Friday Funnies

May has gone by quickly and before it's gone, here's the final Friday Funnies of the month.

It's all about boots or at least some connections with the word. 

These shown below were made for walking, they were definitely not on the ground. I can't recall exactly where the photo was taken, but it was while we were stuck in traffic and this truck was next to our car.

Boots outside a truck window (never saw the person)

While, I could have just have included the photo, instead, I did some online sleuthing about how the word, boots, has been used in some common phrases, a song and film.

Boot refers to a military recruit originating in the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, where recruits were trained in "boot camps" during the Spanish-American War and wore leggings or boots. (The U.S. Army uses the term Basic Combat Training (BCT) to train recruits called privates.)

Boots on the ground usually refers to the presence of military personnel in a combat zone. But, its most common usage is for individuals or teams physically present in a location and involved in a specific project. 

In the music world, These Boots Are Made for Walking is a 1966 hit song recorded by singer Nancy Sinatra and written by country singer and composer Lee Hazlewood. In it, a woman lets her boyfriend that she won't be pushed around. It reached No. 1 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and in the UK Singles Chart. Ironically, the title came from a line spoken by Nancy's father, Frank, in the 1963 comedy-western, 4 for Texas, which went: They tell me them boots ain't built for walkin'. Ironic, even if not exactly in the same context.

To die with your boots on often evokes images of soldiers dying in battle or cowboys killed in gun battles or hanged, which originated from 19th century frontier towns in the American West. It's also been used in various forms such as the 1941 film, They Died With Their Boots On, a fictionalized biography of General George Custer with the improbable choice of Australian-American actor Errol Flynn as Custer. 

Boot Hill is associated with cemeteries, especially in the American West as those who died violent deaths often buried with their boots on. 

To give someone the boot (UK informal) as in to remove someone or to be dismissed (fired) usually from a job. This could be the phrase most folks have used at one time or another. 

Here's a few more associations with the word — boot up (start a PC), car boot (trunk), boot sales (selling events), boot-cut (trousers type), boot tree (holds boots), Denver boot (wheel clamp), walking boot (medical device).

Please feel free to add some you know, as some folks already have done, thank you.

And, you are most welcome for my not including a link to Ms Sinatra's tune (not a favorite).

And, now, it's time to boot off (is that even a term?)

Four sculptors working in Nashua this week

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Closing ceremonies for Nashua International Sculpture Symposium on Saturday

A Memorial Parade

Who doesn't love a parade?

We both do and for as long as we've been living in Nashua, NH, almost 10 years, we've always attended the Memorial Day parade here. Patrick is a U.S. Navy veteran.

The parade was held downtown along Main Street and started at 10:30 am from the Holman Stadium ballpark. It was canceled for a few years because of we-all-know-what.

Nashua police and fire department honor guards always start are the first units to march.

The city holds two parades to honor those who served. A Veterans Day parade in November  commemorates the signing of the WW I armistice at 11 am on November 11, 1918.

Lots of folks turned out on a perfect parade day with blue skies and sun after rain and cloudy skies had dominated most of the holiday weekend. A police estimate placed the Main Street turnout at roughly 2 thousand out of a current population of over 91,000.  Crowds were larger years ago, according to a 1958 newspaper article, the parade that year attracted some 13,000 people, a third of Nashua's then estimated 40,000 population

There are three high schools and three middle schools in Nashua, NH; two of the high schools and all three middle schools were represented by students in marching band units. 

The American Legion and Boy Scouts were represented by these young marchers.

Sidewalk crowds were enthusiastic to the point of using a notebook PC to video the parade.

A number of younger parade watchers along the route were dressed in colorful t-shirts.

Traditionally, fire engines and ambulances have signaled the end of the parade.

However, this year, it ended with these newest members of the Nashua Police Department (NPD) which recently established a mounted unit, featuring Mac, a Belgian draft horse, and Maddie, a Gypsy Vanner cross. This is a self-funded, non-profit unit, which means there is no financial burden to the community. The goal is to enhance public safety and community outreach. (FYI the horses had pouches behind them and did not leave any on street deposits.)

