This year Alan decided to purchase a tree for his Mom's house from Weir Tree Farms, where we've been buying our trees for years. It's ultra convenient -- you choose the size and type of tree you want and they deliver it FedEx to your doorstep. It's a comparable price to Big John's, plus you get a fresher tree, and you benefit the economy of the North Woods. We typically get a 5 foot tree for our 50s ranch home. Mrs C. has 10' ceilings, so Alan ordered her an 8' tree and it arrived fine and was stored until our arrival on the 18th. So far, so good.
A quick look at the tree Sunday morning revealed that it would never fit into the old plastic stand at hand, so Alan, Jacques, Bandit and I headed over to Home Depot to pick one up. At the store, Alan was intrigued by a plastic stand that promised to "self adjust" by stepping on a lever. I had my doubts but held my tongue.
Back at the house, we convened for a yummy lunch of chicken, ribs, and salad with the whole gang (Mom, Suz, Henri, Trevor, and Pierce). Afterwards, the boys headed outside to take care of the tree. Sproing! Within about two minutes, the saw broke, clearly not the right tool for the job. Back to Home Depot. On their return, the tree was successfully sawed down -- excellent, progress being made. Now, time for the stand. Tree in, screws tightening and -- crack -- the plastic holding one screw shattered.....Sigh. You guess it, back to Home Depot for a metal stand. Did I mention that Home Depot was 25 minutes away?
Metal tree stand in hand, the boys were really determined to get this taken care of and Mrs. C and I retired to the kitchen to get out of their way. This stand was definitely an improvement over the plastic one but the tree was enormous -- and heavy. They managed to get the tree and stand in the house and, after some adjustments with magazines and all, it was more or less upright. Whether it was steady enough for government work was a question left for another day. We all could agree, though, that it was a magnificent tree!
Monday afternoon Alan and I decided to test the tree's steadiness -- which turned out to not exist. Simply touching the stand made the tree list to one side. And the stand appeared to be strangely bent -- the weight of the tree had simply warped it. It was clear the tree had to come back outside. Only problem? There was water in the stand. After a moment of reflection, I took a turkey baster and sucked out most of the water, then we pulled back the carpets and heaved the tree outside. Did I mention the tree was really heavy? However, our methodology resulted in relatively little water on the floor, so that was good.
After taking Mrs C to get her car from the shop, he headed over to M&A where Lisa had said we might get a heavy tree stand. Once there, owner Jimmy showed us two options -- one metal which looked like it would be easier to put up and one plastic that had a large reservoir but which didn't look as easy. We went for option one -- Santa's Solution, Too -- and also picked up a nice wreath for the garage. We were on our way!
Back the house, we attached the round stabilizing base to the tree with two wood screws. That round base was designed to fit exactly into the cylinder that houses the water. Support arms are inserted in four spots around the circumference, eyebolts threaded through the support arms, and then plastic pads affixed onto the eye bolt to distribute support and keep the bolts from drilling into the tree trunk. Sounds simple, right? Well, if you do this every day like Jimmy, I am sure it is. For we mere amateurs, it took several false attempts and a couple of capsizes to get it right. For next year, here is the approved method:
1. Affix round stabilizing base with wood screws.
2. With tree on side and elevated with a recycle bin, place reservoir over base and get base as flush as possible with the reservoir floor.
3. Insert support arms, rotating tree as needed to minimize the need to lop of tree limbs.
4. Once support arms are all in, loosely rotate eyebolts through and place green plastic pads on eyebolt ends.
5. Lift tree and place stand squarely on floor, so that the stabilizing base falls to reservoir floor evenly. While one person holds tree straight, screw in eyebolts to support the tree. Voila! A stable and straight tree!
And that is the story of One Tree, Two Saws, Three Stands, and Four People.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Quiet fall day in Averill
The day dawned cold, gray, and wet. I took the option of a sleep-in which only broke when Alan came in with an open-faced egg, ham 'n cheese sandwich to tempt me into the kitchen. It still being cold and gray, I then got back under the covers! Read until noon when I was shamed into emerging from the bedroom. To be fair, I was completing a really good novel -- Black Cherry Blues by James Lee Burke. I have read later novels in the series but this one is early and very engrossing. So far this trip, I have read four books and one New Yorker cover-to-cover.
After we got back from fishing yesterday, I made a yellow-split-pea soup with onions and carrots from Hans' garden plus garlic, summer savory, salt and pepper. It turned out pretty well if I do say so myself. We had it last night for dinner and then again today at lunch (it was that kind of day). Afterwards, we dropped by Quimby's and had a nice chat with Kevin. Rain continued on and off, pretty much eliminating hiking as an option, so we decided to take a drive over to Lewis Pond.
After Gaudette Rd ended, the road was in poor condition with some stretches verging on a complete washout. Suffice it to say that the heavy recent rains have not been kind to dirt roads. But we made it through to the Vermont section of the Silvio Conte Wildlife National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and the roads got better. It was cold at Lewis Pond -- 8 degrees celsius -- with a brisk wind. Even brisker up on the overlook. Clouds were passing a high speeds, the sun periodically peeking out, and distant mountains encased in mist. rom the overlook, you really get the sense that you are in the Nulhegan basin, in a watershed. It's a great viewpoint.
As we left, though, the day was waning and we were eager to get out of the forest before twilight. Heading south we passed some large logging operations on the way to Rte 105 and the rain started again, making the dirt roads slippery. We made it safely, though, and on Rte 116 heading to Norton we saw perhaps the best rainbow of either of our lives. It was perfect, it was clear, and it was an entire arch. Too big to capture with the camera. And it went away in a flash -- sun went behind a cloud and it was gone. One minute there, the next gone.
Beautiful sunset finished the day and we headed home for a fire and supper. And the first NHL game of the season.
After we got back from fishing yesterday, I made a yellow-split-pea soup with onions and carrots from Hans' garden plus garlic, summer savory, salt and pepper. It turned out pretty well if I do say so myself. We had it last night for dinner and then again today at lunch (it was that kind of day). Afterwards, we dropped by Quimby's and had a nice chat with Kevin. Rain continued on and off, pretty much eliminating hiking as an option, so we decided to take a drive over to Lewis Pond.
After Gaudette Rd ended, the road was in poor condition with some stretches verging on a complete washout. Suffice it to say that the heavy recent rains have not been kind to dirt roads. But we made it through to the Vermont section of the Silvio Conte Wildlife National Fish and Wildlife Refuge and the roads got better. It was cold at Lewis Pond -- 8 degrees celsius -- with a brisk wind. Even brisker up on the overlook. Clouds were passing a high speeds, the sun periodically peeking out, and distant mountains encased in mist. rom the overlook, you really get the sense that you are in the Nulhegan basin, in a watershed. It's a great viewpoint.
As we left, though, the day was waning and we were eager to get out of the forest before twilight. Heading south we passed some large logging operations on the way to Rte 105 and the rain started again, making the dirt roads slippery. We made it safely, though, and on Rte 116 heading to Norton we saw perhaps the best rainbow of either of our lives. It was perfect, it was clear, and it was an entire arch. Too big to capture with the camera. And it went away in a flash -- sun went behind a cloud and it was gone. One minute there, the next gone.
Beautiful sunset finished the day and we headed home for a fire and supper. And the first NHL game of the season.
Last fishing day of 2010 with Bill
For our last day of 2010 fishing with Bill, we knew we wanted to wade the Connecticut. Water flows were up, temperatures down = a recipe for landlocked salmon of the larger variety. 8am rendezvous at Lopstick and the plan was on.
