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Thursday, October 7, 2010
How a sweet tooth found us a vacation place
If I were to tell you that our vacation destination was determined by our choice in fudge, you’d either think we were nuts or that we were writing a book about fudge. Well, neither is true.
It has been nearly a decade since we became familiar with Mt. Moosilauke Fudge. Two young men were selling it in the New Hampshire state building at the Eastern States Exposition. Honestly, it wasn’t just our sweet tooth that beckoned us over to their booth. They were (and still are) the lowest priced fudge at the Big E, however, we were pleasantly surprised that it was (and is) the best tasting fudge that we have ever had.
Every year we have visited their booth and bought fudge from them and tried to encourage them to expand or to do mail order so that we could satisfy our fudge fix more than once a year and give it as gifts. We believed and still believe that they have a product that could become famous.
They did not make their living on making fudge alone and one year they told us they were busy building a campground. We thought one day we would want to check it out. This turned out to be the year that we decided to go and little did we know until we got there, that this was the opening year.
We had gone online and saw that we could rent a little log cabin. The pictures online were accurate, but we could not fathom the cuteness that it emits in real life. It is sooooooooo cute! The cabin is right on the Connecticut River. There is a little porch with two Adirondack chairs facing the river—one a rocker. There is a fire pit and a picnic table. Inside, it is just a two room log cabin, compact but so homey. The bed is adorned with a Moose designed comforter. There is a loft for extra sleeping quarters. A table is against the front window overlooking the campground. There’s a unique sink/refrigerator/stove combination—everything you need in one small unit. A futon faces the TV and a little electric wood stove with the ambiance of looking like a real fire. We far from roughed it with cable TV and wi fi!
They did not skimp on the quality of the log cabins and everything is so well thought out.
We regretted having planned such an aggressive schedule of sight seeing that did not allow us to spend more than two nights. We did adjust our agenda slightly to spend an extra night and we will definitely try to go back next year. So that is how fudge led us to a place to stay on vacation. What is the name of the place? I don’t want to tell you because we know the more people that know, the less likely we will be to get to rent it again. Well, okay, I’ll tell you. It’s River Meadow Campground in North Haverhill, NH. Now that I’ve told you, if you go, please be sure to tell them that we sent you.
I don't know how to put more than three pictures on a post, so I'll post the others separately.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
The Leather Man
Many knew him and many more knew of him, his death made the front page of the newspaper, but no one knew his name. It was the late 1850's, a time when it was not uncommon for wanderers, hobos, the homeless of that time, to knock on your door and offer to work for food. After they performed the agreed upon task, they would be invited in to have a meal. Sometimes they spent the night in the barn. Undoubtedly, there was probably a little polite conversation--unless the wanderer was The Leather Man.
He was dressed from head to toe in leather from his cap, to his coat to his pants and boots and he carried a leather bag. He would rap on the door with his cane and point to his mouth. People would motion him to come in, but he never did. They would give him the food and he would dine alone with never a word spoken and he never spent the night.
This is not the only thing that set him apart from the others. His consistency is what made him a legend. Every 34 days he would show up like clockwork, it is said, at the same hour, to the same house. He had his own circuit which he traveled between the CT and Hudson Rivers, 364 miles in clockwise direction, travelling ten miles a day for nearly thirty years.
He never took shelter in any one's barn, rather he had one hundred or more caves along his route that he slept in. He made a bed of boughs and chopped firewood that he kept at each cave. He chose caves near water and planted gardens for food. A lover of tobacco, he had a pipe at each of his caves.
He made his leather attire from old boots that people gave him or sometimes he would buy material at the many tanneries he passed by. His sack had tools for working with the leather, a French prayer book and extra food that people would give him. He was said to have had a large appetite.
There is no record of this unusual man ever hurting anyone, however the same cannot be said of how people treated him. Most people treated him kindly, but the few who didn't, he remembered and he never went that way again. Only once did someone ask him to work for the food. He did, but that was the last time he stopped there.
A few photographs were taken of him and some were made into postcards. These were sold or used as a promotion to get people to spend money in their store.
It is thought that he was French Canadian, but nothing more is really known of his identity. There were rumors of him being hurt by a lost love, but this romantic rumor was never validated. At times he purchased items which sparked the rumor that he was a rich eccentric. It was thought perhaps he had buried treasure near his caves. After his death, the area around his caves were searched and no treasure was found.
This man who chose not to become friends with anyone, became a celebrity. People looked for him on the 34th day. Children would run up to meet him when he entered town and follow him as he left. These same children grew to be adults with children who greeted him. It is said that women left church early to bake for him. The teacher in the classroom would dismiss the kids for an early recess when he came by so they could share part of their lunches with him.
