In Florida the bright green tree frogs are everywhere. Until recently I didn’t know that here in New England we also have northern tree frogs.
The gray tree frog has skin that looks like the bark of a tree in fact. A few weeks ago, this little guy sat on the edge of my outside chair for most of the day. The cats ignored him, and he rested on the chair undisturbed. I’m glad I got his (or her) photo.
The colored splotches are so interesting. It would be difficult to spot this frog if he were clinging to lichen covered tree!
This frog photo is my own, but I’ve donated it to Pixabay for anyone to use, so help yourself.
It’s that time again, when I head out to the local apple orchard and pick some delicious Macs. Macintosh are my favorite apple, and when they are fresh picked right off the tree they are hard, crisp and juicy.
Norway Hill Orchard is the closest to where I live, so I always go there. This year we discovered that they had trouble getting someone to spray the trees, so the apples were not looking the best. Many of them have black spots, but we were assured that they were just as good eating. And it’s true. The apples are as delicious as ever.
The day was warm for early October, and the sun was shining which made our trip even more fun. My neighbor, my daughter and I each filled the smallest bags they sell, and even enjoyed munching on the fruit while we picked. Eating them is encouraged!
The black spots are surface only blemishes, and I made a lovely apple pie with mine. It’s almost time to go back for more. A new crop of a different variety is coming into season, but I can’t remember what they are. It doesn’t matter. Anything picked off the tree has to be good.
Macintosh Apples
I found this great site that lists the orchards from around the United States (and other places) and what types of apples they grow. If you are interested check it out at the Orange Pippin link.
One day recently I took a drive over to Antrim (NH) to get some photos around Gregg Lake. On the way home I had to stop at my favorite farm stand and see what they had to offer. I had my camera, so I decided to take some pictures while I shopped.
Tenney Farm is located on Rt. 202 (Main St. in Antrim) so you can’t miss it if you are driving through the area. When I lived in Antrim, I bought all my perennials there. In fact I still go there to replenish my yard each year as their plants always do well.
But Fall is possibly the best time to visit the farm. When I was there, the ice cream stand was still open, they still had corn for sale. And of course they had pumpkins and squash… lots and lots of squash.
Just inside the door
I was in a bit of a hurry to get home so I didn’t buy as much as I should have – the peppers were so beautiful. All I can manage to grow is jalepenos, so I should have loaded up from the pepper display where I think they offered every kind imaginable. I didn’t even see the eggplant but I’ll get some when I return there this week.
The Veggie Display
What amazed me the most was the variety of pumpkins / squash. I bought an acorn, butternut and spaghetti squash and have eaten the acorn which was delicious. I don’t know the names of everything, but I did discover that the flattened pumpkins are called “Cinderella”.
Cinderella Pumpkins
I read on Tenney’s FaceBook page that their hours are changing for fall, and then they will eventually close for winter. I think they are open until around Thanksgiving, because they sell turkeys.
For now, I am enjoying the squash and the fall harvest.
Yesterday I visited the quaint New Hampshire town of Peterborough and took some photos early in the morning before the town woke up.
Thornton Wilder’s play “Our Town” was based on this town! He wrote the play while staying at the MacDowell Colony back in 1938.
Peterborough has two “main” streets. The one called Main St. and the one named Grove Street (Grover’s Corners). Behind both of those roads, which house their own shops and restaurants, is a place called Depot Square. It’s where you’ll find extra parking and more shops and businesses, like the Peterborough Diner and Toadstool Book Store. The Toadstool has a large mural along the outer wall which changes periodically. I included part of the current scene in my photos. The Waterhouse Restaurant is also there, and it backs up to the Nubanusit Brook which runs through town.
Up on Grove Street, Harlow’s Pub is always a busy place and they offer seating outside by the road. Next to Harlows is Noni’s and the shoe store and Joseph’s Coat. Sarah’s Hat Box store is new, and I’ve never been inside. It’s located beneath the new condo complex, where the old wood stove store used to be. Further up the road is a specialty chocolate shop, ice cream, and the oil and vinegar company. I’m just saying, there is a lot to see and do in a compact area.
On Main Street, find Steele’s stationery store, Roys Market, Maggies Health Food, and more. A wide variety of businesses, museums and restaurants make Peterborough a popular place to visit. Once you find a place to park, it’s just a short walk to see what the town has to offer. There is also a small movie theater that is quite nice.
Other famous places in Peterborough, but not downtown, include the MacDowell Art Colony (mentioned above), Pack Monadnock (Miller State Park), and the Peterborough Players (professional theater). The Sharon Arts Center and Mariposa Museum are also well known.
Saturday, October 17th (2015) is the Peak into Peterborough event. Read more about it at the link.
Good to know: In the state of New Hampshire any people in a crosswalk have the right of way, and cars / traffic must stop to let them cross the road. Be aware that many people take for granted that cars will stop and they tend to walk right out in front of you! They do this even when not on a crosswalk! Fall is a big tourist time for this area, so when driving through town be cautious of that.
Grove StreetMore Shops in Depot SquareLittle shop on School St.Sharon Arts is a unique shopping experienceBack of Waterhouse RestaurantNubanusit Brook, from Grove St. near the parkWalkway to Grove St.Gazebo by the Contoocook RiverMural on Toadstool Bookstore wallThe Toadstool Book Store in Depot SquareDowntown Peterborough – Main St.
This is a very beautiful place to live, but it is also expensive for a single person like myself. Winters are long, but mostly beautiful, except when the snow gets out of hand like the winter of 2005.
New England's Narrow Road 