Disappointment, Part 1

How we handle disappointments tells a lot about a person, doesn’t it? While it’s only natural and healthy to avoid them at all costs, disappointments are a part of life, and actually (if we’re lucky) we’ll have plenty of time to rack up quite a few of them before our days are over. The trick is really to learn how to deal with them in healthy and positive ways, because eluding them altogether is nigh on impossible. That being said, I’m still reeling from a whopper of a blow this week myself and while I dealt with it rather gracefully and matter-of-factly at the time (or so I thought), it is dawning on me that I have a bit of emotional work left to do before I bury the thing.

There’s some background involved here to set the stage … how far back do you want to go?! It involves loving nature and living the simple life … two threads that have been tightly woven in the fabric of my life since I was a little girl. They grew stronger when I met my husband in high school, and in the last 40 years together they have solidified into a lifestyle that you can read about on our innkeepers page (http://www.ilovethelodge.com/innkeepers/index.php), so I won’t bore you with repetition. Our 6-and-counting years as innkeepers of an upscale hotel here in the White Mountains have complicated this a bit, but our little log cabin getaway up on the mountain has kept the embers of the ‘simple’ lifestyle fanned, and the coals are glowing! Tumbleweed’s Jay Shafer and his Tiny House, which arrived here at The Lodge in July, have fanned the flames more than a bit. Every day I promote Jay and his tiny living lifestyle to folks who want to see it, buy his plans and build a tiny house of their own. It has inspired me to write about my current one-year simple living experiment called the “Year of Living Frugally”. A few weeks ago, at the suggestion of my best friend who recommended it highly, we started watching Ken Burns’ National Parks series, which was made for PBS. It’s not new … ‘been around for awhile, only we’re just now finally getting around to seeing it. It is fabulous! It re-introduced me to my old friend John Muir, but in a totally new way: NOT as the rough and scruffy, white bearded old man I’ve been reading about for years, but as a 24-year old Scottish outdoor adventurer and poet, who changed the way we think and feel about nature! And that is the lead-in to my ‘no good, very bad horrible day’ that led me to me big disappointment.  But that is a story for tomorrow’s blog!

A Perfect Sadness



Jo-Jo, Fiona and Judy



Yesterday may have been a “Perfect Ten” … but today is just ‘Perfectly Sad’. It is the last day for our wonderful girls from China to be with us … our “Adopted Daughters”, Fiona, Judy and Jo-Jo. These delightful young women came to us through an International Exchange program and have been part of our Housekeeping Team here at The Lodge all summer. They arrived in June and it has been an experience that we will never forget. That first day, the three of them came through the door all smiles and sunshine, three of the happiest people I have ever met. First impressions are usually pretty correct, but often they can be also be exaggerated by the desire to be very polite. The amazing thing is that these young women were just plain nice all the time, genuinely happy, sincere in wanting to please. It didn’t matter if it had been raining for a week straight (they usually walked to work, a mile away) … weather never got them down. It made no difference if we were so busy that they had to work 9 hours of hard, heavy housekeeping work, carrying bags of laundry that weighed more than they did; they were just as full of smiles at the end of the day as they were when they walked through the door. They also had just as much energy when they left as when they arrived each day. Several days a week they also had a second job for the evening shift over at the Thompson House Eatery, where they were just as well-loved by Larry and crew as they were by all of us. It was totally amazing how hard they worked and what a wonderful, positive attitude they had. They made our summer and fall very bright, indeed.

Fiona, Judy and Jo-Jo are students at the University in Shanghai, a city with such a dense population that in comparison, Manhattan looks rather rural. And here they were in Jackson, NH … a little New England village so small and unpopulated, that culture shock must have been doubly difficult. And yet they loved it here and fit in so well, a tribute to their flexibility and engaging spirits. Part of their exchange program duties required them to keep a journal, and also for us to write comments in it about their attitudes, work ethics, etc. Their writing was beautiful … as was their mastery of the English language. As we went to make an entry in their journals, we of course, could not read Chinese … but it touched our hearts to see a few familiar words in Fiona’s diary one day. Amongst the Chinese characters we read "I love you, Jackson!" and in another, "I love you, USA!"    I could say the same thing about them: “We love you Fiona, Judy and Jo-Jo. Thank you for everything … we’re going to miss you very much.” I hope we can stay in touch forever!

A Perfect Ten

It is currently 10 am on 10-10-10 … and that doesn’t happen every day!! It has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? I was going to say that it is also 10 degrees on Mount Washington, but alas, it is -1!  A cloudless sky  is as blue as they come, and that makes this Columbus Day weekend just about as good as it gets.