This canine was in a car that passed after it the parade ended and too late to view it.

Fields of Dreams display in Hudson, NH, by American Legion

We hope that bloggers in the U.S. had a good holiday weekend, however it was observed. Ours was spent at home in Nashua; we watched the parade and visited with friends.

Ticket to Ride

Our anniversary getaway wasn't a long-distance road trip but in state. We traveled 2-1/2 hours to Gorham, NH, stayed at the Glen House, the fifth hotel so-named and took a scenic railroad excursion. This post is a long-ish account of our adventure.

The Glen House is at the base of the Mt Washington Auto Road, across the street from the Great Glen Trails Outdoors Center where we boarded the SnowCoach for my February birthday adventure. Back then, we had stopped in for a look around the hotel. Talk about keeping things all in the family — the Libby family, which owns and manages the auto road, also owns this hotel and the Outdoor Center. 

Elihu Libby

The Libbys are descendants of Elihu Libby, who at the turn of the 20th century, bought the Glen House. In 1906, Libby also purchased the then-named Carriage Road, now called the Mt. Washington Auto Road known as the oldest man-made tourist attraction in North America. The 7.6 mile road climbs 4,618 feet from the base to the summit and it re-opened for auto travel last weekend. The drive averages about 30 minutes and while Patrick had considered driving it again, it wasn't the best weekend weather-wise, so it was a train ride this time.

More about the train ride later, first information on our lodgings. While the current Glen House is barely 8 years old, it's the fifth so named hotel in a series of grand resorts and hotels dating to 1852, in Pinkham Notch close to Mt. Washington in the White Mountains of NH. (The Glen is the historic name given to the picturesque valley at the base of the road.)

Hotels abounded in the area with the 1851 completion of the Grand Trunk Railway which established a route from Portland, ME to Gorham, NH, bringing more visitors to the area. (The Grand Trunk Railway operated in the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario and in the states of CT, ME, MI, MA, NH, and VT.)

Photo of the first Glen House  (Internet source)

The first (future) Glen House opened in 1852, when J. Bellows converted a farmhouse into a hotel and sold it to Joseph M. Thompson, who expanded and renamed it to the Glen House. By 1866, the now grand hotel featured views of Mt. Washington, Tuckerman Ravine, and the northern Presidential Range. Guests could go to the summit of Mt. Washington on the newly opened Carriage Road, visit natural sites in the area, or relax in game rooms, parlors, library, dance, enjoy sports, go on a carriage ride, or enjoy a theater show. In 1869, Thompson drowned in a heavy rainstorm after going to check on his nearby sawmill.

The Milliken brothers (who I couldn't find details about) took control of the first Glen House after Thompson's death. Within a few years, the Milliken brothers had not only rebuilt, but again expanded the hotel. But, in 1893, this second Glen House also fell victim to a fire which completely destroyed it. 

Photo of the second Glen House (Internet source)

This time, it was not rebuilt and the Libby family of Gorham, NH, obtained the site and once again it was converted to housing. The servant's quarters, which were not destroyed, were expanded into a 40-room hotel that became the third Glen House. In, 1924, it too was destroyed by fire.

Photo of the third Glen House (Internet source)

In 1925, a smaller fourth Glen House was built serving winter sports enthusiasts and summer travelers. In March 1967, the hotel caught fire and burned to the ground.

Why did these old hotels burn down so often?

The 1860s saw a boom in NH tourism, especially to the White Mountains. which meant more people and possibly more chances of accidental fires or arson. Nearly all hotels were built from wood, making them highly susceptible to fire. Natural factors such as dry conditions, strong winds, and the presence of dry tinder could have contributed to the spread of fires. Fire safety measures were not sophisticated then compared to now. Fires spread quickly causing significant damage and usually resulted in total devastation. 

