrived in Hanover (MA) by 0830 and met my sister at a new restaurant (for both of us) called First Watch.  They had a great menu of breakfast food and the ambiance was nice.  After I'd been visiting for a short time with Katie, my nephew Johnny arrived.  The meal and family news was great and I enjoyed the extra time I got with them.  Finishing up by 1045, I made plans to see my sister on my way home - after that, I drove to Gerard's house in Plymouth (via MA-3 and some back roads to Federal Furnace Road).  We visited from about 1115 to 1415 - lots of good travel talk and an exchange of views on current events.  From Gerard's, I drove south into Carver and took some other back roads until I reached MA-58.  Heading north, I passed through Halifax and crossed West Lake / East Lake into Hanson.  My destination was Aria and Dan's house - it was my first visit and I got a first class tour of their beautiful home (1445).  More importantly, I got to meet their new arrival: Gianna (or, as my daughters are calling her "GiGi").  I got baby cuddles, spent time playing with Storm (Siberian Husky) and Milo (Maine Coon Cat) and caught up on the latest family news.  It was a wonderful time!  At about 1600, I reluctantly said goodbye and made my way back (mostly via MA-27) to MA-3.  From Kingston, I made excellent time all the way to the Sagamore Bridge, across on to US-6 and several miles into Sandwich.  Unfortunately, I then encountered a massive traffic jam and got delayed for nearly 30 minutes.  Altogether, though, this was not such a bad thing - the slow down had been caused by a car flipping over near my intended exit but I don't think anyone was hurt.  The local authorities also cleared the accident very quickly.  As a result, I was at my dad's house by 1730.  We visited for a little bit and I got to meet their new dogs (Daphne and Tiarah).  My dad had made some dinner for us and it was nice to sit down with him and Beth to eat it.  There was lots more conversation about life and work and news.  Afterwards, we spent some time outside with the dogs and my dad showed me several of the bird houses he'd recently made.  Some of them have apparently sold at a little stand in front of his house and he is quite proud of them (my sister later told me he'd made one for Aria and Dan's house and the photos look amazing).  A bit after that, my dad suggested we drive over to the Bally's Casino in Tiverton, RI for some fun.  After our last visit, I was interested more in the "wall of beer" that they had and, once we arrived (1945), I spent time between those taps and my dad's slot machines.  It was smoky and crowded - not the best environment - but my dad was quite happy to be winning for most of the evening.  We departed the casino by 2100 and were home about an hour later.  Beth had already gone to bed so dad and I talked for a little bit before I headed to the guest room for the night.  Before going to sleep (2300), I did some reading and Duolingo.  Quite tired after my whirlwind visit to the Bay and Ocean States!

White River Junction, VT (USA)

[teleworking from early in the morning - at 1445, I drove to White River Junction (UVAC) and spent 45 minutes swimming (54 lengths) - afterwards, I returned home (arrived at 1615) - resumed teleworking until 1630]

Woodstock, VT (USA)

One more time on skis before the rain!  Last night, social media notified me of an “End of Winter” party at the Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center.  I thought: wait, that means they’re still open!  This morning, I woke up early and skipped chores for the day - instead, I left Hanover at 0800 and drove to Woodstock (via I-89 and US-4).  After early Mass (0830) at Our Lady of the Snows, I was one of the first people on the groomed Golf Course trails (started at 0920).  The daily pass was kind of pricey but I would probably have paid almost anything to get to ski. It was overcast and windy, with temps in the low 40s, and the snow must have set near freezing overnight because I was practically flying on the tracks!  After I’d been having a ball for an hour, a grooming machine came by and converted the nice icy ruts into mush.  During my last visit here (2023), I’d been able to climb nearby Mount Peg so I thought I’d try my luck up there.  Actually, that climb inspired me to buy my EVOs, to replace the shorter Salomons I had then. Boy did I need the newer skis today!  Most of the trail uphill was a combination of ice, snow, mush, mud and grass - it was quite slow going… About half way up, though, I started getting some good stretches of only ice-snow and raced through those areas.  The higher I went, the more I wondered if I’d be able to ski back down without hitting anything.  So, after I admired the view at the summit, I did a combo ski/walk back down the mountain.  Reaching the “good stuff” again, I did some more circuits of the trails with tracks.  By then, many more people had arrived and started to really trash the tracks.  Fortunately, I’d already gotten three hours of skiing (7ish miles) and felt ready to join the party in the Clubhouse.  By 1225, I was seated at the bar, where I enjoyed a “Grilled Vermonter” sandwich and Upper Pass First Drop while listening to the soothing sounds of Ali T (local artist I’ve met at other events through the years).  Wrapping up my day in Woodstock at 1315, I headed towards home (via US-4 and I-89) and arrived at my condo by 1345.  While going through my ski stats for the 2024-2025 season, I discovered that I’ve hit 100 miles on skis (27 days on the trails).  It’s been a good run - I’ll try to graciously bear the end of the Winter if I don’t have a choice.  But I’m definitely going to be crossing fingers for more snow if I do!