We were sort of a ragtag mob heading to the river. Under waders, I was sporting my "lily of the valley" flannel PJs, while Alan had on the Santa red flannel bottoms. It had been so warm back in Averill (about 60) that I hadn't had the strength of mind to put on my capilenes -- a decision I would regret! We headed down to the river underneath charcoal grey skies that in lower temperatures would have promised snow.
My rod was rigged (caddis with a dropper) so I started out first and got a small salmon on an early cast (she took the dry). In what was the become a pattern of the day, I missed a boatload of fish (we both did) and, unusually, we hooked the big ones and missed the small. A small male brookie followed the salmon before Alan even got started. Once he got going, though, he landed three nicely sized salmon, about 18" and fat. The higher river flows had flushed them out.
The water temperature was 54 degrees, perfect for trout but much less ideal for humans. Really wished I had those capilenes....and wool socks. Fortunately, we did have rain gear, as the day decided to deliver a bout of showers midway through the morning--it was a late fall morning as can only happen in the early fall on the Connecticut. And the glare was unreal--the sky was this mottled grey that as it was reflected in the water was positively hypnotizing. One minute you say the fly, the next you were finding your footing as water and sky melt together. It's a wonder that we caught any fish, but between Alan's salmon and a beautiful female that I landed (same size range), we had an exceptional day of salmon fishing.
The area we fish is otherworldly. Even when you're there, you can't believe it. And ultimately the fish make it real as does the company we share with each other. Some may wonder about the rejuvenation that some place so wild can provide, but it is quite real, and quite electric. We finished the day at Happy Corner, as we have so many great Connecticut days, and bid Bill farewell for 2010. A great morning, a great place, a great guide, great fish, and ourselves in place. Magic.
We were sort of a ragtag mob heading to the river. Under waders, I was sporting my "lily of the valley" flannel PJs, while Alan had on the Santa red flannel bottoms. It had been so warm back in Averill (about 60) that I hadn't had the strength of mind to put on my capilenes -- a decision I would regret! We headed down to the river underneath charcoal grey skies that in lower temperatures would have promised snow.
My rod was rigged (caddis with a dropper) so I started out first and got a small salmon on an early cast (she took the dry). In what was the become a pattern of the day, I missed a boatload of fish (we both did) and, unusually, we hooked the big ones and missed the small. A small male brookie followed the salmon before Alan even got started. Once he got going, though, he landed three nicely sized salmon, about 18" and fat. The higher river flows had flushed them out.
The water temperature was 54 degrees, perfect for trout but much less ideal for humans. Really wished I had those capilenes....and wool socks. Fortunately, we did have rain gear, as the day decided to deliver a bout of showers midway through the morning--it was a late fall morning as can only happen in the early fall on the Connecticut. And the glare was unreal--the sky was this mottled grey that as it was reflected in the water was positively hypnotizing. One minute you say the fly, the next you were finding your footing as water and sky melt together. It's a wonder that we caught any fish, but between Alan's salmon and a beautiful female that I landed (same size range), we had an exceptional day of salmon fishing.
The area we fish is otherworldly. Even when you're there, you can't believe it. And ultimately the fish make it real as does the company we share with each other. Some may wonder about the rejuvenation that some place so wild can provide, but it is quite real, and quite electric. We finished the day at Happy Corner, as we have so many great Connecticut days, and bid Bill farewell for 2010. A great morning, a great place, a great guide, great fish, and ourselves in place. Magic.
Monday, October 4, 2010
From the earth
This day profoundly reminded us from where we get our food -- the earth. 
Mid-morning, we went back over to Hans's to help him harvest the last of his vegetable garden and to receive some lovely bounty in return. From the garden there were baby yellow squash that you would pay $5.99/lb for at Whole Foods plus swiss chard, beets, and the most amazing stalks of brussel sprouts that required a saw to hack off. In the greenhouse, there were still some heirloom tomatoes and in the garage, potatoes and carrots. We won't have to shop for any veggies this week! A vegetable garden is such an amazing thing.
After a brief lunch, we headed over to Colebrook via Caanan Hill Rd which was regraded this year. Lots of traffic on the road today as we passed through the yellow haze of fall leaves (not much red this year or right now). More houses up here than ever -- more houses in the north country than ever -- makes you wonder about the economy, financing, all of the above.
Arrived at the Two Sparrows Orchard which is just east of Colebrook off Rte 26. We came here two years ago about two weeks earlier in the season and got the most amazing Paula Reds, which are the best applesauce apple ever. This year, we got Macs and Cortlands. A bag for Priscilla, a bag for Hans, and a bag for us. Yum, they are delicious. Gorgeous day, lots of sunshine and high clouds. Lake is lapping, however....
Nice long walk down Jackson Rd this afternoon, saw a few trucks but no real traffic. Got back to the house and the sunset looked promising, so we jumped in the car and headed up Brousseau Mt Rd. Up on sunset hill, we had company -- Suzy and Peter Chapman and their two dogs!
Back at the house, Alan took the lead on a curry-infused beer chicken, while I made mashed potatoes and roasted carrots and onions. A great day that reminds us all of where we get our sustenance from.
Side note -- Pulled Edna Ferber's So Big from the shelves when I got here and am captivated once again by this Pulitzer-prize winning novel. What a picture of the times set against the vagaries of parents-ambition for children...or vice versa. A great and readable book.
Mid-morning, we went back over to Hans's to help him harvest the last of his vegetable garden and to receive some lovely bounty in return. From the garden there were baby yellow squash that you would pay $5.99/lb for at Whole Foods plus swiss chard, beets, and the most amazing stalks of brussel sprouts that required a saw to hack off. In the greenhouse, there were still some heirloom tomatoes and in the garage, potatoes and carrots. We won't have to shop for any veggies this week! A vegetable garden is such an amazing thing.
After a brief lunch, we headed over to Colebrook via Caanan Hill Rd which was regraded this year. Lots of traffic on the road today as we passed through the yellow haze of fall leaves (not much red this year or right now). More houses up here than ever -- more houses in the north country than ever -- makes you wonder about the economy, financing, all of the above.
Arrived at the Two Sparrows Orchard which is just east of Colebrook off Rte 26. We came here two years ago about two weeks earlier in the season and got the most amazing Paula Reds, which are the best applesauce apple ever. This year, we got Macs and Cortlands. A bag for Priscilla, a bag for Hans, and a bag for us. Yum, they are delicious. Gorgeous day, lots of sunshine and high clouds. Lake is lapping, however....
Nice long walk down Jackson Rd this afternoon, saw a few trucks but no real traffic. Got back to the house and the sunset looked promising, so we jumped in the car and headed up Brousseau Mt Rd. Up on sunset hill, we had company -- Suzy and Peter Chapman and their two dogs!
Back at the house, Alan took the lead on a curry-infused beer chicken, while I made mashed potatoes and roasted carrots and onions. A great day that reminds us all of where we get our sustenance from.
Side note -- Pulled Edna Ferber's So Big from the shelves when I got here and am captivated once again by this Pulitzer-prize winning novel. What a picture of the times set against the vagaries of parents-ambition for children...or vice versa. A great and readable book.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
First Day at Camp
Wonderful first day at camp on our last trip of the year. This one feels extra-special because it's a 10-dayer, so it promises the possibility of rejuvenation as only camp can offer. We arrived amidst the remnants of what was clearly the drenching of the summer. Coming from Montreal, we passed through North Hatley where the picnic benches and gazebo sat fully 6' into the lake. The Coaticook River was roaring its way north, having clearly reached the top of its banks the day before.