His circuit in CT included Harwinton, Bristol, Forestville, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Middletown and towns along the south westerly side of the Connecticut River and down to the shore towns. He then went into Westchester County in NY within a few miles of the Hudson River and back into Connecticut--Danbury, New Milford, Roxbury, Woodbury, Watertown, Plymouth and back to Harwinton (240 miles in CT and 126 miles in NY)--all in 34 days.
Weather never slowed him down except for the blizzard of 1888. He was discovered with frozen hands and feet and taken to the hospital in Hartford. It was then discovered that he had cancer of the lip. He left the hospital as soon as he could and continued his routine. He died a year later at the age of 50.
He is buried in Sparta, NY. Currently there is a name on his headstone but that was a case of mistaken identity and soon that name will be removed, but it is still not known the name of this legendary man. He could never know that his life would be a part of history passed on by generations. Pearl Jam even wrote a song about him. Facebook has a fan page for him. He was a fascinating character, simple but intelligent, resourceful and brave, poor in social skills but harmless.
I recently had the pleasure of hearing Dan DeLuca speak about the Leatherman. As a result of 22 years of study, he has written a book called "The Old Leatherman". This 232 page book is a wealth of information complete with pictures of the caves the Leatherman stayed in and photographs of him. It is a wonderful tribute to the unknown man who became a legend. The book is available on Amazon.
He was dressed from head to toe in leather from his cap, to his coat to his pants and boots and he carried a leather bag. He would rap on the door with his cane and point to his mouth. People would motion him to come in, but he never did. They would give him the food and he would dine alone with never a word spoken and he never spent the night.
This is not the only thing that set him apart from the others. His consistency is what made him a legend. Every 34 days he would show up like clockwork, it is said, at the same hour, to the same house. He had his own circuit which he traveled between the CT and Hudson Rivers, 364 miles in clockwise direction, travelling ten miles a day for nearly thirty years.
He never took shelter in any one's barn, rather he had one hundred or more caves along his route that he slept in. He made a bed of boughs and chopped firewood that he kept at each cave. He chose caves near water and planted gardens for food. A lover of tobacco, he had a pipe at each of his caves.
He made his leather attire from old boots that people gave him or sometimes he would buy material at the many tanneries he passed by. His sack had tools for working with the leather, a French prayer book and extra food that people would give him. He was said to have had a large appetite.
There is no record of this unusual man ever hurting anyone, however the same cannot be said of how people treated him. Most people treated him kindly, but the few who didn't, he remembered and he never went that way again. Only once did someone ask him to work for the food. He did, but that was the last time he stopped there.
A few photographs were taken of him and some were made into postcards. These were sold or used as a promotion to get people to spend money in their store.
It is thought that he was French Canadian, but nothing more is really known of his identity. There were rumors of him being hurt by a lost love, but this romantic rumor was never validated. At times he purchased items which sparked the rumor that he was a rich eccentric. It was thought perhaps he had buried treasure near his caves. After his death, the area around his caves were searched and no treasure was found.
This man who chose not to become friends with anyone, became a celebrity. People looked for him on the 34th day. Children would run up to meet him when he entered town and follow him as he left. These same children grew to be adults with children who greeted him. It is said that women left church early to bake for him. The teacher in the classroom would dismiss the kids for an early recess when he came by so they could share part of their lunches with him.
His circuit in CT included Harwinton, Bristol, Forestville, Southington, Kensington, Berlin, Middletown and towns along the south westerly side of the Connecticut River and down to the shore towns. He then went into Westchester County in NY within a few miles of the Hudson River and back into Connecticut--Danbury, New Milford, Roxbury, Woodbury, Watertown, Plymouth and back to Harwinton (240 miles in CT and 126 miles in NY)--all in 34 days.
Weather never slowed him down except for the blizzard of 1888. He was discovered with frozen hands and feet and taken to the hospital in Hartford. It was then discovered that he had cancer of the lip. He left the hospital as soon as he could and continued his routine. He died a year later at the age of 50.
He is buried in Sparta, NY. Currently there is a name on his headstone but that was a case of mistaken identity and soon that name will be removed, but it is still not known the name of this legendary man. He could never know that his life would be a part of history passed on by generations. Pearl Jam even wrote a song about him. Facebook has a fan page for him. He was a fascinating character, simple but intelligent, resourceful and brave, poor in social skills but harmless.
I recently had the pleasure of hearing Dan DeLuca speak about the Leatherman. As a result of 22 years of study, he has written a book called "The Old Leatherman". This 232 page book is a wealth of information complete with pictures of the caves the Leatherman stayed in and photographs of him. It is a wonderful tribute to the unknown man who became a legend. The book is available on Amazon.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Polictically Correct in Church
We are still on our church journey, visiting a different church each week. It is enlightening and in many cases I like to feel that if a person is seeking God, that they can find Him anywhere. If the Word is being read, although things may be interpreted differently, the person is hearing the Word and will hopefully come to their own conclusions. I am forever an optimist.