Do Yourself a Favor

It’s a PERFECT day to be out of doors. The sun hasn’t begun to appear over the horizon yet; it’s that special time between night and dawn, where just the outlines of the mountains and trees are visible against a pale blue, crystal clear sky. You can see your breath and smell the wild earthiness of the leaves, although it’s not yet light enough to see their colors. I love this time of day and experience it every morning, although I must say the days are no longer ‘hinting’ about getting shorter ... they are yelling it!  This ‘special’ time of day is coming later and later, and you sit up now and take notice.  It's -1 with windchill at the moment on Mount Washington, but it may reach 50 degrees 'down' here at the 2000' elevation this afternoon, perfect for fall at the ‘old time country’ Fryeburg Fair. Now I’m not a ‘crowd’ person so I’ve never been to the Fryeburg Fair, although my husband, kids and just about everyone I know enjoy it each season. It is a wonderful old-fashioned fair, complete with skillet throws, pig catching, log splitting and horse-pulling contests, blue ribbons, demonstrations, etc. (and that’s just the tip of the iceberg). I always seem to have to work the hardest during Fair week, as that is our busiest time here at The Lodge. While the fair is great, my idea of a rousing good time is taking my journal, a sketch pad, a good book and maybe my recorder with a book of music into the woods, and to make an afternoon of it by myself with a thermos of tea and only the birds and the wildlife for company. (I'm not antisocial or anything ... its just my antidote to being in the hospitality business surrounded by people!).  During my jaunts, a brook is always nearby, and a big rock, one of those glacial erratics that dot the hills and vales in the White Mountains. Today is the perfect day to be out amongst them, and now you know it, too, but so does half of the world, many of whom will be flocking to this part of New Hampshire for the next few days for the Columbus Day weekend. What many of them don’t know, is that this is THE busiest weekend of the year in these parts. It will be my 6^th year as an innkeeper, and the crazed frenzy of people trying to find a room on the Saturday night of Columbus Day weekend reaches a fevered pitch. So here’s some advice: If you don’t already have a reservation, stay home! Do not come up thinking that you will book a room once you get here … ‘it ain’t gonna happen’! I’ve tried to console people who were tired and in tears, desperate to find a place to sleep.  People have offered me insane amounts of money to sleep in a closet or the living room or the parking lot (there just weren't any parking places left!), and ended having to drive most of the way back to New York before they found a place to sleep. Tip of the Day: There isn’t a hotel room to be had within a 100 mile radius tonight.  If you must come this weekend, bring your sleeping bag, food & water, and plan on camping out in your car!

Simple Living Update

Back on August 8^th, I had an epiphany of sorts … a conviction to put all my simple living ideas and talk into practice. I had been inspired especially by Jay Shafer’s Tiny House which arrived here at The Lodge in July.  I decided that I had to begin the first day of my ‘year-long’ experiment  without giving myself any lead time in which to ‘prepare’. Human nature being what it is – even with an iron will like mine – I decided it was “now or never”, and so began my “Year of Living Frugally”.  It has been two full months now, and this is an update on how it’s going. It was designed to be a year without purchasing anything but necessities, and I drew up some guidelines on how to define what that meant.  The ‘approved purchases’ were of course things like mortgage payments and utility bills, medical expenses and an account into which I set aside money for two of our children’s upcoming weddings.  Books, being my personal obsession and my biggest possible weakness, I made certain guidelines for them: 1) Library usage comes first; 2) digital downloads next, and 3) second-hand books are acceptable, if absolutely needed. No new books. Period. Whole foods and simple healthy eating will be the norm, as always, but restaurant meals are a no-no.  Being both a writer and a business owner, a computer and a cell phone have become absolute necessities in my life, and would need to be replaced if they broke. While I personally could do quite well without either, under my circumstances it was out of the question. And then as Murphy’s law would have it, the touch screen on my cell phone went on my trip to Baltimore, while taking our son Noah to college at the end of August. Not only could Verizon NOT fix it, they couldn’t get me the phone I wanted for a full month. During that time I found that I could survive  (and it was actually quite liberating to be cut from the umbilical cord). However, the new smart phone – when it finally arrived -- set me back a pretty penny. One good thing about me and cell phones: once I figure out how to use all the features on them, we are inseparable until one of us dies!  This one was a full year overdue for an upgrade. The most unsettling situation of all, however, is that my laptop is now showing signs of following suit … only intermittently connecting to the internet, and many applications not working at all … I could be due for an unplanned purchase there.  Rats!  On all other fronts, however, spending has stopped; there have been NO spur of the moment purchases, and my checking account has steadily gone up in these two months, a wonderful result. Not only that, my credit cards have a zero balance for the first time in years.  I can now start planning ahead for special ‘simple living’ purchases, such as building a Tiny House.  So all in all it has been a painless two months, and actually, they have been  extremely satisfying!  I will report in again in another month as I complete my first quarter of my Year of Living Frugally.

The Fogbow

Strange weather we’ve been having … Yesterday and much of today were quite the washouts, not to mention the high winds which took out power from the Conways last evening. Wow … we were driving in it and it was pretty wild! Our tour bus group, which arrived for two days here at The Lodge was very glad to find electricity awaiting them when they arrived last evening.  Our lights only flickered, but branches were strewn across roads from here to Maine.  The Mount Washington Observatory currently is registering mixed precipitation with wind chill temps of 10 degrees, and 75-95 mph winds, with higher gusts. Yesterday they photographed a Fogbow … a colorless rainbow arc of light in the miniscule fog droplets which are a millionth the size of a raindrop … pretty amazing!  Today here at the Lodge we have been running outside several times an hour to view some spectacular rainbows.  The latest was a huge TRIPLE rainbow!! 

The Irish Pumpkin Sisters

The Irish Pumpkin Sisters

This time of year, with Pumpkin People and those in search of them abounding, we are quite accustomed to seeing a stream of people clicking photos in front of our door here at The Lodge. A glance out the front door today, however, revealed the most amazing sight, as you can see for yourself! Running out to meet and greet them, we met ‘the Irish Pumpkin Sister’, four Irish siblings who chose to meet here in Jackson to reunite amidst the beautiful foliage and Pumpkin People of Jackson. Looking partly like pumpkins, partly like happy bumblebees, these ladies were definitely having fun!! Leaves this week are close to peak, though few rooms are to be had this Columbus day weekend. Best bet: pay us a visit next week, when rooms will be more plentiful, traffic much less and room rates greatly reduced. We at the Lodge (and the Pumpkin People) will keep a light on for you!