Today dawned cool and sunny, a brilliant if cool fall day. Tons of sun, remnants of foliage. Gary, a friend and classmate of Alan's from Dartmouth, came up for the day with his two youngest and we had a great day visiting, eating, walking, and fishing. Youngest son Gordon sported a Fenwick 5 1/2" fiberglass rod with a mid-70s vintage Penn reel. For such a young caster, a sweet little rod that he put to good use. He tried his tricks and talents on the dam and at Big Rock. No fish, but the promise of future fishing adventures clearly loomed for Gordon. Daughter Cora quietly surveyed the scene and took it all in. A true girl of the north country, we talked of the Indian Stream Republic, as well as the history of logging on the Averill Lakes. Laura, Gary's wife, is lucky to have had such precocious students in her home schooling efforts.
Visiting with Gary was a joy from memories of the Providence GD show to adventures 4-wheeling in the Berkshires, lots of great stories and a good friend. We had a wonderful walk down to Big Rock amidst the just past peak autumn foliage and then back to camp for some Coaticook maple ice cream. All agreed it was the best ever. Gary, like Alan, never could have maple walnut ice cream, but Coaticook's maple is the real deal.
As Gary returned to Johnson, I got the great idea to go for an early evening fall canoe cruise. The water was a bit cold getting in but nothing bad and the canoe ride was lovely. Views of Mt Averill revealed a stately lady with her colors just past. The Snares camp is shut up and the boats away. Lake very quiet and lovely evening colors.
Eveningwise, we headed up the hill to Hans's for a drink in his sun room. He proudly privisioned us with homemade cassis and pinot grigio -- yum. And we enjoyed a nice sunset and turkeys on the lawn, along with good conversation with a good friend.
Today dawned cool and sunny, a brilliant if cool fall day. Tons of sun, remnants of foliage. Gary, a friend and classmate of Alan's from Dartmouth, came up for the day with his two youngest and we had a great day visiting, eating, walking, and fishing. Youngest son Gordon sported a Fenwick 5 1/2" fiberglass rod with a mid-70s vintage Penn reel. For such a young caster, a sweet little rod that he put to good use. He tried his tricks and talents on the dam and at Big Rock. No fish, but the promise of future fishing adventures clearly loomed for Gordon. Daughter Cora quietly surveyed the scene and took it all in. A true girl of the north country, we talked of the Indian Stream Republic, as well as the history of logging on the Averill Lakes. Laura, Gary's wife, is lucky to have had such precocious students in her home schooling efforts.
Visiting with Gary was a joy from memories of the Providence GD show to adventures 4-wheeling in the Berkshires, lots of great stories and a good friend. We had a wonderful walk down to Big Rock amidst the just past peak autumn foliage and then back to camp for some Coaticook maple ice cream. All agreed it was the best ever. Gary, like Alan, never could have maple walnut ice cream, but Coaticook's maple is the real deal.
As Gary returned to Johnson, I got the great idea to go for an early evening fall canoe cruise. The water was a bit cold getting in but nothing bad and the canoe ride was lovely. Views of Mt Averill revealed a stately lady with her colors just past. The Snares camp is shut up and the boats away. Lake very quiet and lovely evening colors.
Eveningwise, we headed up the hill to Hans's for a drink in his sun room. He proudly privisioned us with homemade cassis and pinot grigio -- yum. And we enjoyed a nice sunset and turkeys on the lawn, along with good conversation with a good friend.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Sun Valley 2010
Joined Jim and Suz another time in Sun Valley at 33 Cliffside. We were greeted by an uncharacteristically cloudy day but still managed to enjoy lunch at Shorty's home of the famous Orange freeze. This time Jim's younger sister, Lisa, joined us. Naps in the afternoon and the our luggage showed up about 5pm, which was great because it was pants weather. I did not bring warm enough clothes -- with it as hot in Atlanta as its been, it just is impossible to pack warm clothes. Hot tubbing before dinner and then some wonderful lamb chops from the grill, along with some corn Alan had bought on Sunday in Maine. Finished up with raspberry pie and butter pecan ice cream.
Thursday was cloudy, too, but that didn't keep us from taking the new gondola up Mt Baldy for lunch at the roundhouse. The gondolas are a definite improvement over the open chair lift, at least in my opinion. And they are quiet! Speaking of quiet, the car Suzy rented is a hybrid electric and it is so silent you can't even tell you've started it. In fact, on a couple of occasions, it has been left running for long periods of time.... Lunch at the Roundhouse was good -- burgers and chicken sandwiches along with -- DORITOS. We ate seven bags in all. Well, the burgers did take awhile to get there. We fixed dinner of wonderful cedar planked Idaho trout -- highly recommended. However, a lot must be attributed to the quality and freshness of the trout.
Friday finally brought sun -- yay! We celebrated by driving up for lunch at Galena Pass. Alan and Jim had their special beer, made by a guy in Hailey who only distributes kegs to restaurants. Apparently, it lived up to its reputation as they scarfed them down. After lunch, a quick peek at the Sawtooth and then headed back to Ketchum for a nap and then to hike the Chocolate Gulch Trail which offered its usual lovely views of the river. Such a hike must be rewarded and we did so with cocktails in the pool and hot tub. Dinner was out at the Ketchum Grill.
Saturday Lisa departed for Santa Barbara, so the four of us decided on a morning hike up the Liftline Trail followed by lunch at the Gold Club, followed by errands in town and then a visit to the Arts and Crafts Festival. All in all, a gorgeous Sun Valley day.
Thursday was cloudy, too, but that didn't keep us from taking the new gondola up Mt Baldy for lunch at the roundhouse. The gondolas are a definite improvement over the open chair lift, at least in my opinion. And they are quiet! Speaking of quiet, the car Suzy rented is a hybrid electric and it is so silent you can't even tell you've started it. In fact, on a couple of occasions, it has been left running for long periods of time.... Lunch at the Roundhouse was good -- burgers and chicken sandwiches along with -- DORITOS. We ate seven bags in all. Well, the burgers did take awhile to get there. We fixed dinner of wonderful cedar planked Idaho trout -- highly recommended. However, a lot must be attributed to the quality and freshness of the trout.
Friday finally brought sun -- yay! We celebrated by driving up for lunch at Galena Pass. Alan and Jim had their special beer, made by a guy in Hailey who only distributes kegs to restaurants. Apparently, it lived up to its reputation as they scarfed them down. After lunch, a quick peek at the Sawtooth and then headed back to Ketchum for a nap and then to hike the Chocolate Gulch Trail which offered its usual lovely views of the river. Such a hike must be rewarded and we did so with cocktails in the pool and hot tub. Dinner was out at the Ketchum Grill.
Saturday Lisa departed for Santa Barbara, so the four of us decided on a morning hike up the Liftline Trail followed by lunch at the Gold Club, followed by errands in town and then a visit to the Arts and Crafts Festival. All in all, a gorgeous Sun Valley day.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Returning home
After 12 hours of travel by automobile, taxi, and plane (and then automobile), we are back at 1245. Left Averill around 10am, only stopping by Priscilla's to settle up, before heading over to Rte 3 to head down to Manchester. We left ourselves plenty of time, luckily since we got behind a series of slow vehicles heading south. Stopped off at the Tidal Basin at Franconia Notch State Park to enjoy a picnic lunch of lobster salad sandwiches and peaches next to the Pemi. Another reason we left early was to avoid the late afternoon traffic leaving the NH lakes heading back to Boston, which we were successful at doing -- at least in this leg.
As we were pulling up to the airport at about 3pm, I pulled up our flight to find that it was delayed an hour, almost certainly meaning we would miss our connection in Detroit. Crap. iPhones in hand, we researched different options but found nothing good. Confident we would be spending the night in Detroit (ours was the last flight to Atlanta), we headed to the counter to check in. Surprise! Delta rebooked us on a direct Boston to Atlanta flight and paid for a taxi to Logan ($130). Through aforementioned traffic returning to Boston. But we made it -- got there at 5pm, enough time to get a little dinner at Legal before cramming ourselves into 25A and 25B on the 757. Kids in front of us reclined, we couldn't because the exit row was behind us, so a real treat of a flight, featuring some real characters behind us speculating on the fortune they were going to make selling burglar alarm systems on Nantucket. They started the flight by asking the septuagenarian next to them where the good strip clubs were in Atlanta and it went on from there. Good luck in Nantucket, boys.
