Friday Funnies

Here, we are at the last weekend of the month. September starts on Monday. Our summer season has gone by quickly with family events and friends get togethers. And, of course, our Alaska anniversary adventure (more to come on that trip).

As yesterday's post was about holiday auto accidents. This one will be a lighter one also about cars. Yes, here's more vanity plates.

For all the dog lovers, this plate was not a fun one to see on a recent walk to the library.

But, that's not all that was on the back of this vehicle, here's what was on the back window.

There is some serious love of pug dogs happening here.

Baseball season will soon be ending in the U.S., but these plates clearly showed the motorists' attachment to favorite baseball teams, both red (New England Patriots) and white (Chicago White Sox).

No comment on what this plate refers to, but it was not spotted on a convertible auto. As noted in a blogger comment, it could refer to the loss of someone's head hair. 

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

It's the unofficial end of Summer 🏖️. Welcome Autumn 🍁.

Dangerous Holiday Driving

If you’re planning to be out and about on U.S. roadways this Labor Day holiday weekend, take extra care. The roadways can be deadly depending on where you live.

As a NH resident the following headline sure got my interest. More details were needed like who, what, where did this info come from?

New Hampshire Found Most Dangerous Place in America to Drive on Labor Day

This headline was read in a recent copy in the Hudson Times, a weekly area paper. The article stated that per data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), NH leads the country with the highest Labor Day driving fatality rate, 17.09 incidents per 100,000 residents.

Being a somewhat curious and skeptical person, and a former reporter, I needed to learn more, so (once again) fell into the rabbit hole of online sleuthing. There certainly is a lot of information available. What I learned was interesting, but often contradictory .

That newspaper article stated that research had been compiled by a law office based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine the states safest for holiday drivers. This firm is based in Waterbury, CT, and other locations in that state, handling immigration and personal injury.

According to the article, the top five deadliest states for Labor Day driving ranked by road fatalities per 100,000 population were: New Hampshire (17.09), Wyoming (9.72), Arkansas (7.86), New Mexico (6.71) and Mississippi (6.31). It further stated (not sure why) that Easter was not the deadliest driving day in Wyoming, and that it was Father's Day was the deadliest holiday in third-ranked Arkansas.

Seeking further confirmation online, I typed in various searched using words like: Labor Day weekend auto injuries and fatalities. That brought up a slew of websites of legal firms with auto fatality statistics on this holiday weekend and others too.

These websites were not only in CT, but also DE, TX and PA and other states, nearly all specializing in — that’s right — liability and personal injury; none from NH. (No firms will be named here, information can be assessed online.)

Here's what I learned from a few of these sites.

Folks living live in Mississippi should be extra cautious on Labor Day weekend. One site named it first for highest traffic fatalities due to factors like low seatbelt usage and extensive cell phone use while driving. This site also listed higher Labor Day holiday fatalities in South Carolina, Alabama, Wyoming (relative to its population) and New Mexico (rural roads and less access to trauma centers).

The website of another legal firm listed Montana as having a high fatality rate per capita on Labor Day weekend. The states of Wyoming and Mississippi made that list too.

This site also listed the five safest states for Labor Day driving (ranked by fatalities per 100,000 residents): Hawaii (0.99), Massachusetts (1.00), Rhode Island (1.28), Utah (1.63), New York (1.80).

Another site also named New Mexico as the most dangerous state to drive in on Labor Day weekend. Furthermore, the state was cited as having the most pedestrian fatalities per capita and the fourth-most speeding fatalities. I could not completely verify this claim.

And, that site's rundown for the 10 most dangerous states in order after New Mexico were: Mississippi, Wyoming, South Carolina, Arizona, Montana, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama and Arkansas. (It claimed that Mississippi has the highest U.S. fatality (24.57 per 100,000). Again, just the site's information.

The study listed the 10 safest holiday driving states as: New York (again), Massachusetts, Utah, Hawaii, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Minnesota, D.C., New Hampshire (after being named the worst in another study?) and Connecticut.

A PA-based legal firm claimed that more people would die in motor vehicle accidents on Labor Day than other day with the exception of Independence Day.

That firm cited its study, Safest and Most Dangerous States to Drive for Labor Day Weekend, based on data available from the NHTSA, FBI and Census Bureau, naming New Mexico and Mississippi as the most dangerous states to drive in.  The safest state to drive on the Labor Day holiday was said to be New York (based on info from NY accident attorney lawyers). 