Every Day in this Country is a Good Day

Working at the front desk of an inn is a micro-study in human nature … and can be quite an education, to say the least! The other day we met a couple, who walked in off the street without a reservation, and they brightened up the space around them before they ever said a word! Some people are just like that ... what a pleasure to meet them. They came from Bar Harbor Maine, and this morning at breakfast, when we greeted the husband with a “Good Morning”, he very cheerfully returned the greeting with a hearty salutation of “I have a son who has been to Iraq three times, and EVERY day in America is a Good day.” Ain’t it the truth!

Pumpkin People on Parade

My last several blogs have been about something as mundane as ‘The Weather’, and yet there is absolutely nothing mundane about the meteorology of the Mount Washington region! Described as everything from Deluge to Delectible, we’ve seen it all this week. These autumn days have brought folks out of the woodwork from as far away as Norway, Germany and the Netherlands, right to our door here at The Lodge! But they aren’t the only folks to come to our tiny slice of New England, not by a long shot! Our population increases each October NOT from just the “Leaf Peepers” who visit Jackson to snap their photos by our historic and romantic covered bridge, taste some of our creamy maple sugar, and view the spectacular foliage. October 1st always marks the arrival of Jackson’s Pumpkin People” … and you can pick up a map of their whereabouts when you check in.
This year there are 47 of them sprinkled throughout town, and each year they get better and better. They will be up the entire month of October, so plan a visit to Jackson this month … you won’t want to miss a single one!

It Doesn't Get Better Than This

A continuation of the kind of weather that vacationers only dream about – but often think is too much to hope for – will be in the area the next couple of days as well, as a high pressure system stalls over the Mount Washington Valley. Fall is here in full bloom, and we even have ‘frost on the pumpkin’ this morning to prove it! Brrrr…..

When my husband saw that the summit of Mount Washington had 120-mile visibility this morning, he decided to take our 3 housekeepers (students from Shanghai, China) to the top of the Rockpile (Mount Washington) for an experience they won’t soon forget. Although it is only 10 minutes from The Lodge geographically, it is actually a world away experientially, and the summit experience is not anything you (or they) are ever likely to forget. (Just got word from a guest who had also gone up to the mountain this morning, that the Auto Road is temporarily closed due to ice, and will hopefully open again in an hour or so. It pays to call ahead!). A big consolation is that on her way back to The Lodge, she saw a huge moose feeding, and then walking across the water. It was a postcard shot to be sure … her ‘trophy’ shot to take back to her home state of Minnesota!

Inside Tip

Fall Foliage in New Hampshire

Yesterday’s ‘seas’ have parted and the clouds have receded to reveal the most beautiful autumn day ever created. Everyone in this part of the world has noticed it, too, and like little kids running out to the playground after being cooped up inside for days on end, half the world descended upon Jackson and the Mount Washington Valley to soak in the sights instead of the rains which have deluged the region this week. We had a record number of walk-ins today and there are no rooms to be had anywhere in sight tonight. This is a trial run for next weekend, the Columbus Day Holiday, THE BIGGEST weekend of the entire year. It also commands the highest prices, and if there were to be a vacancy within a 50-mile radius (and I’m sure there ISN’T!), it would command a bidding war of astronomical proportions. If you’re thinking of coming for a visit, the best bet is to wait until the weekend after Columbus Day, as there will be much less traffic and room prices will drop considerably, while the foliage will still be very nice.. Just a little inside tip if your schedule allows for flexibility …

Raging Seas

When I looked out between the raindrops this morning toward the Ellis River behind The Lodge, I knew that we’d had a LOT of rain during the night.  After a long, hot and dry summer with relatively little rain, the river has been pretty low … until this morning, that is.   It was flowing so fast and the waves were so fierce that it could only be described as “raging”.  When I looked about 20 minutes later, my “measuring rock”, (a boulder which ordinarily sticks out of the water about 4 feet), was entirely submerged, and whole trees were being jettisoned downriver like battering rams.  The water had risen at least 8 feet and was just inches below the base of the oak trees on our side of the bank. All I could think of was our youngest son Joshua, who has been on a 3-day/2-night campout/hike in the White Mountains up above tree line, and who was undoubtedly, along with his friends, part of a pack of drowned rats. I imagined him returning to me like a prune, all wrinkled and waterlogged.  When he did walk in the door, bogged down by his backpack and gear, and dripping like he’d just jumped out of the pool, he had a big, Cheshire grin on his face.  Despite the rains and 80-mph winds --- perhaps even because of them --- these kids had an awesome, AWESOME  time!!

Longfellow's Return Accompanied by Much 'Pump and Circumstance'

Jackson, NH – The story had a happy ending today when Longfellow, Jackson’s Most Celebrated Pumpkin, returned home amidst much fanfare, pump and circumstance. Longfellow’s disappearance created a national stir when his whereabouts were unknown for more than a week.
“We had no idea where he was,” said a visibly relieved Cathi Belcher as she hugged the vegetal celebrity. “We’ve all been super busy this summer and for a moment, I thought he might have “pulled the emergency chute” to made a hasty and unauthorized exit away from the summer hustle and bustle of our village. I might have been tempted to join him if he had. Fortunately, he was on a personal mission, and we are all welcoming him back with open arms.”

Amidst a police escort and a brass band playing “For He’s a Jolly Good LongFellow”, the Lodge opened their doors to the entire community with good food, ‘fellow’ship and good cheer. “The Return of the Pumpkin People” can officially begin … their unofficial Mayor has returned,” Chamber of Produce Director Kathleen M. said as part of her welcome home speech. “We salute our local hero.”

Indian Summer

So much rain we’ve had (I know we needed it) … with a bit more on the way, but that is tomorrow and today is today, the perfect fall Indian Summer day. Everyone is happy, some playing hooky, all the rest of us wanting to!

