Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to all my readers.
Hope everyone has a wonderful upcoming holiday season.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Danforth Bay Off Season Review
Feel like doing some late season camping? Why not! Gas prices are low. No crowds, no problems getting in and some campgrounds are open year round. Danforth Bay Camping Resort in Freedom, NH is one example and definately one of our favorites. We have been camping here for over 5 years now. Off Season / Late Fall is our favorite time to camp. We love the quietness and serenity.Worried about not having water? Danforth Bay has full hookup sites (winter water / winter sewer) located in the Chocura section of the park). If your camper is winterized (like ours) Danforth Bay has....
- Warm, heated, clean, modern restrooms
- Metered long hot showers
- Kitchen area for washing dishes, cooking meals, etc.
- 24 Hour Laundry room
Things to do:
- Christmas shopping at Settler's Green (20-30 minutes away)
- Skiing at nearby King Pine (opens 12 December), Cranmore, and other great mountains
- Walking around the campground
- Relaxing, Playing games, watching a movie in Danforth Bay's family room.
Where to eat? Some of our favorites are:
- Pizza Barn, Ossipee, NH (15 minutes) is open on weekends (check below for my review)
- Yankee Smokehouse, W. Ossipee, NH (10 minutes)
- Whittier House, W. Ossipee, NH (10 minutes)
- Cafe Noche, Conway, NH (25 minutes)
- 99, N. Conway, NH (30 minutes)
- Many, many more!
Other mentionables:
- Friendly staff and seasonal people
- Modern Family room with Big Screen TV
- Fall colors, leaves
- Did I mention: Very, very quiet
Off Season Camping Tip #2 - Bring Water Jugs
We arrived last evening to a quite chilly camper (21F registered in the car thermometer). Our programmable thermostat (non-programmed -- I got to figure that one out!) in the camper stated "LO".
I started the RV heater and we proceeded to take a ride around the campground while the camper warmed up a bit. About 20 minutes later we returned and it was now 37F.
The kids wanted hot chocolate so I went to grab a bottled gallon of water. Guess what? The water jug that left from last week was frozen solid! Fortunatley we brought some single water bottles. Interestingly, the bottles in the fridge were not frozen. Lesson learned: Bring water jugs fresh from home.
I started the RV heater and we proceeded to take a ride around the campground while the camper warmed up a bit. About 20 minutes later we returned and it was now 37F.
The kids wanted hot chocolate so I went to grab a bottled gallon of water. Guess what? The water jug that left from last week was frozen solid! Fortunatley we brought some single water bottles. Interestingly, the bottles in the fridge were not frozen. Lesson learned: Bring water jugs fresh from home.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Pizza Barn, Ossipee NH Review
We went back to Pizza Barn in Ossipee NH for my wife's birthday celebration.
Now that is the off-season they are only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
When we arrived on a Friday evening, even for a slowing economy the place was packed but we didn't have to wait (we showed up around 730PM).
We were shown to an extra large picnic-table (which could have seated 8 or more) near the back. The resturant during the evening (and even during the day) is cozy but a bit dark. Plenty of light to read the menus. My wife spotted cobwebs on the lights but the rest of the place looked super clean.
The service was only good as the waitresses was very busy with several other tables. We sat near the jukebox and the kids got a kick out of that. Even gave them some quarters to play some songs. We ordered 2 medium pizzas along with some garlic bread.
The garlic bread served with a small cup of marinara sauce was very good but I thought this was just a little bit pricey at $5.50 for the amount of food that you get.
The medium Hawaiin pizza ($13.50) was a great value and was LOADED with bite-size pineapples and ham. Very delicious and was perfect to share with the birthday girl. The medium cheese pizza, ordered for the kids was delicous as well. The kids gobbled this up without any complaints. The pizza was piping hot and very good. At Pizza Barn, you really need a fork and a knife to eat this pizza (especially when its first served).
My wife and I both noticed that cheese on the pizza is somewhat different (when compared to our local pizza joints at home). The cheese contains some spices (italian -- i presume) and perhaps bits of parmesan cheese. Overall it was quite tasty.
Two medium pizza's was plenty for our family of 5 (although my 4 year old did more socializing than eating) with some left over for lunch tomorrow.
The best part of this evening's experience was meeting some of the friendly local folks (this is true New Hampshire). Through my youngest son (who couldn't sit still through the entire meal) we got to know the older couple behind us who told us they visit the Pizza Barn every Friday night for pizza. We later learned that they knew a few of the seasonals here at Danforth Bay and even some of the staff members. They were friendly and we talked with them for quite a bit.
This local establishment seemed to highlight "LOCAL" and "FRIENDLY" when we visited this evening. Quite different from the touristsy hustle and bustle atmosphere feel during the summer season.