Here’s the same site's rundown for the 10 most dangerous states in order: New Mexico, Mississippi, Wyoming, South Carolina, Arizona, Montana, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama and Arkansas. (It claimed that Mississippi has the highest U.S. fatality (24.57 per 100,000). Again, just the site's contention.

The study listed the 10 safest holiday driving states as: New York (again), Massachusetts,

Utah, Hawaii, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Minnesota, D.C., New Hampshire (after being named the worst in another study?) and Connecticut.

Confusing?  Yes, because of these widespread variations and there's more.

There was also information from the car accident experts at Auto Accident Team. It was listed as a free service compiling information for those seeking legal relief for auto accidents in AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IL, MI, MO, TX. According to the site, this was not a law firm or lawyer referral service and did not provide legal advice or endorse law firms in its network.

What state did the site list as the most dangerous? 

Ready or not, it was Vermont. The Auto Accident Team experts claimed to have analyzed 9 years of fatal crash data (2013-2022) from the NHTSA, which lead to it naming Vermont, especially on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, when crashes were 58% above the state’s average, four weeks before and after Labor Day.

This site's top 10 dangerous holiday driving states in order of ranking were: Kansas (especially on Friday), Delaware (largest increase of drunk driving fatal crashes on Labor Day weekend), New Mexico (second highest increase in drunk driving, nationally), Oklahoma (with fatal crashes increasing by 29% over the weekend), Iowa (with an increase of 28%), Alaska, West Virginia, Wyoming and Idaho completed the list with increases from 26 to 23%.

The safest state named to drive on Labor Day weekend was Hawaii with a 16% decrease in fatal crashes. It’s one of 11 states with a holiday accident decrease and has the fourth lowest increase in drunk driving rates on Labor Day weekend.

Another online article labelled the states of Wyoming, Montana and Mississippi as the most dangerous states for Labor Day weekend driving. While, the site conceded that the majority of fatalities occur in urban areas, these three states were named as the most dangerous — with nearly three times as many fatalities per capita as the U.S. as a whole. 

It also listed Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington as having the least holiday driving fatalities.

Analyzing data from several years ago (2017–2021), the NHTSA found that states of California, Texas and Florida had the highest rate of Labor Day accidents and fatalities due to population and number of cars. However, states like Montana and Wyoming have higher accident rates per capita (based on the number of residents).

While the majority of fatalities occur in urban areas. Wyoming, Montana, and Mississippi were listed quite often as the most dangerous states for driving with nearly three times as many fatalities per capita as the U.S. as a whole. On the flip side, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Washington were listed as having the fewest driving fatalities.

I don't know which state is the most dangerous/safest for motorists this upcoming holiday weekend. So many legal firms have online articles and data about holiday auto accidents and fatalities and not all (very few) agree.

What are some contributing factors?

According to a website, which quoted a high-level spokesperson for the Automobile Association of America (AAA), Labor Day caps off summer travel and provides a final holiday weekend before the fall routine begins. And, while some people are going on cruises or far-off vacations, many otherss are staying closer to home and taking road trips to nearby beaches or national parks.

The AAA website didn't include estimates for how many travelers are expected on roadways driving on the Labor Day holiday weekend. However, it noted that two recent 2025 holidays, Memorial Day and July 4, had record number of motorists on the roadways.

What makes Labor Day a dangerous time to drive?

Traditionally, summer holidays have the highest number of U.S. auto fatality rates. Many Americans celebrate Labor Day as the end of summer leading to higher road traffic and increased chances of accidents through factors such as: Impaired driving, heavy traffic and traffic congestion, speeding, fatigue and drowsy driving and increased nighttime driving.

Is Labor Day weekend the deadliest driving holiday in the U.S.?

I'm uncertain as the answer depends on which website, study or statistical data is believed to be the most creditable.

Several law firm sites and the ASC rated Independence Day (July 4) as the most dangerous day to be on the road followed by Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Other sites listed the deadliest driving holidays as Thanksgiving, New Year’s Day and Memorial Day. The popular holiday of Christmas was not listed as the most dangerous holiday for driving on most sites.

After reading through so many online data and statistics, it seems that the most dangerous state to drive on any holiday depends on so many factors: population, number of drivers and more. And, of course, the actions of the driver.

That said, we’re not taking any chances being on the roadways this Labor Day weekend.

Instead, we'll stay home enjoying outdoor walks or visiting friends in the mill apartments. We're not taking any changes that NH could be one of the most dangerous states to drive on Labor Day weekend. 

We hope that all fellow U.S. bloggers and motorists everywhere enjoy a safe holiday too.

