Northern Surprise

My Favorite Panamanian and I are just back from an excursion into the distant north of New Hampshire for a get together with our friends from last year’s European trip. That foray into New Hampshire turned out to be a much bigger surprise than I anticipated. I had been secretly grumbling about the need to drive more than three hours to a place less than fifty miles from Canada to see a country music band in concert. I was looking forward to seeing the friends again, but wished it could have been closer. I was wrong.

The Ladies by the Lake

One of the couples own a second home on a pristine lake in the middle of the White Mountains, just a few miles from Bethlehem, NH, where the concert was taking place. We were treated to a beautiful drive up through the colors of late fall and passed by the place where the Old Man of the Mountain used to hang out (sadness). This was followed by a twisting ride through some back roads to the lake. I was stunned upon arrival. Their beautiful home sits on a bluff above the lake which looked like a piece of glass until a loon zoomed in and stated cruising along the surface. We were immediately made to feel entirely at home by our generous hosts as we marveled at the scenery out the huge windows overlooking the mountain rimmed lake.

Scenes from the Drive Up

Missing the Old Man

After a quick trip into Whitefield for mass, we headed out for Bethlehem. We hoped to have dinner at a brewery, which would have been cool. However, the place was mobbed, as it is just down the street from the theater where the concert was taking place. This was our first indication that the band was popular. We found a nearby restaurant where we had  great dinner, laughing with each other as we caught up with happenings since we were last together. I also became acquainted with a Czech Pilsner beer which became a staple for the evening. I was driving the group in our new car which received high marks, even from the occupants of the third row, where they noted there were ports to charge cell phones.

First Views of the Lake

Our Host's Home

The concert was taking place in the Colonial Theater (yep another one of those) in Whitefield, a very small town. It was an old movie house that has been converted to an event hosting arena. I loved the feel of the theater. Our seats were in the first couple rows which offered some great views. The name of the group is Asleep at the Wheel, which turned out to be a fairly famous Western swing music group that has been operating since 1970, based out of Austin, Texas. The lead singer, Ray Benson, is the only original member of the group and he was quite a character. He regaled us, between songs, of his career highlights which included time with some iconic country western singers, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, Dwight Yoakam and Vince Gill. He even made a TV movie with Dolly Parton who he considered a true friend.

Pre-Concert Dinner

Ladies in the Front Row
Guys in the Second

Asleep at the Wheel

The band featured a saxophone player and a fiddler. I love listening to both of these instruments and each of performers were fantastic, especially the fiddler. The packed theater was involved from the beginning as the band cycled through some of their own songs as well as old favorites. There was an area cleared between the seating and the stage where we were encouraged to dance if the mood struck us. You know who I’m married to, right? We had a great time as I spent my usual time dancing with her, hanging on for dear life. While we were dancing, the band struck up Amarillo by Morning, which brought back so many memories as it was the signature song of the Roothuggers karaoke group.

The Fantastic Fiddler

The Lead Ray Benson

Ladies on the Dance Floor

We were served drinks in our seats, including more of that Czech Pilsner. By the time the concert was ending, the crowd was firmly in the band’s hands, shouting and cheering our approval of a great show (I didn’t even know I was a fan of the genre before this). Ray Benson was a superb host as he introduced the band and recounted his amazing stories of a life spent in the music industry. They concluded their encore appearance with solos by both the sax player and the fiddler, I couldn’t have asked for more. It was such an unsuspected yet transcendent experience. All my grumbling had created a perfect environment to be pleasantly surprised.

The Morning View

We returned to the lake house where we sat around their dining room table and recounted the night, laughing into the wee hours. A fantastic night spent with now good friends. I was up before anyone else, and I walked out to the windows facing the lake I was greeted by an incredible view as layers of clouds laced the far tree line and mist was rising out of the lake. The photo doesn’t do it justice. I think the word I’m looking for is, majestic. The loon was back on the lake as we sat around the breakfast table for a spirited talk, most aimed at what our next event together would be.  As we drove home after breakfast, I reflected on how fortunate I was to be running around with my Favorite Panamanian. She’s the uber-social one who gets me into situations like this that I would probably avoid if she wasn’t my social director. I’m lucky that way.

Getting Ready to Leave This Morning

The week preceding this adventure ended meekly. I finished another puzzle. I thought it was another one of those 999 piece versions until I located the missing piece under the couch. The gas company was scheduled to change out our gas meter during the usual 12-4pm time period on Friday. I hate being confined to the house awaiting something I’m not particularly psyched about. I employed my “go to” method of assuring their early arrival by trying to take a shower. I put the phone where I could see it while showering and, predictably, as soon as the shampoo hit the hair, the phone started ringing. After a soggy answer and subsequent meter replacement, the rest of Friday afternoon belonged to me.

