Phillips Brook and Crystal Falls

Hello all. Thanks for joining me again. Today our adventures take us down the road about a mile from where I grew up to a place called Phillips Brook and of course the highlight of the brook, Crystal Falls. This is another place that has remained unchanged through the years, at least it seems that way, although I am sure the water has carved deeper into the rocks. You are actually seeing multiple sites of the same brook (creek in Kansas). There is a roadway and bridge that crosses over. On the right side is the large falls. The pools just below were always an awesome place to cast your line and try to catch the rainbow trout that you could see swimming between the rocks or just sunning themselves in the water. I remember many times climbing up or down to find the "favorite spots" sometimes hiking a mile or more across the rocks to find "just the right spot". The water was always "a little cold" no matter what time of year it was, but was always very welcome on a hot summer day. The area is surrounded by evergreens and of course some hard wood trees as well. The smell is like walking into a "Christmas shop", or a fresh cut Christmas tree. The simple beauty of the water and the surrounding make it another peaceful place to go. On the other side of the road is a deep ravine, seen towards the bottom of the photos next to the leaves in the water. When you look off the bridge, it feels like you could go on forever. You can walk to it from below though, and then you get to see the whole picture. The mist off the water splashing by is as delicate as the morning dew. When you catch the sun at the right time of day, it looks like rainbows, echoing the rainbow trout. After a few hours there, just enjoying the sound of the water, the sun and the beauty of the surroundings, it was once again time to head home to Dave's and share our day over supper.

New Hampshire Foliage

Autumn in New England. It has always been one of my favorite times of year. The leaves changing daily in a tapestry of color. The mountain looks like it is on fire with the reds, yellows and oranges. Then the green of the evergreen and the trees that haven't changed yet. Take a walk with me on the road through the woods. It is silent, except for the leaves shuffling under our feet and the squirrels chattering away because we have dared to disturb their little area. The color is everywhere. The smell and feel of the leaves, the evergreen and the cool mountain air combine to be one of natures most soothing aroma therapy that man will never be able to create. As we walk up the slight hill, our breathing becomes more labored, because the air is thinner here. Still we press on, and then as we turn the next corner, the view opens up, and there is Cedar Pond. The beauty of the trees reflected in the pond. It's tough to catch your breath, not only because of the thin air anymore but the beauty leaves you breathless. I want to stay forever, and just soak up the view, the beauty. Lets turn to go back. Down the road again, stopping every once in awhile just to look up at the blue sky framed by the changing leaves. Back to the road, we hike down to the car, and return back to Dave's home, still marveling over everything we saw, and hoping we were able to capture some of it to share with all of you.

My New Hampshire Home

Greetings to all. Today my blog is about my home. This is where I grew up. We had a 60 acre farm, which is big by NH standards. Things have changed in the 30 years I have been gone, but I still felt like I came home. The middle view is the view I remember the best. It is what I always saw coming home from school. We lived on top of a long hill, and when you topped the hill, you could see the farm in the distance. The pasture to the left, we would often snow mobile or turn the cows loose to graze. Most of it was fenced in by electric fence, but we had a corral up by the barn to keep the animals close. The mountains you see in the distance are Percy Peaks. I have hiked up both with the family. The first picture with the road is the North Field. That was five acres of some of the hardest hay ground you have ever seen. We were from the city though, and this was and still is God's country. I had forgotten how beautiful it was. The road with the leaves center left, is the old gravel pit. It is mostly overgrown again, but we had lots of fun skiing and sledding down those slopes. That was also where we butchered the chickens. And you wonder why I am so crazy sometimes. The big pine tree in the center of the field was always a good place to dream, and little did I know that my dreams would bring me to Kansas to be a part of another special family. I am truly blessed.

Dave's Home

I wanted to share with everyone the place we stayed while in NH. This is the home of my brother Dave and his wife Jill. It is a beautiful place, tucked into the mountain. It has a sunporch on front, and they added the "Eagle's nest" to the side, which is a screen porch that comes out on the second story. Although the place is big, it is very homey inside. He made it large so we could all gather as a family, since Mom and Dad now live in Arizona. As you can see from the background, the foliage was in full bloom.
Dave and Jill thought of everything for our visit. From the salt and vinegar chips that Dave had in the vehicle for our ride home from the airport, to the hot meal Jill had prepared when we finally made it to Dummer at around 10pm after having been traveling since 6AM that morning. We were able to help out or just sit back and enjoy the view. It was an amazing and absolutely relaxing vacation. The weather was beautiful as well, with temps usually around 60-65 during the day and down to freezing at night. Dave took us on a walk through the woods and up on his mountain, right behind the house. That is for another blog though. Dave even thought about the Whoopie Pies, which for those of you who don't know are two chocolate cookies with a whipped frosting in between. We ate lots of good stuff, but I think we worked most of it off as well. Many thanks to Dave, Jill and their son Christopher and his wife Justina. We had a wonderful time. Stay tuned for more vacation posts.

Home again, Home again Jiggidy jig

Greeting to all. We did make it back from NH on Tuesday and feel like we have barely had time to touch down. I have been trying to compose a story of our adventures, and decided it would probably be easier to do it in multiple stories instead of all one. We arrived late Tuesday morning, and as soon as we left the airport, it was off to Bert's house to pick up Gizmo. When we rang the door bell, Derek opened the door and Gizmo came out barking like crazy. Then he realized that his Mom and Dad were home again. His barks got louder (I didn't think that was possible) and he jumped up and down like he was on springs. We went into the house to gather his things, (believe me it is almost as bad as leaving your children). All the toys, food and of course his blanket. We said goodbye to everyone and loaded up the jeep and headed for home. He was asleep before we got a mile down the road. We could tell he had fun visiting with his friends, but was happy Mom and Dad finally came home. Thank you so much, Bert, Chuck, Derek, Michele, Darth, Allie and Yoda. We know our boy was well taken care of.

Greetings from NH

Just wanted to let everyone know we haven't fallen off the face of the earth yet, although this is God's country. Everything is so beautiful. I am on very SLLLLOOOWWW dial up so you will have to wait for pictures till I get home. Thanks Brec family for watching Gizmo while we are away. We'll be home on Tuesday and update everyone then.

Gizmo's new coat

Mom and Dad went shopping today. They were trying to get some last minute things for their trip on Wednesday. I have been sad because I have to stay home. They thought it would be less stress on me then having to go in the plane, especially with the long layovers. So while they were at Oshelin's today picking up my canned dog food, they saw this really cute winter coat. I like it a whole lot 'cause I know it will help keep me warm, and it fits me just right. Maybe Bert will pick up one for my little friends Allie and Yoda. They have a pink camo print and a tan camo print. Then we can all take pictures together. Mom and Dad said to be sure to tell everyone "hello" from them too.