Thursday, October 16, 2014

Central and Western Mass libraries provide Audio and e-books "Borrowing" online

A vast library (no pun intended) of audio and e-Book titles are available to library members across the state of Massachusetts. You log on with your library card number. Then you "Borrow" via download to your PC and transfer to a reader or read on PC. You can even "Rent" via Amazon through a direct connect in Kindle format, which like any other Kindle purchase is sent directly to your Kindle device of choice.



C/W Mars Online Library Sharing Central and Western MASS

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

Lost Nation Theater | The Poe Spooktacular

Here is something unique for Halloween. You actually miss Halloween by a day but it is worth the wait to be different with this Poe Themed night. Costume contest , Big Band Jazz and dancing, death defying acts and more on  Sat, November 01 2014 @ 8:00 PM at Lost Nation Theater | City Hall Auditorium Arts Center39 Main Street | Montpelier, Vermont 05602 | 802-229-0492 © 2014 Lost Nation Theater


Lost Nation Theater | The Poe Spooktacular

Friday, October 10, 2014

Top Ghost Tours in Massachusetts | Salem Ghost Tours

Just read this and thought,  WOW, if you are looking for a great New England experience for #Halloween but are not into the #JuMpOuTaTYou experience this could  be a bit less intense and still a lot of fun.



Top Ghost Tours in Massachusetts | Salem Ghost Tours

Friday, October 3, 2014

From England to New England - On my Maternal Grandmother's side

In the last post I outlined how my family comes from England on my maternal Grandfather's side the Kendall's. This time we will trace the roots back on my maternal Grandmother's side, Nutting. 

John Nutton was born on about 1575, in Edwardstone Suffolk, England. In the 1600 the family emigrated (were removed ) to and had settled Woburn Mass. John Nutting was born in 1620.

From "Surname Nutting" in Diggin History:

"Some believe that John Nutting was born sometime between 1620 and 1625 to parents John and Elizabeth Rawlings Nutting.  There is, however, a theory that he may have been a child in 1618 since a copyhold deed found among (John) Winthrop papers read: “John Nutton (Nutting) a lifelong tenant of one moiety of the lands of Groton Manor”.  The grantee named was John Nutton, Senior.  This would imply that there was a John Nutton (Nutting), Jr., and therefore that he had been born prior to 1618.
One source believes that John Nutting (Junior) immigrated in 1639, although it seems unclear as to when exactly he made the voyage across the Atlantic.  Nevertheless, the first solid reference to his presence in the Massachusetts Colony was the record of his marriage to Sarah Eggleton on August 28, 1650 in the town of Woburn.  Before their fifth wedding anniversary, three children were born"
Perhaps surprisingly, the Nuttings and two other families who were considering the move to Groton were met with opposition from the Church.  Nutting family historian Reverend John Keep Nutting wrote:
To us it would seem strange for a member about to remove from one town to another, to be expected to ask leave from the church.  In those days it was quite different.  Each new settlement was in reality, so far as all local interests were concerned, a small nation by itself.  Its voting citizens were the members of the church – none others.  And upon these the town rested for defence and for up-building.  Solemn vows bound these to mutual defence and helpfulness.  When therefore three leading families proposed to leave Chelmsford, it was no small matter.
Following a vote on December 23, 1661, there are no more mentions of the three families until they are granted letters allowing them to join the Groton church.  So, perhaps the removal took place either in late 1661 or early 1662.  John Nutting had proposed that his move to Groton would allow him to settle near the meetinghouse there.  On September 21, 1663 a vote was recorded wherein John Nutting was appointed the janitor of the meetinghouse"
From  John Nutton to John G Nutting (both born in England) to John G II 1651 Woburn to John III 1678 Groton to Isaac 1714 Groton to Isaac  JR 1739 Groton to Seth 1779 Groton to Seth 1806 Groton to Henry 1827 Dunstanble to Fannie H 1862 Groton (who married Ernest Kendall) to Mildred Kendall (see Kendall historical line) to me. England to Townsend MA USA.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

The Tracks We Leave...England to NEW ENGLAND!

The Tracks We Leave...



