Winnipesaukee Forum - Blogs http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php A discussion forum for the Lakes Region of New Hampshire en Sun, 21 Mar 2010 14:21:00 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg Winnipesaukee Forum - Blogs http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php Our Military Heroes! http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=67 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:00:48 GMT There are many Forum members with loved ones in the military. Since this topic is non lake related, I am starting this blog dedicated to our nation's heroes.

It would be great if you could post here and share your stories and experiences with your Forum family.

Since becoming friends with WinnDixie and learning about her grandson, it has really personalized our troops for me.
I have a renewed mission to do a little something to support our troops. Thanks WinnDixie! :D

Little things mean a lot. Excerpt from the Girl Scout Cookie thread.
Quote:
Originally Posted by WinnDixie View Post
Over 100 boxes, raised by donations to a G.S. Troop here in Huntsville, have gone to my grandson's Army unit-- 5th Stryker Brigade presently at Marjah in Afghanistan. They will be a welcome treat, and won't last long!
Here are some links of ways to make a difference:
(Please feel free to add links!)

Support Our Troops!

Hero Miles - Donate your frequent flyer miles to assist service members and their families.

MotoMail Send a letter!

Operation: Care and Comfort

Operation Military Pride

Any Soldier

Amateur Radio Military Appreciation Day

Thanks for reading my blog!

Sincerely,

Celia
"Rattlesnake Gal" ]]> Rattlesnake Gal http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=67 A Welcome January Real Estate Thaw http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=65 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 16:37:03 GMT We are through an almost snowless January and half of February with but 4-6” or so and I’m thinking this is pretty great as I haven’t had to plow my driveway much and I haven’t sanded it once! However, the lack of snow in the *Lakes Region of NH * (http://www.lakesregionhome.com)definitely has a... We are through an almost snowless January and half of February with but 4-6” or so and I’m thinking this is pretty great as I haven’t had to plow my driveway much and I haven’t sanded it once! However, the lack of snow in the Lakes Region of NH definitely has a negative impact on the local businesses and is certainly not good for the local economy. Although January residential home sales weren’t really stellar we had an avalanche of activity compared to last year. You may recall, last February I reported that January of ’09 had to be just about the bottom of the market with only 28 sales with an average of sales price of $217,283. It was pretty bad! Well, last month we had 44 residential sales at an average price of $377,781. That may not sound like much, but that is a 57% increase in sales over January 2009.

More importantly, on a rolling 12 month basis we posted 736 residential home sales for the period ending 1/31/10 compared to 669 sales for the 12 month period ending 1/31/09. That is a 10% increase in sales over a 12 month period which might not be as exciting as a blizzard to Gunstock Ski Area but it certainly is better than the downward trend we had been experiencing. The average sales price is down from the $336,088 posted in 2009 to $298,879 as of 1/31/2010 but that is to be expected with the large number of low end sales and foreclosures.

Again, half the sales in January 2010 were below the $200,000 mark which seems to be the case just about every month. But there were two sales over $1 million and two sales over $2 million all on Lake Winnipesaukee. The highest sale in January was a waterfront property at 66 Iroquois Lane in Moultonborough which sold for $2.25 million. This 5,500 square foot Adirondack style home had 12 rooms, 5 bedrooms, seven baths, a three car garage, and all the amenities and quality construction expected in this price ranges. The home was set on a fabulous 1.9 acre lot with 150 feet of frontage, H dock, and a sandy beach. I’m sure the buyer of this property is hoping for no more snow and an early spring!

Remember, Will Rogers once said that “Real Estate is the best investment in the world because it is the only thing that they’re not making anymore”. Particularly, if it has a dock…
Attached Images
 
]]> Roy Sanborn http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=65 Lakes Region and Winnipesaukee Property Deals http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=63 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:12:16 GMT It is time to take another look around the MLS system to see what kind of potential deals can be found in the *Lakes Region of NH (http://www.lakesregionhome.com)*. There is certainly enough inventory out there to choose from. Some of the older homes on the market are offered at prices that would... It is time to take another look around the MLS system to see what kind of potential deals can be found in the Lakes Region of NH. There is certainly enough inventory out there to choose from. Some of the older homes on the market are offered at prices that would seem to make them pretty good values particularly if you can fix them up yourself. There are always some repairs, system upgrades, or cosmetic issues to deal with in older homes but many of these homes are well built and have charm and character that is difficult to replicate in newer construction..

For example, If you’d like a stately, turn of the century home on one of the nicest streets in Laconia, the property at 229 Pleasant Street just might satisfy the “This Old House” urge in you. This home has 3,878 square feet of living space with four bedrooms, four and a half baths, three fireplaces, nice original woodwork, hardwood floors, and a three level barn for your livestock. There is no doubt that it will need an infusion of cash and some elbow grease will be necessary to bring it back to its former glory, but at an asking price of $200,000 (or 68% of the tax assessed value of $295,900) it could certainly be worth the effort. This home is offered as a short sale so some patience on the part of the buyer may be necessary.

Another older home at 201 White Oaks Rd in Laconia will also no doubt need some updating but with an asking price of $139,000 (which is 63% of the tax assessed value of $229,900) there would appear to be room to do that. The home has 2,162 square feet of living space, three bedrooms, one and one half baths, a formal dining room, fireplace, hardwood floors, a nice yard with stonewalls, and a one car garage. This home has a nice location and nice potential for the right buyer.

If an old house is not up your alley, then the contemporary style home at 22 Winaukee Rd in Moultonborough might fit the bill. This 3,095 square foot, 14 room, three bedroom, three and one half bath residence has a great floor plan with lots of windows and light, soaring ceilings, hardwood floors, and detailed woodwork. There is a first floor master suite, two bedrooms upstairs, and a large family room in the walk out basement. The property is listed at $394,900 (or 83% of the tax assessed value of $475,400) which seems like a deal given the high quality construction and detail in this home.