Overall we love Pizza Barn and perhaps it may become a Friday "off-season" night tradition for us as well.
*** NOTE: This review can also been seen on That's Camping discussion board ***
Now that is the off-season they are only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
When we arrived on a Friday evening, even for a slowing economy the place was packed but we didn't have to wait (we showed up around 730PM).
We were shown to an extra large picnic-table (which could have seated 8 or more) near the back. The resturant during the evening (and even during the day) is cozy but a bit dark. Plenty of light to read the menus. My wife spotted cobwebs on the lights but the rest of the place looked super clean.
The service was only good as the waitresses was very busy with several other tables. We sat near the jukebox and the kids got a kick out of that. Even gave them some quarters to play some songs. We ordered 2 medium pizzas along with some garlic bread.
The garlic bread served with a small cup of marinara sauce was very good but I thought this was just a little bit pricey at $5.50 for the amount of food that you get.
The medium Hawaiin pizza ($13.50) was a great value and was LOADED with bite-size pineapples and ham. Very delicious and was perfect to share with the birthday girl. The medium cheese pizza, ordered for the kids was delicous as well. The kids gobbled this up without any complaints. The pizza was piping hot and very good. At Pizza Barn, you really need a fork and a knife to eat this pizza (especially when its first served).
My wife and I both noticed that cheese on the pizza is somewhat different (when compared to our local pizza joints at home). The cheese contains some spices (italian -- i presume) and perhaps bits of parmesan cheese. Overall it was quite tasty.
Two medium pizza's was plenty for our family of 5 (although my 4 year old did more socializing than eating) with some left over for lunch tomorrow.
The best part of this evening's experience was meeting some of the friendly local folks (this is true New Hampshire). Through my youngest son (who couldn't sit still through the entire meal) we got to know the older couple behind us who told us they visit the Pizza Barn every Friday night for pizza. We later learned that they knew a few of the seasonals here at Danforth Bay and even some of the staff members. They were friendly and we talked with them for quite a bit.
This local establishment seemed to highlight "LOCAL" and "FRIENDLY" when we visited this evening. Quite different from the touristsy hustle and bustle atmosphere feel during the summer season.
Overall we love Pizza Barn and perhaps it may become a Friday "off-season" night tradition for us as well.
*** NOTE: This review can also been seen on That's Camping discussion board ***
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Benefit for Candace / Patriots Raffle
*** UPDATE 11/6/08 ***
I don't usually put items like this in my blog but I got this plea from my sister that I want to share. I'm trying to get more information (e.g., website, story, etc.) that legitimizes this cause. I trust my sister
Message from my sister Jenny:
♥ Cadence Nicole Massie ♥
Cadence is the Daughter of my best friend Nikki. Cadence was born w/multiple heart complications and is now at Children's hospital awaiting a heart for a transplant. She is only 19 months old.
Saturday November 8th from 7pm-11pm
Tewskbury VFW
87 Vernon St
Tewksbury, MA 01876
(978) 658-8983
$15.00 tickets sold at the door.
There will be a DJ, Food and prizes to be raffled off inside.
If you find yourself bored Saturday night w/nothing to do, why not stop in and help out this young family. All the money being raised will go to help with Cadence's medical cost.
If you can't make it Saturday night another way to donate is through a fund at the TD Bank.
Donations can be payable to:
Cadence Massie Fund
TD BankNorth
995 Main St, Tewksbury, Ma 01876
~Always keep Cadence in your thoughts and prayers~
----
Original Message from my sister Jenny:
I need some help! We are arranging a benefit for my friend Nikki and her b/f Jimmy. Their 17 month old daughter is in need of a heart transplant. She is currently at Childrens and living with assistance from a ventillator and she is in a medically induced paralytical state. During this trying time neither of Jimmy or Nicole are able to work, but yet they still have bills to pay, rent to pay and another child (3 yr old daughter Skylar) to take care of....
Message from Nikki's Sister:
"My niece Cadence was placed on the waitingg list for a heart transplant. She is 17 months old, born with many heart problems. Her doctors in Boston have done as much as they can, and now are awaiting a new heart for her.The money is all going towards Cadence, since it is extremely expensiveto travel back and fourth to Boston caring for her. She is expected to spending a long time at Children's Hospital.We are having a raffle for two tickets to Patriots game in November vs the Bills. The raffle will draw on Halloween.You can buy the tickets for $1 a piece or 6 tickets for $5
Please send me a message if you would like to donate or purchase tickets :)You may also email me: jessmassie@gmail.com MyAIM is xrecka, and please message me anything or add me on myspace.