Completed Puzzle

Our Back Yard is Sporting some Color As Well

It met a satisfying conclusion with the return of the weekly First Friday Family Facetime call. Great Aunt was only on for a bit as she had all three grandkids circling her for attention, she looked tired but very happy. In similar fashion, my son was presiding over the costuming of the BRS and BR3 for a School Halloween event, okay that was mostly the ABFA, while my son looked on bemusedly. He departed with them for the event which left us with our daughter and a welcome surprise of Wingman. He usually has to work Fridays so this was the first time in a while we were able to talk with him. A very cool development. It turned out his adventure was only beginning as he spent Saturday conquering his fear of heights so the FBR could participate in a tree top trail with him.

Great Aunt's Granddaughter 
Impossibly Cute as a Strawberry

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course

Prep Underway

Today is an auspicious date as it marks the date of birth of none other than the Absolute Best Family Athlete, my incomparable daughter in law. She claims to have reached the ripe old age of 29 (again), which is still believable. I love having her as part of the family and the only human alive able to get her husband, my son, out of his engineer mindset when needed. She’s a great mom and I’m so glad the BRS and BR3 have her as a role model. Happy Birthday ABFA!!!! Enjoy your day!

The Birthday Girl!!!

With her Favorite Little People

It’s already gotten late in October? That seems patently unfair on a number of levels. My favorite time of year always passes too quickly, but this year it has seemed to be on turbo drive. As I drove in yesterday, I noticed what a good though unsurprising job my Favorite Panamanian has done keeping her vast garden area blooming in front of our house. As the summer flowers died off and were hauled off to ferment on the back hill (34 guesses who did the hauling), she replaced them with the usual mums, which are thriving. This provided the noteworthy look that caught my eye. They’ll eventually end up back on the hill as well as New England marches towards the cold of winter. At least I’ll have next week’s trip to Europe, Thanksgiving and Christmas to look forward to, not to mention a certain birthday pub crawl.

The Mummified Front Yard

Outside the house isn’t the only place undergoing renovation. You remember a few weeks ago when I posted a photo of the area in the basement outside the Man Cave where we hope to have a bathroom installed? Working stealthily over the past week, to avoid spousal supervision, I’ve cleaned the place out and it is ready. It looks like late November at the earliest for that project. I also had my annual physical today and, as required by Great Aunt, I have to report the aftermath. I came through with flying colors. The doctor pronounced me in excellent health although he did refer me to an orthopedic to have the balky knee looked at, but it seems the workout regimen is paying off. I also finished my binge watch of the entire Supernatural TV series. It turned out to be a lot more work than I thought, 15 seasons worth, but I enjoyed hanging out with Sam, Dean, and Castiel again. I can now address the stack of movies I’ve accumulated over the last month.

The Future Bathroom Location Before Picture

And After

For date night we saw Whalefall. I was underwhelmed after having the preview for this movie inflicted on me repeatedly over the past few months but decided to see it anyways. Do not see this movie if you are claustrophobic. The main actor spends most of the movie inside a huge sperm whale’s digestive system. He is accidently swallowed, along with a huge squid, while scuba diving. The rest of the movie is his struggle, first with the fellow swallowee and then not dying. Throughout his struggle we see flashbacks of the difficult relationship he had with his recently deceased dad. I’m usually a sucker for dad-son movies, but those flashbacks were the weakest part of the film, paper thin. The lead actor, Austin Abrams, is very good. I felt kind of sorry for him for his 2026 roles. He was the star of the Resident Evil reboot where he slowly  dissolves into a monster during the film. In Whalefall he’s actually dissolving in the whale’s stomach , while his air is running out. A good thriller that keeps the tension tightened from the moment the whale swallows.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course

Frantically Sandwiched

You remember all those hero points I earned with my Favorite Panamanian on Thursday? They lasted just a little over 24 hours. I had a great early Friday night and a fabulous Saturday, but they were sandwiched around probably my worst night of the year so far late Friday and early Saturday morning. First, the good part of Friday. We were invited out to the wilds of Leicester once again to enjoy dinner at our Czech Friends. That always promises to be a fabulous time and Friday was no exception. The Czerch Shadow was in residence, avoiding work assignments that have kept her away from the last couple get togethers. We were also joined by the Peruvian Friend who lives nearby, her husband, and some visiting friends of theirs from Peru by way of California.