There are also some potential deals on Winnipesaukee as well. The waterfront home at 35 Leaward Shores in Moultonborough was originally offered at $1.5 million last year and is now listed at $989,000 (or 69% of the tax assessed value of $1.43 million). This is a 4,248 square foot, four bedroom, four bath home with a guest cottage on a 1 acre lot with 300 feet of frontage and a 50 foot permanent dock. If a cottage is more your style take a look at 77 Richardson Shores in Moultonborough. This five room, 1 bedroom cottage can be used year round, and has the requisite knotty pine interior, gas fireplace and screened porch. It sits on a .96 acre lot with 100 feet of frontage and deep water docking. It is offered at $499,000 which is 88% of its tax assessed value of $569,900. Also in Moultonborough, at 121 Swallow Point Rd, there is another one bedroom seasonal cottage that comes with a bunk house that will sleep an additional four people. The cottage sits on a level, half acre lot is just steps to a beautiful sandy beach and a forty foot dock. This property was originally listed at $749,00 and has been reduced to $669,000 or 89% of the tax assessment of $747,700.

These are but a few of the many potential deals available right now in the beautiful Lakes Region of NH. But don’t just look at the “deal”, the house you buy should always meet your needs and fit your lifestyle and budget. A good buy on a home that really doesn’t fit you is not a good buy at all. The best deal of all just may be the house you love and can see yourself in for a long, long time regardless of the price.
Attached Images
 
]]> Roy Sanborn http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=63 Photo Entries Of Our Family Album http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=57 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:01:04 GMT Family album from Life, 1953 My Sister and I are in the process of taking the album apart to scan all of the photos so as to give copies to all of our family members. Loading the luggage trailer, and heading west, only to return to Lake Winnipesaukee, several years later. Love, T PS.... Family album from Life, 1953
My Sister and I are in the process of taking the album apart to scan all of the photos so as to give copies to all of our family members.

Loading the luggage trailer, and heading west, only to return to Lake Winnipesaukee, several years later.
Love,
T

PS. Part of the story of our journey west was published in a Dec. 28th 1953 issue of Life Magazine.
Link; http://books.google.com/books?id=-T8...age&q=&f=false

Life Magazine-And I quote; " The Ruggs lost their old home in Stoneham for back taxes".
Our old home was up for sale and had not sold before we had to start the trip west. Power of attorney was left with what my Dad thought was a friend, and low and behold after we were out in California, found out that this creep sat on and upped the price, let it go into forclosure, and baught it from the bank for peanuts!... As you can imagion, My Folks already had a full plate out west and chalked it up to experiance...

Also, my brother Brynn fell from the second rung of a ladder to an upper bunk bed and just was unlucky enough to land wrong on his leg...

This story will continue...
Love,
T
The next portion of our trip, although out of sequence I remember very well and would like to share it with Y'all.

I was 7 years old, pushing 8.
We had spent the day in Salt Lake City before travelling south into Las Vegas.
On this leg of our trip, the bought used luggage trailer had a bent axle and would strip the rubber off a new tire on a pretty regular basis, especially in the heat of day... It and we experienced two flat tires, which slowed us down immeasurably. The decision was made in Las Vegas to cross the Mojave Desert at night.

Well, there just happened to be a raging wind and sandstorm and my Dad had his hands full trying to keep the high profile rig in one lane. Here comes a State Trooper that had been following us for a while, he pulled us over and made us put up at a truck stop over night until the storm blew over.
Now, even after the sunset it was HOT. Neither the Buicks or the Magic Carpet had air conditioning. I was tired and went to bed early that evening.
Before my Mom and Dad turned in for the night, they left the front door open with just the screen door closed for ventilation.
Next, and this could have been the early creation of how Brinks Home Security got started.

They took out Every pot & pan, piled them on the kitchen counter, tied a string from them and over to the screen door handle, so as any would-be intruder would at least wake us up!
So guess who wakes up thirsty in the middle of the night, stumbles out to the kitchen and streight away sets this crude but very effective devise off!
'HE, double hocky sticks' broke loose, and the pain of the pots & pans bouncing off of my bare toes, and my own family coming at me with rolling pins, baseball bats and guns, you can talk all you want about seeing you're life flash before you're very EYES!!
Oh, and take another guess who was on everyones dung list for a few days, to boot!:)...

I added a newspaper clip of our Mom that won on an old TV show back in the fifties that some may remember, Queen for a Day Hosted by the late " Jack Bailey. "
The Rugg family children got to watch the episode live at home on TV.
For those who remember, and would like to take a trip back and down memory lane, I will add a link to some old video clips of the show. http://www.queenforaday.com/queen-for-a-day-clip3.asp

Enjoy,

Our 34 day trek across our very and beautiful United States braught us to, on the evening of and July 6th, 1952 when we pulled into The Airport Trailer Village- Park in Westchester, CA. A suburb west of Los Angeles.
Were there for a week and moved to Artesia, southeast of Los Angeles.
The trailer was in place and Dad decided he would put the stabbalizers in place the next day.

It was here at 5:00 AM the next morning that we discovered one of California's notoriaties.
"EARTHQUAKE!" The Tahachapi earthquake paid us a visit. Had our wheeled trailer rocking and swaying like a washing machine. Most of us ended down on the floor and thought that our trailer was going to, see you on the flip side.
Opened the back door and saw the COWs, in a field and pasture, falling and tumbling over like candle pins.

Sight seeing in New York, and the disarmorment fo a cannon at the Gettysburge Memorial Battleground. :)

Viewing the Empire State Building.

Trying to find a spot to park the tent, Fort Wayne Indiana.

Pulling out of Cajon Pass, CA.


Moral to this story, haven't quite got there yet, If Mother Nature could ever give a Clue,
"TRUST AND BELIEVE IN HER!"

More pics by Life Magazine...

Brother Fred being picked up at the house by the Marines. He served in Okinawa.

Brother Mel served in the Navy, and your's truley served in the Army Signal Corps




Updated 09-07-2009 at 02:12 AM by trfour (Add smaller pictures)
Tags
From left to right, Brynn, Dad, Mom, June, Fred, Bob, Mel, Linda, Diane, Terry, Doña.

Sister Sandra was born out in California, after our journey. Attached Images

A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
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trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
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trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
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Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's

Posted 07-06-2009 at 12:54 AM by trfour
Updated 08-30-2009 at 12:59 AM by trfour (Additions to text)
Tags
My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while...
Continue reading...
Attached Images
Attached ImagesUS3091480.pdf (323.9 KB, 16 views)


trfour
Senior Member
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]]> trfour http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=57 The Crew.... http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=56 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 05:42:03 GMT From left to right, Brynn, Dad, Mom, June, Fred, Bob, Mel, Linda, Diane, Terry, Doña. Sister Sandra was born out in California, after our journey. From left to right, Brynn, Dad, Mom, June, Fred, Bob, Mel, Linda, Diane, Terry, Doña.