Home is hot, humid, and home.
As we were pulling up to the airport at about 3pm, I pulled up our flight to find that it was delayed an hour, almost certainly meaning we would miss our connection in Detroit. Crap. iPhones in hand, we researched different options but found nothing good. Confident we would be spending the night in Detroit (ours was the last flight to Atlanta), we headed to the counter to check in. Surprise! Delta rebooked us on a direct Boston to Atlanta flight and paid for a taxi to Logan ($130). Through aforementioned traffic returning to Boston. But we made it -- got there at 5pm, enough time to get a little dinner at Legal before cramming ourselves into 25A and 25B on the 757. Kids in front of us reclined, we couldn't because the exit row was behind us, so a real treat of a flight, featuring some real characters behind us speculating on the fortune they were going to make selling burglar alarm systems on Nantucket. They started the flight by asking the septuagenarian next to them where the good strip clubs were in Atlanta and it went on from there. Good luck in Nantucket, boys.
Home is hot, humid, and home.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Flower at Camp
Friday was a quiet day, starting out sunny and then clouding over. We headed over to Colebrook for supplies and to buy some hanging baskets. As we arrived we lucked into an outside market across from Le Rendevouz. Picked up two dozen ears of corn, one for the house and one to take back to Atlanta where there is no decent corn to be had.
We also got three hanging baskets and some annuals to fill the barrel. Very late in the year for annuals up here so it looks like no porch planters this year.
The day lilies in the yard have been very beautiful and it seems like there's a greater variety of them than there had been in years past. Or maybe it's just that I haven't been here when they were blooming. Here are some shots of the yard.
We also got three hanging baskets and some annuals to fill the barrel. Very late in the year for annuals up here so it looks like no porch planters this year.
The day lilies in the yard have been very beautiful and it seems like there's a greater variety of them than there had been in years past. Or maybe it's just that I haven't been here when they were blooming. Here are some shots of the yard.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Sad goodbyes, glad kayakings
Alas, the day dawned and it was time to take Hardy to the Burlington airport. Boo! Of course, he and Alan first had to head over to Quimby's to show Ray and Kevin pictures of his fish -- they were appropriately impressed. And who wouldn't be....seriously.
As everyone knows, fish tales take a long time so it wasn't until 9:30am that the boys were back to camp to pick me up for the ride to Burlington. It's a 2.5 hour drive so....should be fine. We did not, however, get any luck from traffic, behind one truck after another. Still, we made it at a little after noon for a 1pm flight and he made it. In our flustered attempt to get him in the airport, however, we lost our parking ticket which meant that we had to pay $10 for about 10 minutes of parking time. Oh well.
Lunch at the Vermont Sandwich Co down the road was mixed -- I didn't like my hummus and veggie wrap but Alan loved his turkey. And then we headed home, this time via St. Johnsbury where we stopped to do a little shopping. Great bookstore named Boxcar and a Caboose. They have an on demand book printing machine -- first I've seen, very cool. They call it the Espresso Book Machine. Neat!
We debated an early dinner at the Burke Cafe, which we love but haven't been to in years, but then decided to head home to Averill for a boat ride. Got in about 6pm, fussed with the boat motor for 40 minutes unproductively, and then decided to do a kayak ride instead. Great call. The lake got progressively calmer as we paddled south, eventually reaching the southern point (which we called Merganzer Pt since we always see them here). We crossed the lake to paddle lakeshore on the eastern edge heading into the sun as it lowered in the sky. Sun setting in the north, moon rising in the south, absolutely calm lake, a scattering of hexes on the water. Magic.
As everyone knows, fish tales take a long time so it wasn't until 9:30am that the boys were back to camp to pick me up for the ride to Burlington. It's a 2.5 hour drive so....should be fine. We did not, however, get any luck from traffic, behind one truck after another. Still, we made it at a little after noon for a 1pm flight and he made it. In our flustered attempt to get him in the airport, however, we lost our parking ticket which meant that we had to pay $10 for about 10 minutes of parking time. Oh well.
Lunch at the Vermont Sandwich Co down the road was mixed -- I didn't like my hummus and veggie wrap but Alan loved his turkey. And then we headed home, this time via St. Johnsbury where we stopped to do a little shopping. Great bookstore named Boxcar and a Caboose. They have an on demand book printing machine -- first I've seen, very cool. They call it the Espresso Book Machine. Neat!
We debated an early dinner at the Burke Cafe, which we love but haven't been to in years, but then decided to head home to Averill for a boat ride. Got in about 6pm, fussed with the boat motor for 40 minutes unproductively, and then decided to do a kayak ride instead. Great call. The lake got progressively calmer as we paddled south, eventually reaching the southern point (which we called Merganzer Pt since we always see them here). We crossed the lake to paddle lakeshore on the eastern edge heading into the sun as it lowered in the sky. Sun setting in the north, moon rising in the south, absolutely calm lake, a scattering of hexes on the water. Magic.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
What Lies Beneath
Morning dawned early for Alan and Hardy as they were up at 6:30am so as to meet Bill at Solomon's at 7:30am for a full day's float. Misty driving en route with early morning coffee fueling the journey. Met Bill at the canoe put in next to Solomon's, air was 54 degrees, water even colder. Let's go.
The start of the day was slow, maybe it was the coffee, maybe it was the lack of breakfast, maybe it was getting off the river last night at 9pm and eating dinner at 11:30pm. Who knows. Regardless, fishing was a bit slow despite some gorgeous water that presented itself early in the float. Alan started the day off with a nice rainbow on a Caddis and got a few more fish that way. Hardy switched to a Woolybugger with a nymph dropper and immediately hooked into 3-4 native browns by the recycling plant.
All in all, it was a good morning's fishing, followed by a lovely Bill lunch of steak, grilled veggies, pasta salad, cheese, crackers, olives -- the most excellent lunch you would expect when out with Bill. Refueled and ready for an afternoon's adventure, little did we know what lay beneath. We hit a number of very productive pools, catching numerous 12" healthy, fat rainbows and browns, along with the occasional brook.
Alan continued to plug away with Bill's hexagraph while Hardy plumbed the depths with Bill's Helios. Around about 2pm, Hardy sent a cast into a pool underneath a tree, fouling line around his feet as he did so. Gathering up the extra line allowed the sinking line to sink even more. There was a thud and a flash and all of sudden, it wasn't about managing errant line. Hardy yelled, "I think it's a big one." Bill looked knowingly at Alan and measured something out close to 12" with his hands. In light of said skepticism, Hardy began stripping in line quietly. It was only when it stopped coming in that others became convinced.
Keeping pressure on the line and adjusting the drag correctly, Hardy hunkered down to play the fish. It was about at this time that Bill looked back at Alan and said, "It's a monster." Staying calm and focused, Hardy kept this trout on the line for more than 20 minutes. After that, it surrendered to Bill's waiting net.
First, we put him on the cooler to see how big he was. Bill's cooler is 24" and he frequently uses it to bring a measured perspective to "fish talk." Hardy's Monster almost filled the length and Bill's estimate was 20" in girth. At 22"L x 20"G x 20"G, that brings us to 11lbs. Woot!
After many photos, we released this beautiful trout back into the Connecticut River where we hope it will live for many more years.