Temperatures are in the mid 70’s with clear skies and beautiful fall colors bedecking the trees. This must be why we are getting so many walk-ins here at The Lodge today. I was just in town and looked up at Mount Washington and the rest of the Presidentials … clear as a bell! This is good news as our youngest son, Joshua, is on a 3-day / 2-night camping and hiking trip in the White Mountains, and we were anticipating 3 soggy days for him. At least he had one day of autumn loveliness, the rest will just have to be whatever it is. Some of my best hikes have actually been in the rain. A bit of water can’t dampen your spirits unless you let it.

Speaking of beauty, our family watched a fabulous DVD last night: Disc 1 of Ken Burn’s PBS Series on our National Parks. It was so interesting; this disc focused on Yellowstone and Yosemite. As yet, I have been to neither (though I hope to see both before I die) and we gasped at the beauty of the scenery … although truth be told, our White Mountain National Forest is just as gorgeous, but in a different way. I highly recommend this series. My best friend told me about it and I am so glad I heeded her recommendation. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Check it out!

Tin Mountain Apple festival: Something for Everyone!

This Saturday October 2nd from 1-4 at Tin Mountain’s Nature Learning Center, come try your hand at apple cider pressing, observe an apple tree pruning demonstration, make applesauce using a traditional food mill, enjoy an “apple scavenger hunt” in the forest where many apple facts will be learned including the which forest animals eat apples, and for the craft lovers you will have an opportunity to apple print and carve apple doll heads. And of course there will be apples to eat.
Is your apple recipe the best in the valley? Find out at the Tin Mountain apple baking contest. Bring your pie, cake, muffins or pancakes to be judged. And of course, there will be plenty of apples to eat, trails to stroll and beautiful fall foliage to enjoy on the grounds of Tin Mountain’s Nature Learning Center, 1245 Bald Hill Road, Albany, NH.

Apple Fun Facts:
Did you know the crabapple is the only apple native to North America, and that the pilgrims planted the first United States apple trees in the Massachusetts Bay Colony? An interesting fact is that Johnny Appleseed (September 26, 1774 – March 18, 1845), born John Chapman, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois and that today there are now over 2,500 varieties of apples grown in the United States? Come have fun,

Tin Mountain’s Nature Programs are sponsored in part by the Evenor Armington Fund and LL Bean. Donations of $3 per person and $5 per family are appreciated; members are free. For more information, please call 447-6991.

Digital Dilemma

I love to learn. My son Noah and I were talking about this recently, as both he and I share the learning passion. He’s currently fulfilling one of his educational dreams at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where he is a sophomore majoring in Mathematics and Computer Science. As a homeschool ‘Life Long Learner’, as well as a busy mom and professional woman, I have little time available to further my education in such a formal way as Noah, but I believe that the pursuit of learning and knowledge should be an everyday, life-long endeavor. I read a lot, listen to tapes and interesting programs on public radio, enjoy good films and attend as many lectures as time allows. I just received the latest adult education brochure and of course, found a number of things that more than pique my interest. Two of the most practical ones that I could justify given a busy work schedule are a 5-session Digital photography course that not only teaches me how to get great photos from my camera but teaches the basics of using photo editing software. This could come in very handy for my blogs, especially the one I write for MaryJanes Farm. The second workshop is a two-night class on the Basics of Windows 7. I still use Vista on my laptop, which is my main personal computer at the moment, but Windows 7 is what’s installed on our office computer and while I am discovering things by trial and error, I still don’t know how to find the button that affects the spacing of lines in a document, and about 99% of whatever else the program does. My problem is not really the money, because even in my “Year of Living Frugally”, now approaching its 2nd month, I had made allowances for Educational expenses. It isn’t even the fact that we have one son in college, a daughter about to embark on her 4 years at another, and two impending weddings to help pay for. The dilemma is more whether I can afford 7 evenings over the next month, when we are busy here at The Lodge, and my husband will have just had a double hernia operation. Can I learn just as much for less money in a shorter time by buying a book and learning at my own pace on my own time? If so, WILL I? These courses are technical, where someone who knows what they are talking about will impart their knowledge in the most efficient way, whereas I would be bumbling my way through … And that is my Digital Dilemma for the day!

Hopes for Longfellow's Return Not Entirely Squashed

Jackson, NH – Sightings in our nation’s capital, which led to the discovery of Longfellow, Jackson’s Most Celebrated Pumpkin, have given him national publicity as well as a lift northward, as he wends his way back to his native New England village.

“Residents and officials of nearly every town between Washington DC and Jackson, NH are vying for the opportunity to get their photograph taken with him and show him their towns,” says Gourdy Glitz, editor of Pumpkin People magazine. “Such efforts to “help” him home, however, may actually hinder his progress significantly enough to delay his return in time for the annual month-long festivities in Jackson NH, beginning October 1.”

Longfellow, who went missing earlier this month, was discovered in Washington, DC, when a Pumpkin Alert was issued. Citizens in the DC area were responsible for his discovery there. All of Jackson is awaiting his return in time for the ‘Return of the Pumpkin People’ October 1st.

Black Mountain Arts and Music Festival

Looking for some great outdoor Jackson entertainment on a beautiful autumn day? Seek no further, the Black Mountain Arts and Music festival is here this weekend! This wonderful arts and music extravaganza, now in its second year, is being held this Saturday, September 25, 2010 from noon to 9:00 p.m. at the base of Black Mountain Ski Area in Jackson. The festival will feature eight well known musical acts from New England, including: Portland rock band 'Elmore Twist', creative all-country band, 'Wesley Hartley and the Traveling Trees', Boston's 'Jeff Conley Band', 'Audio Kickstand', 'Barefoot Truth' from Mystic, accomplished singer/songwriter 'Will Dailey', often playing with the likes of Dave Matthews, Sheryl Crow and Elvis Costello, the 'Adam Ezra Group' and the 'Rustic Overtones'.