My family comes from England. Francis Kendall, born about 1620, in Norfolk, England and his brother Thomas were the first of this Kendall line to sail to the New Colony. Josiah was the first of this Kendall line to settle in Sterling (then Lancaster) in the 1730's.  The exact date of his removal from Woburn to Sterling is unknown.  (following from the "Memorial of Josiah Kendall" published in 1864)"Our biography of Josiah Kendall commences with his removal from Woburn to Lancaster. I am unable to give the date of this removal but it was probably soon after 1736, the year of his marriage."


From Francis to Thomas 1648 to Samuel 1682 to Josiah 1712 to Herman 1740 to Herman JR 1783 to Josephus 1808 to Edward 1860 to Ernest 1884 to Mildred in 1926 to me in 1948. This  is my line from Norfolk, England to Townsend MA USA.





"Kendall Family from "Colonial Families of the United States of America", Vol VI, pages 327 and 328, by George MacKenzie
"Francis, b. in England 1620 [incorrect birthdate] came to America and was living in Charlestown, Mass in 1640; he emigrated under the name of Miles to conceal his intentions from his family. At Charlestown he signed the town order for the new town of Woburn and was one of its first and most prominent inhabitants, serving for 18 years on the Board of Selectmen and on various town committees. He owned and operated a mill on one of the streams of Woburn and is described by Sewall as "a gentleman of great respectability and influence in the place of his residence." In a strict Puritan community he had the courage to differ slightly in faith from the majority for which he was duly fined."

Thirteen citizens of Woburn were prosecuted before the Middlesex Co Court in December 1671 for publicly manifesting contempt for the ordinance of infant baptism and attending the assemblies of Ana-Baptists which were then not allowed by law. One of the thirteen was Francis Kendall.
"In 1657, Francis Kendall is released from all 'Ordinary Traynings.' Middlesex County Court records, Vol. 1, p 143. There is a well authenticated tradition in the Kendall family that Francis Kendall was stolen from a Ralph Miles in England and brought to this country." Woburn VR 14

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Traffic and highway patrol Crisis in New England

Every weekend and holiday we have police, both local and state on roads and highways, sitting in wait  in the crossover of a highway to catch an unsuspecting motorist who might loose track of their speed for a bit. Or sitting in wait in a small town area where the speed limit drops quickly and dramatically for a bit so that they can get their quota and make some money for the town.

I understand that speeding is a problem and it is dangerous. I think that making sure people are aware of their speed, and habitual perpetrators are fined, is a necessity. However it is my humble opinion that there is too  much focus on this activity and not enough focus on catching people who blatantly ignore traffic signs and endanger people just as much if not more so. Additionally, I find that in bad weather, like in a recent unexpected ice event when I was traveling on an old local highway, I do not see any police monitoring speed levels or driving dangers until there is already an accident to clean up. If speed patrol is a priority it surely should be so on ice covered highways with temps teetering on the freezing edge.

For me however the crisis is something not monitored at all.  I don't know if this is an issue in other areas of the country but on New England highways, where on and off ramps are old and short and inadequate at best, the YIELD sign is almost ALWAYS ignored. People entering the highway put their own lives and the lives of those already on the highway at major risk by blatantly ignoring the fact that the sign even exists. Many if not most of them don't even look. They blindly look forward expecting the driver in the lane, already on the highway, to make any and all adjustments to avoid hitting them and possibly causing a multi car pileup. This is coupled with the fact that drivers in the left lane ignore the plight completely and do not allow the driver on their right any leeway. Regardless the fault lies with the driver entering the highway ignoring the signs.

In New England we pay many taxes and fees that are associated with traffic control and highway maintenance and with all our pot holes and decaying bridges I think we see little in return. I believe that there are many driving infractions that go completely unnoticed because there is no monitoring even though the police are fully aware of the problem and the danger. I would like to see a campaign similar to the one Massachusetts had years ago to raise awareness of pedestrian crosswalk 'right of way' with a corresponding program of monitoring and penalties. This is a proven way of fixing the problem and in my humble opinion will provide more of a public service than lying in wait to catch someone who might need to pass another driver and accelerate over the speed limit temporarily.