The start of the day was slow, maybe it was the coffee, maybe it was the lack of breakfast, maybe it was getting off the river last night at 9pm and eating dinner at 11:30pm. Who knows. Regardless, fishing was a bit slow despite some gorgeous water that presented itself early in the float. Alan started the day off with a nice rainbow on a Caddis and got a few more fish that way. Hardy switched to a Woolybugger with a nymph dropper and immediately hooked into 3-4 native browns by the recycling plant.
All in all, it was a good morning's fishing, followed by a lovely Bill lunch of steak, grilled veggies, pasta salad, cheese, crackers, olives -- the most excellent lunch you would expect when out with Bill. Refueled and ready for an afternoon's adventure, little did we know what lay beneath. We hit a number of very productive pools, catching numerous 12" healthy, fat rainbows and browns, along with the occasional brook.
Alan continued to plug away with Bill's hexagraph while Hardy plumbed the depths with Bill's Helios. Around about 2pm, Hardy sent a cast into a pool underneath a tree, fouling line around his feet as he did so. Gathering up the extra line allowed the sinking line to sink even more. There was a thud and a flash and all of sudden, it wasn't about managing errant line. Hardy yelled, "I think it's a big one." Bill looked knowingly at Alan and measured something out close to 12" with his hands. In light of said skepticism, Hardy began stripping in line quietly. It was only when it stopped coming in that others became convinced.
Keeping pressure on the line and adjusting the drag correctly, Hardy hunkered down to play the fish. It was about at this time that Bill looked back at Alan and said, "It's a monster." Staying calm and focused, Hardy kept this trout on the line for more than 20 minutes. After that, it surrendered to Bill's waiting net.
First, we put him on the cooler to see how big he was. Bill's cooler is 24" and he frequently uses it to bring a measured perspective to "fish talk." Hardy's Monster almost filled the length and Bill's estimate was 20" in girth. At 22"L x 20"G x 20"G, that brings us to 11lbs. Woot!
After many photos, we released this beautiful trout back into the Connecticut River where we hope it will live for many more years.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Vermont Summer 2010
For this summer's week in Vermont, we once again had Hardy with us. We met up in the Detroit airport for the flight to Manchester, NH where we picked up a rental car and headed north. For this trip, all the travel gods were in accord, flights on time, car ready and waiting, no traffic to speak of. By 8:20pm, we were pulling up to Papelousu for dinner with Henri, Lisa, Strite and the kids. After dinner as we rocked on the porch, Hardy entertained us with some of the original music he wrote in the last year.
After a swim Sunday morning, Henri and clan departed, followed by Strite. Alan and Hardy journeyed over to the Connecticut River. They promised to return "early" in time for dinner. Luckily for me, I've been around long enough to realize that would never happen on an evening as beautiful as this one, so I enjoyed a solo meal on leftovers from Henri's stay and watched the end of Love is a Many Splendored Thing. My, movies have changed. About 10pm, the Explorer came racing down the driveway and out hopped a happy Hardy and Alan. Hardy then proceeded to whip up a delicious impromptu Mexican meal. Dinner at 11pm -- awesome. Both fishermen had success, catching 20+ fish, mostly native bows, browns, and brooks. As the evening came to an end, the sun was descending in the sky with Mt Monadnock looming in the distance and a huge blue heron coasted down the calm river. Gorgeous!
Yesterday was Canadian shopping day, starting off at the farm stand where we got corn, tomatoes, peaches, blueberries and raspberries plus a maple cream pie -- yum! Exiting the farm stand, we just had to go to the Laitrie to sample what Priscilla had advertised as maple-toffee ice cream. It wasn't on the menu but the girls behind the counter knew what they were talking about and Alan and Hardy were soon licking enormous cones. I settled for a bite of Alan's -- delicious but sweet, sweet, sweet. While we stood there licking, a local gentleman came up and started talking to us. He was from Quebec but shopped both sides of the border for the best deals and was familiar with northern Vermont. In fact, he was going to Quimby's for dinner that night to celebrate a friend's birthday who worked at QC 50 years ago! Small world, small world.
From there, on the to IGA for some of that wonderful Quebecois pork, a carton of maple ice cream, and some cheese. We decided to wander the countryside a bit, going over to cross the border at Beecher Falls so we could stop at the farm stand. The country around here is dotted with small, perfectly maintained farms; it truly looks like an idyllic lifestyle. At the Beecher Falls border crossing, we got a very serious trainee who asked us everything and looked at everything. We even overheard him asking his trainer, "The corn is on the cob -- should I inspect it?" Giggle. But they let us back in the country, even though we had tomatoes.
Lettuce, spinach, and shallots at the farm stand and then home for Hardy to make his wonderful pork ribs (recipe on the blog from July 2007) which were outstanding. Following a great dinner of ribs, corn, salad, and tomato slices, we headed over to Quimby's for the annual shareholder's meeting. It was an interesting affair that revealed the complexity of managing a jointly owned property with many different generations of owners and differences of opinion. We're trying to make changes to QC to keep it operational but, as always, change is hard. Finished up the evening hanging with Warren and Boone in Hare's Ear.
Tuesday we waited for the plumber to get here (he was late); he showed up just in time to witness us finishing a spinach-potato frittata courtesy of Hardy (truly, I could get used to this). Then we headed down to the ponds to try out some rods -- me on Pinky, Alan on his dad's Leonard, and Hardy on his grandfather's Phillipson Pacemaker. We all got little native brookies out of the upper pond -- beautiful little fish.
Tuesday afternoon we headed to Lopstick to hook up with Bill for a wade on the Connecticut. After a brief consult, we were off to the trophy section below first dam where water flows were a mellow 150cfs. As soon as we hit the water, the skies opened for a brief but convincing downpour -- we were drenched to the bone. I started off the day with a beautiful rainbow and then continued on to get two more rainbows plus a small salmon. Alan and Hardy ended up with several rainbows each and Hardy hooked a beautiful 12" brookie. All on Caddis with a nymph dropper, fish taking both flies.
About 5:30, we returned to Lopstick to purchase dry shirts and to get cash to buy much-needed sandwiches from Young's. Suitably restored, we entered the arctic waters below Murphy Dam where the temperature stays a cool 53 degrees. Incredibly beautiful evening on the river produced only two fish -- Alan got a fat 12" rainbow on a streamer and Hardy got a small brookie on a dropper off the Caddis. I got nothing but enjoyed the gorgeous evening. As the sun's last rays were disappearing, the adjacent fields were clouded with mist and there was insectlife galore, especially Caddis. This bounty appears to have been ignored by the resident trout below Murphy Dam who must dine on more sophisticated delicacies because there was not a rise in sight.
Finished the evening by a little after nine, arrived back at camp at 10:05pm, catching glimpse of three moose by Priscilla's on the way. Hardy rallied to whip up a delicious pork schnitzel, along with salad, corn, and new potatoes. Finishing dinner as we speak at 11:25pm. Surely this qualifies us for Russian-level sophistication. The laugh is on Alan and Hardy because in fewer than eight hours they will be on the river again for an all-day float with Bill starting at 7:30am. Ha ha ha!
After a swim Sunday morning, Henri and clan departed, followed by Strite. Alan and Hardy journeyed over to the Connecticut River. They promised to return "early" in time for dinner. Luckily for me, I've been around long enough to realize that would never happen on an evening as beautiful as this one, so I enjoyed a solo meal on leftovers from Henri's stay and watched the end of Love is a Many Splendored Thing. My, movies have changed. About 10pm, the Explorer came racing down the driveway and out hopped a happy Hardy and Alan. Hardy then proceeded to whip up a delicious impromptu Mexican meal. Dinner at 11pm -- awesome. Both fishermen had success, catching 20+ fish, mostly native bows, browns, and brooks. As the evening came to an end, the sun was descending in the sky with Mt Monadnock looming in the distance and a huge blue heron coasted down the calm river. Gorgeous!