Family activities available at the festival will include pumpkin carving, horseback riding, pony rides, and a trout fishing derby. The event will feature live music, a variety of food, artisans, crafters and Harpoon Beer.

A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Fresh Air Fund, {a non-profit organization dedicated to providing inner city children the opportunity to escape the summer heat and experience ‘country life’, through the generosity and commitment of host families}, and the Jackson area Chamber of Commerce.~ In addition, the festival invites non-profit organizations to participate at no cost. Non-profit organizations are asked to provide a festival activity, agreed upon by both parties, and may keep all proceeds made from that activity.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for teens. Children 12 and under are free.~ Tickets are currently on sale at the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Whitney’s Inn and Black Mountain Stables/Ski Resort. They can also be purchased online at www.shovelhandlepub.com or www.blackmt.com.~ Check out the Black Mountain or Shovel Handle Pub facebook pages for regular festival updates and a chance to win free tickets.

The Color Was Always There!

When it comes to autumn leaves, New Hampshire is, of course, on the Must-See List. But this year Yankee magazine finally came out and named Jackson, NH one of the Top Ten Foliage viewing spots in all New England, calling us “The Jewel of the White Mountains” in their Sept/Oct issue. While we (and our guests) have always known this to be true, it is no longer one of our Best Kept Secrets! Jackson’s truth is out!

Up until a few days ago, fall appeared to be getting a late start in these parts, where color can sometimes begin to tinge the leaves as early as mid-August when conditions are favorable. As of Monday, however, the view from my “laptop perch” here at the front desk of The Lodge gave the false impression that it was still summer, despite our crisp evening temperatures. (I love sleeping with the windows open but lately I’ve been waking up in the middle of the night to shut them). On Tuesday I looked across the street and noticed that two trees on the hillside had just the slightest blush of red … the tiniest possible hint of that characteristic tinge we all eagerly anticipate. On Wednesday I was amazed that these same trees, positioned from my vantage point to be just above the peak of the old Thompson House Eatery barn, were a deep burgundy red and the maple to its right was beginning to hint of orange. Yesterday this maple was deeply orange,as was the one to the barn’s immediate left. Today as I look across the street, I see autumn in all its glorious splendor … nowhere near peak yet in its intensity, but looking like a postcard nevertheless. How in just 3 short days, is it possible to transition from summer to fall so abruptly? The answer is that the colors were there all along!

As they begin to shut down their food-making factories, the green chlorophyll disappears from the leaves. As this bright green fades away, we begin to see yellow and orange colors that have been in the leaves all along, but have been covered up by the green chlorophyll.

The bright reds and purples we see in leaves this time of year are actually made mostly in the fall. In some trees, like maples, glucose is trapped in the leaves after photosynthesis stops. Sunlight and the cool nights of autumn cause the leaves turn this glucose into the gorgeous red color for which New Hampshire maples are so famous!

Porky Gulch Classic at Great Glen

Porky Gulch Classic, Saturday & Sunday, November 6 & 7

Ever wanted to race a hillclimb, a crit and cyclocross all in one weekend? Wait? What? That's a crazy idea. But, it sounds fun, doesn't it?

Hosted by Great Glen Trails, the Porky Gulch Classic is the most diverse cycling race around. Three stages in two days. It's a hillclimb, a crit and cyclocross. Racing on the coolest venues around: Mt. Washington, Story Land and Great Glen Trails.

Longfellow Lives!

Jackson, NH – The country’s most Celebrated Pumpkin was greeted by cheers and adulations Thursday, as sightings by citizens in our nation’s capital led to a positive confirmation that he is alive and well.

“The first of the photos emailed to the Pumpkin Hotline showed Longfellow on the steps of the White House, but it was a shot of him hitchhiking outside of Baltimore that was the determining factor in his positive identification,” said FBI spokesman Peter Hubbard. It is still uncertain whether the pumpkin was ticketed for the roadside offense, which is illegal in the state of Maryland. Longfellow’s first duty on being ‘found’ was to call next of kin, Dana and Cathi Belcher of the Lodge at Jackson Village in New Hampshire, assuring them of his whereabouts and safety. He has been given the key to a number of cities as he wends his way back to his native village of Jackson, NH. “He’s alive and well,” said Dana Belcher. “That’s all we care about at this point.”

“I think he’s having a bit too much fun now”, said Lodge Lady Cathi Belcher, the landlady where Longfellow permanently resides. “I’m afraid all this attention is going to his head.”

Photos and updates on Longfellow can be viewed on his Facebook page where many friends and citizens have commented on his travels.

White Mountain Art Show and Sale

Save the Date!
The 8th Annual White Mountain Art Sale & Show will be held October 15 - 17 in the Historical Society's new home in Jackson's historic old Town Hall.  Featured are 19th century paintings by artists of the White Mountain School of Art, contemporary White Mountain scenes by artists of the Banks Gallery, Portsmouth, NH, and White Mountain landscapes by Erik Koeppel, who is represented by the Wally Findlay Gallery, New York City.

There will be a reception on Friday, October 15th at 6:00 - 9:00PM with a talk by Andrea Melville, producer of a new documentary entitled "Brush and Pen; Artists and Writers of the White Mountains, 1800-1900". This documentary will be broadcast on PBS next year. Wine and refreshments will be served at the Reception - no admission fee, but donations appreciated.  The Sale will continue on Saturday, October 16th, 10:00 to 4:00 and on Sunday, October 17th, 10:00 to 3:00. This event is the Historical Society's major fundraiser.