Friday Funnies

Regular readers of this blog know my fondness for collecting images of vanity plates here in NH. Apparently they're popular in many other states, including the 49th.

Here was one seen on a car in Fairbanks in the hotel parking lot.

But the best plate find was seeing this car with a NH plate in one of our port stops (forgot if it was in Skagway, Juneau or Ketchikan). It was quite a surprise, unfortunately, we didn't get a chance to meet the driver.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

We're planning on a quiet weekend at home.

Anniversary Adventure

Today is our 26th Wedding 🥂 Anniversary and, while we'll celebrate with dinner at a local restaurant, we treated ourselves early with a 12-day Alaska Discovery land and sea adventure. This post is a brief recap (more to follow).

Since arriving home at 3 am on Monday, we've been catching-up at home in Nashua, NH. It's true that travel is full of wonderful experiences and anyone who has traveled knows, returning to everyday life takes a few days of re-adjustment. 

There was no blog posting, reading or commenting during this trip. We skipped the onboard wi-fi package which our tour guide advised was erratic and not worth the high cost. (If one person in a stateroom wanted service, everyone sharing the room had to buy it.) So, we went unconnected, aside from texts to family when in port. The free Holland America Navigator app was used to keep in contact with the tour leader and fellow travelers. 

We flew Alaska Airline from Boston to Fairbanks, AK

This trip was organized through the senior center we're members of in Hudson, NH, using the same New England-based tour company (Collette) that we travelled with for a UK trip in 2023 UK. Some former travelers on that trip also were on this one.

The largest U.S. state by area, Alaska is nicknamed The Last Frontier due to its huge unexplored wilderness and remote nature. It's one of the least densely populated states and many areas remain untouched by modern development.

Seen in Denali National Park on a Tundra Wilderness Tour

We traveled in a converted school bus through just a part of Alaska’s interior wilderness in the 6-million acre Denali National Park and Preserve. The school buses are used over motor coaches because they are better-suited for the park's gravel road and dusty conditions and are more durable. The use of these buses, not private vehicles, limits vehicles on the road and helps protect the park's environment.

Ex-school buses are the mode of transport in Denali National Park 

We managed to get a view of the park's centerpiece called Denali (the Great One, formerly Mt McKinley) which, at 20,310-feet is North America’s tallest peak. Not only did we see our first-ever moose, but other wildlife, including Dall sheep, grizzly bears, elk and caribou, and all were quite a safe distance away.

Our next mode of transportation, after the school bus excursion, was on board a domed railcar as we traveled from Talkeetna to Anchorage, AK. Seating was very comfortable, which was much appreciated for this over 5-hour trip.

Window views from the the domed train car

As you can see, the views along this train ride were vastly different than those in Denali Park on the previous day. The daytime temperatures during most of our travels were in the 70s, much cooler than the 90s left behind in Nashua, NH.

Anna, a naturalist intern, boarded the motor coach to talk about the AWCC

After an overnight stay in Anchorage, we traveled by motor coach to the port of Whittier, AK, stopping enroute at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) where many injured wildlife are cared for in a 200-acre outdoor rehabilitation site. We learned that most of these animals including bald eagles, black and brown bears, coyotes, deer, elk, reindeer, moose, foxes, muskox become permanent residents. 

This building houses most of the population of Whittier, AK

In Whittier, AK, about 90% of the town's 250 plus population live in this ↑ 14-story building, Begich Towers Condominium, which houses the police department, post office, convenience store, medical clinic, grocery store and laundromat as well as space for worship services. A school is connected to the building by a tunnel. 

The remainder of the town's residents live in nearby buildings. Because of this very unique residential living arrangement, Whittier is known as the town under one roof. Originally built by the military during the Cold War, the building was later acquired by the Alaska Railroad, which owns most of the inhabitable land in Whittier. 

The Holland America MS Noordam in the port of Whittier

The MS (motor ship) Noordam, part of the Holland America line of Vista-class ships, is named for the Northern compass point. All the ships in this line are named after a compass point, noord means north in Dutch. This ship is the fourth vessel with the same name and was christened in NYC in February 2006. (Vista-class refers to a specific cruise ship design characterized by features like more ocean views and verandas and a slightly smaller size. Noordam hosts a crew size of 800 with a 1,916 passenger capacity.)

Nightly shows presented on the World Stage and in several lounges

There was no shortage of entertainment and dining options on board the cruise ship, all of which were included in the cruise package. Comedy, magic and dance shows were presented in the main theater; the Billboard and Rolling Stone lounges featured nightly music performances.

