Blog Archives

Just Thinking

11/30/2013

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The Holidays, that special time of the year when families and friends gather together to give thanks. Later you head out after dinner to do some discount shopping on Black Friday.

The night was again this year was marred by its share of violence and brawls across the country. No fatalities have been reported as in previous years. The annual frenzy for discounted items saw tempers flare across the nation, with reports of fistfights, stabbing's and shootings.

Fights, riots and stampedes once again became the story of the evening. There is a growing segment of people that have no idea what the holiday is all about and some of these shoppers aren’t exactly in the holiday mood.

I’m glad I slept my turkey dinner off Thanksgiving night and went for a walk in the woods the next day. I just hate those stampedes.

Happy Thanksgiving

11/28/2013

Happy Holiday

11/27/2013

Tomorrow is a meeting of holidays so rare it will be tens of thousands of years before it happens again. Thanksgiving and Hanukkah — the Jewish Festival of Lights — fall on the same day this year.

I feel very fortunate to live in a country where we are free to celebrate our religious beliefs however we want and if they coincide that’s ok too. It's not something one should take for granted in this world.

I hope you're dinner table has some culinary enjoyments on it that are not the normal but will put a smile on your face .So here’s to giving thanks for this unusual but perfect mix of days.

Life's Pleasures

11/23/2013

It was good to get away and enjoy a little time at camp in the North Country. There were a lot of adventures during the week and memories to last a life time. There were the bears that were still not in hibernation yet but the tracks that they left were seen a couple of times close to camp. The deer and moose were wandering around. One night the stars were shining bright and then to see shooting stars in the sky was something I had not witnessed in a very long time. There were days that were cold, windy and snowing and others that were enjoyable.

We had the fortunate and rare pleasure this year to have an ermine come around by camp. For the last 10 years, 6 of those have had ermine hanging around. The ermines have a very long body, short legs and a pointed face with an almost triangular head. In winter, they are all white with a black tip at the end of its tail. The first time I have ever saw one was at the camp on the front porch. I was opening the front door to go out and it ran across my feet. The years when we do see one, we try keeping the front of the woodshed stocked with leftovers, (raw meat) to be able to watch it come and go.

This year however was a bit different. The first morning I woke up and was still lying in my bed when I looked up on the rafters and there he was just looking back at me. I watched him for over an hour that morning as he went throughout the camp that he obviously new well in search of its favorite treat, mice. I regretfully had left my cameras in the car and never got the real good picture. Later in the afternoon I spotted him again on the floor and was able to get one terrible picture of him coming around a chair. We did find where he was able to get in camp and fixed that problem quick. They are one of the rarest creatures of the north woods that you would be very fortunate if you have a chance to encounter one. To this day, a good quality photograph of the ermine is still one of the most sought after pictures that I have not yet been able to capture.

A visitor at camp

Stock photo courtesy of Borealforest.org

Reflections

I sit in this place, so far away                                                                                                               where life allows me a very short stay

In this camp, with its roof made of tin                                                                                                         I reflect on my life, those places I've been

Outside there's a moon and the woods are aglow                                                                        reflections are bright as it shines on the snow

My children now gone, they have both grown                                                                                      time passed so quickly, they have kids of their own

The days go by faster, as they blend into one                                                                                            I think of tomorrow, and pray for the sun

As I look at the moon, through the trees it does shine                                                                            in this place that I love, and that I call mine

kpm

The Place

As I walk through the woods in a light falling snow                                                                                     I follow the path that was made long ago

I'm going to a special place                                                                                                                     far away from life's frantic pace

Known to the creatures of the woods and me                                                                                           where we all enjoy some tranquility

The sun shines through the clouds                                                                                                          as it moves across the land                                                                                                                    like waves coming ashore                                                                                                                     then receding off the sand

In this special place you can find what you need                                                                                       to mend your life of problems and all the greed

When the sun goes down and I leave this place                                                                                     my soul is refreshed by a warm embrace

As the wind will whisper through the trees                                                                                               my mind becomes full of good memories

kpm

Upta Camp

11/15/2013

My bags are packed and today, it’s time to go. I’m heading back north today, “Upta Camp”. Once again, it’s that special time of the year known as deer season and it’s time to make the annual road trip.

