Life in Antrim

PDA saves the day...

Not only does my Treo 600 allow me to check my e-mail and post blogs...but it keeps me from getting bored during kiosk presentations thanks to instant messaging, web browsing, etc... :-)

See Bill, I can blog from it :-)

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Colorful...

We just landed in Las Vegas (taxiing to the gate). I can tell from the "colorful" hotels I can see from the plane this isn't an ordinary city...

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My new toy...

The one big accomplishment the Fahrners had this weekend was buying the truck you see before you. It is a 2002 Dodge Dakota Sport...to replace my failing-too-often-but-loved 1992 Saab 9000 CD (which has 160,000+ miles on it).

We've been looking for (and debating whether to get) a replacement for a while, and, considering the backwoods nature of our present existence, a truck seemed wise (although I did have a hankerin' for a convertable Volkswagen Cabrio). Either way, Autex Mazda in Keene had a great deal on this vehicle and we nabbed it this weekend.

(As a quick aside, Autex Mazda went above-and-beyond in spending time with us. They closed at 5, but the sales manager didn't get out of there until past 8. I can recommend them...and our salesman, Ernie.)

Our Dakota has a 4.7 liter V8...so now I go down the road and comment on other men's puny V6s or V4s :-)

(If you click on the picture you'll get a larger version...)

First class?

A month or so back I was really depressed because I lost my Premier status with United (I had only flown 17,000 miles with them last year, and you need 25,000). I travel quite a bit, so the advantages that gives me was going to be sorely missed...

So...I was really surprised to check in and not only see myself listed as Premier, but I got bumped up to first class on both legs of my flight to Las Vegas. (U.S. Airways via United.)

A nice way to start two weeks on the road :-)

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In-town road hazards...

From the Jaffrey April 14th police log (as recorded in the Peterborough Transcript, Thursday, April 22, 2004):

Police received a report that a moose was taking a stroll from Harling Street toward Nutting Road. An officer responded to the area and eventually located the moose on Peterborough Street. The officer followed the moose all through the downtown area until the animal disappeared into the woods after a few incidents with traffic.

Jaffrey is a bit of a hike south from Antrim...but still in the neighborhood. We may not have drive-by shootings, but have you ever seen what a moose can do to a car that hits it? They are designed to send the torso through the windsheild...

(Come to think of it, I did record in this web log a case where there was a drive-by slingshot ballbearing shooting...)

The mystery of the Jeep door...

Yesterday visiting my mechanic (something I do too often -- or so my checkbook says), a local policeman stopped by. He asked Paul (Paul Dugre of Dugre's Auto Repair) if he'd walked around his lot recently.

As it so happens, the observant officer had noticed a door open on a Jeep at Chuck's Auto Sales (not far down the road). When he investigated further he noted that the Jeep was entirely clean, except for one door.

Someone had swapped their Jeep's door for one on the vehicle Chuck had for sale.

It's a dangerous place here in Antrim :-)

Peace Mural

Because of the field trip mentioned below, I had the opportunity to take an unobstructed picture of the Antrim Elementary School Peace Mural. Please see the blog, "Peace, piece by piece" to read more about it...

The strange warping of the image makes me wonder if something is up with my camera...

(If you click on the image, you'll get a larger version...)

Visiting the Statehouse...

Today was the Antrim Elementary School fourth grade trip to the New Hampshire Statehouse. I initially volunteered to chaperone...joined later by my beautiful wife (since no other parent had yet signed up for it).

The first picture is a plaque which shows something unique about the Statehouse -- it is the oldest one where the legislature meets in its original chambers. I have always found it to be an inspiring building -- especially because of it's gold dome. We frequently travel to Concord for shopping, and I continue to have the same feelings when I glance at the dome while traveling north on 93.

On the way into the Statehouse is a statue to honor one of New Hampshire's favorite sons, Daniel Webster. I'm assuming that other states don't cover him in their primary schools as well as New Hampshire's do. He was a famous statesman and orator...and the inspiration of Stephen Vincent Benét's "The Devil and Daniel Webster" (where Mr. Webster's speaking skills free a guy who sold his soul to the Devil).

(As an aside, remembering this story inspired me to visit Ebay and I found a 1937 copy of the book and got it for $8 plus shipping.)

