Beautiful New England

I had the opportunity to spend a long weekend up in New England this week. New Hampshire to be specific. A dear friend of mine turned 50 and I was the big surprise, (no, I didn't wear a skimpy oufit and pop out of a cake!). It's been 28 years since I last visited, and I found that part of the country to be more beautiful than I remembered. While I missed the fall colors by "a couple of weeks" I still found the scenery to be spectacular. Such a place one can truly see the Majesty of the Creator at work. The firmament certainly does proclaim His handiwork!

While New England hosts some of the most beautiful topography I've ever seen, it's the people that make her unique. None of that big city brashness from these fine people: no sir! The night before the party, I spent the night with the family of my friends sister. I watched as sister and mother "slaved" in the kitchen so early in the morning so my friend would have a memorable birthday. The family was charming, accommodating (mom gave up her room so I could have some privacy) and as down to earth as the mountains you can see from their front room window. My friends mother is, -well you don't talk about age when referring to women, but he was celebrating his 50th birthday, you can do the math- and so full of life. This grand matriarch of the family even got herself a tattoo! I chided her that she'll be on a Harley one day, and she said she thought that to be a great idea! This family is blessed with beautiful children, kind people, and so very gracious: I was honored to be their guest.

"that's not a Vermont accent!"
My friend was wanted to show me a place he'd not visited since his boyhood (remember, he's 50 now) we stopped to ask a passer-by for directions. With my southern drawl, I said "excuse me ma'am" to which she immediately replied "that's not a Vermont accent!" She knew exactly where we were, and where we needed to be; and even escorted us to the bottom of the hill (looked like a mountain to me!) and made sure we found the sight. This type of graciousness was expressed everywhere I visited.

I must say, if you want to have some fun, go to New England with a southern drawl and watch the people react to it. Once they do, use the line "you know, I'm not from around here" and watch the second reaction! I've already mentioned the impromptu tour-guide, but here are a couple more: We stopped to eat dinner at a Burger place. While filling my own drink (sweet iced tea, of course) I made a comment to a lady who was doing the same. As I walked away, she looked at my friends wife and asked if we were up for the stock car races! That's right, anytime you have a southern accent in New England, you MUST be there because of the stock car races!

In another place (also a burger place-ok so I ate too much red meat) I did what any gentleman would do: I held the door open for a lady as she entered. When she thanked me I replied "you're quite welcome" at which time she almost bumped into another gentleman because her head was turned as far backwards as it would go: as she continued to walk forward. Now I have to admit that I added the "quite" to the return greeting because I've learned to have some fun with this verbal anomaly I possess. You have to find your fun where and when you can!

so many wonderful people. . .
Happy birthday to Dave. A big BIG thank you to: Helen, Joanne, Cathy, Jonathan, Rachel, my new friend Jillian, and so many more. . .