Desember 2011

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Lakes Region Christmas Gift

Posted by abohan Selasa, 20 Desember 2011 0 komentar

"Winter is the 'secret season' in the Lakes Region - because not everyone knows of its quiet charm. But fortunate are those who've enjoyed the excitement of skiing, snowboarding or tubing at Gunstock. Happy are those who have been gliding on cross-country skis across frozen Squam Lake or crunching on snowshoes up one of the Ossipee Mountains. Satisfied are those who've augured through the ice on Lake Winnipesaukee to drop a line in the water beneath in hopes of snaring a white perch or a lake trout. Winter is when we slow down, sit back and catch up on things. It's when we get to know each other - and ourselves - a little better."

- from "The Lakes Region of New Hampshire: Four Seasons, Countless Memories," the area's only photography/coffee table book, available at local bookstores and on Amazon.com and LAKESREGIONNHBOOK.COM

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PTI (Pardon the Interruption)...

Posted by abohan Senin, 19 Desember 2011 0 komentar

... but things have been a bit busy lately.

It's likely due - as it may be for you - to the "holidays". How has something that's meant to emphasize the simple joys of our lives in the Lakes Region become so hectic? I'd like to think it's because we want to share the good times with good friends and family - and we have TOO MANY of those people.

In any case, some thoughts have rolled by as we've all left autumn behind and begin heading into the joys and coolness of the winter:

THERE SEEMS to be more Christmas lights decorating homes in the Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam, Newfound and Squam areas this year than usual. When times are tough, people go all out on this stuff... The most recent additions are those air-filled nylon figures, everything from Santa and Frosty and Homer Simpson to a mini-crèche and a snow globe. The newest on Route 106 in Laconia is a Santa astride his Harley (naturally). These nylon balloons have a childish kind of joy (i.e., 'inflated'?). But it's weird when you drive by a house during the day and see these little puddles of deflated plastic on the front lawn. "Mommy, did Santa Claus melt away? Isn't it Christmas time during the day?"

IN REAL LIFE, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT continues strong: The annual WLNH Children's Auction raised more than $300,000, One Voice Ministries performed another one of its wonderful Christmas concert. And local merchants appear to be happy that folks are responding to their appeal to "Think Local" when doing their holiday shopping.
ONE GOOD LAUGH came at church this week when our pastor asked if Christmas Eve was a big night for eating out. (Our building is adjacent to Fratello's Italian Grille and he wanted us to be conscious of us not taking up parking spaces in their lot when we come for the Christmas Eve service.) One of the younger associates got him with this rejoinder: "Eating out on Christmas Eve? Well, they're busy at Chinese restaurants."

AND WHY ARE CHINESE restaurants the only place you can dine alone and not feel like everyone is looking at you?... BTW, the China Bistro in Gilford was recently named No. 23 among the Top 100 Chinese Restaurants in America - and that's up about 10 spots from last year... Meanwhile, Fratello's - which now also has a Manchester location - was named Best Italian Restaurant/local chain and Best Caesar Salad by readers of New Hampshire magazine recently... And although they might not make any "best" list, you have to admire the folks at little Hillcrest Pizza on Route 140 in Belmont. Always willing to try something new, recent signs have advertised fried pickles, fried lobster and barbecue Cajun.

More to come soon... Keep those holidays happy!

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