Lake Traditions

ApS · 01-17-2007, 03:32 AM

When I leave in Autumn, I grasp the porch rail and try to take in and memorize the a panoramic expanse of the now-deserted lake scene. The memory must last four/five months—until I return.

Upon arrival, I again grasp the porch rail, recall the beauty of a still-deserted lake

, listen for any signs of Spring returning, and inhale the delightful oxygen of a newly-stirring New Hampshire.

Then I go prime the water pump.

Cow Man · 02-20-2007, 11:18 AM

My tradition is to wander down to the dock at sunset, after the kids are settled and toast the artist with a glass of fine cabernet, thankful for another day!

nj2nh · 02-20-2007, 04:08 PM

This is going to sound corny, but every year my husband and I ask ourselves why on earth we live in NJ and not in our little piece of heaven along the lake. Really, why do we live in NJ?????

Jersey Girl
(who would rather be Hamphire Girl)

nj2nh · 02-20-2007, 04:18 PM

Almost forgot this one. I also like to find one picture that defines the summer and have it framed and hung in my house. I use is as the cover page for my annual NH scrapbook as well. The picture is almost always a sunset, but it was different this year. Thought I would share it with you all.

Jersey Girl

secondcurve · 02-20-2007, 06:50 PM

Jersery Girl:

I have also asked myself that same question and then I realize that the lakes region might not be as special if I lived there full time. There is something about returning to the area after being away for several weeks that is magical. I 'd be curious to hear from those who have moved to the area full time. Is my assumption accurate?

Peechee · 02-20-2007, 07:37 PM

Thanks for a nice discussion. I would also like to hear about those who made the leap to the Granite State. I think about it too, but wonder if my sissy self could cope with wintertime, and being an "outsider."
As far as traditions, there is nothing like that first cup of tea — or coffee or cocktails as the case may seem — and the favorite view, upon arrival. I love roast chicken and gravy and mashed potatoes, blueberry pancakes, scent of pine, sparkle and sound of water. The first swim of the season is very reassuring. On leaving by boat at vacation's end, I stare steadily at our house until we round the corner and it is out of sight.

ghfromaltonbay · 02-21-2007, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jersey Girl

This is going to sound corny, but every year my husband and I ask ourselves why on earth we live in NJ and not in our little piece of heaven along the lake. Really, why do we live in NJ?????

Jersey Girl
(who would rather be Hamphire Girl)

My family says the same thing. It's especially true for those of us living in congested and EXPENSIVE northern NJ. We just got back yesterday from 4 days on Echo Pt. and I for one am ready to head back after this morning's commute to work.

PS - Jersey Girl: we were 3 houses away from yours, just 2 places south of the tan boathouse across the cove in your picture right next to the yellow house with the big barn/garage.

Lucky2Bhere · 02-21-2007, 03:56 PM

We moved up full time 3 years ago and have zero regrets. September is the best month of the year (after labor day!). The people are great, the restaurants know you, and there is no traffic or congestion. People who are shoppers and need to be very busy socially may feel isolated. The cold can be brutal but not very often. That feeling of being at the "Lake" never leaves but if you bring your mail and bills with you it does add a dose of reality. People who love the outdoors, nature, and small town living will never be disappointed! Every time I travel and return home I realize why I'm "Lucky2BHere"!

mets3007 · 02-21-2007, 05:07 PM

I gotta agree NH is a different world than living here in Queens, NY where it is busy and congested all the time. The people know who you are and everyone is nice. Another new tradition we started is going to Galley in Laconia for dinner the 1st night and then to Ames for Breakfast Monday. The best part is stopping on Weirs Blvd at Lilikulanis and looking at the lake and saying wow how nice it is to be back. This is our 20th season of going to the great Lakes Region in July.

SteveA · 02-21-2007, 06:51 PM

We moved to Gilford 21 years ago this coming June.

Our kids were young, and we were looking to get out of the small house we had in Saugus MA. We looked all over the North Shore.. and couldn't afford the houses we liked.

In the middle of Jan. 1986 we took the kids to our "summer place" at Lake Shore Parkfor little winter fun. I went to a local store to pick up some supplies and came home with a real estate magazine.