Photo of the current and fifth Glen House (Internet source)

In September 2018, the current and fifth Glen House opened on Rt 16 in Gorham, NH, outfitted with sprinklers and various safety measures. The 68-room, three-story year round hotel was built with sustainability features. It's heated and cooled by a geothermal system. Building insulation is a combination of spray foam and rigid panels. with LED lighting inside and outside. The Otis elevators regenerate energy when moving up or down, returning energy to the building for use elsewhere. Water fountains provide for filling reusable water bottles. An outdoor fire pit uses propane vs. wood, to help maintain the air quality standard in the Great Gulf Wilderness area west of the hotel. Future plans include installing solar arrays to increase onsite energy production.

Inerior features of current Glen House

The newest Glen House hotel was designed and built mainly by NH firms. It's owned by four families of the Mt. Washington Summit Road Co. of which the Libby family are majority owners. Coincidentally, the annual hotel ownership meeting was being held the weekend of our stay.

Ticket to ride on the Conway Scenic Railroad

Now, onto the train ride, which was the reason for our getaway to celebrate our 1st date anniversary. We had tickets to ride in First Class, costlier than coach seating, but we splurged as this was a once-a-year celebration.

Conway Scenic Railroad depot, North Conway, NH

Above is the exterior and interior of the Conway Scenic Railroad train station which is directly across the Green, the town center in North Conway, NH. The classic 19th-century train station is painted yellow with decorative white trim and red accents and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Conway Scenic Railroad was established in 1995, running on a line established in 1875 and runs several historic cars. The Notch Train we traveled in consisted of a diesel locomotive Model GP-38; Café car, coach car, open seating car and first class car. 

Diesel engine on Conway Scenic Railroad Mountaineer excursion

This heritage railroad is owned by Profile Mountain Holdings Corp. It operates over two historic railway routes: a line from North Conway to Conway formerly part of the Conway Branch of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and one from North Conway through Crawford Notch to Fabyan once part of the Mountain Division of the Maine Central Railroad. The Conway line is owned by Conway Scenic, the Mountain Division is owned by the State of New Hampshire. Railroads once dominated the White Mountains. 

Open seating car on excursion train

Our trip was on the Mountaineer, a round-trip journey that starts at the main station in North Conway and takes a 4-1/2 hour journey some 50-60 miles through the Mt. Washington Valley and over rugged Crawford Notch to Fabyn Station, NH, and then back to North Conway. The excursion recreates the experience of travel abroad a post-WW II transcontinental streamlined train with passenger cars reminiscent of the 1950s era. In fall months, it's is a very scenic and popular New England trip.

First Class seating was very sparse on this first run of the season

Last weekend's excursion was only the second one of the 2025 season, the train was not crowded. The Mountaineer resumed operations in mid-May with only a Saturday run. High season is starting in June with weekly excursions on Tuesday and Saturday, then in July and August, there's excursions daily, except Monday. This schedule extends through the scenic New England fall season. High season seating is also higher priced. Yikes! our 1st class ticket will be $25 higher than last weekend.

Views along the train ride showing overcast & foggy conditions

While the weather outside was chilly and damp with on and off rain, we managed views of the Saco River and traveled across several viaducts (trestles) through rocky

Abel Crawford

crags at the top of Crawford Notch, which was named for Abel Crawford considered a pioneer of tourist industry in the White Mountains. Crawford and his family were early promoters of the area, as well as innkeepers, guides, turnpike builders and investors. Crawford arrived in the area in 1792 and built a cabin. In the Notch, the Crawford family constructed the Notch House and Crawford House, which was one of the White Mountains’ grand hotels. The first railroad to run through Crawford Notch opened in 1875 running from Portland, ME, to Fabyan, NH. 

Our journey to Crawford Notch included live narration mostly on the first half of the trip, less so on the return which passed the same landmarks in reverse. The narrator noted historic and scenic highlights along the route. Like much of the rest of northern New England, Crawford Notch was part of the homeland of the Abenaki tribe of Native American people. 

