The Vinyl Cafe

Last night I took my mom out for her birthday up to a show in Portland, Maine. We went to the Merrill Auditorium to see a live recording of The Vinyl Cafe with Stuart Mclean, one of Canadas premier radio shows. We managed to park right outside to front door of this beutiful building, which was nice as we were expecting some snow later on in the evening and we could then escape the crowds afterward.

Inside the Merrill Auditorium prior to its rennovation in 1997.

Stuart onstage.

I listen to the program, which is aired here every Sunday afternoon at 2:00. I never quite matched the voice to the eccentric character that was onstage, with his flailing waves and kicks of the feet. His stories are captivating and almost autistic to the degree of detail that he gives in them about this little place in Canada and the people there that is The Vinyl Cafe. If his show isn't aired where you live, you can catch it online at http://www.cbc.ca/radio, and I would encourage you to do so. He highlights an artist every week as well, one that wouldn't get the recognition otherwise. Last night he had flown in Matt Andersen, a bluesman from Nova Scotia (currently residing in Germany). He is a talented singer with a rich voice that accompanies his guitar playing and it made for a great show of storytelling and song . We enjoyed the whole evening and managed to get home around midnight, just as the storm was picking up.

Ice Harvesting Festival

Behind the Remick Museum in Tamworth, NH.

I went to Tamworth this morning to the Remick Museum where an Ice Harvesting Festival was being held. There were lots of animals there including a pair of oxen that pulled an old fashioned snow-roller, chinook dogs that were giving rides to the children, and lots of cattle that were hauling blocks of ice that were being harvested from a nearby pond. Ice used to be the first harvest of the year, followed by maple syrup beginning next month (which is one of my favourite things).

A look inside the museum.

A pair of ice tongs on a sleigh. These would be used to grasp ice blocks.

They kept looking at me funny (and then I remembered a certain Biology lab...)

These are various saws used to extract ice from the surface of frozen water.

Hard work, I suppose.

To preserve the ice, it was placed in a pile of sawdust and stored for later use.

I'll take a number 1198 with large fries. This one was flirty and cute!

This team was ready to go!

A trip to the Record Room

Today I went with Elaine, Caroline and mom down to Concord to gather information for genealogical purposes. Actually, I was invited so that I could chauffer. It was a beautiful day, and also good to see how this kind of thing is done with a pro like Elaine. She is writing a book on the Spirit of Elijah, and it is a testimony of redeeming the dead. It is a collection of "goosebumpy" stories that she has experienced and gathered over her years preparing genealogy, and it is nearly complete-I can't wait to read it. We then went out to the Red Apple buffet afterward and ate a ton of food. We took some pictures along the way home (with Carolines' camera) mostly of old barns and homes. I always kick myself for not bringing my camera when I go out. When we got home, he had got a message from Jeremiah and Samantha saying that Caleb was in the newspaper on the front page. I went out and got a paper. It had a picture from their Pinewood Derby that the scouts had. Although his car did not win it was a lot of fun feeling the excitement and energy of all the kids, and am glad that we were invited.

Calebs is the orange fireball

"I hope I win!"

Great Glen Trails-Mt. Washington

*I have uploaded NEW pictures of the ice storm-check it out below

The other day, I wanted to go x-country skiing but did not want to pay. So, I googled the following: free, x-country, NH. My result was that I discovered a program called Winter Trails. This program offers free x-country skiing or snowshoeing throughout the country and it so happened to be on that day. I packed my stuff and headed on up to Mt. Washington. The resort provided rentals, as well as a lesson for free! I took advantage of the lesson, and I picked up a few helpful pointers as well. It was a lovely day.

And deeper into the woods...

Just Stunning.

A little cabin in the woods to rest and have a bite.

It's my famous pasta salad recipe from Romania!

Yesterday Jared called and asked if I would like to have a bit of work shoveling roofs at the Marriotts. I quickly agreed, as I have been out of work for almost two months now and could really use the cash. It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining over the snow-covered lake, and I think my face got some color. The dogs kept barking after the ice fisherman way out on the lake. I just love being there. After work, I called Colbys Car Care in Wakefield, as they have posession of my vehicle right now and are 'fixing' it. The only thing they are fixing is a big fat bill for me. They say it is going to be well into next week before it is fixed. What a bummer.

I got a cold the other day on my birthday. It was a gift from my nephew Caleb, from when we went over for cake. Thanks buddy. At least it seems to be a little more bearable today. It was a combination of having a twisted neck from snowboarding and a cold focused on my throat that was just dreadful. Caleb drew me a really thoughtful card full of ballons and a cake with my age on top (29) in candles-it was really nice. And Jeremiah gave me his Burton Ripey snowboard! I was very excited and appreciative. He knows that he can't use it anymore 'cause of his shoulder, and I know he will miss it but I'm sure he's glad that it's going to get some use. This is a picture of me at Wildcat Mountain on my birthday.

Did I mention that they give FREE tickets on ones birthday?

Brrrr....

It is very cold right now. I think it is going to fall to below zero tomorrow. Wicked brisk, frigid, chili and freezing. I just made a super yummy hot cocoa with hazelnut and caramel shots in it from the store when I picked up the paper.

Another Storm comming

This winter we have had a good New England ice-storm. I took my mom out to catch pictures of it. It was a good day. Then when we got home and my camera fell as I was shooting the moon, and shattered. Thankfully Santa had come and placed a new one gently under the tree. Anyway-enjoy the pictures!

Now, turn your head!

In the Wintertime...

Winter Has Arrived in All its' Glory!

I love the changes of the season, and being able to enjoy nature in its various fashions. For new years we had gone up to Woodsville, NH. There had been some weather the night before, and a fresh blanket of snow on the ground was beckoning me. I knew that the Ackers had some cross country skiis, and so it was only natural to borrow them. Joel and I tromped around their community, Mountain Lakes, which has an old abandoned ski area with lots of old trails.

I think these are moose tracks!

Yeah, it was pretty much backcountry bushwackin' fun.

New Years Resolution

Happy New Year!

And a merry christmas it was...

Christmas at home '08

Goals for this new year of '09;

1. Keep current with my blog
2. Loose my gut
3. Get a job

I joined the gym last night-a month for 52$ . Thanks Uncle Visa. I brought my awesome jump-rope that Santa got me, you can put weight in the handles.
I am scheduled to take the exam to become registered with the State in transcription the 14th of this month. Being registered will help get my foot in the door with a decent job.