Sister Sandra was born out in California, after our journey.
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]]> trfour http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=56 <![CDATA[A Magic Carpet Ride , And The Rugg's]]> http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=55 Mon, 06 Jul 2009 04:54:15 GMT My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we... My Mom and Dad were thinking about moving to California from the east coast back in 19and 51. This adventure would have to be thought out well in advance because at the time we were a family of 9 children. First of all, as we all know today, how can we make this gigantic move, and secondly, do we have anymore families of this size today?.... Food for thought. If you are thinking that maybe times were better back in the day, try it!!

Second of all, logistics, feeding the family while in route....Take the kitchen and the hotel with. Well and Wallah, we purchased a 46' house trailer, and affectionately Named it , "The Magic Carpet".... Troubles are not over yet, by any means folks, We were able to bring the Very and Large Hotel with, thanks to some more ingenuity from my Dad.... I will say here, again that my Mom & Dad also purchased an 1949 Buick Roadmaster with an Dynaflow automatic transmission. My Dad equipped it with overload springs and a Heavy duty trailer hitch.... My Dad, full knowing about all things, transportation wise!.... He took the trailer on a shakedown cruise in Stoneham Ma. and the heavy duty trailer hitch bent down and the trailer almost became dislodged with!! This trailer, by the way weighed some 7 and 1/2 ton when loaded with all of our "bringalongs".. so to speak. This trailer was purchased new, a Michigan Aero, and was six' longer than a railroad boxcar, at the time. A design flaw that they have corrected since was that it only had two axles. This meant that there would be an unbelievable amount of what they call, ( tongue weight ), at the hitch of the tow vehicle.
Back to the drawing board for my Dad. He checked around and found a few different tongue dollies that mounted in the tow frame at the front of the trailer that would take the load off of the tow vehicle, in this particular case, the poor Buick Roadmaster. Well he tested these until he found one that he, and the old Buick felt good with and chose a triple wheeled, air over hydraulic unit that filled the bill for the long trip. It turned out to be a finicky apparatus in that keeping the three wheels at a constant tire pressure, or the thing would go about to shimmying. :eek:
Just and by the way, the Buick was powered buy a straight eight engine! Thats 1/2 of a V16, save the raw horse power. Could have pulled Paul Bunions socks from his boots while holding the world upon his shoulders and towing the Magic Carpet twice boots! :)

The Largest trailer that ever crossed the Rockie Mountains, at the time... And negotiating Donner Pass in the northern Sierra Nevada's at 7'085 feet above sea level, was a trip in itself. :eek:... And thank God that the snow Gods were vacationing down under! :)

"YES, And OH YES" were we ever pulled over by whatever States finest en route, wanted to ticket us, for "Over Length" and over weight.

My Mom's Sister's husband was an very talented commercial artist, and was friends with photographers that worked for Life Magazine, he informed them about our intended adventure, and Life wanted to follow us on our trip to the west and do a public interest story!

Yes this trip today would be much easier, although just remember those whom have gone before us, my Dad also had some US Patents.... And yet, this is another story.

This story will continue here with published and unpublished photos from Life, and as well, the Rugg family.
Love,
T

Did I say here that we were pulled over, not to worry, because we had the proper permits for the States that we traveled and through.. :)

Photo by a Life Photographer taken from his 1949 Ford rag top!! Do not worry folks, these pics will get better along the way as they will all be scanned, and not be photographed through a protective film in the album.

Added Photos; My Dad With Permits in hand.
HP looks a lot more worried than my Dad, at this point.

"On The Road Again "....


Now back to the prep work. My Dad got things ironed out on the mechanical side, and my oldest Brother Fred and I were right there to give a hand whenever he needed us. No problem....

Okay, with a head check, we were off on our journey that took us to New York City, The Empire State building, Statue Of Liberty, and I will add some photos as we go along here.
Have I told you the part about getting to see some of this stuff that most only got to see in a history book, back in the fifties!! "It Was Awesome"!!!! and I was 7 years old, at the time. We did some sightseeing and it was time to find our way to the George Washington Bridge. Well let me say this to all today. New York City was and is still under construction!! and with the poor signage somehow we ended up on some Parkway, that didn't allow trailers and the next thing we knew we were at the on ramp to, The Bridge!!.... it only gets better from here.... The travel lanes were too narrow for a bicycle, let alone a flip pen 46' house trailer, and there were a Gazilion traffic cones so as to make any attempt at negotiating The Bridge Impossible!! A side note, before this day, I thought only animals had horns!! and well, there just happened to be a motorcycle cop directing traffic, and you should have seen the glare in which he gave my Dad when he had to move them to let us continue!! This was a hot and sunny day, he didn't try to stop us and wright a ticket. to this day, I think he was a smart guy!!
Continuing story to follow.

It was on to Washington DC where we enjoyed some more sightseeing. From there it was on to Harrisburg, PA. and the Gettysburg Memorial Battleground.
From there, on to Chicago...., through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and finally into LaGrange Illinois.
Oh, in Ohio we ran into some weather and, "What it is". a tornado had closed the main road and route, we were detoured onto a dirt road, that in retrospect, I would have Not taken a four wheel drive pickup, without any trailer!!
Here we go!, Back before we even left on this trip, my Dad picked out some rear, or Drive tires for the 1949 Buick, that through his wisdom took us safely from Coast to Coast, up and over all of the badlands and beyond!.... If my memory serves me, they were and maybe the first all weather tread design, made by Cooper Tire & Rubber Co..... Here it is, 1952.

Yes and "We did get beyond the detour".

A day or two in LaGrange and we were on our way.

Dad hadn't picked up a permit for Illinois........ and don't you know that we were pulled over by Illinois's finest. He measured with his ruler, tape measure and found that we were 215 inches over length!
A justice of the peace was wakened and Mom & Dad were taken off to court.

"One dollar an inch"! was the penalty.
Dad said, "Well your honor, we don't have that kind of money so you will have to put us and our 9 children in jail."....

"Twenty dollars, and get out of here." was the judge's response.


We travelled up to the Wisconsin Dells, another delight to see.... Put it in your things to do....
Revisit, and we then headed further west.

