Things I Have Seen

 Five Years Ago Burro Hall Lora DePlante loved her animals. She had a sense of whimsy about them as evident when she added the nameplate "Burro Hall". It makes me think of a group of politicians. There were plenty of Guinea hens milling about. Odd creatures that are almost spherical. Camera Woes My fancy Olympus OM-D Mark I developed a problem that the company never acknowledged. Ever so often the shutter would stick. It always seemed to happen at the wrong time. I started to see some notes online about the problem but the company never admitted it had a issue. However I loved the camera and upgraded to the Mark II release which has been working just fine. Winter Storm Stella On March 14th 2017 Winter Storm Stella reminded us that Spring was not here yet. I donned some snowshoes and walked by Smithville Reservoir.  The cold wind blows over the dam. It is a natural wind tunnel.

 IV Tubes in the Woods The conditions have to be just right. Below freezing at night and above freezing during the day.  Once the leaves bud it is all over. This is a photo taken behind Mad Moose sugarhouse on Smithville road in New Ipswich, NH Sap into Syrup Most of the sugarhouses push the sap through a reverse osmosis filter to remove water and concentrate the sugar level. Then the concentrated sap is boiled away in an evaporator.  Mad Moose Sugarhouse Open House (2017) It is always fun to visit the various sugarhouses to sample the syrup and even get some pancakes. As I did in March 2017 at the Somero Maple Farm. Somero Kids I make an annual pilgrimage to various sugarhouses. This photo was taken at the Somero Maple Farm five years ago when the family had a few new babies. They are probably a lot bigger by now. The Rustic Look The Sawyer sugarhouse on Route 124 has the "look" I expect from a sugarhouse. It even had plenty of mud, since sap season is also mud season. Ben&#

  Bridge Closed When you see the "Bridge Closed" sign on Taylor Road, believe it. The corrugated metal pipe that runs under the road has finally rotted out forming a sinkhole. Watch your step, it is deep down there. As they were doing this the load of rocks was being swallowed up. A Temporary Fix Several loads of rocks for now to shore it up That should work for a while Suggestion Forget having a road at all. Dig it all up and let the river run free. but build a scenic foot bridge.

  I'm Back! It has been quite a while since I last spent a Saturday morning poking around the Green Center. It still have plenty of quirky items including this impressive Christmas wreath. It was nice chatting with the regulars and enjoying the prospect of the warmer days to come. I saw a few items worth commenting on. Minolta X-700 The Minolta X-700 is a 35mm SLR introduced in 1981. It was the top model. This one was in good shape. I tried the shutter but nothing happened. I suspect it might have an electromagnetic release which will require a battery. I briefly thought of taking it but I have enough cameras  and no desire to use film ever again. Mix Tapes Remember making mix tapes for your car cassette player? I do. I would try to time it so I could get one last song on in the 45 minute side A of the tape. The Green Center has brand new high quality cassette tapes. Easter Elaine has her Easter items up in the Seasonal section. The Green Center is the place to go for your bunny an