Sir Guinness of Haverhill Glen wants to say "HI!"

Hello!

Here's the Church, Look at the People Install the New Steeple

These pictures were taken in North Hampton, NH. What a beautiful day to take on such a task. The breeze was light, the sun was bright - what more could these outdoor tradesmen wish for? Click on the photos for excellent, yet somewhat grainy detail.

Has Spring Finallly Sprung?

It occured to me while driving near Portsmouth, New Hamsphire that the daffodils really mimic what it's like to wait for Spring to finally arrive in New England. Spring meaning only slightly warmer than the end of winter.

When I saw my own daffodils with their droopy heads, I thought I had missed their bloom, but I realized I hadn't missed a thing. They're just incredibly slow to raise their sleepy heads, open their eyes and finally take a good look around.

Bold and Brash

If daffodils are symbolic of the weather, then the forsythia has to be symbolic of New Englanders. It's all the best and all the worst wrapped into one out-of-control, yet, beautiful bush. Like the wildness of the branches, New Englanders are loud, brash, highly opinionated and in-your-face, always on the go looking for the next good time. But like the incredibly brilliant blossoms, they're also extremely friendly, warm, curious about strangers and very caring people, always wanting to know more about you.

So come on up and chat with those around you. I can almost guarantee you you'll be glad you did!

Please enjoy these other photos of the forsythia, which is absolutely everywhere up here!

One Year Later and a Dream Come True!

Approximately one year ago I began this blog with a birthday greeting to Roger. While I haven't had a chance to update this since March, I am surprised at the amount of content I managed to put up here over the past 12 months, some good, some not so good, some eventually removed (where's your sense of humor?!?!).

Now, another year has passed, and a another birthday has come and at long last, a brand new Harley for Roger. I encourage you to click on the picture above for a larger image of his huge smile and his beautiful bike.

Since the day we met, this is all he's talked about - motorcycles. I should say, motorcycles and Nicole. And now was finally the time for him to strap on the ol' saddle bags again after many years of being restricted to 4 wheel transportation. His back is doing very well and it just seemed like the right thing to do at this point.

But, I can't even begin to express what this has done for his spirit, except to say that it has truly soared! In fact, he went as far as to model the rainsuit he purchased "just in case". I must say, this man has never modeled anything for me in all the years we've been together. Well, there was this one instance, but I won't go into that! Let's just say it was very late at night.

So the road is indeed winding. Perfect for cruising the ocean road or forested roads or just taking the back roads to work - on a big ol' Road King Classic! And by the way, it gets a minimum of 50 mpg!

Ride, Roger, Ride!

Oh, below is a photo of me trying to pass off as a Harley Chick! Gotta keep up with those gals you know!

Hello, Arkansas!

We spent the final three nights in Russellville with Roger's Mom and Dad before heading back home to New England.

The only downside was that winter decided to rear its ugly head at the end of February! We drove up Magazine Mountain to visit a fairly new resort that was built by the state of Arkansas. In spite of our view being dramatically cut short due to fog, the building itself was stunning! Lots of wood and rock and huge fireplaces. I can't wait to go back on a good weather day and perhaps spend a night in one of the cabins.

It also just so happened that Wanda's birthday was just around the bend, so we helped her kick off the celebration!!!

We mostly spent the days relaxing, eating and drinking coffee, relaxing, eating and drinking coffee, etc., etc., and of course lots of visiting. Not only with Don and Wanda, but with Shirley and Roger's cousin Kathy.

Alas, it was time to head back, and just in time! Guinness had the pleasure of staying in a kennel for an entire week. The picture below was taken within an hour getting home. Back in the lap of his bestfriend!!!

Goodbye, Texas!

We had a great time in Winnsboro, which is where the pictures in the earlier post were taken. The most exciting thing, other than seeing the brand new colts, was getting to see the Space Shuttle, following behind the International Space station. That was so exciting and luckily the skies were very clear! The picture below isn't of that celestial event, but of the almost full moon.

We said farewell to family in Texas, then headed to Arkansas for the final stop of our week long tour.

Just a few miles down the road from Daddy's house, we came across a true Texas Car Alarm. Just try to get near this pickup! Of course, seeing as its a retriever on post, you'd probably just get licked to death!

You know you're in Texas when...

Mistletoe hangs thick in the oak trees all year long.

You have an endless supply of pecans to snack on just outside your door.
There's always a tank to drop a line in.
Folks put up massive gates, but do without an actual fence.
And the neighbors always take time out of their busy schedule to come say hello.

And let me tell you, this handsome guy had one very busy schedule as the resident stallion. Had I known his prowess, I probably wouldn't have ventured so close! Below are 2 pictures of ONE of the TWO mares that gave birth to his babies overnight while we were in Winnsboro.


The colts were too far away for to get a picture, but one was blond, and the other looked identical to the stallion. "Mini-me" right out of the chute, so to speak, immediately stood shoulder high to his mother who is pictured above!