Wherever we stayed, people would throng to our trailer to walk through and visit. It was a large trailer. We travelled west from Wisconsin through Minnesota and into Brookings, South Dekota. This was petty bleak territory at that time (probably still is) Outside of Brookings, we almost lost the Magic Carpet on a mud slicked road that had flooded out the day before.


We none-the-less moved across South Dekota to Rapid City, where we stayed in a Native American Trailer Park.......we ventured out from there to visit Mount Rushmore (awesome!)
and Dinasour Nationel Park (equally awesome!).
Have I forgot-en to say how Awesome this entire trek was for all of us Kids!!!! :look:



[Quote,] About US Patents, FDR; One of and his hand drawings in this application.
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]]> trfour http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=55 A Different Way to Travel http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=52 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:40:36 GMT Back in the early years of travel to the lake, as has been well documented by McDude in his historical postings, rail travel was a prominent mode of transportation. Here is a perspective on that mode of travel. During the winter, we were talking with our friends, who moved from Laconia to... Back in the early years of travel to the lake, as has been well documented by McDude in his historical postings, rail travel was a prominent mode of transportation. Here is a perspective on that mode of travel.

During the winter, we were talking with our friends, who moved from Laconia to Georgia, about going down to visit them. We talked about driving down vs. flying down and then my wife got the idea that perhaps we should look into taking a train down. She had never been on a train, not even a commuter train into Boston. Her grandparents had taken a train across country and back decades ago, and raved about the trip. So, after looking at Amtrak’s schedules and pricing, we decided that we would take Amtrak from Boston to New York to Atlanta (our friends live about an hour northeast of Atlanta). We discussed the trip with our friends, and they suggested that we get off in Gainesville GA, which is only 20 minutes from their house, and doesn’t require getting into the Atlanta traffic.

Now Amtrak is about twice the cost of flying, and our total time of travel was going to be about 23-24 hours each way, which is about the time required to drive it, but we would be traveling in a more relaxed situation. We booked the trip with coach seating from Boston to New York (Penn Station) and then a roomette on the NY to Gainesville leg. The return trip was similarly booked, and we had two months to think and dream about this vacation, where we would be playing a lot of golf with our former golf partners up here.

Our departure date (April 18th) arrived and we headed to Portsmouth to pick C & J’s bus to Boston’s South Station. We were traveling reasonably light; two golf travel bags, two rolling suitcases that would easily fit in an overhead, and two small carry-ons. The trip to South Station was uneventful after first dropping off the Logan passengers, and our first trip through the Ted Williams tunnel. We were dropped off at the bus terminal side of South Station, which is about a two or three hundred-yard walk to the train side.

Signage about where to go was almost non-existent, and we finally spotted a sign that said “Trains” with an arrow. There were no Red Caps (train version of Sky Caps) in sight, so I carried the two golf bags and my carry-on and my wife dragged the two suitcases and her carry-on. The walkway is only about 4 feet wide, and we were almost immediately met by a throng of people who had just arrived from a train and were heading to the bus terminal or parking garage. What particularly attracted our attention to these folks was their attitude, which was basically “get the @#%% out of my way”, which of course is not the New Hampshire way, i.e., being courteous by taking pity on two old folks traveling, lugging their baggage themselves (did I mention there were not Red Caps in sight?), and not knowing particularly where we were going.

Well, we finally made it to the train station, and I checked in with the ticket counter. Everything was in order, and I asked what track the train would be leaving from, and was told they hadn’t determined that and it would be announced about 30 minutes before boarding, and that we should listen for the boarding call. No problem, we will find a table to sit at, get some coffee and a muffin, and wait the hour or so for boarding.

After sitting there for about 15 minutes, a Red Cap came up and asked us if we need help getting our baggage on the train. Resisting the temptation to ask “where the heck were you half an hour ago?”, I said sure. So he tagged our baggage and put it on his cart, gave us a card with his name on it, and said he would be by in a little while to get us out to the train. Okay, this is good.
True to his word, “Joe” came by and said let’s go, and we were finally on our way to the train. He took the group, none of whom had any children traveling with them, up to the “quiet car”, which means no cell phones, no loud conversations, no ankle biters to disturb the peace. Things are getting better after a rough start.

After Joe got our baggage on the car (a little area where you can place luggage that is too bulky or heavy to go in the overhead) we quickly found a seat, Seating is great: larger seats that an airplane, more leg room, a 110V outlet for your laptop or other electrical device, easy access to an overhead area for suitcases, and plenty of leg room. Seats recline, and have a large table to fold down off the seat in front of you. Yeah, things are definitely getting better.

I took my Garmin auto GPS out, plugged it into the 110 outlet, turned it on and waited for us to get out of the underground area of South Station and be able to receive a signal. Right on time, our Acela train started to move, and we shortly were out in the clear, and after a few minutes I had a signal on the GPS, and after zooming out to get a fairly large map view, we settled in for the trip to Penn Station.

The tracks to Penn Station are “high speed” tracks, meaning the trains can run at higher speeds than we see on tracks in NH, for example. We made a stop at Back Bay and Rte 128, and then we were off for Providence New London New Haven Stamford and into Penn Station. In the almost four hour trip, we were treated to some nice scenic views, and a surprisingly quiet ride. We were able to not just talk at a normal level (try that on an airplane), but we could almost whisper and still be heard. We put on our MP3 players and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the ride. A glance at the GPS after leaving rte 128 had my eyes open wide. The GPS was recording speeds of around 105-110 MPH, with no sensation of speed in the train, unless you look out the window staring straight ahead, and saw the blur of scenery going by. Between stations, we were consistently over 100 MPH, and had a high speed of 128 MPH. What was interesting was when we would pass another train heading in the opposite direction, or parked on another track. It would appear so quickly and you would be startled by a whomp sound. If you were lucky, sitting next to the window and having the tracks curve in just the right way at the right time, you might see the other train before it passed, but not often.

It was also interesting to walk down to the snack car to get something to drink and eat. We got a couple of sandwiches, chips and a soda and headed back to our seats. It was a strange feeling to walk in the train at those speeds. The aisles did have more room to pass someone than on a plane.