Please go to the Historical Society's website, http://www.jacksonhistory.org/, for additional information and to view the online catalogue and images of the first thirty paintings listed. Watch for frequent additions.
Consignments of paintings for the Sale are still being accepted. For details, contact Warren Schomaker at 603 383-4060 or info@jacksonhistory.org

Not Ready for Winter (yet!)

Two of my favorite activities (splitting and chopping wood) have lately been giving me a new lease on life after such a busy ‘indoor’ summer here at The Lodge claimed most of my waking hours. Now that my favorite season (autumn) is here and I can get away from the front desk from time to time, it’s the outdoor life for me (at least once in awhile anyway, when I can get away). But all that wood stacking can’t get even me in any sort of mood for winter --- at least not yet -- until one glance at Mount Washington tells us all that it is not that far off. Gleaming white against the bright blue sky, Mount Washington had 4” of snow one night last week and lots and lots of rime ice. If Autumn’s here, can winter be far behind? Not if you live, as we do, near Mount Washington … where winter can be a 4-season occurrence!  Lots of leaves to turn beautiful colors down here though, before I start getting those snow shovels dusted off!

Open House Today!



The Tiny Tumbleweed House (http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/) will be open for public viewing today from 2-4 p.m. Although we had wanted to start it around noon, we have had a wonderful couple from New York staying in it since Friday, and I will be cleaning it and making up the bed after they leave today to prepare the Open House, so 2:00 p.m. it is!

Tumbleweed Kitchen

Today’s weather promises to be as good as yesterday’s, which in a word is PERFECT! From the number of inquiring phone calls yesterday here at The Lodge, we expect a very large turnout. Our last Open House in July drew about 75 from as far away as Massachusetts, Vermont , Pennsylvania, and even a couple from Washington, DC (although admittedly, they were already somewhere in the area!). ‘Tiny House People’ tend to be interesting and colorful folk, so it is always a pleasure for me to meet others who have similar dreams of living small and building a Tumbleweed of their own, as I plan to do in the sping.

The Great Room

FYI, I just downloaded Dee Williams’ Tiny House e-book yesterday which is a wealth of information on the nuts and bolts of actually constructing one. If you have dreams and visions of tiny house living yourself, you are going to want to do the same. (Dee Williams is Jay Shafer’s friend from Washington who built her own tiny house on wheels. You can see her You-Tube video on Jay’s website: http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/testimonials/ or download her e-book at: http://portlandalternativedwellings.com/2010/09/go-house-go/?amp=

You can also check out information on Jay’s Fencl which is currently residing here at The Lodge, by viewing the Tiny House page of our website: http://www.ilovethelodge.com/tumbleweed/index.php

Upstairs in the loft.

So, that should keep you busy for awhile checking out all those links, but truthfully, who wants to sit inside at their computer on a day like this? Why not hop in your car and come take a peek for yourself! I never tire of talking to people about Tiny Houses … it has been a near obsession of mine for almost 10 years!

How many people can you fit in a Tiny House? Come to our Open House where we can pack ‘em in and see! We’ll have brochures for all who arrive.

Women's Fall Escape

An Autumn Getaway for Women October 2 & 3, 2010
The Women’s fall escape is a weekend for women, by women, for women only! It is designed to be the ultimate post-summer getaway, focusing on health, relaxation and fun. Special kayak and biking trips taught by women, yoga, massage, introduction to fly fishing and Nordic walking, and an evening bonfire and owl presentation. In order to insure great small group dynamics, this program will be limited to 20 participants.

Activities for Women's Fall Escape include:

• Androscoggin River Trip: (max 10) One trip offered each day. Choose either a canoe or a kayak for your trip. Be sure to bring your camera as the Mahoosuc Mountains provide a stunning backdrop and wildlife sightings, including deer, moose, river otters, blue herons, ducks, bald eagles and owls are frequent. Our trips are designed for first time paddlers and experts alike and offer a leisurely relaxed time on the river.
• Fly Fishing: (max 5)Learn the necessary skills, techniques, and information to give you the confidence to enjoy the sport. Equipment, tackle selection, knots, fly patterns, fly casting, and catch and release practices. Equipment provided. No fishing license required.

For the complete schedule, click here: http://greatglentrails.com/Summer-Page-440.html

Ask for the Women’s Fall Escape at The Lodge, and receive 10% off your lodging when we sign you up for the program!

Snap up a Bargain!

Snap up a bargain from Great Glen ( and do some early Christmas shopping!) As a guest here at The Lodge, you already know about our FREE mountain biking and hiking at Great Glen Trails … but did you know that each year they sell ALL their new equipment to make way for all new stuff next season. Bikes for adults and kids, and boats for white- and flat water touring (with paddling accessories) are all on sale at Great Glen Trails. Bikes start from $200, whitewater kayaks from $200 and touring kayaks from $350. Check out the website for complete details and product lists at www.greatglentrails.com/Summer-Page-526.html

PS Happy Birthday to our Lodge residents and Juggling and Magic specialists Dana and Josh, who conveniently share the same birthday and both adore Amah’s German Chocolate Cake! We’ll be celebrating their special day tonight at the Red Fox Grille (they have a great new menu) … and if they ‘play their cards right’, a chocolate cake may just magically appear!

Calling all Runners!

Time to register for the 25th Annual White Mountain Milers Half Marathon The White Mountain Milers will once again sponsor their annual Half Marathon on Sunday, October 31st, 2010. All runners and walkers will receive a finisher medal. Walkers start at 9:00 a.m., followed by runners at 9.30 a.m.