Very Fun Friday Night Crowd

The food was amazing, as usual, although, in character, I avoided the more exotic offerings. The conversation over dinner was energetic as we caught up with our friends and the Shadow’s latest accomplishments. She recently earned her black belt in karate, so I’ll probably have to be more careful kidding with her in the future. The most dangerous part of any diner with the Czechs are the desserts and Friday was no exception. They brought out their usual apocalyptic level dangerous chocolate chip cookies. I am simply helpless in the face of their excellence as the additional stationary bike miles required to deal with my gluttony built steadily. They then unveiled a marble pound cake which was also additive. I’m lucky to have survived.

I Wasn't the Only One with Dessert Issues

With the Shadow and her Mom

Now the frantic part. We returned home fairly early for a Friday and I set out to the Man Cave to continue binge watching Supernatural while working on the latest puzzle. At a certain point, around midnight, I noticed that I didn’t have my cell phone with me, usually perched on the arm of the couch. I thought I’d left it upstairs and did a quick check, no luck. I tried to imagine where I last saw it and clearly remembered I’d used it in the car during the ride home for the Waze navigation app. I checked the car but, no luck, and did a cursory check of the Man Cave sofa which has deep crevices, again, no luck. At this point I figured I’d wait until the morning and then find it. You know what it’s like trying to fall asleep when something is bothering you? Damn near impossible. Around two in the morning, I gave up and started a determined search. My Favorite Panamanian, noticed my absence and upon learning of my dilemma, joined the search (hero points forfeited).

Finished the 999 Piece Puzzle

We were at until 3:30 in the morning when I admitted defeat. I had virtually torn apart the Man Cave couch and lifted it up, allowing me to clean up nearly ten years’ worth of accumulated popcorn debris. I was bleeding from sticking my arm into the nether regions of the couch which caused my wife to shake her head in disbelief. I used my iPad which confirmed the phone was in residence, but the battery had died from repeated calls to locate it. We retired for what was left of the night but I was up at 7 to continue the search. My wife reached out to the Czechs to see if it had been left there, despite my assurances that it had come home with us, since the house had basically been razed at this point. The Czechs joined the search at their end. We returned to the garage and wife got in the car which I assured her I had scrupulously searched three times. I gave her my flashlight and inside of one minute she found the phone. It had fallen next to the driver’s seat and the center console. Since it was black and the carpet was also black it was nearly invisible but still, I should have found it during my initial search. Something I was reminded of no less than a dozen times (and counting) since then. She archly reminds (also a dozen times) that I should have been wearing my glasses so I could have seen it. She’s still my hero. I’m just happy the phone is back because so much of my life seems to be tied to it, including contacts and other sundry IDs.

Wife and I in Front of Tree She Loved in Keene

The Pumpkin Tower

Main Street

While the phone was missing, our planned trip to Keene to take part in the annual Pumpkinfest was in doubt. Despite just a few hours’ sleep, with the phone back in play, the trip was on. The drive north was truly picturesque as the foliage was once again fantastic. I laughed a couple times as my Favorite Panamanian excitedly tried to snap photos of the colors while also reciting her rosary. We arrived to find our host, Keene Friend, ready to escort us downtown. The fest is toned down from its height, emerging from the shadows after the riots by incredibly stupid college kids had ended its run. It’s much more family oriented and easier to get around. They still block off Main Street and it becomes a pedestrian park with local charities manning booths selling food and mementoes amidst the stacks of pumpkins.

Keene Freind and Wife Festing

Dinosaur Loose in Keene

The weather was sunny but also definitely signaling that winter is around the corner. My Favorite Panamanian handled the cold weather as well as I’ve ever seen. That could be attributable to the shopping available or the very cute kids costumed up for the parade. There were also a group of dancing witches and a wandering dinosaur. It was a fun day on the streets of Keene. We ended up back at Keene Friend’s house while the wife reconnected with old friend, TJ Maxx. The sun had set by the time she returned but that allowed a whoopie pie laden late afternoon of college football watching with Keene Friend. When we got home, I took extra special care in getting my phone into the house.

The Dancing Witches

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course

Circling Autumn

One of my most cherished traditions since I’ve moved back to New En gland was taking a full day driving around to enjoy the spectacular autumnal foliage. I hadn’t realized that, in my nearly three decade absence, it has become an entire industry, unfortunately labeled “leaf peeping” where hordes of the unwashed non-New Englanders descend on us. While hesitant to contribute to the masses, I’ve come to enjoy the day for an additional reason. It gives my Favorite Panamanian and I a day to spend with just each other. While, at times, that can be a recipe for conflagration, we usually figure out a way to enjoy each other’s company (almost as if we’ve been married for over four decades). We used to take the Columbus Day (yep, still going to call it that) holiday for our journey but since neither of us work anymore, it can be any day, hopefully a day like yesterday.