There were views of Narragansett Bay, and then many scenes of Long Island Sound. There were times when the train would slow to 30-40 MPH going over some bridges, but that just gave you more time to enjoy the scenery. We finally started to get into the NYC area, and were treated to a magnificent view of the New York skyline. What a great ending to a wonderful first leg of our trip, as we arrived at Penn Station a few minutes ahead of schedule, and we would only have a little over an hour layover, and we would be back on the rails again.

So, we grabbed our golf clubs and luggage, and fought our way off the train to the platform, and looked for signs to tell us which way to go. We also looked for a Red Cap. Yeah, right. However, the masses, who seemed to know where they were going, were all heading toward the rear of the train, so we followed them. I spotted a NYC Transit cop, and asked where we had to go to connect with Amtrak’s Crescent service towards New Orleans. His answer: “Take the escalator upstairs”. I thanked him, and we continued to follow the masses, and found an escalator, which is about one person wide, which makes getting on with two golf bags and my wife with her two suitcases some kind of fun.
We arrived at the top of the escalator to find ourselves in the middle of chaos. We moved out of the way of those behind us (the NH way) and looked around for Amtrak. All we saw was Long Island Rail Road, and the service to Philadelphia (PASS, I think). We once again started to carry and drag our stuff, because we could not find a Red Cap anywhere, and I spotted an LIRR conductor. I asked him where we had to go to connect up with Amtrak’s Crescent service, and he said, “I work for LIRR”, and pointed to his hat which had LIRR letters on it, which, of course, I had noticed. Letting him know (very nicely) that I realize he works for LIRR, I asked where we had to go to get to Amtrak, and he said “take the escalator over there” up to the next floor. (At least he told us where the escalator was!)

So, we once again had golf bags in hand, and suitcases dragging behind, and headed for the escalator, getting in line with others who were going up, and finally got to the bottom of the escalator which was one person wide so it was a lot of fun to get the two golf cases on and for my wife to get the two suitcases on, and then ride the escalator to the top where there was more chaos, and then get off and get out of the way of those who are coming up behind us (the NH way) and then looking for the Amtrak ticket area, and finally spotting it and finding a place to set the luggage down and not be in someone’s way (the NH way), I proceeded to check in with the ticket counter, who told me that all was in order, and that we could check our bags over at the baggage check area off to my left. (I think that is the longest run-on sentence I have had in over 50 years!)

So, with golf clubs in hand, we go to the Baggage Check area, and after a few minutes wait, and feeling really good about the worst of this experience being over, we get to put our golf bags down to be checked (the suitcases will go on the train with us, as the roomettes have an area to store suitcases (like an overhead on a plane). The agent asked us where we were going, and I said “Gainesville Georgia”, to which he replied “You can’t check your baggage to Gainesville, they don’t have baggage check service there.” Now, in looking at the itinerary on Amtrak’s website, I saw a notation that they did not have baggage check service at Gainesville, but I am thinking they have no Red Caps, which as it turns out would have no consequence to us, because we did pretty well without them anyway! I assumed that they would just hand down the clubs and we would be off and running. Obviously, such is not the case! So, I asked what we were supposed to do with the clubs, and he said they would have to stay in the roomette with us. I thanked him, and we went into the Club Acela area, which was right next to the baggage check area. Club Acela is a lounge area, and because we had sleeping accommodations, we could go in. The have complimentary beverages (non-alcoholic) and snacks, wireless, TV, restrooms, etc.

So we explained the predicament we were in to the customer service rep in the lounge, and asked if we could change our reservation to get off in Atlanta (the next stop after Gainesville) so that we could check the golf clubs. In order to do that, we would lose our AAA and senior discounts, plus would have to pay the additional costs, which was going to be a cost prohibitive. She did say that the cabin attendant on the train might be able to find a spot for them. I thanked her, and we sat down to relax for the hour or so before departure time.

We then got the boarding call and once again grabbed the golf clubs and luggage, headed out the door to the boarding escalator and got in line with the hoard waiting to board. We showed our tickets, fought our way onto the escalator once again, having tons of fun getting two golf bags and two suitcases on a narrow escalator, got off at the bottom and headed toward the front of the train for our sleeper car, where we met our cabin attendant standing outside. As he saw us approaching with the two golf bags and the luggage, he asked where were going. I said, “Gainesville GA” and he said “You can’t check your baggage there”. I explained my predicament to him, and told what the CSR in the lounge said, and he told us we would have to put them in the roomette for now, and once the train got rolling, he would see what he could do. True to his word, he came by about 5 minutes after we started moving, checked our tickets, and took the bags to an empty roomette.

So we settled into the roomette. The roomette has two seats that face each other, and they can recline, and also fold flat to make a bed. Cozy, but comfortable. There is another bed that is up nearly to the ceiling, and it lowers down for an upper berth second bed (both of them being twin size). There is climate control in each roomette, a sliding door for privacy, privacy curtains, a fold down sink that empties when you fold it back up again, 110 volt outlets, and a toilet that doubles as a step to get into the upper berth. Now, when you are traveling with someone else, you either have to be modesty free, or the other traveler will be leaving the roomette while you do your thing. As we were sitting there waiting to get under way, I had a flashback to my youth, and a little ditty that my dad used to sing:

When it is late and it gets dark, we goose the statues in the park,
If Sherman’s horse can take it why can’t you?
Passengers will please refrain from flushing toilets on the train,
Especially when it is standing still!

So, we are now on our way again, with GPS plugged back in, and once we get out of the underground route, we are again treated to a view of the NYC skyline. Our route will take us from Penn Station, to Washington DC Charlottesville VA Greensboro NC Charlotte NC Spartanburg SC Clemson SC to Gainesville GA (where they do not have baggage claim service!). There are actually about 20-25 stops along the way, too numerous to mention. Total time is about 17 hours or so. The Penn Station to Washington DC leg is also on high-speed tracks, and we hit a high speed of 116 MPH on this leg.

Once again we are treated to nice scenery and after being underway for a little while, the dining steward came by to ask us what time we would like to eat. We decided on 5:30, which would have us eating in the Baltimore to Washington DC portion of the trip.