I'm looking for any info on a program that might already exist. If you know of any please let me know.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Great Food, Impressive Beverage and Unique Shopping Experience in Brookline NH

I came across this little gem while I was driving through NH and stopped for gas. It is not easy to spot if you're not looking for it. IT is the Cozy Tea Cart. It is behind a gas station and bank and adjacent to a real estate office. You need to look for it, especially in winter, because the parking spaces might be buried in a snow pile. However it is well worth the extra effort. Here are directions if you need

They have been featured on local TV several times.Click here to see the  WMUR TV 9 recent video from February 2014. Tea Tastings, classes, lectures and special functions are all available for a reasonable price.

The claim to fame is the tea and the wealth of knowledge and supply for tea making on hand at the shop.
Teas come from all over Asia. Owner/Operator Danielle Beaudette has lectured at Yale, provides educational classes onsite and is available as a group guest speaker or consultant on health benefits and social impact to name a few subjects. There are two rooms at The Cozy Tea Cart Cafe. The split entrance opens left to a gift shop and right to the cafe.
My experience was wonderful. The atmosphere is so soothing. The cafe has multiple seating arrangements. There is a bar style for a group. Small tables for a few. And a sofa facing the fireplace for a couple. In the summer there is outdoor cafe seating as well.
I sat at a table by the window. The music playing  in the room was very relaxing. (NOTE: Do not go to the Cozy Tea Cart Cafe if you are rushed.) The woman waiting tables and working in the gift shop was one and the same, the owner.  WIFI was available so that I could use computer, tablet or phone with no issues. It is a wonderful place to bring a book and sip your tea while watching whatever goes by the window, in a tranquil state that is a lot less expensive than a vacation or even a massage. It is so inexpensive, I felt guilty.

I chose a tea that is somewhat seasonal. It is a flavored green tea called Breakfast Nut Crunch. I couldn't get enough of the aroma. The flavor and taste is phenomenal. The color is clear and nut brown. It was lunchtime so I decided to go full in and get a lunch item and ponder for awhile the concept of dessert. Almost everything on the menu is under $5 with few exceptions. (You can get larger items for take home.) I opted for the 8oz Macaroni and Cheese with breadcrumbs. I was told that all menu items are made for the store by their chef. The mac and cheese was delicious.  8 oz was just right for lunch and left me with a desire for dessert. I chose a scone from the  seasonal menu . It was served with jam and butter. Delightful is not too strong a word. The whole meal came to $9.75. I asked if she was sure she had counted everything. I tipped her more than 50%, How could I not.
Did I mention the gift shop? There are Teas and Pots and gifts of accessories. Many of the offerings are locally hand made.



With gift in hand I left the shop for $13.75. NH has no sales tax. I could not have been a happier camper. I will surely return and bring others with me.
NOTE: use the links throughout to get to selected pages on the website or Facebook

Friday, February 14, 2014

Second Hand Bookstore - First Rate Experience - Bookstores and Coffee Shops in New England #2

For me books are all about the experience. Everyone could just read e-books or listen to audio books but I enjoy the experience of a paper book as do most people. I love the feel of a great binding and the visual of great graphics. I also enjoy the hunt for something special. A used bookstore will offer that every time. It is like rescuing a puppy or recycling to save the environment. You find something that was someone else's at one point in time and give it new life as yours for a price you can afford and are willing to pay. I did. I found a great Elvis Encyclopedia along with a vintage Yankee Magazine recipe book and book called "If I live to be 100", all for under $11, in a little shop along a winding route 63, off of route 2 in Western Massachusetts. It was a wonderful little experience by the name of Northfield Coffee and Books.

Northfield Coffee and Books has free WiFi  and is on FACEBOOK and offers online ordering. A great PLUS for parents is that it is also Kid Friendly. I didn't have any little ones with me but several people were enjoying coffee and a newspaper with a carriage by the side of their table.It was very informal. I was allowed to browse with my coffee in hand.Very welcoming. There is also a little gift shop adjacent which expands your shopping experience beyond the book.

