I am so ahead of the game when it comes to Christmas shopping this year! Total abberation! I think because we started on Thanksgiving weekend with our trip to Woodstock, Vermont I have a leg up. Go figure. Today I visit the Black Swan Gift Shop in Peterborough, NH, which never disappoints and will always put you in the proper holiday spirit.
Read MoreWell, they continue to live up to their reputation! The Rolling Stones show in Foxborough is a spectacle! The music sounds great and Mick still has the moves like Jagger -- 8 weeks after a heart valve replacement! I hope I have this much energy at 73 years old! Had a great night.
Read MoreI don't know how this happened, but we are going to the Stones show in Foxborough tomorrow. I feel like everyone should see them once, as they put on quite a spectacle, and any of them could die any day. Except for Keith Richards, he is a vampire. So don't wait.
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I am home in NH now, but here is a picture of Jack the dog, on the boat in Montana with his life vest and matching shoes. Don't judge me, the shoes are so he does not ruin the vinyl seating and the vest has a handle so if he falls off we can grab him. Too cute to lose.
This is the view from our dock in Montana yesterday morning. Amazing. And here is Jack's head shot and a profile pic. He is so photogenic.
Read MoreThe Bigfork Christmas parade attracts thousand of people each year and for good reason - the Bigfork and surrounding area merchants/organizations do it up right! We were hosted by our realtor, whose office is right on the main drag.
Read MoreMy skin is dry and I need some upkeep. Specifically, I need an exfoliating scrub with a moisturizing treatment, a hot oil scalp massage, and then a shampoo and a blow out. My birthday is coming up and I can justify this. I asked my social media people where I should go and my girl Mel recommended Chill Spa. Their menu had exactly what I was looking for, so I made some reservations. I was not disappointed.
Read MoreRight across the street from Nature’s Green Grocer in West Peterborough, NH sits Edward MacDowell Lake, formed by a flood control dam built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1948 - 1950. Its purpose was, and remains, to protect the town of Peterborough and surrounding area from the extensive flooding which occured in the late 1930's. Besides the dam, the lake/preserve is complete with a beach and picnic area plus walking trails abound. Biking, fishing and kayaking are popular here, too. Why not enjoy some different scenery?
Read MoreI had a date with a good friend for coffee this morning, and happened to see a note from another good friend on Facebook. She said that Morning Star Maple was having a donut maker there for fresh-made maple donuts. Hmmm. Donuts don’t particularly move my needle, but why not have our coffee there instead of our usual spot? I text her in the morning and she is ecstatic! She has had the donuts and she promises me they are off the charts!
Read MoreSo my lovely friend and fellow Finn, Kelley, posted this for me and I think it is worth sharing. Make an ice lantern. Or 8. Or 40. Someone suggeseted putting holly or red berries in the ice and I find that to be a great idea. And it does not look hard, you just need pails. And water. And greens and berries (optional). And cold weather.
Read MoreWe are traveling for Christmas and New Year's this year. It changes everything. Happy to drive from NH to Montana with my husband and a dog, but... seems a waste to put up a tree. And we dig our tree. Thansgiving is my proclaimed favorite holiday, but I bring it for Christmas too. We both do. But different is good.
Read MoreLast night, we attended the Grand Opening of a new art and antiques gallery in downtown Peterborough, NH. If you've never been to Peterborough and are within three hours, please do yourself a favor and make a day trip. Totally quaint, lots of historic brick buildings which house art galleries, antique and clothing shops and a variety of eateries. Lovely gardens, rivers and waterfalls. Quintissential New England! I am lucky enough to live here.
There is no question that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Yes, there is muss and there is fuss. For me, anyway. But I just love the whole experience -- deciding on a menu, shopping for the food, setting the table, and 3 days of cooking. You heard me. And it probably takes a week to clean up but I am ok with it! This year was special, as we invited my son's new wife and her family to join us. I must say, a good time was had by all.