Heading up to camp is not hard core camping. It is a small cabin with two rooms. Some people have camps that are beautiful log cabins, and others have lake front retreats. Some others can be an old rickety shed-type building with a wood stove.

Our camp is not on a beautiful lake and it’s not a rickety shed. It does not sit on scenic lake, but there is a moose pond that is very close by. It is however in the middle of the deep woods and seeing another person while staying there has a high probability of not ever happening.

For many years I have gone to camp in the Northeast Kingdom. Going to camp, does a lot of different things for people. For many, it is the chance to get away and get in tune with nature. For me, it brings me back to a better understand about the limits and realities of my life. But it’s also about sharing with, those that are with you and enjoying nature in its purist sense. It’s a place you can go to enjoy the old art of communication as well as solitude. This week, there will be many tall tales told, lots of laughs and great food cooked up every night. Making memories that will last for a lifetime.

Our camp was built by a family that had visited and cherished it for generations. They filled it with many lifetimes of memories. When I spoke with the Mrs. for the first time about going to camp, one of the first things that came up was the availability of indoor plumbing. I had to explain about the outhouse feature....... the natural spring fed well, and all the wildlife that abounds right outside through the front door. It took a lot of convincing for her to make that first overnight trip up to the camp. As I remember it, there never was that discussion of a shower or lack of one that made it to the conversation.

We have now upgraded the camp with an outside shower. It is attached to the outside wall and enclosed on all sides with an opening on top. Water pails are left on the wood stoves to get hot all day. At the end of the day, the hot water is poured into a holding tank above the shower.
Mix in some cold water and “wallah”.

But more than anything else, Camp is a magical place where for a short period of time, the city life that I have left behind, is so very far away.

Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves .............Henry David Thoreau

The Evolution of Thanksgiving

11/12/2013

Thanksgiving once was the big Holiday that brought the American family together. Since the first settlers established a colony here and later celebrated to give thanks, it was a very special day. Thanksgiving was an American tradition. It was the time for everyone to gather together with family, friends and remember how much they have to be thankful for. Regardless of ethnic backgrounds or religious beliefs, Americans came home and got together for that special day every year. Schools played their big football games. Parades were part of fixture and Communities stepped up to take care of their own. Those that needed a little help. But the times changed along with the culture of its people.

Then corporate America changed the rules. It became all about shopping. It is now known as “The day to go shopping”. It started with Black Friday. Get up early and go Christmas shopping for the best deals of the year. Then the opening time of the stores just kept getting earlier each year. The went to 3am Friday, then midnight. Then one year, one of the retailers decided to open on Thanksgiving Day. Once the first store announced their plans, the rest of the retailers had to follow. But it got even better than that, Kmart then decided to open at 8 am on Thanksgiving Day.

The next year the rest of the retailers were all doing the same, they started opening their doors early Thanksgiving morning to give the shoppers what they wanted. The hype to make sure that sales are the only thing that the day is about. The centuries old custom of Thanksgiving Day as we once knew it was over. The new day of the deals was here. The start of the new Thanksgiving that we all know now was born. “Shop till you drop” is the cry that is heard across the land.

I just heard that the Christmas Day gift exchange will be starting this year. The stores are set to open shortly after all the presents under the tree have been opened. Now we can exchange the gifts we received that morning but don't really like by noon. And don't forget about all those sales for the leftover Christmas Items that will be 50% off. I heard that from the responsible population growth convention that Mr. Tom Turkey recently spoke at......

If you look at what the retailers have done in the last few years to Thanksgiving, then you have to believe that next year’s changes will be faster than superman. I believe that retailers would never open the doors if they didn’t believe that people wouldn’t walk through them.

