Stuart and John's Sugar House Walpole NH

         http://stuartandjohnssugarhouse.com/
         This is an amazing Sunday morning treat.  There is nothing like fresh maple syrup right out of the vat and Stuart and John's is the place to go. The staff are extremely friendly and the atmosphere is more like a diner than a restaurant, but this adds a nice country charm to the place.

          This has been an incredible year for maple sugaring because of the slightly warm days and freezing nights. This yields the better quality Grade A syrup a lot of people savor. However, if you are like me and prefer the darker and more boldly flavored syrup, often labeled cooking Grade B, They have this available for purchase.

           Stuart and John's is a family owned and primarily operated business, though a few friends are also employed there, which adds to the warm feeling you get as soon as you walk in the door.

            The prices are moderate, but the servings are more than generous.  If you are looking for a laid back relaxing breakfast this is definitely the place to go.

Colonial Theatre: Blue Oyster Cult

My husband, Mark, works for Clarke Distributors and last night they sponsored Blue Oyster Cult. I am sure you all know the song "Don't Fear the Reaper", and it was amazing. I never thought I would see such energy from a group who are infact a bit older than they were when they started. They have added a few newer people to the group over the years, the Bassist is himself an iconic legend, havinvg been in White Snake, Quiet Riot, and Ozzy, B.O.C. is lucky to have such talent. You should see his hands when he plays, the dexterity and speed is phenomenal.

I truly expected a more mellow group having moved from big arenas to more local venues, but that is just not the case. They enter with energy and keep the energy all the way through the encores. Ending the main stage play with Godzilla and Don't Fear the Reaper is truly ending the show on a high note. The solo highlights emphasizes the natural ability each one has, and if they were tired at the end of the show the audience surely could not have perceived it. I don't think one person there could say this group needs to retire. The vocalization for the songs have also not tempered.

I just wish I had purchased tickets for my parent's and a few friends. I truly thought that this would be a repeat of Jefferson Starship where the musicians just did not seem to care that we were a paying and respecting audience. B.O.C was 500x more professional and enthusiastic about their music which is obvious they still own! I would gladly pay to see them play again!!!

Respectfully;
Bridie

Kayaking Locally: Forest Lake, Winchester, NH

OK, so I am probably a bit biased when it comes to this topic. However with the addition of the Public boat launch to Forest Lake I feel it is really worth a good look. There is a dirt boat ramp and parking is available off to the sides. Please be sure to leave the launch area open as a courtesy to others. This can be a busy launch, though I have only witnessed one or two days of a line of more than 2 vehicles launching this entire 2010 season.  Not really good for water skiing, as you have to keep 200 feet from all side and all kayakers. The Police do monitor this lake now, which in that past they could not, this is a blessing. This is a small lake but has some very interesting features.

Some of which are: the several inlets and small coves that are great to paddle around. If you come in the spring be sure to look for the turtles basking on the logs rocks and marsh areas. Please be sure to paddle slow and very shallow as the water can be as little as 6 inches deep if you get in close enough.

If the water level is low you can paddle beneath the RT 10 bridge and go around that small area. I have seen a good number of fish in this area. though the best fishing I think is towards one of two coves. The first is directly across from the Town Beach. Use the Red Roofed house as a landmark, and the second is by the campground though only in preseason. Too many boats once May comes around.

Right now it is autumn and the leaves are a brilliant orange and red and scattered yellows. The lake is a nice clear blue and you can really see straight to the bottom. If you are up for a kayak and picnic there is a conservation area just across from the red roofed house, yes this is my personal landmark. It has a dock with a sign that is labeled Town of Winchester Conservation. It is a carry in and carry out with no public facilities. This is located on Forest Lake Circle which is a private dirt road, so no vehicles are permitted, except to drop off and pick up.

In the winter months mid-December through March we have great ice fishing, while you can not kayak the entire lake, about the end of march is when I think about putting in again. I have been out as early as march 26th and as late as end of April beginning of May depending on how cold the winter was. No matter the season this lake offers some great boating and fishing. As a resident I also get to enjoy swimming. It is usually a quiet lake. Motor boats are becoming more scarce, and Kayaking is picking up. The first Year I really started kayaking it was just me and maybe 5-6 other boats on a busy weekend. This last summer 2010 we had 14 boats out there at once. It was a beautiful sight!

I hope I get to run into you, in my little red Liquid Logic. If you pass me I am sure I will say hi, I always do. Oh and if you are inclined, a good book while drifting in the middle is a great way to spend the day!