The rest was easy... we sold our place in Mass.. and bought a house 3 times the size in Gilford for less than what we sold our house in Saugus for. Best thing we ever did for our kids, and ourselves. The people were not at all hard to get to know. Our kids loved it.. the schools were great and now our "summer place" is 6 miles from our home. (saves big time on the commute home after a weekend at the lake!

)

Lot's of talk out here on the "New Hampshire Advantage" and most of it is focused on the dreaded tax issues. To us the Advatage really was raising kids close to nature in a safe place.

The lakes region is still close enough to the culture and wonderful medical facilities in Boston... but miles away from the traffic, taxes and general hassles of life in greater Boston.

I'm lucky.. as a salesperson I can live wherever I want. High paying jobs are few and far between in the lakes region unless you're a Doctor, Lawyer or own your own successful business. Property "on the lake" is very expensive.. but if you back away from the lake a few miles.. prices are very reasonable for the value received.

Just my 2 cents worth.

Peechee · 02-22-2007, 04:18 PM

Thanks for sharing your experiences, and wisdom in moving to Gilford. We used to dock the boat at Fay's Boat Yard; was wondering how Mr. Merrill Fay was doing, health wise, etc. Any news on him and the business? He must be looking at...70 or so?

Island Life · 02-22-2007, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peechee

Thanks for sharing your experiences, and wisdom in moving to Gilford. We used to dock the boat at Fay's Boat Yard; was wondering how Mr. Merrill Fay was doing, health wise, etc. Any news on him and the business? He must be looking at...70 or so?

Peechee,

As of mid-September, when I was last there, Merrill looked like he was doing fine. Yeah, I'd guess he is in his late 60s/early 70s. The business is doing well - very busy.

codeman671 · 02-23-2007, 09:04 AM

He is in his seventies and had a newborn child in the last year or so. He has more ambition than me, thats for sure! I had heard also that his wife was quite young, in her thirties I think.

kayakn · 02-25-2007, 03:08 PM

My tradition on a day like today is to get a chair, a good book, my sunglasses

and a "nice" hot drink, find a spot on the lake out of the wind, and relax for a few hours. Some think I am crazy

...maybe...(another time) but it is actually quite nice. Esp after a nice long walk. These days do not last long enough.

01-17-2007, 03:32 AM	#1
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,939 Thanks: 2,209 Thanked 776 Times in 553 Posts	Sound familiar? When I leave in Autumn, I grasp the porch rail and try to take in and memorize the a panoramic expanse of the now-deserted lake scene. The memory must last four/five months—until I return. Upon arrival, I again grasp the porch rail, recall the beauty of a still-deserted lake , listen for any signs of Spring returning, and inhale the delightful oxygen of a newly-stirring New Hampshire. Then I go prime the water pump. __________________ Is it "Common Sense" isn't.

02-20-2007, 11:18 AM	#2
Cow Man Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Cow Island / Holderness, NH Posts: 46 Thanks: 4 Thanked 19 Times in 8 Posts	Tradition My tradition is to wander down to the dock at sunset, after the kids are settled and toast the artist with a glass of fine cabernet, thankful for another day!

02-20-2007, 04:08 PM	#3
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 529 Thanks: 80 Thanked 47 Times in 27 Posts	One more tradition This is going to sound corny, but every year my husband and I ask ourselves why on earth we live in NJ and not in our little piece of heaven along the lake. Really, why do we live in NJ????? Jersey Girl (who would rather be Hamphire Girl) __________________

02-20-2007, 04:18 PM	#4
nj2nh Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 529 Thanks: 80 Thanked 47 Times in 27 Posts	Yet one more Almost forgot this one. I also like to find one picture that defines the summer and have it framed and hung in my house. I use is as the cover page for my annual NH scrapbook as well. The picture is almost always a sunset, but it was different this year. Thought I would share it with you all. Jersey Girl Attached Images __________________

02-20-2007, 07:37 PM	#6
Peechee Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	moving full time/traditions Thanks for a nice discussion. I would also like to hear about those who made the leap to the Granite State. I think about it too, but wonder if my sissy self could cope with wintertime, and being an "outsider." As far as traditions, there is nothing like that first cup of tea — or coffee or cocktails as the case may seem — and the favorite view, upon arrival. I love roast chicken and gravy and mashed potatoes, blueberry pancakes, scent of pine, sparkle and sound of water. The first swim of the season is very reassuring. On leaving by boat at vacation's end, I stare steadily at our house until we round the corner and it is out of sight.