Many of the tales were quite unfortunate given the history of this area, which was filled with dangers in the early years. Untimely deaths occurred in many of the stories including the unfortunate tale of the Willey family, the fate of Nancy Barton who died while chasing her fiancé thief and the explosion of the Maine Central 505 in which two men died.

 The Willey House Inn and tavern (Internet source)

Samuel Willey Jr. and his wife, Polly, owned a farm in Lower Bartlett before relocating to Crawford Notch with their five children. They moved in hopes of starting an inn and soon after purchased the Old Notch House built in 1793. Then, Willey hired two men to enlarge and repair the house, turning it into a two-story home with stables and a barn which he then renamed The Willey House Inn and Tavern.

Its location was in a scenic valley filled with sugar maples and spectacular fall colors. The Willeys anticipated tourists would come for the White Mountains scenery, yet most visitors who stayed were NH and VT farmers passing through Crawford Notch heading to Portland, ME. In June of 1826, a severe rainstorm tore through the White Mountains causing a landslide across the Saco River. A mass of soil and vegetation slid into the floor of the valley close to the house. Afterwards, Willey built a nearby stone shelter where the family could flee if a landslide again threatened the valley. When another violent rainstorm and landslide in Crawford Notch imminent, the Willeys left their home. A search party found the couple, two of their five children and two hired hands in the stone shelter. Ironically, the rockslide missed the house entirely. It was situated near a rock ledge that divided the major slide into two streams leaving it intact. 

Painting of the area near the Willey House by artist Charles Codman (Internet source)

News of the Willey family tragedy spread, attracting tourists to the region captured by the story and awed by the house. In 1835, Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote The Ambitious Guest, a short story about the tragedy. Artist Thomas Cole, founder of the Hudson River School of Painting, painted a landscape, Distant View of the Slide that Destroyed the Willey Family. This literature and art drew people to the White Mountains, exactly who the Willeys had hoped would come.

Some folks tried to capitalize on the new interest in the region by converting the Willey house into a hotel and offering tours. Though unconfirmed, some say this story is the origin of the phrase gives me the willies. Mount Willey is named for the family. The WIlley Trestle, also named for the family, is 94 feet high and 240 feet long, spanning the Willey Brook between Mt. Willey and Mt. Willard. The Willey House is now an interpretive center within Crawford Notch State Park.

Another tale of misfortune was that of Nancy Barton who, in the winter of 1778, succumbed to frostbite and hypothermia while in pursuit of her fiancé who had betrayed her and absconded with her life savings. According to Haunted Hikes of New Hampshire by Marianne O’Connor, 16-year old Nancy worked as a servant on Colonel Joseph Whipple's Jefferson, NH, farm. There she met and fell in love with farm worker Jim Swindell and shared with neighbors after he proposed that they planned to settle in Portsmouth, NH. Hindsight is always better as Nancy learned after she entrusted Jim with her savings, money earned working for Whipple.

Sign near site of Nancy Barton's death (Internet source)

Nancy left making arrangements to relocate to Portsmouth and Whipple and Jim conspired against her. Whipple supported the colonist fight for independence against the British in the Revolutionary War. The story goes he convinced Jim to steal her money and join the colonist army. Jim spent the money on a uniform. Learning her fiancé had done her wrong, Nancy set off in pursuit despite being warned of a dangerous trip in winter. She ignored cautions and left packing a few clothes and without food. Her trip through Crawford Notch was on a 30-mile snow-covered trail, Her clothing became soaked crossing a brook where she sat to rest. A search party followed her tracks hoping to find her alive, instead they found her sitting on a rock, frozen to death and she was buried by the brook. Hearing of her death, Jim was overcome with guilt and died in a psychiatric hospital. 

Hikers at Nancy Falls, circa 1929 (Internet source)

The Nancy Brook Scenic Area commemorates her death. For centuries, hikers traveling in this area of the White Mountain National Forest have reported hearing cries and shrieks of laughter. 

Maine Central 505 crash site
(Internet source)

On July 3, 1927, the Maine Central #505 which was built by the American Locomotive Company (ALCO) in 1910 was called in to help a freight train up the grade in Crawford Notch. Due to a faulty water glass and a leaking boiler, the 505 exploded.