Things do not change, we change.............Henry David Thoreau

Happy Veterans Day

11/11/2013

To all The Veterans who took the time to make a difference, Thank You

Turn the Page

11/10/2013

The beautiful fall days are coming to an end for this season. Nice sunny days in November are going to become far and few between. The cold damp rainy days are the ones you will always remember.

This last week, we were treated to a bunch of different shades of New England weather. The week started off very nice and just got better up to Wednesday when it was actually warm, sunny and no jacket type of day. Things changed a bit with the cold rains on Thursday and by Friday morning there were snow squalls and showers reported all over New England. Saturday we were treated to another sunny day early and it then became overcast and a bit cold as the morning progressed. We have been very lucky to have had a bunch of nice days this month but the signs are there that everything is about to change.

I had a previous commitment that prevented Helene and myself from getting out yesterday and taking a hike. We sat home last night and hoped there would be a chance to get out Sunday. The prediction was for scattered rain showers late Saturday night and ending sometime Sunday Morning. I was up early on Sunday morning to look out the window and find that the weatherman was right, there were light showers still going on and the temp was 38 degrees. We do need the rain, just not on the weekends. It looked like we were in for one of those grey, gloomy, drizzly days. So….We started our day with a Sunday morning big homemade breakfast and relaxed a bit, a short time later when the sun came out it was time to head over to the sanctuary for an early morning walk.

The leaves have fallen and a walk through the woods now is a great time to see the creatures of the forest. The trails are covered with a blanket of leaves and the animals are busy trying to stock up their winter food supplies. ....life for us in the woods today was for the enjoyment and taking photos. It’s what
makes me get inspired. The hike was short as the rain started to fall again. The real November is starting to make its presence known. Later in the afternoon the sun came out and so did we. We emerged again from the house for a little bit more of a walk and to enjoy the sunset. I got a couple of pictures that are below.

Veterans Day will be mostly sunny and breezy across New England. Too bad that I will be working and not get the chance to get outside and enjoy it. The forecast for Tuesday has a cold front moving into the region and snow showers are on the way and by mid week. Get ready folks because winter is right behind.

To all those that served

11/7/2013

A simple thank you is never enough. Veterans Day is soon approaching and there are many National restaurants who want to thank the veterans by providing them with discounts or a free meal.   Veterans and active duty military simply show proof of military service. Please call ahead for verification. To those companies offering veterans a free meal or discount, thanks!

Applebee’s – free meal, Monday, Nov. 11, 2013 Applebee’s is again offering a free meal to military veterans and active-duty service members on Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. There will be 7 entrées to choose from, beverage and gratuity not included. Military ID or proof of service required.        More.

Bar Louie, Free meal on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2013. November 10th and Monday, November 11th every Bar Louie location across the country will offer veterans and military personnel a free meal up to a $12 value.                                                                                                                                More.

California Pizza Kitchen, Nov. 11, 2013. Free meal and non-alcoholic beverage for veterans and active military with valid ID or proof of service. Dine-in only.                                                     More

Chili’s – free meal, Monday, Nov. 11 2013. Chili’s is offering all military veterans past and present their choice of one of 7 meals during the dinner hour, or any lunch combo during lunch. Offer only
available at participating Chili’s in the U.S. only. Dine-in from limited menu only; beverages and gratuity not included.                                                                                                                               More

Denny’s Veterans Day Appreciation Event, (Awaiting update for 2013 ). Each year they have offered free all you can eat pancakes from 6 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 for all active, retirees. Offer available in all Denny's nationwide based on previous years.                                          More

Einstein Bros Bagels. Free Classic or Signature Bagel at participating locations.                   More

Golden Corral – Free meal, Monday Nov. 11, 2013, is offering all military veterans past and present,
you are invited to participate in Golden Corral’s Military Appreciation Monday dinner. To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 3.2 million free meals and contributed over $6.1 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. That's big time!                                                      More

Hooters – Free Meal,   Hooter’s is serving up a free meal up to $ 10.99 value to military veterans all day on Veterans Day. Offer good for all veterans and active duty military personnel.              More