Yesterday was Canadian shopping day, starting off at the farm stand where we got corn, tomatoes, peaches, blueberries and raspberries plus a maple cream pie -- yum! Exiting the farm stand, we just had to go to the Laitrie to sample what Priscilla had advertised as maple-toffee ice cream. It wasn't on the menu but the girls behind the counter knew what they were talking about and Alan and Hardy were soon licking enormous cones. I settled for a bite of Alan's -- delicious but sweet, sweet, sweet. While we stood there licking, a local gentleman came up and started talking to us. He was from Quebec but shopped both sides of the border for the best deals and was familiar with northern Vermont. In fact, he was going to Quimby's for dinner that night to celebrate a friend's birthday who worked at QC 50 years ago! Small world, small world.
From there, on the to IGA for some of that wonderful Quebecois pork, a carton of maple ice cream, and some cheese. We decided to wander the countryside a bit, going over to cross the border at Beecher Falls so we could stop at the farm stand. The country around here is dotted with small, perfectly maintained farms; it truly looks like an idyllic lifestyle. At the Beecher Falls border crossing, we got a very serious trainee who asked us everything and looked at everything. We even overheard him asking his trainer, "The corn is on the cob -- should I inspect it?" Giggle. But they let us back in the country, even though we had tomatoes.
Lettuce, spinach, and shallots at the farm stand and then home for Hardy to make his wonderful pork ribs (recipe on the blog from July 2007) which were outstanding. Following a great dinner of ribs, corn, salad, and tomato slices, we headed over to Quimby's for the annual shareholder's meeting. It was an interesting affair that revealed the complexity of managing a jointly owned property with many different generations of owners and differences of opinion. We're trying to make changes to QC to keep it operational but, as always, change is hard. Finished up the evening hanging with Warren and Boone in Hare's Ear.
Tuesday we waited for the plumber to get here (he was late); he showed up just in time to witness us finishing a spinach-potato frittata courtesy of Hardy (truly, I could get used to this). Then we headed down to the ponds to try out some rods -- me on Pinky, Alan on his dad's Leonard, and Hardy on his grandfather's Phillipson Pacemaker. We all got little native brookies out of the upper pond -- beautiful little fish.
Tuesday afternoon we headed to Lopstick to hook up with Bill for a wade on the Connecticut. After a brief consult, we were off to the trophy section below first dam where water flows were a mellow 150cfs. As soon as we hit the water, the skies opened for a brief but convincing downpour -- we were drenched to the bone. I started off the day with a beautiful rainbow and then continued on to get two more rainbows plus a small salmon. Alan and Hardy ended up with several rainbows each and Hardy hooked a beautiful 12" brookie. All on Caddis with a nymph dropper, fish taking both flies.
About 5:30, we returned to Lopstick to purchase dry shirts and to get cash to buy much-needed sandwiches from Young's. Suitably restored, we entered the arctic waters below Murphy Dam where the temperature stays a cool 53 degrees. Incredibly beautiful evening on the river produced only two fish -- Alan got a fat 12" rainbow on a streamer and Hardy got a small brookie on a dropper off the Caddis. I got nothing but enjoyed the gorgeous evening. As the sun's last rays were disappearing, the adjacent fields were clouded with mist and there was insectlife galore, especially Caddis. This bounty appears to have been ignored by the resident trout below Murphy Dam who must dine on more sophisticated delicacies because there was not a rise in sight.
Finished the evening by a little after nine, arrived back at camp at 10:05pm, catching glimpse of three moose by Priscilla's on the way. Hardy rallied to whip up a delicious pork schnitzel, along with salad, corn, and new potatoes. Finishing dinner as we speak at 11:25pm. Surely this qualifies us for Russian-level sophistication. The laugh is on Alan and Hardy because in fewer than eight hours they will be on the river again for an all-day float with Bill starting at 7:30am. Ha ha ha!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Garden Update
All the tomatoes but one in as of this weekend. Brussel sprouts moved to the compost pile after not performing and starting to get eaten by what I suspect are the same green wormies that ate the collards last year.
I planted the cuke that Thomas grew from seed and also one zucchini. We'll see if Alan can stand them fresh from the garden.
I am excited about some new varieties of tomato planted this year, including something called a Park's Whopper that promises big, meaty 4" fruit. That one's out front with some Greek columnar oregano. The celebrity is the last one to plant. I may pull the swiss chard and do it in there. The chard never really grew and neither did the spinach, despite both wintering over.
Also repotted three hibiscus that were on sale at Pike's. They're really beautiful, two red and one a beautiful peach color.
I also planted the coneflower I'd gotten two weeks ago at Habersham. We'll see if it lives -- nothing else has in that location.
I planted the cuke that Thomas grew from seed and also one zucchini. We'll see if Alan can stand them fresh from the garden.
I am excited about some new varieties of tomato planted this year, including something called a Park's Whopper that promises big, meaty 4" fruit. That one's out front with some Greek columnar oregano. The celebrity is the last one to plant. I may pull the swiss chard and do it in there. The chard never really grew and neither did the spinach, despite both wintering over.
Also repotted three hibiscus that were on sale at Pike's. They're really beautiful, two red and one a beautiful peach color.
I also planted the coneflower I'd gotten two weeks ago at Habersham. We'll see if it lives -- nothing else has in that location.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
First tomatoes are in
Got the first tomatoes in tonight. Four that I purchased from the Emory Farmer's Market a couple of weeks ago.
In order, they are:
Burpee Supersteak in Pike's container soil (10-8-4)
Beefmaster in Fafard Organic Potting Mix (10-5-4)
Juliette in Fafard complete container mix (18-6-12)
Grapette in Fafard complete container mix
Probably too much nitrogen in the Fafard container -- didn't look at that prior to planting.
One more Celebrity to plant and then I'm sure there will be other tasty items making their way here. I can't see that peppers are worth it as they rarely produce much. I have some brussel sprouts in but I doubt they produce anything as it's starting to get warm. Some of the lettuce is going like gangbusters -- under Alan's office -- if it gets going, we should at least get one crop.
In order, they are:
Burpee Supersteak in Pike's container soil (10-8-4)
Beefmaster in Fafard Organic Potting Mix (10-5-4)
Juliette in Fafard complete container mix (18-6-12)
Grapette in Fafard complete container mix
Probably too much nitrogen in the Fafard container -- didn't look at that prior to planting.
One more Celebrity to plant and then I'm sure there will be other tasty items making their way here. I can't see that peppers are worth it as they rarely produce much. I have some brussel sprouts in but I doubt they produce anything as it's starting to get warm. Some of the lettuce is going like gangbusters -- under Alan's office -- if it gets going, we should at least get one crop.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Walk in the rain
One of our favorite things to do in Zug is to walk. In the old town, down the Bahnhofstrasse to the station past the shops, and, of course, along the lake. My personal favorite is to hike up the hill behind Nan's until you reach a pedestrian path that parallels the lake. It's a beautiful walk with great vistas of the lake and through green gardens and a few last farms.
Today dawned gray and rainy and we decided to hunker down for dinner to have a prototypical Swiss meal, fondue! Ferdi and Suzi had a fondue pot so we were in luck. Hot cheese, crusty bread, a big green salad -- we're in! If we were truly Swiss, we would add boiled potatoes to the meal but thankfully we are not, as I've had more potatoes in the last week than I usually do in a month. We did cheat a bit and got the prepackaged cheese mix from the refrigerator section (versus compiling the cheese blend ourselves) but it's going to bubble over a flame and the label is in German, so that's got to be authentic, right?