I won't bore you with all the specifics of our visit (not that the visit was boring)...but I'll share one last photo...of the front of the chambers used by the Legislature. Thanks to our constitution legislators only earn $200 ever two years...

If you click on the pictures you'll get a larger version...

Peace, piece by piece...

Last night was the unveiling of Antrim Elementary School's Peace Mural. Of course, nothing is ever as simple as just showing it, so it was led by a concert titled, "Peace, Piece by Piece." Actually, pretty well done -- even the teachers did a song on tune. In the picture to the left, Mikey is the kid resting against the pole. I suppose we ought to make sure he gets to bed earlier :-)

I didn't have the patience to hang around for a clear shot of the mural, but you can catch the top of it (over the heads of proud parents) in the shot to the right. Quite colorful...although couldn't one argue that a "peace" mural should be done with soothing pastels? :-)

The mural was a result of an artist-in-residence program with David Fitchter. He and the kids accomplished something special, even if I think some of the stuff that was said was a bit idealistic. But, if any group should be idealists, it makes sense that it would our children.

If you touch any of the images, you'll get a larger version...

Catching up on pictures...

I'm a bit behind on blogs...so here goes...

To the left is a species we first saw yesterday. We aren't positive what it is (and, as you can see, the pictures so far are less than clear). We figure it is likely a House Finch or a Purple Finch. Based on the description of habitat, it is probably the former.

Friday and Saturday was baseball, baseball, baseball...

First, a picture of an exubarent Mikey. I'm trying to convert him to a Red Sox fan, but his first memories of baseball were warped by attending opening day at the Orioles a couple years ago (including a grand slam as part of the Orioles' win).

Then you can see my vantage point watching the last innings of last Friday's win against the Yankees. There were some Asian Yankees fans who were getting a special razzing from those near me every time the Sox did something positive...and a final hard time when the game was over. Good natured, mind you (although there was one guy with a bit too much beer in his belly that I was worried about).

The final picture is from Saturday's game (another successful outing against the dastardly Yankees). Mikey downed a hot dog, cotton candy, and popcorn. The photo of him above is from the same game...I think he said he was now 1/3rd a Red Sox fan. I'll keep working on him :-)

Okay, okay, one more picture. There is just something about the batter, catcher, and ump all lined up at the plate...expectantly waiting for the next ball to come down the pike. I don't think there is any other pose that "says" baseball more than that...

If you click on any of the images you will get a larger version...

Chirping birds...

After a day in the 80's, it has become comfortably cool (60's). A beautiful sunny day in Antrim with birds chirping...

I need to put up more pictures...

You can tell they are

You can tell they are playing the Yankees...

I'm outside Fenway Park (working)...

You can tell by the booooos they are playing the Yankees :-)

Back to work...

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Food tastes better upside-down...

I'm sure everyone has heard of great food-related squirrel exploits. This isn't terribly amazing, but I thought it was cute. I'm not sure I could spend very long upside-down even for my favorite nourishment :-)

If you click on the photo you'll get a larger version...

New bird species at the feeder...

While I was busily working, April noticed a new bird species at our feeder (of course I immediately used it as an excuse to stop working). Donald & Lillian Stokes' "Field Guide to Birds" shows it was an "Evening Grosbeak." There were three of them, with at one being a female (it wasn't as bright). The pictures are of a male one.

If you click on the image, it'll give you a larger version.

Registering a car...

Registering a car...

I am in Lebanon, about to head back to my insurance agent's office. My daughter, Jenn, will soon have her license, so I recently got her a used Geo Tracker.

New Hampshire doesn't have personal property tax like other states, but the cost of registration is high. The City of Lebanon and NH DMV have gotten some of my $$$ today (as has my agent)...

Less taxes overall though :-)

Either way, Jenn is searching for her social security number and report card...then we'll be on our way...

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Mikey and the Governor...

Here's a picture from last night's Republican gathering in Manchester, NH -- a nervous Mikey with New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson (although Mikey looks more devious than nervous in this photo). Due to overflow crowds, Governer Benson had to give two speaches (we were in group one). Fairly impressive...and he seems like a nice guy...

At the occasion, Mikey devoured three pieces of pizza (albeit small). He then followed that with a hot dog and a bunch of garlic bread at the nearby pizza joint. After that we stopped back at the campaign headquarters for some info, and Mikey ate some cake...

And even though I can't specifically recall, I suspect he had some more food when we got home.

