Christmas in Vermont

For Christmas, my family decided to focus less on family gifts and more on family activities; as a result, we went to the Nutcracker, wrote and illustrated a Nativity book, built a snowman, made ice-cream sundaes, went to dinner together at Fire & Ice, and had a rambunctious sledding party. Needless to say, we created lots of memories. The following are some Christmas, 2007 memories:

Travis, Mandy, and nephew Jackson at the Nutcracker.

The kids were a little upset when they found out that there was no on stage dialogue. Overall, we had a great time, even if Amy ended the performance by stating, "I'll never do that again." We would like to believe that we have an appreciation of the arts in the Chesley-Park family, but apparently our appreciation of the arts excludes the Nutcracker.

Travis, Bridger, and Carly on the sled.

Sledding was a hit. Who doesn't have fun over tailbone breaking jumps, thistles and thorn cushioned crashes, and dangerous sled pile-ups?

Travis, Mamie, Mandy, Michael, Martha, Amy, Grandma Chesley (middle), Carly, Bridger, Jackons.

Dinner at Fire & Ice was another big hit. There were rounds of Shirley Temples and shrimp.



We had such a wonderful Christmas in snowy Vermont, and it has truly been snowy! Today I am working on the site again because snow upon snow is piling outside. School was cancelled for Travis (3rd time in the last two months). I had forgotten how wonderful New England is in the winter.

January 2008 - Introducing Park Place Blog

In an effort to connect with friends, family, and other, Travis and I have decided to create a blog spot.

For those of you who don't know, Travis and I made the move to New Castle, NH in August. Travis is teaching 6th grade at the Portsmouth Middle School, coaching 7th/8th grade boys basketball, chaperoning ski club, and encouraging members of the homework club to be diligent. Meanwhile, I am attending the MFA non-fiction writing program at the University of New Hampshire.

Life in New England has been a transition. As you know, I grew up in Vermont, but New Hampshire is not Vermont. For instance, we are in the thick of primary elections. Everywhere we turn there is Hillary, Barack, Mitt, or their loyal campaigning team. It has been extremely exciting, and Travis and I are becoming highly political. Also, being next to the coast, Boston, and Maine has been new and exciting.

I would be remiss if I did not mention Bay, our Redbone Coonhound 9 month old pup. We are kinda crazy about her (it is a little scary at times).So, life is surreal. Our only complaint is that we miss our friends on the western side of the country. Otherwise, we are enjoying our new adventure.

Here is a little tour of our new surroundings:

This is our little home in New Castle, NH. We rent it from our next door neighbor, Bill. Bill resembles a yellow-slickered sea-leg captain. He has a white beard and a twinkle in his eye. from the bay window at the back of the house you can see Mill Pond (which is actually the bay, salt water and all), which at high-tide is only 20 feet away. At low tide there are two islands you can walk to. We recently discovered a fox on one island that we have named fondly, Red.

Travis's best friend Rich visited in August. Here is a pose that I encouraged. Behind them you can see one island (to the right), and the edge of another island to the left. In this picture Travis and Rich had just barely emerged from the water after hours of surf-board balancing competitions. Here we were getting ready to attend a Hillary & Bill Clinton speech. We hated seeing Rich go home to arid Arizona.

Among other New Castle island wonders, there is this delightful lobster shack. There is also a yacht club, a ritzy Marriott(www.wentworth.com/), the Coast Guard, a lighthouse, and many, many beautifully restored houses from the 1600s. It is a lovely coastal New England island. We lucked out!

Halloween! We are the activity committee co-chairs for our church (woo-hoo). We also teach the sunbeams and Travis is a den leader. Here, I am a witch with long eye-lashes (yes, pathetic), and Travis is a fisherman (even more pathetic). We will do better next year.

Lewis visited over Thanksgiving. Here Amy and I sit with him in the back of the little Corolla. Talk about bonding! Lewis taught my nephew, Jackson, how to dance (soulja boy style), recruited my family on a safari, and won the heart of Bristol, Vermont. Another visitor we did not want to go home!

Vermont foliage! Although I love New Hampshire, I will always be a Vermont girl. Autumn in Vermont has taken my breath away for 28 years. Beyond foliage, I love maple syrup, band concerts on the green, fire flies, small towns, and familiar faces.

Well, Travis told me that this was getting too long. So, we miss you all "wicked bad"! Hope you find yourself celebrating 2008 and all the wonders that await!

Love Mandy, Travis & Bay