This Sunday was interesting from the start. The program had a song printed in the bulletin which we were to sing. I recognized the song and remarked to my husband that we sang this song at my 8th grade public school graduation. That alone shows how times have changed. Let me digress for a moment. At our graduation we sang "He" which exalts God's power and greatness and "Let There Be Peace on Earth", another song which proclaims "God as our father, brothers all are we." I don't remember if we sang these in lieu of an opening prayer or closing benediction but I do know there is no way that would be allowed at a graduation ceremony now. Another sideline, the other song we sang was a parody of a popular song out at the time with words written by yours truly--one of my first claims to writing fame. (lol)
As we looked at the bulletin, the doxology was also written out. My husband thought there was a typo, then another, and then I noticed that the words to "Let There Be Peace on Earth" were changed also, "With God as our parent, children all are we." It didn't take long for us to realize that this church did not want to rule out the possibility that God is a woman nor to offend women by using the masculine term, brothers. To which I say, "Oh, brother."
This made me question if this church believed that the Bible is the true Word of God since Jesus on numerous occasions refers to God as his Father--not Mother nor parent. I think the Bible has made it clear. I was surprised that they still prayed, "Our Father". That being said, I wonder in the scheme of things if God will care that some people thought he was a woman.
Those things were of slight controversy for us to start. Then we got to the sermon. The Reverend talked about the Muslims wanting to put a Mosque near ground zero. He referred to the people opposing this as extremists. He said you wouldn't see people putting up such opposition if they tried to put a Christian Church where the Oklahoma City bombings took place. He went on to speak of a God of love and that we are to be "pleasant plantings".
Well, where to do I begin? I agree with my husband that it almost seems like a slap in the face to build a Mosque by ground zero. First of all, why haven't we rebuilt the towers or whatever the plan is to show that we will stand strong? Can you imagine a Mosque being built near there before we have re-built? I can't imagine how people who lost loved ones there must feel. Secondly, the Muslims must know that there will be "extremists" and I just can't imagine it being a safe place for them, I hate to say. It's certainly a bad idea all around. This is America, a melting pot, and yes, by our religious freedoms they should be allowed to build a Mosque somewhere in NY but there needs to be some respect for the lives lost due to people of the Islamic faith who may have taken it to extreme, but none the less claimed to do so because of their faith. We, who are not Islamic, don't know how many believe as the terrorists do--the ones who don't believe the same have not been very out spoken--perhaps out of fear. I don't know.
Although I do not believe in the Islamic faith and some will call me naive and some will agree with me, but I don't like to think that all Muslims are evil. I know it has been quoted in the Koran that those who kill and are killed for Allah will inherit paradise (Allah reference 9:111--I never realized the reference number before--chilling). I have heard this is interpreted in different ways by different individuals just as our Bible is. I personally think the difference is, that we have seen too many instances of the Islamic extremists over the years. We don't often hear of Christian extremists killing hundreds of people. I know, there were some in years past, but I'm talking of my lifetime.
Recently a medical team in Afghanistan were there to help people but were murdered for fear that they might be converting people to Christianity. So, for Christianity sake, they would be martyrs and for Islamic sake, the murderers would be the ones rewarded for getting rid of what they perceive as evil. The Christians believe the Islamic terrorists will go to hell (except for those who now don't believe in hell because God is all love--everyone goes to heaven, so what difference does it make?) and the Islamic people will believe the Christians will go to hell because of what they believe and were trying to brainwash the people. Can you imagine God looking down on all this? What a mess.
It is admirable that people stand up for their beliefs but not to the point of murder. There seems to be no hope for a world of brotherly love any more--especially when some people find it offensive to use the term brotherly. In our small corner of the world in a wonderful country where we can blog about our beliefs safely, all we can do in our own way is to try and live as the song says..."let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me".
This Sunday was interesting from the start. The program had a song printed in the bulletin which we were to sing. I recognized the song and remarked to my husband that we sang this song at my 8th grade public school graduation. That alone shows how times have changed. Let me digress for a moment. At our graduation we sang "He" which exalts God's power and greatness and "Let There Be Peace on Earth", another song which proclaims "God as our father, brothers all are we." I don't remember if we sang these in lieu of an opening prayer or closing benediction but I do know there is no way that would be allowed at a graduation ceremony now. Another sideline, the other song we sang was a parody of a popular song out at the time with words written by yours truly--one of my first claims to writing fame. (lol)
As we looked at the bulletin, the doxology was also written out. My husband thought there was a typo, then another, and then I noticed that the words to "Let There Be Peace on Earth" were changed also, "With God as our parent, children all are we." It didn't take long for us to realize that this church did not want to rule out the possibility that God is a woman nor to offend women by using the masculine term, brothers. To which I say, "Oh, brother."