The Intrepid Travelers Setting Out

We’d missed out on the tradition last year because we were on that trip to Portugal/Spain/France. Since yesterday’s forecast was great, we hit the road and were immediately rewarded with some great color. Some of the best colors we saw were within twenty minutes of home. We took the usual back roads, eschewing the interstates, so we could also enjoy New England towns, which always serves as a welcome reminder that I’ve come home (that never gets old). Our wandering took us to our usual lunch place, the Golden Eagle, perched on a hairpin turn on Route 20 with remarkable views of the hills of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. They’ve instituted a buffet style meal which was awesome, allowing me to have steak tips, turkey, ribs, and chicken (all the basic food groups).

Crossing the Mighty Connecticut River

With My Date

Outside the Golden Eagle

The Golden Eagle

I told my wife that I had a surprise for her after lunch as we headed north into Vermont. Last weekend during the intense action surrounding my pub crawl recon, the Keene Friend’s lady mentioned that he had taken her to the Vermont Country Store and suggested my Favorite Panamanian would enjoy a trip there.  That was the surprise, a new shopping experience, I would max out on hero points. To get there we followed a picturesque road through Vermont, although it looked as though a lot of the leaves had already fallen. We stopped off at the Hogback Mountain overlook to say hi to Mom and for my wife to get her annual guilty pleasure of the fudge they serve there.

Stopped Off in Sherburn Falls
No Cosby Sightings

Wife Loves the Bridge of Flowers

This Town was Used for First Season of Dexter Resurrection
White House was his Store

From Other Side

Bridge of Flowers

She was dozing off a little as we made our way to the store, but was wide awake when we pulled into the parking lot (shopping does that for her). I could tell from the look on her face that I had scored the hoped-for hero points (you know I’m going to need them at some point). I gave full credit to Keene Friend’s lady. I brought my kindle out and parked in a rocker on the front porch and told her to take as long as she wanted while I read. When the sun sank below the mountain ridge it became a little too brisk, so I moved into the car for next hour. It was just getting dark when she finally emerged, tired but brimming with excitement at her purchases.

Saying hi to Mom at Hogback
Old Friend Mt Monadnock in the Distance

Surprise Spring

Happy Wife with Hero Husband

Our route home took us through Keene, which is the first time I can remember passing through the town without stopping (except for gas). Keene Friend was out with the hero lady and the Cantankerous Friend on his annual South Carolina sojourn, so therefore unavailable. I’d already imposed on others for the recon, so we just kept driving, completing a huge loop through Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire. A great day, spent with a very appreciative Favorite Panamanian.

Wife Took a Million Photos During Our Travels Yesterday
Here are Some of the Best, Enjoy

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------RECURRING CHARACTERS:

ABFA – Amazing Best Family Athlete – my daughter in law; BR3 – Blog Reader #3 – granddaughter #3; BRS - Blog Reader the Sequel - second granddaughter; Cantankerous Friend – friend since grade school who likes to argue about everything, poses as radical leftist to attract women; CRC - Connecticut Riverboat Captain – another close friend from high school, renowned sailor of the big river; Curbside Girls – close friends of my daughter acquired during her single days in Brooklyn; Czech Connection – Czech couple who’ve become good friends along with their daughter (the Czech Shadow); Deckzilla – our backyard deck which grew to monstrous dimensions once my wife got involved in planning; Favorite Panamanian - the wife (of course); FBR - First Blog Reader - first granddaughter; First Friday – celebrations to mark the First Friday of the Week; Great Aunt - my elder sister; Keene Friends 1 & 2 – friends since high school from my home town of Keene, NH; Kindergarten Friend – friend since kindergarten whom I reunited with after many years; Maine and Virginia Musqueteras – two close friends of my wife – her US sisters, my wife is the 3^rd Musquetera (musketeer); Namesake Nephew – son of Great Aunt and Soxfather named after me; Neighborhood Mafioso - wife's close friend and Panamanian mafia member; PanaGals – female relatives /friends of my wife from Panama; Panamanian/Latin Mafia – inevitable group of Latino friends my wife accumulates wherever we have lived & their spouses; PCR - Pittsburgh College Roommate – high school friend, also a “Minor Celebrity” in Pittsburgh; PCR+1 - Pittsburgh College Roommate’s wife; Riggins - also known as the Grandpuppy, son's dog; Seis Amigos - two couples from our condo complex and my wife and I; Soxfather – my brother-in-law (whom I miss more than I can ever explain); Tia Loca – wife’s younger sister; Wingman – my son in law; Upstairs Neighbors – American couple and great friends who live in condo above us in Panama; Wingmom – Wingman’s mom, of course