We went to the dining car, which was right next to our car, at our reservation time. Meals are included with the price of sleeping accommodations. We ordered drinks (they do not have full bar service, only beer, some wine, and common mixed drinks. They could not do a vodka martini or Manhattan. A little disappointing). We had appetizers, salad, entrée, and dessert. I had Jambalaya that was very good, as was the rest of the meal. Can’t remember what my wife had, but it was good as well. The food is not prepared today as it was in the glory days of train travel, but is more like the meals you may get on a plane in first class. I had taken a train back in the mid-sixties to Chicago and then on St. Paul MN, and the food was prepared right there on the train, real live plates with the trains logo on it (NY Central), regular glasses and coffee cups, and fine flatware. Now, it is quality plastic dishes and basic flatware, again like what you may get in first class while flying, still very nice.

The service was fantastic, and as I said, the food was very good. We were not rushed and really enjoyed our meal, eating and being able to look out at the surroundings between Baltimore and Washington. The dining steward, who was also our waiter, asked us where we were going, and we said Gainesville GA. He did not say that you can’t check your baggage there, but he did say that the train would arrive there about 7:00 AM and that they start serving breakfast at 6:30, and he would make sure we had time to eat before we got to Gainesville.

After a half hour layover in Washington, we were once again on our way, treated to a nice view of Washington including the capitol and some of the monuments, and the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria VA, a beautiful building with a huge square and compass emblem on the grounds leading up to the Memorial.

We soon were traveling through the Blue Ridge mountain foothills, and now on more familiar style tracks, often times single tracks, going through small towns, farming areas, and the occasional city. Speeds in this portion of the trip were reduced considerably, more in the range of 50-65, although sometimes we would be up around 75-80. When we were on the high-speed tracks, we were passing cars on interstates at a rapid rate, but now it was not uncommon to have cars on two lane roads slowly pass us. Once again, not a big deal, because we were able to enjoy the scenery in a way we would not if we driving.

About 10:30, we decided to go to bed, and I climbed up into the upper berth, complete with a webbing restraint system that covered the middle edge of the upper berth to keep you from falling out. The mattresses were about two inch thick pads and were surprisingly comfortable. We thought we would have a basically sleepless night, but the movement of the train was almost like being rocked in a cradle. What did tend to wake us up was the pulling into a station and then stopping. Even then, you are treated to some scenery or points of interest. In Charlotte, the train stops right behind the Carolina Panthers stadium. There was one other thing that could wake you.

If you are driving along a road next to a railroad track, you may notice a sign with a “W” on it. That “W” is placed about a quarter to a half-mile from a railroad crossing, any railroad crossing, including one from the county road across the tracks to Billy Bob’s farm. When the engineer sees that sign, he blows the train’s horn: a long blast, a long blast, a short blast, and a long blast. That would be long-long-short-long. That would be 24/7. The good news is that the train cars have pretty good noise reduction, as I said earlier, and like anything else, after a while you do tend to get used to it. Of course, now if we are driving up here, and see a railroad track and the “W” sign, I just have to go “beeeeeeeep-beeeeeeeeeep-beeep-beeeeeeeeeep”!!!!

After a restful night, we got up about 5:15 or so, got dressed, and I went down to the end of our car for a couple of cups of coffee…that had been there all night…but it was coffee, it was hot, and did help to open our eyes. We put the top bunk up, brought the seats up to their upright position and watched as we went through Clemson SC and Toccoa GA. We decided that since our friends who were meeting us would probably say let’s stop for breakfast, we decided that we would not go to breakfast on the train.

At about 6:35, the dining steward stuck his head in the roomette and said that the dining room was open, he had our coffee poured and juice on the table, waiting on us. Well, we didn’t have the heart to say no thanks, so we went down to the dining car, had a nice breakfast (I had scrambled eggs, she had french toast, both had bacon or sausage), good coffee, and true to his word, we were done and walking back to the roomette as the train started to slow for its arrival in Gainesville.

Our cabin attendant got our golf clubs to the steps between cars on the train, and we brought our suitcases, and we all arrived in Gainesville. I had tipped him the night before for the clubs, but gave him another tip as we left and thanked him so much for a great train trip.

Our friends were there to meet us, and Nels grabbed the golf bags, even though he didn’t have a Red Cap on. We headed for IHOP for breakfast (no, we didn’t say we already ate) and we were on the first tee at Chatahoochee Golf Club at 9:00 AM.

The train trip was all we hoped it would be and more. Looking beyond the fiasco of no Red Caps and not being able to check our baggage, the trip was totally enjoyable and something we want to do again. It is scenic, peaceful, comfortable, and relaxing. It is not fast, but you also do not have to stand in line for an hour going through security, you are not crammed into a seat with no legroom, and we were not delayed at the gate or enroute.

We played golf on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. We played a total of five different courses, having played their course twice, and thoroughly enjoyed our visit. After Friday’s round, we went back to their house, put the golf clubs into the travel bags, and headed to the UPS store, where we spent a hundred bucks to ship the clubs back to NH. We got them on Tuesday.

With no golf clubs, the train ride home was equally wonderful. We boarded the train in Gainesville GA (remember Gainesville, they do not have baggage check service there) for a 9:15 PM departure, went to bed about 11:00 and got up about 6 in the morning. We had breakfast around Charlottesville VA, around 7:00 AM. We then had lunch around Baltimore at about noon, arriving in Penn Station at around 2PM. We then caught our train at about 6PM for Boston. Slow train. It only hit 116 MPH. It wasn’t one of those Acela speed demons.

Would we take another train trip? Absolutely. Would we recommend train travel to others? Absolutely. It can be a great way to go to NYC, Washington, Philly, etc., with plenty of legroom and comfort. Having the GPS was great, as it let us see at a glance where we were when between stations. I might be tempted to also bring an atlas, depending on where we are going. If you have a GPS, bring it. It is a nice thing to watch.