The blast severely injured the foreman and engineer, Oscar W. Clemons and Robert B. Morse who died a day later leaving 15 children between them. Later investigation determined that the explosion was most likely caused by an overheated boiler.

Crawford Notch is a major mountain pass through the White Mountains in New Hampshire. In 1771, a Lancaster hunter, Timothy Nash discovered it while tracking a moose over Cherry Mountain. He noticed a gap in the distant mountains to the south and realized it was probably the route through the mountains mentioned in Native American lore. Loaded with provisions, Nash worked his way through the notch to Portsmouth to share his discovery with Governor John Wentworth. There's evidence that the indigenous people of this region, the Abenaki, used a similar path through the White Mountains. European settlers found it in the late 18th century.

Switching the engine for the return trip to North Conway

At the Breton Woods station, the engine was switched for the return trip to the North Conway station. At this point, passengers usually are asked to switch seats with those on the other side, this way everyone can see the sights. As this trip was far from being fully booked, this wasn't necessary.

The Mount Washington Hotel as seen from the train

The route passed the stunning Mount Washington Hotel built between 1900 and 1902 by Joseph Stickney at a cost of $1.7 million. Stickney, a native of Concord, NH, made a fortune before age 30 as a coal broker in Pennsylvania. He envisioned the hotel as a luxurious getaway for urban dwellers looking to escape the city. This landmark hotel, now owned by Omni, was one of New Hampshire’s Grand Hotels. In 1944, it hosted the Bretton Woods Conference, which established the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. It's a member of Historic Hotels of America, the official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Frankenstein Trestle (Internet source)

Laying railroad track in this part of the White Mountains was no easy job.. We passed over the Frankenstein Trestle, an engineering feat that's become a popular spot for hikers to see. 

The Mountaineer train crossed it twice on the journey. At 80 feet and over 500 feet long, this elevated train bridge was a trip highlight, but not photographed on board. 

If you're curious, its name has nothing to do with the Mary Shelley novel of the same name, instead the trestle is named after artist, Godfrey Nicholas Frankenstein who spent time painting in the area in the 1890s. He knew and had painted a portrait of Dr. Samuel Bemis, a Boston dentist and early photographer of the White Mountains who also owned most of Crawford Notch and was at one time called Lord of the Valley. Bemis named a lake, mountain, brook, ridge and locality in the White Mountains after himself. In 1875, when the Portland and Ogdensburg Railroad built the railroad through Crawford Notch, the trestle was named for his artist friend, Frankenstein. Originally made of wrought iron, it was replaced with a steel version in 1893. It just goes to show that having well-placed and influential friends can mean you'll always be remembered.

Hanging out of the open car while going around a curve

Despite the weather, this was a wonderful excursion. While a return trip during the fall at the peak of foliage season would be wonderful, the cost would be higher, plus we have other travel plans in that timeframe. But, if you're in the White Mountains of NH then, check out the Conway Scenic Railroad to relax and take in the view.

This wasn't the only adventure we shared on our getaway weekend. There was one the day before. And, we dined at a wonderful restaurant as well. More on those in future posts. Thanks too for your well wishes left on the previous post.

FYI, many photos in this post (aside from the Internet borrowed ones) were taken with a new digital camera bought a few weeks ago for upcoming travel. It's a Panasonic Lumix introduced in January 2025 as a travel camera. The cost was quite reasonable and it features a very long zoom in such a small package. The cost has  increased in the few weeks since my purchase. Details to follow in a future post. 

Friday Funnies

This sign was seen in a the produce department of a local supermarket this week. Notice anything unusual ?

Artichokes, anyone?

Exactly — those tomatoes didn't look like what was advertised on the sign below. Maybe, we should have checked the tomato display for artichokes ?

To All: A heartfelt Thank You for your condolences on the passing of my friend, Solange. Your comments were very much appreciated by Patrick and myself.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

We're on a short road trip to celebrate the 28th anniversary of our 1st date.