Along about 5:45 the light was dwindling and my legs were itching for a walk, so despite the rain, I headed out on my favorite walk. Up the hill, over the fields, and down to Oberwil, then back home. There were brussel sprouts growing in the fields and sheep still on a plot of land that I understand will eventually become housing.... I hope they save some of the open, historic space.
The evening was beautiful in spite of, or, because of, the rain: the air was moist and soft, with low gravid clouds hanging over the lake, and the soft lights of Rotkreuz in the distance. The fog was creeping down the flanks of the Zugerberg (it will enclose the house by early am).
No camera taken because of the rain, so we'll have to make due with shots from last time.
Today dawned gray and rainy and we decided to hunker down for dinner to have a prototypical Swiss meal, fondue! Ferdi and Suzi had a fondue pot so we were in luck. Hot cheese, crusty bread, a big green salad -- we're in! If we were truly Swiss, we would add boiled potatoes to the meal but thankfully we are not, as I've had more potatoes in the last week than I usually do in a month. We did cheat a bit and got the prepackaged cheese mix from the refrigerator section (versus compiling the cheese blend ourselves) but it's going to bubble over a flame and the label is in German, so that's got to be authentic, right?
Along about 5:45 the light was dwindling and my legs were itching for a walk, so despite the rain, I headed out on my favorite walk. Up the hill, over the fields, and down to Oberwil, then back home. There were brussel sprouts growing in the fields and sheep still on a plot of land that I understand will eventually become housing.... I hope they save some of the open, historic space.
The evening was beautiful in spite of, or, because of, the rain: the air was moist and soft, with low gravid clouds hanging over the lake, and the soft lights of Rotkreuz in the distance. The fog was creeping down the flanks of the Zugerberg (it will enclose the house by early am).
No camera taken because of the rain, so we'll have to make due with shots from last time.
Day in Luzern
Thursday promised to be the only day with any hint of sun, so Alan and I headed over to Luzern. Especially if you get an express train, it's a very quick ride -- only 20-25 minutes through beautiful Swiss countryside. In this part of Switzerland, at least, farmland is still active and you can get a glimpse of how lives have been lived for centuries.
Our destination in Luzern was the New Modern Art Museum or Neues Kuntstmuseum, which is located next to the train station. Frommer's noted that it housed special exhibits plus a permanent collection of works ranging from the 15th to the 20th centuries, in addition to special modern exhibitions. Suffice it to say, that the current special exhibitions were less than impressive -- one consisted of photo montages of subjects who had been asked to perform "magic" in front of the camera. "Magic" seemed mostly to confirm the human ego, as people posed and preened for the camera. There were a few powerful compositions but mostly not. Then, there was a video and audio installation that was just impenetrable. The best exhibit, which possibly was a gesture to the permanent collection, was some cases containing small, similar rocks in rows (one spiral). When we left the exhibits area, I inquired about the permanent collection, only to be told, this was it! Okay....All in all, not worth the admission price.
We did have a very nice lunch in the museum cafe of Indonesian rice and then an apricot tart. With the sun out, we wandered through the old town, seeing the remnants of Monday's carnival celebrations. Walking over the Spreuerbrücke (Mills Bridge), we observed some major construction occurring on the lock controlling the flow of the Reuss River. It does seem like all of Switzerland is under construction.
With blue skies overhead and clear views of the Rigi and the Pilatus peeking through the clouds, we searched for an option to go for a boat tour but, alas, there were none to be found. Most of the tours were closed for the winter.
So, after picking up a plum tart for desert at Confiserie H&M Kurmann, we took the 4:10 home to Zug. Wandered down to our favorite place on the lakeshore of the Zugersee, we settled in to watch a lovely sunset. Unlike previous evenings where we were the only couple, there were many folks enjoying the sun and the relatively warm air. Earlier in the week, the ice was treacherous down here but with the 40 degree weather, it all had melted. It's been a cold and snowy winter in Zug and everyone is ready for spring.
Home for dinner, we enjoyed Aklin pork and vegetables, while watching the Olympic ladies combined.
Flickr photos.
Our destination in Luzern was the New Modern Art Museum or Neues Kuntstmuseum, which is located next to the train station. Frommer's noted that it housed special exhibits plus a permanent collection of works ranging from the 15th to the 20th centuries, in addition to special modern exhibitions. Suffice it to say, that the current special exhibitions were less than impressive -- one consisted of photo montages of subjects who had been asked to perform "magic" in front of the camera. "Magic" seemed mostly to confirm the human ego, as people posed and preened for the camera. There were a few powerful compositions but mostly not. Then, there was a video and audio installation that was just impenetrable. The best exhibit, which possibly was a gesture to the permanent collection, was some cases containing small, similar rocks in rows (one spiral). When we left the exhibits area, I inquired about the permanent collection, only to be told, this was it! Okay....All in all, not worth the admission price.
We did have a very nice lunch in the museum cafe of Indonesian rice and then an apricot tart. With the sun out, we wandered through the old town, seeing the remnants of Monday's carnival celebrations. Walking over the Spreuerbrücke (Mills Bridge), we observed some major construction occurring on the lock controlling the flow of the Reuss River. It does seem like all of Switzerland is under construction.
With blue skies overhead and clear views of the Rigi and the Pilatus peeking through the clouds, we searched for an option to go for a boat tour but, alas, there were none to be found. Most of the tours were closed for the winter.
So, after picking up a plum tart for desert at Confiserie H&M Kurmann, we took the 4:10 home to Zug. Wandered down to our favorite place on the lakeshore of the Zugersee, we settled in to watch a lovely sunset. Unlike previous evenings where we were the only couple, there were many folks enjoying the sun and the relatively warm air. Earlier in the week, the ice was treacherous down here but with the 40 degree weather, it all had melted. It's been a cold and snowy winter in Zug and everyone is ready for spring.
Home for dinner, we enjoyed Aklin pork and vegetables, while watching the Olympic ladies combined.
Flickr photos.
Flower shop at 15 Arthurstrasse
We were here to help celebrate Nan's birthday so it was only appropriate that her apartment was turned into a flower shop with contributions from her sister and brother-in-law, the Cattier boys, and her godson. Oh, and I got some very sweet long stem roses from my Valentine. :-)
We had champagne with Ferdi and Suzi to celebrate and then birthday dinner was at the Bauernhof, overlooking the city lights. Alan had lamb curry, Nan pork, and I had a delicious cheese spaetzle with salad.
Flowers on flickr.
We had champagne with Ferdi and Suzi to celebrate and then birthday dinner was at the Bauernhof, overlooking the city lights. Alan had lamb curry, Nan pork, and I had a delicious cheese spaetzle with salad.
Flowers on flickr.
Safely in Zug where some things are the same, and some not.
We arrived safely in Zug, courtesy of Delta and the SBB. We were an hour late, thanks to an overflowing toilet in Atlanta but at last were safely on our way. Uneventful flight -- at times the plane was moving at more than 700 mph courtesy to some amazing tailwinds. Unusually, we pursued those tailwinds on a southerly route, over Bermuda, rather than the usual northern route.
Nanny met us at the train station and we headed home in a cab. The Zugersee looked the same, as did town and Nanny's house. Until we looked in the backyard, that is. Where once were peaceful kitchen gardens and a parking lot is now a large construction site, right outside Nan's back door. Cranes swing materials back and forth, while dump trucks haul off dirt and concrete pourers are active everywhere. The site is to become a retirement community, one of four in the canton. The Swiss take very nice care of their older population, as you might imagine, and the cost of their care is born by the canton.
In other news, Alan got DSL working at Nan's! Very exciting. No longer do we have to go to the Postplatz for wireless. It's slow and has broken once, but better than nothing.
Photos available on flickr due to upload difficulties.