Noahs New York Bagels. Free Classic or Signature Bagel at participating locations.             More

On the Border, Free meal on Nov. 10th and 11th, 2013. If you aren’t military personnel but want to show your support,y ou can eat at On the Border on November 11th and 15% of your check will be
donated to Carry the Load, a non profit organization dedicated to helping military personnel and their
families.                                                                                                                                     More

Spaghetti Warehouse, Sunday Nov. 10 – Monday, Nov. 12, 2013. Buy one entrée, get one free, coupon required. Choose any of 11 Original Recipe Spaghetti entrées and receive a second entrée free. Friends and relatives are encouraged to treat a veteran to a meal.                                 More

Sizzler Restaurants, Nov. 12, 2013. Free lunch served until 4pm. Choice of 3 entrees. Dine-in only, not valid for salad bar, beverage, or gratuity.                                                                          More

Texas Corral – Monday, Nov. 11, 2013. Free entrée (dine-in only). Offer available to all active duty members and veterans with ID. Note: All Texas Corral locations also regularly offer a 50%
discount to active duty police officers, firemen and military personnel dining in. Call ahead for participation.      Locations.                                                                                                      More

Texas Roadhouse, Every Texas Roadhouse location across the country will participate in the free lunch event to honor the men and women of our armed forces. Choose from one of 10 free meals, plus sides and a drink. Offer good for All veterans – including all active, retired or former U.S. military. ID Required.                                                                                                                               More

T.G.I. Friday’s, (Awaiting update Valid for all US Military personnel and veterans. Must wear uniform (if permitted by your service) or present military ID or other proof of service. Only valid at participating locations for anyone with an old or current military ID.                                                              More

Travel centers of America, At all truck stops Nationwide. All CDL drivers can enjoy a free meal up to a $15 dollar value.                                                                                                                      More

The Olive Garden, Free entrée, Nov. 11, 2013. Offer good for veterans and active duty military, on Monday, November 11th during regular business hours. Chose from a special menu; all entrées inlcude freshly baked garlic sticks and choice of soup or salad.                                                More

Each year, (B & B) the Bed & Breakfast industry celebrates the sacrifices made by courageous vets. They will be offering free rooms on or around Veteran’s Day................................................... More

This will be the 5th Annual B&Bs for Vets celebration to take place Sunday, November 10 and Monday, November 11, 2013. You can search the list by state or scroll through all the offers. In order to accommodate all those deserving free stays, innkeepers may offer “first-timers” to the program

Free Entrance Days in all the National Parks...........................................................................More

There are many other restaurants and stores that have offered discounts for Veterans that you can find here. We have only listed those that are giving a free meal............................................. More

2013 Store Discounts ----- Veterans Day Deals for Veterans................................................ More

Museums & Historical Sites

11/5/2013

It was with pleasure that I was able to add another segment to the web site last week. For the better part of six months, when I had some spare time, I have been putting together a list of Museums and Historic sites throughout New England together. The goal was to have a complete listing for everything in that is available to see in New England on one web site. If you look in The Good Diggin site you will notice that it is now available.

Most of you that know me know that if I have the time whenever I am on vacation, the chances are pretty good that I will look for a museum to visit and see what’s going on inside. As I continued to work on the museum aspect of this project, the historic sites and architecture of New England would not be denied a place in the listings. So it took a little longer to compile but I can now say it’s there!
No....... who the heck do I think I’m kidding? I’m pretty certain there will always be another museum or Historic site that will pop up that I found out about and they will have to be added to this site.

For me, every visit to a Museum or a Historic Site is an opportunity to discover and experience the wonders of art, science, nature or history. Exhibits from all over the world, or the deep rich history of our region offer a remarkable insight into life then and now.

Museums are a lot more than collections of artifacts; we are offered a chance at continuing life’s never ending immersion into cultural and splendor. A Museum is also a great place to meet with people an discuss thoughts and opinions. Memories created at the museum can also inspire you. There is always something going on at one somewhere so just pull up the web page of a local museum and see what they have to offer!