The USA Track & Field certified 13.1 mile out and back course starts and finishes in front of the Eastern Slope Inn on Route 16 in North Conway. The course is on scenic, rural roads, highlighted by late fall foliage and is fast with no big hills. Runners and walkers will find several water stations along the course in addition to a number of race marshals and a police presence.

The post race meal will be provided by Flatbread Company restaurant. Awards for runners will go to the top 3 overall and then go 3 deep in thirteen age groups. Walker awards go to the top 3 male and female overall finishers.

The race is limited to the first 500 paid applications received by mail or online. There is no “day of” registration. The $42 registration fee includes a finisher’s medal, a long sleeve performance shirt, and a post race meal at Flatbread’s. Tickets to an “all you can eat” pasta supper on Saturday, October 30 can be purchased for $7 with pre-registration and $8.50 at the door. Race proceeds will benefit the White Mountain Milers Scholarship Fund. Pasta dinner proceeds will benefit the First Congregational Church of North Conway.

Interested runners and walkers may register on line at: http://www.active.com. A downloadable registration form can be found at the White Mountain Miler web site at whitemountainmilers.com. For more information contact local resident, Race Director, Lorraine Tilney at wmmhalfmarathon@hotmail.com or at 603-383-6153.

What a Hoot!

My sister and I and our really good friend Linda decided to go to the Wildcat last night for their weekly Hoot Night, an open mic evening hosted by local country legend Jon Sarty. Our daughter Zia decided to come with us, making for a wonderful Ladies Night Out. At one point in the evening Jon asked if there were any other musicians in the audience, and my sister pointed to Zia. “Are you a musician?” he asked her. “I sing,” she told him, and then he coaxed her to the stage. After conferring about songs they both knew, it turned out that they had totally different repertoires and so Zia sang one of her favorites a capella. Naturally, I am prejudiced because I am her mom, but my bias counts for nothing when a beautiful voice speaks for itself. Zia stood up there in front of the mic singing her heart out on verse after verse in a clear, strong, sweet voice, so typical of my daughter since the day of her birth. Doing what I (and most others in the room) could never do if our very lives depended upon it, she stood up there and sang ---- by ----, garnering the attention of Jon and the entire room until she stepped off the stage to loud applause. She never made it back to the table, however, as the audience wanted an encore … and then another! I watched my ‘little girl’ fade away as I listened to this extraordinary, beautiful young woman expressing herself. I glanced toward my sister who was the beaming aunt, and to Linda who was clicking away photos on her camera and cell phone respectively, and I remembered back to a day when Zia was about 4 years old. We were at our (then) new church during the closing ceremonies of a 5-day Vacation Bible School program. Right in the midst of it she walked over to the pastor and asked him if she could sing a song! He said something funny and off the cuff like ‘There is no denying the leading of the spirit’, and this 3-foot-nothing, spirited little girl, proceeded to unselfconsciously belt out into the microphone every verse of ‘Jesus Loves Me’ that was ever written (and perhaps a few that weren’t), to an outdoor crowd of 150+ strangers! Talk about courage!! Her voice was as confident and sweet then as it was melodious and beautiful tonight. Sometimes you can be surprised the most by something that has been staring you in the face every day for the last 18 years. That happened to me tonight! I am the mother of a truly shining star, and the scales (if there ever were any) were certainly removed from my eyes! If you are a musician and you plan to ber here at The lodge on a Tuesday night, bring your instrument, and head over to the Wildcat Tavern (just through the covered bridge) where you can entertain an appreciative crowd.

Family Reunion

It’s finally here!! My family is coming to visit! After a long countdown to this day, my mother and sister finally arrived this afternoon, and we have a full schedule of things planned, (although we probably won’t get to most of them!). Usually my sister and I just laugh and laugh until we have a hard time getting enough air! … She has that wonderful effect on people; it is a gift. Her best friend and family will be joining us later in the week, and long talks and the annual pedicure are planned … other than that, its anybody’s guess! We’re just all going to enjoy some precious moments together that will go by much too quickly ... they always do.

Missing Pumpkin "No Longer Funny"

Where is he?

Jackson, NH – More than 5 days after papers were filed declaring Longfellow (the unofficial mayor of Jackson’s Pumpkin People) officially missing, friends and investigators have turned up little evidence to aid in the speedy return of the celebrated figure to his native New England village.
Lodge Lady Cathi Belcher, one of the owners of the family owned Lodge at Jackson Village, was understandably upset over the disappearance of the long-time Lodge resident. Belcher said she had ‘little to go on’ in the mystery of his inexplicable disappearance.”

“He’s always so happy, he is a breath of fresh air to all who know him,” Belcher lamented. Although she didn’t rule it out entirely, Belcher said she did not believe there was any foul play involved. “There isn’t a hardened criminal alive who would ever hurt a hair on his head,” she said. “He does have a darker side, though, especially as autumn’s end approaches, but No, he would never go off without telling us unless it was for a really good reason.”

Chamber of Produce Director Kathleen M. was still in shock and couldn’t be reached for comment, but the Chamber’s website has posted an all-out Pumpkin Alert as well as a Hotline open for anyone with information of his whereabouts. The pumpkin Police Chief has reiterated for the record that ‘Harboring a pumpkin on the run during an active investigation is a criminal offense.” He raised the Situation to “Orange” considering the severity of the situation.

“I know some people think this is funny,” lamented the visibly distraught Lodge Lady, alluding to some of the cruder comments she’s heard around town. “A stranger even came up to me in the grocery store the other day, and with a wicked grin asked me if I’d had any good pumpkin pie yet this year.”