This made me question if this church believed that the Bible is the true Word of God since Jesus on numerous occasions refers to God as his Father--not Mother nor parent. I think the Bible has made it clear. I was surprised that they still prayed, "Our Father". That being said, I wonder in the scheme of things if God will care that some people thought he was a woman.
Those things were of slight controversy for us to start. Then we got to the sermon. The Reverend talked about the Muslims wanting to put a Mosque near ground zero. He referred to the people opposing this as extremists. He said you wouldn't see people putting up such opposition if they tried to put a Christian Church where the Oklahoma City bombings took place. He went on to speak of a God of love and that we are to be "pleasant plantings".
Well, where to do I begin? I agree with my husband that it almost seems like a slap in the face to build a Mosque by ground zero. First of all, why haven't we rebuilt the towers or whatever the plan is to show that we will stand strong? Can you imagine a Mosque being built near there before we have re-built? I can't imagine how people who lost loved ones there must feel. Secondly, the Muslims must know that there will be "extremists" and I just can't imagine it being a safe place for them, I hate to say. It's certainly a bad idea all around. This is America, a melting pot, and yes, by our religious freedoms they should be allowed to build a Mosque somewhere in NY but there needs to be some respect for the lives lost due to people of the Islamic faith who may have taken it to extreme, but none the less claimed to do so because of their faith. We, who are not Islamic, don't know how many believe as the terrorists do--the ones who don't believe the same have not been very out spoken--perhaps out of fear. I don't know.
Although I do not believe in the Islamic faith and some will call me naive and some will agree with me, but I don't like to think that all Muslims are evil. I know it has been quoted in the Koran that those who kill and are killed for Allah will inherit paradise (Allah reference 9:111--I never realized the reference number before--chilling). I have heard this is interpreted in different ways by different individuals just as our Bible is. I personally think the difference is, that we have seen too many instances of the Islamic extremists over the years. We don't often hear of Christian extremists killing hundreds of people. I know, there were some in years past, but I'm talking of my lifetime.
Recently a medical team in Afghanistan were there to help people but were murdered for fear that they might be converting people to Christianity. So, for Christianity sake, they would be martyrs and for Islamic sake, the murderers would be the ones rewarded for getting rid of what they perceive as evil. The Christians believe the Islamic terrorists will go to hell (except for those who now don't believe in hell because God is all love--everyone goes to heaven, so what difference does it make?) and the Islamic people will believe the Christians will go to hell because of what they believe and were trying to brainwash the people. Can you imagine God looking down on all this? What a mess.
It is admirable that people stand up for their beliefs but not to the point of murder. There seems to be no hope for a world of brotherly love any more--especially when some people find it offensive to use the term brotherly. In our small corner of the world in a wonderful country where we can blog about our beliefs safely, all we can do in our own way is to try and live as the song says..."let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me".
Sunday, July 11, 2010
View from a Train
These are pictures taken from the Berkshire Limited train ride from Canaan, CT to Great Barrington, MA. (If you click on the picture, you can see them larger, just use the back arrow to return.) We started this sunny day with breakfast at the "famous" Collins Diner in Canaan (omelets and home fries for both of us, yum!) Then we had a scenic train ride which is only being offered this weekend and next Sunday. It is worth the trip. It is 40 minutes one way. You have the option of getting out in Great Barrington and taking a later train back, if you please.
The ride goes through wooded area, farm land, swamps, brooks, mountains in the distance, residential areas, a junk yard and back of buildings (which my husband, for some reason finds fascinating), and more woods. Since this train doesn't usually run, people along the way were taking pictures as we rode by. A heard of cows were shocked and began to run away as we rode by. There was a crane in a swamp, and someone saw a deer in the woods.
The train was not as hot as I thought it was going to be. They had as many windows open as they could, though when they said to keep all arms, feet, fingers, heads inside, they meant it. We seemed to be inches from some trees and especially some other railroad cars. We were jostled back and forth as we moved along. I think this is the fastest scenic train ride that I have been on--I think it got up to 25 mph. but don't quote me. It was $15 for adults with the proceeds going towards rebuilding Canaan Union Station. Children are $5. and it is worth a leisurely ride if you can make it next Sunday, 10 am 1 pm and 4 pm.
It is quite interesting to me, the number of people you pass by while riding the train that wave to you. What is it that makes people wave to strangers on trains and boats? Don't get me wrong, it's nice, but I wonder why. It's just like a natural reaction. We never do it when people drive by in a car. We saw people stopped waiting to take pictures. We saw two women who had parked their car along the side of the nearby road and stood in a field just to wave at the train and then to laugh and run like children back to their car. Promote peace, take the train--thus, the peace train?
Thursday, June 24, 2010
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