Hope you enjoyed the trip. ]]> upthesaukee http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=52 Change of seasons http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=49 Wed, 08 Apr 2009 15:36:53 GMT Glad to see many forum members came into the shop over the winter. We made some new friends and hopefully long term customers. Now the Motorcycle Season is upon us. If you are in Meredith on your Harley Davidson stop by. We Sell, Service and Do State Inspections. Hope to see as many faces from the... Glad to see many forum members came into the shop over the winter. We made some new friends and hopefully long term customers. Now the Motorcycle Season is upon us. If you are in Meredith on your Harley Davidson stop by. We Sell, Service and Do State Inspections. Hope to see as many faces from the forum during this Motorcycle season! ]]> WeirsBeachBoater http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=49 Check out RED CRANBERRIES in Alton http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=42 Sat, 14 Mar 2009 15:35:20 GMT About 70 new items have been delivered to Red Cranberries this month......the "gallery" is restocked. Stop on by! Thanks - McD
THE POSTCARD WORKSHOP
Attached Images
 
]]> mcdude http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=42 Wow, no Blogs since December? http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=40 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:56:49 GMT We must all be too busy! Sitting here today looking at the snow, with rumor of another big one on the way. Thinking Florida might be nice.... I would like to go back this year as a Bidder or Consignor Representative at Barrett Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction. I have been for the last two... We must all be too busy! Sitting here today looking at the snow, with rumor of another big one on the way. Thinking Florida might be nice.... I would like to go back this year as a Bidder or Consignor Representative at Barrett Jackson Palm Beach Collector Car Auction. I have been for the last two years as a spectator and bidder. I would go back this year, but as a paid position, So if anyone wants to buy a car there, or is selling there and needs a rep, let me know! I have free housing. I just would need you to cover travel, rental car and commission. Well for now, back to snowmobiles and all this fun New England stuff. ]]> WeirsBeachBoater http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=40 Christmas Already? http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=39 Thu, 18 Dec 2008 20:50:44 GMT I just looked at this and I can't believe it has been almost two months since I last posted.
Last post I was talking about the impending winter and now it's here. There is snow on the ground and it looks like this weekend I will be using the snowblower. The weather thus far has been a little disappointing We seem to be on the warm side of the storms. We sure didn't need all that ice last week. I hope this one is all snow.
Right now I am sitting in Ohio, I have been stuck in this Motel for a week and with the weather patterns the way they are I will be driving in the slop all the way to N. H. It will all be worth it if I can get home this weekend. Then maybe I can stay home till Christmas.
This year Christmas is at our house and I am really looking forward to seeing brother, sister, children, and grandkids.The joy I will get from that one day will keep me smiling until Feb.
I hope everyone out there has a great Holiday season. Now get out there and enjoy the snow. ]]> winnidiver http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=39 <![CDATA[My Mom & "The lake"]]> http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=38 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:28:45 GMT My mom has spent her entire life summering @ our family's home on Smith Point. This past summer was difficult as she has some form of arthritis which is making it difficult to get around. She can no longer climb stairs to the second floor where the bedrooms are...so a stair lift was installed. She is unable to get around the property.... so she got an electric power chair that enables her to get around. She and Dad have settled into a winter rental that's all one level, warm and cozy even in the coldest of weather. No more travelling to warmer climates for the winter as they used to. Travelling just got to be too much!! I feel a certain dread as we approach this winter. My mom loves her home on Winnipesaukee. Has she spent her last summer there? Will she be healthy enough to return to her spot on the lake for summer of 2009?? I can't imagine Lake Winnipesaukee without her there. She and the lake are one and the same to me. It just dawned on me that as a young woman (early 20's) I felt the same way about my grandmother. I guess to this day I do continue to associate my memories of her with the lake also. Thank goodness for those memories! ]]> SLI http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=38 <![CDATA[Semi-Retirement and other of Life's Jewels]]> http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=37 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 20:34:27 GMT Let's see...let's start with semi-retirement. In the summer of 2007, my wife and I looked forward to March 2008 and me reaching a point in life where I could file for retirement and start collecting Social Security (I will not start a debate or partake in one on that subject :rolleye1:). I was not in a rush to do so, and so I did not do much except go on Social Security's website and check out a few things. I already had my annual statement, and knew approximately how much I would be getting per month.

In February, a young fellow at work left the company, and the opening for his position was posted. His department was in deplorable condition and had been that way for a couple of years. Also, I was in a payroll cap (at the top of my payroll matrix), the move would be a lateral move with no pay increase, and my annual raise would be half what I would get if was not in a pay-cap situation. After two weeks, the store manager asked why I hadn't responded to the posting, and I told her why. She indicated to me that she wanted me to take the position, and I politely declined.

About a week went by, and she informed me that the district manager wanted me to take the position, which I politely declined and said if he had any questions, he should call me directly.

About a week or so went by, and she again asked me to take the position, which I declined (raises the old question about "what part of 'no' don't you understand? :laugh:")

Now we are in the middle of April, and I am again informed that it is desired for me to take the position, which I again declined, and I was then informed that due to a decline in sales, my full time position could be in jeopardy. I responded "OK", at which my manager then asked if I was taking the position. I said no to the position, the "ok" means I heard and understand you.

That evening, my wife and I again looked at our finances...what I was making vs. what I would get from S.S. and how much I could make each month continuing to work (part-time). Things still looked good, so I filed online for S.S., went down to Concord to the local office with the things they need to copy, asked how long (they said 4-6 weeks), and went home.

Next day I told my boss and said it looked like I would be going part time in about 4 weeks. Not that Saturday, but the following Saturday (a week and a half after filing) I received a letter from S.S. saying that in May I would get a check for April! Short month:rolleye2:.

So, on that Monday I told my boss of the letter, and the very next week, the first week in May, I started part time, two days a week (Wed & Fri) dayshifts, generally 8-4:30.

Now being in a retail environment can be a little stressful, but knowing that I only have to be nice and helpful, smiling all the while for no more than 8 hours, twice a week, has enabled me to enjoy my job more. There are still days that aren't very enjoyable, but again, it is only a matter of hours until I am done, and it is not a week of aggravation.

So what has semi-retirement done? I have some passions that I enjoy. One of them is golf. We joined the Farmington Country Club in Farmington NH. It is a nice 9 hole course that is well maintained, very affordable, and close to home (17 minutes door to door). I get to play almost every day I am off, being joined by my wife on weekends and some evenings (don't feel to bad for her...she takes every Tues off and plays golf with the NH Woman's Golf Assn at some pretty nice courses all over the State.)

I posted over 50 18 hole rounds this year, but alas, the PGA's Senior Tour players are safe for yet another year:D.

Another passion is boating, and this year we moved our boat back to Parker Marine in Alton. It is minutes from our house and is on the way from the golf course to our house. It is not unusual to finish a round of golf and then hit the boat on the way home.

I got my first fishing license in several years, and enjoyed getting out a little this year. I had the pleasure of taking three grandchildren out fishing for the day. We got into some small mouth bass, a few large mouth bass and some sunfish. The kids had a ball, but I think I may have had more fun, just watching them.