I don't usually put items like this in my blog but I got this plea from my sister that I want to share. I'm trying to get more information (e.g., website, story, etc.) that legitimizes this cause. I trust my sister
Message from my sister Jenny:
♥ Cadence Nicole Massie ♥
Cadence is the Daughter of my best friend Nikki. Cadence was born w/multiple heart complications and is now at Children's hospital awaiting a heart for a transplant. She is only 19 months old.
Saturday November 8th from 7pm-11pm
Tewskbury VFW
87 Vernon St
Tewksbury, MA 01876
(978) 658-8983
$15.00 tickets sold at the door.
There will be a DJ, Food and prizes to be raffled off inside.
If you find yourself bored Saturday night w/nothing to do, why not stop in and help out this young family. All the money being raised will go to help with Cadence's medical cost.
If you can't make it Saturday night another way to donate is through a fund at the TD Bank.
Donations can be payable to:
Cadence Massie Fund
TD BankNorth
995 Main St, Tewksbury, Ma 01876
~Always keep Cadence in your thoughts and prayers~
----
Original Message from my sister Jenny:
I need some help! We are arranging a benefit for my friend Nikki and her b/f Jimmy. Their 17 month old daughter is in need of a heart transplant. She is currently at Childrens and living with assistance from a ventillator and she is in a medically induced paralytical state. During this trying time neither of Jimmy or Nicole are able to work, but yet they still have bills to pay, rent to pay and another child (3 yr old daughter Skylar) to take care of....
Message from Nikki's Sister:
"My niece Cadence was placed on the waitingg list for a heart transplant. She is 17 months old, born with many heart problems. Her doctors in Boston have done as much as they can, and now are awaiting a new heart for her.The money is all going towards Cadence, since it is extremely expensiveto travel back and fourth to Boston caring for her. She is expected to spending a long time at Children's Hospital.We are having a raffle for two tickets to Patriots game in November vs the Bills. The raffle will draw on Halloween.You can buy the tickets for $1 a piece or 6 tickets for $5
Please send me a message if you would like to donate or purchase tickets :)You may also email me: jessmassie@gmail.com MyAIM is xrecka, and please message me anything or add me on myspace.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Mishawum Farm Haunted Hayride
For Halloween we took the kids on a haunted hayride at Mishawum Farms located in Freedom, NH (about 5 minutes from Danforth Bay Camping Resort).
We went around 630PM as suppposedly it gets scarier later on in the evening. The real hay wago ride pulled by a tracker is about $5 per person
Hightlights of the ride:
- "Headless horseman" (riding on a real horse) was running through the woods was really cool
- Sounds from the haywagon brustling up against the overgrown brush make it a bit more eerie. I keep looking over to see if someone was sneakingup on us.
- The ride is about 20 to 30 minute ride (just long enough). Most of it goes through the woods and along the perimeter of the horse circles.
- A clown standing on the side of the road only to come to life as we were passing by really freaked out and scared our pre-teens out of their the seats and a recieved big laugh from my wife!
- The "Cruella da Ville" character (also coming to life as we passed) chased a "the puppy" was cute. The puppy hopped on the hayride and rode with us for the rest of the trip.
This is a local "Mom and Pop" operation (vs Spooky World) and I'm not big on going to these "scary/haunted" events so I have nothing really to compare it against. All I can say is that we had a GREAT time and was a nice change to the typical "trick-or-treating". They even gave out a little candy treat for the kids at the end of the ride.
We hoped they had more business as this place was not easy to find. We only knew about it because posters that were around the Freedom/Danforth Bay area.
Next year -- CHECK IT OUT!
Saturday, November 01, 2008
Dry Camping Tip #1 - Cook Ahead
"Off-Season" / "Dry Camping" season is here in New England!*** Updated 11/2/2008 ***
Most campgrounds are closed for the season but many are still open. This is a great time to camp! Usually things are much quieter, gas prices are much cheaper, things are low key, but the temperatures can be very cold with a few nice days thrown in here and there.
With campers winterized using the water for cleaning dishes is not available. To help solve this problem for us we are cooking ahead of time at home.
Thursday night I did some pre-camp cooking. I cooked a "Lazy's Man Lasagna" for Saturday evening dinner and a cream-of-chicken caserole (with potatoes -- not shown) for Sunday afternoon dinner. All cooked and then frozen ahead of time. My wife even made some Halloween cupcakes (not frosted here) for some snacks.
Lunch will be leftovers. Breakfast will be pastry, cereal, etc. All with disposal utensils, bowls, plates, etc. This will really reduce the number of dishes we need bring home or have do wash at the camp kitchen.
Despite the inconviences, we love off season camping!
*** Recommend defrosting these meals (in fridge for 8 to 12 hours) before cooking in oven. Worked out well but we didn't defrost and took longer time to cook. Not good with hungry kids!!! ***
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