Like Bruces' Browser that I reviewed in my "Shop Local for the Holiday" series this shop promotes local artists and local vendors and bakers. This shop offers Deans Beans as did Bruces. They offer Lake Champlain Chocolates as we saw at Kringles. They also promote Cheshire Garden jams and mustard made in Winchester NH.  Poetry night is once a month, in February it will be the 27th. Like Bruces Northfield Coffee and Books also is a local gathering place with Trivia Night being planned and advertised for March 1st.

If you are looking for an experience and not just an escape from reality, take some time out of your busy life to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate with perhaps a scone or a muffin. and look for something special. You'll be glad you did.


Friday, January 31, 2014

Bookstores and Coffee Shops in NEW ENGLAND - #1

Everyone one loves a coffee shop bookstore combination, especially in the winter. You want to shop for something you can enjoy indoors and you want to be warm and comfortable. This year especially with the long winter cold snap we are looking for someplace we can spend some time and not be in and out in 10 minutes.
Well, there are many of these combinations in New England and we will get into those over the next month or so but for a start lets mention one that might not be your first thought when you think New England coffee shop but maybe should be, Barnes and Noble.
In the New England states there are quite a few that have a Barnes and Noble cafe featuring Starbucks coffees. Beyond Starbucks offerings there are hot lunches, dessert and breakfast items from other vendors such as the Cheesecake Factory. Most cafes offer seasonal beverages for a limited time. There is usually the opportunity to pick up some great Godiva Chocolates for your sweetheart before you leave as well.
The experience is inviting and relaxing and offers more than just food , coffee and a chance to preview your book purchase,  there is also complimentary WiFi for those with enabled cell phones or tablets or laptops.
Most stores offer children's activities or story-time (such as the Friday morning story-time in the Braintree MA store and the Manchester NH store or Saturday in Leominster MA store)  which allow a parent a wonderful opportunity for alone time and some adult relaxation.
Store ImageStore Image
Many offer Nook Book Discussion groups or classes to boot (like the Breakfast Nook at the Bellingham store or Worcester MA store and Warwick Center RI).
Store ImageStore Image
Or just visit one for a relaxing rest stop when you are in town, like the one that can be found at the Prudential Center in Boston MA.  There are several in CT( for example Canton where there are American Girl Club Meetings), one in Agusta ME and one in Burlington VT.
Store Image
If you can find the right one with the right schedule this could work out to be a very eventful shopping experience without spending a lot of cash.
Not every Barnes and Nobles has a cafe and not every cafe has an event scheduled. Check with the B&N site store locator if you are looking for something specific in a specific area. It is a good time if you know what to expect.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

January is a time for fun

Fun in New England in January can translate into many different forms. I will list a couple and there could not be any greater contrast between the two that I am going to list than the physical exertion required. They both require a huge amount of concentration and brain exertion.

Skiing in New England is available in every state. Yes, even Rhode Island. Where you choose to ski depends on how far you want to travel, how good a skier you are and how much you are willing to pay.
Check out more about each ski area at the 60 individual ski area links below:







Connecticut has 4:
Mohawk Mountain 
Mt. Southington Ski Area
Ski Sundown
Woodbury Ski Area 

Maine 11
New Hampshire 16
Attitash Resort
Black Mountain 
Bretton Woods
Cannon Mountain
Cranmore Mountain Resort 
Crotched Mountain Ski & Ride Area 
Dartmouth Skiway 
Granite Gorge Ski Area 
Gunstock Mountain Resort 
Loon Mountain 
Mount Sunapee Resort 
Pats Peak Ski Area 
Ragged Mountain 
Waterville Valley Resort 
Whaleback Ski Area 
Wildcat Mountain Ski Resort 


Massachusetts 11
Rhode Island 1


Another winter pastime in New England is Casinos and the options are growing all the time. Most casinos offer hotels, spas, restaurants as well as concerts along with gaming.  Again the choices include Rhode Island but not Massachusetts or Vermont. Another option in most coastal states gaming is accomodated via cruise ships. With Vermont you have neither but across the border in New York there are several. Massachusetts has several proposals on the table in several areas, eastern, central and western parts of the state. 
New Hampshire:
Bangor
Hollywood Casino Hotel and Raceway
Oxford

Rhode Island:
Lincoln
Newport