“That’s just plain mean. We really miss him terribly. I just want him to come home.”

Former (retired) Fish and Game chief Henry Mock of Jackson had the first encouraging news to date. “This isn’t the first time a Pumpkin Person has gone missing,” he said. “I remember back in 1997, one disappeared for the better part of 3 weeks. It turned out he was actually down at the local cider mill, doing some “research” on a keg of hard cider. I have every reason to hope that this crisis will also have a happy ending.”

If anyone catches a glimpse of Longfellow, please take a photo of him for official verification and email it to: Longfellow@ilovethelodge.com. His friends and relatives in Jackson need him home by October 1st.

All That Glitters is Sometimes Cold

All good things have to come to an end to make room for even better ones, and today was the day that our pool got put to bed until next year. It was a couple of weeks earlier than usual to be sure, but it has been cooler than usual as well, and the water was just a bit too chilly these days to be comfortable. Thanks to Dana and Josh’s constant vigilance, our pool water never sparkled as clearly as it did this season. Having all taken the official pool chemistry course down in Concord, we know that there are an almost unlimited number of variables that can throw off the pH in a pool and create an unbalanced situation. Some of them you cannot detect with the naked eye, but the majority of them you can. Too much heat, too much sun, too much rain, too many people in the pool, etc. can all throw a pool environment into a chemical chaos, creating cloudy water and even full-blown algae blooms. This can happen even when pool maintenance is regular and consistent. This year, however, our pool was continuously crystal clear, which many guests especially noted on their comment cards. While we’re sorry that the pool will be covered now until next season, autumn treats are starting to appear here at the Lodge, such as chocolates in the lobby, a basket of fresh apples, chrysanthemums and asters in the flower beds, and the beginning of pumpkin and corn stalk decorations. Soon the afternoon hot cider will appear with the homemade cookies. If you’ve made a visit to the White Mountains recently, you have no doubt noticed that the maples are just beginning to turn their glorious hues. The September/October issue of Yankee magazine has named Jackson the “Jewel of the White Mountains” and one of the very top places in all New England to see foliage! We’ve always known this … but now the rest of the world will, too!

Stone Walls and Firewood

Today is September 11 … 9 whole years after the catastrophe, and I can’t believe it has been that long. The Chamber of Commerce organized the annual memorial walk around the loop tonight. It was a beautiful evening and there was a fabulous turnout.

My day was really wonderful, as was just about everyone’s who was in Jackson, NH today, I am sure! The weather was Perfect-with-a-capital-“P”, and I spent the day doing two of my favorite things in the whole world: Splitting & Stacking firewood; and Building a Stone Wall! I am convinced that if everyone occupied themselves with those activities occasionally, there would be no need for therapists! I am tired to be sure, but it is the best kind of tired, and I haven’t felt this good in quite a long time. With temperatures dipping down into the crisp numbers at night these days, it won’t be long before we’ll be burning the fireplace and needing some of this wood!

The Importance of Being Outrageous (at least once in a blue moon!)

It is a beautiful fall day here at The Lodge. It is also my mother’s birthday, but unfortunately she is 7 hours away so I can only talk to her over the phone to wish her well. Both she (from New York State) and my sister (from Florida) will be coming up to visit us here at The Lodge on Monday for a whole week. I am practically doing cartwheels over it, because we always have such fun when we’re together. Last year she was here exactly on her birthday – a whole year ago to the day – and we closed the Lodge for 24 hours to guests so that we could get the carpets professionally cleaned, as we do twice every year. I did something completely out of character for me … guess I needed to let off steam after such a busy summer last year. At midnight, my sister and I ran through the hallways screaming at the top of our lungs just for the heck of it --- and because we could!! When you live in a hotel, it is a bit like living in a fishbowl – and you can never let your guard down … or can you? As a professional in the public eye, you’re always “on call” or “on stage” and have to be very ‘proper’. Except for last September 10th, which will go down in history, especially if I were to tell you what we dared each other to do as we were running (which I definitely won’t!!). Anyway, it’s important to do something wild and outrageous every once in awhile! This year we won’t be getting the carpets cleaned while they’re here, as we will be replacing all the carpeting in the lobby, great room and hallways sometime during the first two weeks of November. We are so excited.

Bad News From the Local Papers

Longfellow Officially Missing

Jackson, NH – A Missing Pumpkin report was officially filed Thursday afternoon with the Chief of Pumpkin Police when Longfellow, Jackson’s Most Celebrated Pumpkin, had been determined missing for more than 48 hours.

“We knew it wasn’t your typical adolescent runaway situation”, said Dana Belcher, owner of The Lodge at Jackson Village, where Longfellow has resided happily for the last six years. “But we had to wait the requisite 48 hours to file the report.”

Longfellow, the unofficial Mayor of Jackson’s celebrated Pumpkin People, went missing sometime after lunch on Tuesday. Guests at The Lodge said he seemed ‘calm but reflective’ Tuesday morning, and some said they had seen him sitting on the stone bench down near the river just before noon.

“I think something was definitely on his mind,” said Mark Butternut, a Lodge guest from Farmington, Massachusetts. “Don’t hold me to it, but he seemed like a pumpkin that had a mission.” A local resident who asked to remain anonymous, said it ‘seemed unlikely he would stay away long, it being so close to October 1, the Official return of the Pumpkin People in Jackson.’

Residents and guests in the Mount Washington Valley area have been asked to keep their eye out for Longfellow. He is a tall, literary-looking fellow, last seen wearing blue pants and a checkered shirt. Anyone knowing of his whereabouts, or seeing a pumpkin fitting this description is urged to report him to the Missing Pumpkin Bureau immediately.