As you can see from the picture (please click on it for a larger version), he can afford to eat as much as he wants...

Campaigning in NH...

Campaigning in NH...

I'm sitting with Mikey and April at a pizza joint near the NH Bush-Cheney Campaign Headquarters. Mikey is going to have a chili dog and April and I are going to have pizza.

Later today or tomorrow I'll add picture(s) from the HQ grand opening we attended...the Governor was the speaker...

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The crack of a bat...

I took more pictures, but I'm going to be lazy...

Here is one good shot though...while working this past Friday I went for a quick glimpse of the game (from behind home plate). I lined up a shot while crouched down, stood up, snapped a picture...and voila...

If you click on the photo you'll get a larger version...

The results of a weekend...

Here you have it...the Fahrner family accomplishment for a weekend in April...

It's called a "SmartShed Deluxe" (by Thinking Outside). We got it from Sam's Club yesterday afternoon and almost had it entirely up before sundown.

If you are in need of a shed, I highly recommend it. Tons of room, easy to put together, and extremely well-designed.

No more tarps for the Fahrners...

(If you click on the picture you'll see a larger version...)

Opening Day... Any good New

Opening Day...

Any good New Englander is a Red Sox fan (and definitely not a Yankees fan). Luckily my job has led to me being at Fenway Park for their first home game of 2004. :-)

When I arrived earlier, there were people on the sidewalk who had spent the night hoping for tickets...that's dedication!

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Aftermath...

After dropping Mikey off at school yesterday, it became readily clear that we weren't going to take our normal path back to Route 202. As you can see from the picture taken today, water was the victor in a battle with the road near downtown Antrim...

If you click on the photo you'll see a bigger version...

Sunlight breaks through...

After over a week of clouds (and varying degrees of precipitation), I was glad to look out the kitchen window and see some sunlight breaking through. It's still mostly cloudy, but beggars can't be choosers :-)

(Now to quickly eat the orange that caused my trip to the kitchen...)

Sam's and Bon-Ton... Michelle, Mikey,

Sam's and Bon-Ton...

Michelle, Mikey, and I are waiting outside of Bon-Ton for the girls. We just finished getting food at Sam's Club...

They just arrived...so off to Wendy's...

(All in Concord.)

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Quick review of "Hellboy"...

Just an addendum to the post below...

I enjoyed "Hellboy" quite a bit. Good characters and acting, and a decent amount of action. It also didn't use the "tortured character" stuff too much (which I think a comic like Spider-man does).

I'd give it a B+ if not an A-. I hope they do a sequel (and probably will buy the DVD).

Concord or Keene? Although there

Concord or Keene?

Although there are many things available near Antrim, if you want to catch a movie you need to go to Concord or Keene.

Neither has the slick stadium seating...but I prefer to drive Keene's direction...

April, Jenn, and I are here to see "Hellboy." Commercials have started...so time to go...

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Make that a B for

Make that a B for service...

An addendum to the blog below. Nothing drives me up the wall more than being done with dinner and not being able to get the check...

It probably was 20 minutes...so service drops to a B...

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Charbel's Restaurant & Lounge April,

Charbel's Restaurant & Lounge

April, Mikey, and I are enjoying a meal at Charbel's Restaurant & Lounge in Manchester. My pasta wasn't that great, but the kids' steaks were good.

I'd say a C for food, a B+ for atmosphere, and an A for service..

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Sitting at the airport... New

Sitting at the airport...

New Hampshire has one "real" airport -- in Manchester. It's actually a great one to fly out of, and many come here instead of Logan in Boston. It's about an hour away from Antrim.

Mikey and I are here patiently awaiting his sister's arrival (a half hor delay on a Southwest Airlines flight from Baltimore).

Mikey is playing his Gameboy Advance and I...well, you know what I'm up to :-)

Of course he's hardly touched the Dunkin' Donuts he had me get him...

Duck weather continues...

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Good news for ducks...

It's been raining off-and-on for two days, and our small creek finally couldn't hold out anymore.

We also had a light snow last night (also visible in the picture). Perhaps you'll want to delay your vacation plans for beautiful Antrim, New Hampshire a few days... :-)

(The flooding near the house has been enough to have a road crew visit to deal with some washing-out on the edges of Elm Avenue. The road is acting as a dam, and water is shooting out on our side...)

If you click on the picture you'll get a larger version...