We'll celebrate our August wedding anniversary with a much longer trip.

No Regrets & Update

Have you ever heard yourself or someone else say he/she wished they had been in contact with someone before it was too late?

This past weekend, Solange, my friend and Scrabble-playing partner, who resided here in the mill apartments, passed away. While her death was not totally unexpected because of health issues, it was still a shock. We had spoken a few days earlier to schedule our next game, she told me she was feeling too tired to play. As she often had these days in recent weeks, I told her I would call again in a day or two. She was a fierce Scrabble player who disliked losing and would always ask to play another game. We often split our wins and always shared a treat.

When her son phoned on Saturday, I instinctively knew that the call was not a good one.

Solange was 95 years young, born in Antwerp, Belgium and a Holocaust survivor. She was a registered nurse who later relocated to the US with her late artist husband and they lived in many cities in our home state of NJ. Coincidentally, their last NJ address was close to our last NJ address, although we had never met there. She relocated to NH after her husband's passing to be closer to her son who lived in the state.

Solange became a close friend of both myself and my husband. Patrick. We enjoyed food and conversations through shared dinners at our apartment homes. The most recent was at our home on Easter when she and another resident joined us for dinner. She insisted on bringing a homemade banana tart, which was delicious, even the leftovers.

Private services were held quickly in NJ early this week in keeping with her faith. We were unable to attend; however, I asked her son about holding a celebration of life here at a later date. Her family will be returning to clear out her residence.

This isn't the first time a family member or friend has passed and as sad as it's always been, my goal is to never have regrets about not having called, visited or written. Of course, we all have regrets for many things, but for myself keeping in touch means having a few less.

Thanks to fellow bloggers who asked about the status of my left knee injury, 

Here's an update following an orthopedics consultation and my first physical therapy session. The good news is that the orthopedic review showed the knee structure are intact with a mild degree of arthritis and a mild kneecap dislocation, without any significant tissue damage. Recovery (no pain) could take 6-8 weeks.

My nemesis: Elliptical 

The physical therapy appointment included an evaluation and balance testing and confirmation that my balance could be improved, the lack of which can be attributable to age. For the record, the knee injury wasn't caused by a fall, as I am always careful to avoid hazards as much as possible, particularly snow and ice. Instead, my injury was caused by exercise, specifically the use of an elliptical, stationary equipment in the Clocktower gym. 

As I've learned, repetitive motion on an elliptical can lead to overuse injuries, especially in the knees or hips. Also, the elliptical's motion has been labelled awkward or unnatural, potentially leading to improper form or discomfort. 

If not appropriately positioned using the elliptical, a user could strain their knees — as I did. Also, the low-impact design of this machine often leads to overuse injuries in the knee and hip as users tend not to realize they're doing more than they’re physically able — and that would describe my actions. And, when the orthopedic PA (physician's assistant) shared that she never uses this equipment, I thought, why did I ?

My PT assessment concluded that no brace or walking assistance (cane, walker) are needed. However, I received a set of at-home exercises to perform before the next appointment later this week. Yes, I've been doing them them as this will be the routine for up to 10 weeks

Which do you think results in death more often — hip fracture or cancer?

That's what the PT therapist asked me and, while I had not read any statistics beforehand, I knew that given my age the correct answer would be hip fracture.

While cancer is a leading cause of death at any age, hip fractures can have a higher mortality rate for older adults in the short-term. Being cancer-free may not result in death, but breaking your hip could be fatal. 

Studies have indicated that the one-year mortality rate for older adults with a hip fracture can be over 20% and sometimes worse than those with various types of cancer. Also, the risk of death after a hip fracture can persist for up to 10 years after a fracture.

Why are hip fractures so deadly?

It's due to many factors including immobility-related complications, surgical risks and the overall impact on health and quality of life. One of the most serious risks is the increased likelihood of developing blood clots, leading to pulmonary embolisms or strokes. 