Nanny met us at the train station and we headed home in a cab. The Zugersee looked the same, as did town and Nanny's house. Until we looked in the backyard, that is. Where once were peaceful kitchen gardens and a parking lot is now a large construction site, right outside Nan's back door. Cranes swing materials back and forth, while dump trucks haul off dirt and concrete pourers are active everywhere. The site is to become a retirement community, one of four in the canton. The Swiss take very nice care of their older population, as you might imagine, and the cost of their care is born by the canton.
In other news, Alan got DSL working at Nan's! Very exciting. No longer do we have to go to the Postplatz for wireless. It's slow and has broken once, but better than nothing.
Photos available on flickr due to upload difficulties.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Islanders v Thrashers
Hockey trip finishes up with a family outing to the Thrashers v. Islanders in the Coliseum. Here are some pics:
Winter Classic 2010!!
The day dawned wintery and cold but not too cold for the 2010 Winter Classic game of the Flyers v. the Bruins. All week long the forecasters had projected warmer temperatures into the upper 30s with the potential for rain. However, it ended up perfect -- a gray, wintery day with zero wind. Trooping through the streets of Boston, we headed to Fenway along with the hoards of Flyers and Bruins fans.
After we entered, we went up and up and up, all the way to the very top, right adjacent to the big Fenway press box. We were in Private Box 6, row F, which was the very highest row. It was really luxurious seating -- we were at kind of a bar, with bar stools, overlooking the entire park. Sitting next to us were some Flyers fans, who while clearly favoring the wrong team, were actually pretty good guys. We had a good time chatting and swapping stories.
The pre-game festivities were highlighted by a flyby by a B2 bomber, who wafted over the stadium making literally no noise. It was pretty spooky.
I won't say the game was the most exciting one I've ever seen -- dominated by defensive play. The Flyers outplayed the Bruins for all but about two minutes but unfortunately, those were the two minutes in which the Bruins scored two goals to take the overtime victory. Made the crowd happy, for sure, but not our new friends.
The best part of the game was the atmosphere -- looking down at the bright rink and then out at the Boston skyline. The light was a beautiful, clear, wintery gray that then drifted slowly into early dusk. Awesome!
After we entered, we went up and up and up, all the way to the very top, right adjacent to the big Fenway press box. We were in Private Box 6, row F, which was the very highest row. It was really luxurious seating -- we were at kind of a bar, with bar stools, overlooking the entire park. Sitting next to us were some Flyers fans, who while clearly favoring the wrong team, were actually pretty good guys. We had a good time chatting and swapping stories.
The pre-game festivities were highlighted by a flyby by a B2 bomber, who wafted over the stadium making literally no noise. It was pretty spooky.
I won't say the game was the most exciting one I've ever seen -- dominated by defensive play. The Flyers outplayed the Bruins for all but about two minutes but unfortunately, those were the two minutes in which the Bruins scored two goals to take the overtime victory. Made the crowd happy, for sure, but not our new friends.
The best part of the game was the atmosphere -- looking down at the bright rink and then out at the Boston skyline. The light was a beautiful, clear, wintery gray that then drifted slowly into early dusk. Awesome!
Last day of 2009
The last day of 2009 dawned gray with low clouds, as we looked outside our 28th floor room at the Copley Park Marriott. After a leisurely waking, we decided to head out and explore Boston before heading to Jamaica Plain to meet up with Bill for lunch. Walking off the elevator, we realized that in fact the Marriott is park of a complex of hotel, conference center, and mall, so we were able to walk some distance through what looks like a very nice mall until we reached an exterior door.
Once there -- magic -- it was snowing!! For two transplanted northerners, it was a welcome sight and Alan characterized it as his best birthday present. Grabbed a quick Starbucks and headed back to Copley Park to see how the ice sculptures were developing. There were part of First Night, an all day celebration of the year's end that featured arts events, walking tours, concerts, parades, and fireworks. Looked like a lot of fun and reason enough to come spend NYE in Boston in the future.
The ice sculptures were under active development and it was fun to watch them chisel and saw away. We both were interested to see that the chain saw was a Stihl. :-) The snow kept coming down and we walked over to the Boston Commons and joined the crowds slip-sliding on the iced over ponds. We both were glad for our hats, gloves, and scarfs as the snow really did start coming down -- I think it must have accumulated a couple of inches.
Hopped on the orange T line to head for Jamaica Plain. We really were impressed by the T system in Boston. We bought passes and didn't do anything but take the T or walk, including transport to and from the airport. Once in JP, we took a right up the hill to Bill's apartment which we found with no trouble. Inside, we met the famous dog Rocky (he has a FB fan page), my cousin's pug. Gotten at a shelter where he was described as mean and untrainable, he's nothing of the sort--a well-behaved, sweet dog who clearly adores Bill.
With the snow coming down, we got into Bill's truck to go to one of his favorite pubs for lunch. It was quite a bit of fun traversing the streets in rear wheel drive but luckily Bill had had lots of practice steering into skids with his old truck. Lunch was served fireside with chicken curry for Alan and a burger for me and lots of catching up.
Alan had chosen a birthday dinner in the Northend at Taranta, which offered an intriguing combination of Italian and Peruvian food. We got there early and walked around; everyone was at the bakeries getting little boxes of cookies. The restaurant was crowded and quite loud but we had a nice server and most of the food was good, including an amazing tuna entree enjoyed by Alan. By the time we were done with dinner, it was almost time for fireworks on the Bay, so we took the opportunity to call the Reichels and wish them a happy new year, and then followed the crowds down to the Bay for the big show. A quick trip back to the hotel via the T and we were more than ready for bed. 2010 here we come!
Once there -- magic -- it was snowing!! For two transplanted northerners, it was a welcome sight and Alan characterized it as his best birthday present. Grabbed a quick Starbucks and headed back to Copley Park to see how the ice sculptures were developing. There were part of First Night, an all day celebration of the year's end that featured arts events, walking tours, concerts, parades, and fireworks. Looked like a lot of fun and reason enough to come spend NYE in Boston in the future.
The ice sculptures were under active development and it was fun to watch them chisel and saw away. We both were interested to see that the chain saw was a Stihl. :-) The snow kept coming down and we walked over to the Boston Commons and joined the crowds slip-sliding on the iced over ponds. We both were glad for our hats, gloves, and scarfs as the snow really did start coming down -- I think it must have accumulated a couple of inches.
Hopped on the orange T line to head for Jamaica Plain. We really were impressed by the T system in Boston. We bought passes and didn't do anything but take the T or walk, including transport to and from the airport. Once in JP, we took a right up the hill to Bill's apartment which we found with no trouble. Inside, we met the famous dog Rocky (he has a FB fan page), my cousin's pug. Gotten at a shelter where he was described as mean and untrainable, he's nothing of the sort--a well-behaved, sweet dog who clearly adores Bill.
With the snow coming down, we got into Bill's truck to go to one of his favorite pubs for lunch. It was quite a bit of fun traversing the streets in rear wheel drive but luckily Bill had had lots of practice steering into skids with his old truck. Lunch was served fireside with chicken curry for Alan and a burger for me and lots of catching up.
Alan had chosen a birthday dinner in the Northend at Taranta, which offered an intriguing combination of Italian and Peruvian food. We got there early and walked around; everyone was at the bakeries getting little boxes of cookies. The restaurant was crowded and quite loud but we had a nice server and most of the food was good, including an amazing tuna entree enjoyed by Alan. By the time we were done with dinner, it was almost time for fireworks on the Bay, so we took the opportunity to call the Reichels and wish them a happy new year, and then followed the crowds down to the Bay for the big show. A quick trip back to the hotel via the T and we were more than ready for bed. 2010 here we come!
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