Food choices were available in the buffet-style Lido Market and two Dining Rooms

As this was my first cruise, I was thankful for not getting sea-sick having used both anti-nausea tablets and sea-bands as a precaution. Several fellow travelers were not as fortunate especially during one day of rough seas.

Some of the captive wildlife that was available for purchase in the cruise ship's gift shop. We did see their live counterparts on the trip.

Our final mode of transpot and travel friends, Jan & Bob

After 7 days on the Noordam, our anniversary adventure ended in Vancouver, Canada. The long trip home was by way of two flights, the first landing in Seattle and the second ending in Boston, MA. Overall, this trip was a memorable anniversary experience. As always, our adventures will be continued in future posts.

Thanks, as always, for your comments and well wishes beforehand. A lot has been happening in the blog world during our time away. Unfortunately, several bloggers have been dealing with serious health problems/other issues, involving themselves, spouses or family. While they are not listed here, many of you may already have read recent posts. Their blog names are included on my side bar. 

Friday Funnies

It seems there's no escaping the preponderance of vanity plates here, either on the roadways or in parking lots. This group was collected over the past few weeks around Nashua, NH.

Love was the theme that was prominent in these plates.

Here's one for pet lovers.

These two plates seem to provide a question followed by an answer.

Here's a question with no answer provided.

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

We will be doing the same on our travels

De-Bridging in Nashua

We will be traveling by the time this update is posted about local goings on and there has been quite a lot of projects in the City of Nashua, NH, especially near the Clocktower mill apartments.

This is what greeted us earlier this week as we sat by the window enjoying breakfast. It wasn't an everyday sight for sure. Can you figure out what this is? 

Here's a couple of views showing exactly we saw at the window — Yes, a large crane.

Piling were driven into the river bed to check how far down to the river bottom. This project is  being done to replace the wooden bridge seen in the above lower left photo and below.

The bridge is behind the mill apartments and the City of Nashua is coordinating the work which is necessary as the wood is deteriorating. Years ago when the former mill, Nashua Manufacturing Company, was in operation the area below the bridge was an outflow for the water that powered the mill. Today, the bridge receives heavy regular usage from recycling and trash removal trucks, seasonal plows and auto traffic, all of which place more stress on the old wooden timbers. 

Work started earlier this week and it has been interesting to look down and check the progress of the workmen. We have a direct view of the bridge from our apartment windows.

This mother Mallard led her seven ducklings away from the river construction site. This was the first Mallard family we've seen on the river this summer. 

However, we have seen many families of Canada Geese this summer in various stages of growth.

There's been a lot of crane activity around the mill neighborhood. A couple of months ago these cranes were used for renovations in Le Parc De Notre Renaissance Français, the small pocket park that's adjacent to the mill apartments on Water St.

In recent weeks, the cranes have left and this photo shows the current state of renovations at the park. The building with the curved roof seen above in front of Clocktower Place will serve as an outdoor amphitheater for musical concerts and other events. The built-in seating that surrounds it is all concrete and bring-your-own seat pads and/or blankets will be needed for comfortable seating.

There's another small park area being developed along Main Street. The top half of the above collage is an architectural image of how the area below is expected to look once renovations are done. The white arrow points to a walkway that will lead from the pocket park.

When completed, the walkway will continue alongside a Main Street restaurant and become an extension of what is called the river walk. According to local officials, the park projects are anticipated to be done by year end.

Unfortunately we will miss watching the progress of these projects for the next 12 days. That's because by the time this is posted, we will be far away in — Alaska. This land-sea cruise (my first) is a pre-celebration of our 🥂 anniversary later this month. As we opted to skip the very costly onboard wi-fi package, posts about our adventures will likely be delayed until our return.

Friday Funnies

Welcome to a brand new month, everyone, and no comments about how fast 2025 has been zipping by. I'm sure many of you are wondering the same. Enough said.

This week's photo fun is all about signs. The first two were taken in downtown Nashua, NH. The last one was taken at a beach area, just can't recall the location.

Breakfast served all day as long as your day ends at 2 pm, which is when this restaurant closes.

Why is the "Y" left on its own ? There was enough room on the line above.

Seems like no one notified the gulls of the pole rules.

Thanks to everyone for your comments on last week's Friday Funnies photo puns. Glad to read that you enjoyed the results as much as I did putting it together. Now, to start on the next collection of photos 😏

Enjoy Your Weekend, Everyone

Temps will drop into the tolerable 70s 🆒 in Nashua, NH