Sometimes, recovery can be long and challenging and can also lead to less independence. Other potential health risks include pneumonia, heart failure or blood clots, any one of which can increase the risk of death. Female patients tended to have better post-fracture survival than men, but had a significantly higher risk for getting a fracture. Unfortunately, people over age 85 had the worst odds for survival.

It's important to note that statistics for hip fracture deaths do not apply are not a one-fits-all scenario. It's not just age that's a factor, but gender, pre-existing conditions like cardiac disease, dementia and chronic respiratory issues, plus the timeliness and quality of surgical treatment — all can impact mortality rates. While a 1-year mortality of about 21 to 22% has been cited in online sources for surgically-repaired hip fractures, this is only an average.

Just to be clear — Hip replacement does not result in as many deaths as hip fractures. While this surgery does have certain risks, it's usually much lower than the mortality rate associated with hip fractures, especially in the initial months after the fracture. Several people I know, including fellow bloggers, had successful operations and recovery from hip fractures.

Exercises to improve my balance

Balance decline in adults of (ahem) a certain age isn't uncommon, so I'm not alone. Lack of balance can lead to increased risk of falls and possible fractures. Aging brings a loss of muscle mass and strength, especially in the legs and core, making it harder to maintain balance. While I've been fortunate not to have a serious fall, not taking chances is my goal. 

The balance and strengthening exercise I've been assigned to do at home do not require specialized equipment. All that's needed is a chair and who doesn't have that equipment at home and resistance band provided by the PT therapist, but which can also be bought online. Since I'm not planning to become a statistic anytime soon, these are being done on a daily basis. 

Fall detection (not fall protection) is why I wear an Apple watch  as I often go walking alone. This device will automatically call emergency services if someone becomes immobile after a hard fall and send a message with the location to emergency contacts. Apple is not the only fitness tracker with fall detention, brands by Samsung, Garmin and Goggle also have this important feature.

If anyone is interested in more information, The National Institute on Aging website has helpful information here Older Adults and Balance Problems. 

Friday Funnies

Unlike many apartment buildings, the mill residence has an indoor parking garage, which isn't a free convenience but comes with a monthly fee. However, we consider it a useful expense, especially on snow days when the outside free parking lot needs to be plowed and cars must be moved very early. 

Most garage parking is pull in, however, some require parallel parking. This seemed to be a challenge for this driver who was not quite close to the barrier wall.

Far far away (from a parking space)

It's been raining many days in Nashua, NH, water seeps from the top lot into garage areas. As seen in the bottom right photo, this driver will be stepping out by a sizable puddle. 

Of course, letting my mind wander as it does, brought other thoughts of this word sequence, for example: Star Wars fans will recognize them as the opening sequence. Far Far Away is a 1970s song by British rock group Slade. Far far away is a phrase used in fairy tales and children's stories. It's the name of a fictional kingdom in the Shrek franchise

Just in time for this weekend's celebration of Mother's Day, other half, Patrick captured this outing of a proud mom parading her young family on the Nashua River this week. It was the first sighting of goslings this season and most likely won't be the last.

A welcome back to a Stevenson, a blogging friend who was far far away from blog-land for a long time. Perhaps, like myself, you have also left comments on a blogger's site in the hope that one day he/she would post again. His comment was a very nice surprise! 

That said, several bloggers are going through tough times with medical issues of their own or loved ones. While I won't list them, regulars of this blog may know them too and join me in sending best wishes to them. While a blogger may not reply, letting someone know he/she is in your thoughts could brighten their day — and even yours. Being kind takes little effort or time.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Happy 💐 Mother's Day to blogger mothers

A(nother) ☔️ Friday & Saturday, possible 🌞 on Sunday

Gâteau 🍋 de Mamie

This post title refers to a wonderful lemon cake, which translates to Granny Cake. The reason for the name will be explained in this post.

It's been a while since a recipe has been posted. It's not for lack of home cooking, which we do most days, rather for not taking photos during meal prep and then posting. Years ago, we posted recipes far more often.