02-20-2007, 06:50 PM	#5
secondcurve Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,118 Thanks: 1,329 Thanked 559 Times in 288 Posts	Jersery Girl: I have also asked myself that same question and then I realize that the lakes region might not be as special if I lived there full time. There is something about returning to the area after being away for several weeks that is magical. I 'd be curious to hear from those who have moved to the area full time. Is my assumption accurate?

02-21-2007, 03:56 PM	#8
Lucky2Bhere Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Moultonboro & SE Florida Posts: 94 Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	As good as advertized We moved up full time 3 years ago and have zero regrets. September is the best month of the year (after labor day!). The people are great, the restaurants know you, and there is no traffic or congestion. People who are shoppers and need to be very busy socially may feel isolated. The cold can be brutal but not very often. That feeling of being at the "Lake" never leaves but if you bring your mail and bills with you it does add a dose of reality. People who love the outdoors, nature, and small town living will never be disappointed! Every time I travel and return home I realize why I'm "Lucky2BHere"!

02-21-2007, 05:07 PM	#9
mets3007 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 170 Thanks: 3 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	I gotta agree NH is a different world than living here in Queens, NY where it is busy and congested all the time. The people know who you are and everyone is nice. Another new tradition we started is going to Galley in Laconia for dinner the 1st night and then to Ames for Breakfast Monday. The best part is stopping on Weirs Blvd at Lilikulanis and looking at the lake and saying wow how nice it is to be back. This is our 20th season of going to the great Lakes Region in July.

02-21-2007, 06:51 PM	#10
SteveA Deceased Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Gilford, NH Posts: 2,311 Thanks: 1,070 Thanked 2,054 Times in 497 Posts	21 Years and counting... We moved to Gilford 21 years ago this coming June. Our kids were young, and we were looking to get out of the small house we had in Saugus MA. We looked all over the North Shore.. and couldn't afford the houses we liked. In the middle of Jan. 1986 we took the kids to our "summer place" at Lake Shore Parkfor little winter fun. I went to a local store to pick up some supplies and came home with a real estate magazine. The rest was easy... we sold our place in Mass.. and bought a house 3 times the size in Gilford for less than what we sold our house in Saugus for. Best thing we ever did for our kids, and ourselves. The people were not at all hard to get to know. Our kids loved it.. the schools were great and now our "summer place" is 6 miles from our home. (saves big time on the commute home after a weekend at the lake! ) Lot's of talk out here on the "New Hampshire Advantage" and most of it is focused on the dreaded tax issues. To us the Advatage really was raising kids close to nature in a safe place. The lakes region is still close enough to the culture and wonderful medical facilities in Boston... but miles away from the traffic, taxes and general hassles of life in greater Boston. I'm lucky.. as a salesperson I can live wherever I want. High paying jobs are few and far between in the lakes region unless you're a Doctor, Lawyer or own your own successful business. Property "on the lake" is very expensive.. but if you back away from the lake a few miles.. prices are very reasonable for the value received. Just my 2 cents worth. __________________ "Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry he'll be a mile away and barefoot!" unknown

02-22-2007, 04:18 PM	#11
Peechee Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 16 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Life in Gilford Thanks for sharing your experiences, and wisdom in moving to Gilford. We used to dock the boat at Fay's Boat Yard; was wondering how Mr. Merrill Fay was doing, health wise, etc. Any news on him and the business? He must be looking at...70 or so?

02-23-2007, 09:04 AM	#13
codeman671 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3,501 Thanks: 221 Thanked 815 Times in 489 Posts	He is in his seventies and had a newborn child in the last year or so. He has more ambition than me, thats for sure! I had heard also that his wife was quite young, in her thirties I think.

02-25-2007, 03:08 PM	#14
kayakn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Laconia Posts: 68 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	on a sweet day like today My tradition on a day like today is to get a chair, a good book, my sunglasses and a "nice" hot drink, find a spot on the lake out of the wind, and relax for a few hours. Some think I am crazy ...maybe...(another time) but it is actually quite nice. Esp after a nice long walk. These days do not last long enough.