You’re in Howard Dean Country!

January 4th, 2004

Linda, Jim, Heather, and I spent the final week of 2003 at the “Little Ditty” cottage in Fitzwilliam, NH, located in the southwest corner of the state. And yes, Little Ditty is owned by a couple named Jack and Diane. There is not, however, a Taystee Freeze for miles. Also, Jackie did not become a football star. He’s a writer of some sort.

On New Year’s Eve, Jim, Heather and Joel went cross-country skiing on a trail complex in Vermont. This was my first time skiing since Mr. Lesnik arranged a Phys Ed field trip to the Afton Alps in Hastings, MN. (Afton Alps is not exactly the Matterhorn, yet the ten-year old Joel could not overcome its modest slopes. I tried the bunny hill, ate it about 40 times, nearly lost an arm on the tow rope, and eventually retired to the lodge for an afternoon of video games.)

My second attempt at strapping wood to my feet was far more enjoyable than the first. I fell quite a few times (and I was caught on tape by Heather…watch your mailbox, Bob Saget). Thanks to Jim and Heather for their excellent instruction.

We also watched a certain blockbuster fantasy movie at the Latchis Theatre, a restored 85-year-old movie house in Brattleboro, VT. It’s an excellent theater — and an afternoon matinee set this Tolkien dork back just $5.00.

Throughout our visit we felt quite safe (yet highly dangerous to those around us) in our rented SUV, a Ford Explorer. And you can bet I checked the manufacturer of the tires. They were Michelins, thank you very much. Here’s Linda chatting with Heather in the backseat.

In 2003, I found myself in Amsterdam, the hospital, and graduate school. I hope this year is just as unpredictable. Happy new year!