Last week, I needed to find a quick recipe to bring a treat to our Friday dominoes game meet-up. Then, remembered seeing a lemon cake recipe in one of the Barefoot Contessa (Ina Garten) cookbooks in my collection, The Barefoot Contessa at Home.

Ina Garten Lemon Yogurt Cake, Barefoot Contessa at Home (recipe below)

The cookbook didn't provide any history, however, I learned that the recipe is the same as a popular French recipe — Gâteau de Mamie, which translates to Granny Cake or French Grandmother's Lemon Cake. According to online sources, French grandmothers (and others) added yogurt to cakes for added moisture. Ingredients were measured using a glass yogurt jar (unlike in the U.S., yogurt in France comes in small glass jars). The cake ingredients were measured using the glass yogurt jar, which was about a half cup.

Thanks to David G for noting my previous grammatical error, explaining that Gâteau de Mamie (singular) means Grannie Cake, Gâteaux de Mamie means Grannie Cakes (plural). He also added, maybe it’s good to have more than one. I agree which is why this recipe will be made again, this time in a bundt cake pan.

Not only was this recipe very easy, but the result was a delicious lemon loaf which contains no butter, doesn't require use of a mixer, and was made using ingredients already in our pantry and refrigerator. The only change was that the recipe included two lemons, I only had one, yet the cake turned out very lemony. So, if a single large lemon is used, it could be enough. Also, don't be tempted to substitute butter for the oil, which keeps the cake light yet moist.

Lemon Yogurt Cake (Gâteaux de Mamie)

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt
• 1 1/3 cups sugar, divided
• 3 extra-large eggs
• 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest (2 lemons)
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (olive oil also works)
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Glaze Topping

1 cup confectioners’ sugar

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 8½ x 4¼ x 2½-inch loaf pan. Line bottom with parchment paper. Grease and flour pan. (Alternately, you can use a 3-cup bundt pan or 6-8 inch round cake pan, cooking times will differ.)
2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt into one bowl.  In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, 1 cup sugar, eggs, lemon zest and vanilla.  Slowly whisk dry ingredients into wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, fold vegetable oil into batter, making sure it’s all incorporated, but do not overmix. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for about 50 minutes, or until cake tester placed in center of loaf comes out clean.
3. Meanwhile, cook 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in small pan until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
4. When cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully place on a baking rack over a sheet pan.  
5. Pour prepared glaze over cake while it's still warm allowing it to soak in.
6. Cool (if you can) before slicing and enjoying.

The glaze is optional, depending on personal preference. The cake is moist enough not to need anything else and traditionally is left unglazed. It can also be enjoyed with fresh berries and whipped cream.

Lemon Yogurt Cake from Barefoot Contessa at Home (Ina Garten)

This recipe is one that I will be making again very soon. That's because this one made last Friday morning was all gone by Saturday evening. There were no complaints from our Friday dominoes group or neighbors who enjoyed it. Grenville declared this recipe a keeper which you might well do too if you give it a try.

This past weekend, I attended a performance of Legally Blonde. by members of Actorsingers (not a typo), a community theater group started in 1955 in Nashua, NH. 

The performance was at the Keefe Auditorium (named for Edmund Keefe, longtime Nashua high school teacher, principal and superintendent of schools) is the largest auditorium in Nashua, NH, with double the seating capacity (1,500) than the downtown Nashua Center for the Arts. Built in 1936, it was part of Nashua High School. Later, when two new high schools opened, it became Elm Street Middle School, which closed in 2024. Maintaining and renovating this auditorium are central to any proposed redevelopment of the former school.

Edmund Keefe Auditorium Building, Nashua, NH

We are fortunate to be able to enjoy community theater and within walking distance. In addition to Actorsingers, there are two other community theater groups: The Nashua Theatre Guild and the Peacock Players, a youth theater group, both perform at the smaller Court Street Theater, a 150-seat venue, which originally housed a 1870 firehouse. 

If you ever have the opportunity to attend community theater performances, by all means, do go. While the performers are unpaid, it doesn't make them any less professional, which they certainly all were in last weekend's performance.