Change in How We Handle Public Events: 2021 New England

January

As expected, this month marked the beginning of inquiries about 'when will I receive the vaccine?' For our immediate family, vaccinations commenced promptly, and by March, 4 out of our 8 family members had been vaccinated.

Since we were wintering in NH this year, we committed to getting outside every day regardless of the temperature. Luckily, we have a 3-mile loop walk within the development, that provides a traffic and snow hassle free path. Most days we've either completed this loop,

or weather permitting we've continued going for runs in the neighborhoods, or

when all else fails we've used the bike trainer we purchased back in November.

February

Even though we're not thrilled about birdhouses being placed so near the house, as they tend to attract mice, we have enjoyed observing the birds from the breakfast table every morning.

March

The weather warmed up and the snow melted so we went for a walk at Benson Park in Hudson, NH. This 166-acre recreational area has a long and interesting story. Benson’s Wild Animal Farm was a New England landmark attraction established by John T. Benson. Benson purchased the property in 1922 as a place to quarantine imported animals before they were sold to zoos and circuses. Most circuses and animal trainers at that time obtained their wild animals from Benson, who served as a dealership for the Hagenbeck Company of Hamburg, Germany, the largest dealer in wild animals during that time. In 1927, Benson's Wild Animal Farm opened to the public for a small admission fee. Until his death in 1943, John T. Benson developed the property into a renowned regional attraction celebrated as "the strangest farm on earth". Financed largely by Benson's success as an animal merchant, the facilities were constantly expanded during the 1930s. During the 1950s, Benson's was one of New Hampshire's top attractions, second only to Rockingham Racetrack, with approximately 500,000 visitors annually. The 80s were not an easy for time for the Farm. The owners filed for bankruptcy in 1985 and permanently closed their doors in 1987.

There's a simple but impressive 911 memorial near the entrance to the old Farm.

The gorilla house has been renovated and returned to its previous state.

The 'Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe' play area is in great shape.

We followed the 2.5-mile Haselton Farm Trail through the park and the adjacent woods.

A little muddy but worth the effort.

March 22

It was a big day. After spending a stressful 90 minutes online, we successfully booked our first vaccine appointment for March 31st. One done...one more to go!

April

If April showers bring May flowers, then what happens after it snows 3 inches on April 16th? Tulips inside the house.

April 28

Sears is closed but the New Hampshire repurposed the store to dispense vaccines. Happy days walking into the mall for Pfizer #2. Now begins the 2-week wait until full vaccine efficacy is reached.

May 20

The start of our travel to visit family and have fun. The 8-week trip included stops on both coasts.

Florida:

Tampa to visit Debbie, Rob and Rojo
Florida Keys
Everglades National Park
Naples to celebrate with Pam, Paula and Mom

California: Palm Desert to check on the house after 14 months

Washington:

Seattle to visit Weston and MacKenzie and explore the surrounding areas

Oregon:

Coastal area
Crate Lake
Mt Hood region
Columbia River Gorge

July

We joined Nashua Area Pickleball Organization and began playing more competitive pickleball matches. They have twos sets of courts: Fields Grove and Greeley Park. The Park is a much more competitive environment and we've initially struggled to play competitively. Time will tell if we adjust.

September

Meg and Brad's grand wedding day, featuring an outdoor ceremony, faced the threat of rain throughout. However, never underestimate the determination of a bride-to-be. Less than an hour before the ceremony, the storms unexpectedly shifted northward; the sun emerged, and the staff began drying the chairs.

The ceremony took place without a hitch. A somewhat nervous bride made her entrance.

One of my favorite photos and the look of happiness on their faces.

Chris and Meg enjoying the reception.

Nana and Meg sharing a moment.

October

And just like that we were flying back to California for 5 weeks.

It's been a fast 5 years.

November

COVID vaccines have become so routine that we didn't even think to take a photo when we received our first booster. With the Omicron variant causing chaos in New England, having dinner with Chris in Cambridge was unquestionably an outdoor seating occasion.

Who said we only get great sunsets in California. This photo was taken along the Nashua River, a short walk from the house.

Thanksgiving made a comeback after being absent in 2020. Everyone enjoyed the family gathering at Pam and Pat's home in Rhode Island. It was Grant's first holiday with the entire family, and he certainly got quite a bit of attention.

December

Christmas Eve started with everyone looking for COVID test kits. As Omicron cases had been rising quickly since October, we decided that everyone should take a rapid at-home test and agree to wear a mask indoors to offer extra protection, particularly for Mom and Grant. Obtaining test kits was extremely difficult. To complicate things further, two family members had close contact with individuals who later tested positive, but thankfully, both tested negative.