At one point during that day, the fishing had kind of fallen off, and no one was getting any bites, so we started a game of "I'm thinking of something that begins with the letter ?? ". My granddaughter said it started with "F", and we had guessed a few things. (Don't worry, this is totally clean!!!!!) All of a sudden, my line goes tight, and I said "Fish". My granddaughter said "NO", I said "Yes" , she said "No Grandpa", and I said " I have a fish on" and that was the end of the game for a while as Grandpa had a really nice smallie on. Oh, and the F was for "flag":).

I am also very active in my Masonic Lodge, and being semi-retired has allowed me to do more with my Masonic life. In fact, this Sunday Nov 23rd I am being installed as the Master of the Lodge for 2008-2009. I really enjoy the Masons and all that we as Masons do, and enjoy visiting other lodges and making friends that way as well. I generally travel from Laconia to Rochester and then north to North Conway.

The fingers are getting a little tired now, but I will continue the blog sometime in the near future.

I will leave you with one thought. The main reason I went forward with retirement as opposed to biting the bullet and taking a position I really did not want goes back to my Dad. Dad had a re-occurence of cancer in Nov 1987 and fought it for over a year, passing away on Dec 23rd 1988. Mom and Dad had planned to go to Australia in Nov 1988 for their 44th Wedding Anniverasary and in Nov 1989 were going to take my wife and I with them to Scotland for their 45th (our 20th, and our anniversaries were only 4 days apart). We could have done this earlier, but didn't. Of course, then we couldn't.

Dad told me literally while on his death bed, that we (wife and I) should never wait to do something if we could do it now. You see, my mom was born in Scotland and came to this country when she was three, and Dad was a first generation Scot in this country in his family, and they both wanted to go to Scotland.

So, I could retire, and rather than wait, I have done it. Thanks Dad !!!! ]]> upthesaukee http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=37 Winter is coming http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=36 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:10:17 GMT I just hit the Blogs section, very quiet over here..... I think we are all used to using the forum. Anyway. NHTOYSTORE.COM is Servicing all makes and models of Snowmobiles in the Lakes Region. Motorcycles are almost a memory, although I would like to sneak in one more ride..... Still have some... I just hit the Blogs section, very quiet over here..... I think we are all used to using the forum. Anyway. NHTOYSTORE.COM is Servicing all makes and models of Snowmobiles in the Lakes Region. Motorcycles are almost a memory, although I would like to sneak in one more ride..... Still have some storage space for your motorcycle!! Have some sleds for sale. Parts and Accys are 10% off til 11/30/08!!! Also Look for the Winnipesaukee Motorsports Float in the Laconia Holiday Parade!! Come see us, easy to find off 104 in Meredith on Waukewan St. ]]> WeirsBeachBoater http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=36 Idle thoughts.... http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=35 Thu, 23 Oct 2008 23:54:52 GMT Some idle thoughts at work on a Thursday night, waiting for 8PM to roll around...

Am I the only one in New England still excited about watching the World Series? Was crushed to see the Sox lose, but I just can't get enough baseball. Great time of year...October baseball, and tonight (Thursday) going to light the fireplace for the first time this season...

Been only two weeks, and missing camp and Meredith more than usual...

I remember posting and debating with other memeber of this forum in May/ early June about the state of the economy, and how bad things were, and how bad I believed they would become. I was surprised by some people telling me they believed I was wrong. Well, turns out I was...I never would have imagined how truly bad everything would turn.
In one month it will be time to make a decision regarding our valet service for next year. Paid thru April 1...but then the check for next year comes due...50/50 at best. Something's gotta give...

Who would have saw that Monday night Patriot's performance coming?!

Remember this past year hating, then loving, then hating, then loving the Lobster Pound? What a thread. And when we all thought they poisoned some kids with bad chocolate milk? Seems like ages ago. Much ado about nothing I say. It turned out to be a great spot...although I never went during peak hours. That third floor outdoor bar is a great spot, as the sun begins to set, on a warm summer late afternoon/early evening. If you have not been, trust me, and give that bar a bid next summer.

How out the whole Diamond Island deal? Anyone? Just like last year's "boat sinking"..just sort of faded away.

The speed limit thread...now that was fun. And Evanstar....christ, I had no idea. Not a personal attack in any way...I just had no idea. The debate always boggled my mind. I mean, streets have speed limits, and yet cars are still built and bought that go 100+ MPH.
People will go fast when the chance presents itself...and the lake wil be no different. Want to go 95 MPH in your GFBL boat? No problem...visit the broads on a Tuesday afternoon, and I'm sure noone will bother you. But the back side of Bear Island on a Sunday afternoon???? Use your head!!!!

I think the only thing worse than the speed limit thread this past year, was how ugly the restaurant threads always seem to turn. An opinion is an opinion. How can it be right or wrong? For whatever reason though, the restaurant forum is far and away my favorite. I must admit to sometimes saying something a little "off base" just to stir the pot, and crank things up a bit. Only been put in a timeout once by Don, though. So I guess it is all good.

Seems that with all the posting back and forth people do, and never really having the chance to meet, people would post from time to time about getting together on the lake. I tried once this past summer and got a bunch of replies...about meeting up to listen to the Sox on a Thursday afternoon in Johnson's cove. But it was a Thursday afternoon in late August, so only one other boat showed up...and alas, we had just left. It was the seventh inning, and I could Crazy Gringo's calling. Gonna try this again next year.

7:45...first pitch in 40 minutes.

And then we read about some fool who drove his boat into the Witches this summer. Wow! Pay attention to what you are dong, pal!

I have read Don's blog several times about his vaca this summer. Am I the only one who really enjoys this? And somehow pictures everything in his head as he is reading? It really is a great way to enjoy the lake from afar. That was a GREAT blog.

Are the half tables at Kitchen Cravings gone yet?

For any golfer on a tight budget, or a beginner who is a bit shy...try Oak Hills over in Meredith. Not in the best shape, but good fun for short money, and a great place to learn the game.

I stopped at Funspot this past summer with a friend, and actually bowled "10 pin". First time in 25 years. Great fun. Talk about having a few laughs!

Many more thoughts, but no more time...gotta lock up, and go home.

If you have the time, and are at the lake, stop over and bring something to the animals at the shelter in Laconia.

That's all I got... ]]> sa meredith http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/blog.php?b=35