After researching and looking around I liked the idea of a truck with a crew cab but the cost was so expensive and mpg was low. We looked at the Toyota’s and same thing just too expensive. I had driven my friends Honda Element a few weeks earlier and really like how tight it was even when full and loaded so we test drove one. Rosie immediately hated the color, but liked the space the interior afforded. The Element interior is very durable and the rear seats flip up out of the way or come out all together. What the Element lacks in gadgets and plushness it makes up for practical space and durability.

We purchased the green one after looking at several. The green grew on Rosie and the others where just in not as good shape. We both though that the Element fit our life style and would provide us with lots of options for camping, towing and traveling. The Element has been averaging 26 miles to the gallon even on the big climbs and back roads up north.

I would have loved to have bought an Audi TT S-Line or S8 with a crazy v-8 in an A4 frame but the Element is practical and knowing Honda’s durability I expect it to be low maintenance. So for the money we will be driving a 2008 Honda Element for the next few years. The plan is to use the AWD vehicles in the bad weather and put the miles on the old cars saving the good vehicle as much as possible.

Here is an example of the Ecamper. It is a modification that can be done that makes the Element a little camper and adds very little weight .

Here is an interview and demo with the developer. I am not saying I am going to get it, but I really like the simple idea for a cool budget camper. More people should think outside the box like this.

One of the funniest aspects was asking everyone on Facebook “If I were to get a Vanity Plate for it what should it be?” This is what the came back with..

Linda Lorenzen squayuh
Jay Riley Ailment
Jay Doherty Money
Jay Doherty Boogah
Jay Doherty Cash
Jay Doherty Snt rkt
Jay Doherty Zoiks (scooby mystery machine reference)
Jay Doherty Al (green)
Jay Doherty Lvnhpns (love and happiness .. al green reference)
Rosie Stadig Grnltrn
Rosie Stadig GRNMHNE
Jay Doherty Excrement
Jay Doherty Sorry 7 letters xcremnt
Jay Doherty Impotnt
Rosie Stadig KERMIT
Jay Doherty Merimnt
Jay Doherty Mint
Jay Doherty Evergrn
Jay Doherty Pot car
Jay Doherty ‎420 24 7
Nicole Doran Baker grncube
Rosie Stadig SHAMRCK
Nicole Doran Baker shgnwgn
Jay Doherty Fmytrkr (family truckster)
Jay Doherty Grn day
Jay Doherty Hobombl
Jay Doherty Clovah
Jay Doherty Grngras
Jay Doherty Monster (sox green monster reference )
Nicole Doran Baker ‎4wlclvr
Jay Doherty Ribbit
Jay Doherty Avocaro
Jay Doherty Grnpepr
Jay Doherty G.moldy. a play on g (glen) money
Stephen Zinck Seament
Stephen Zinck glement
Stephen Zinck grement
Stephen Zinck pukment
Ray Parsons NACLH2O
Ray Parsons ‎2CLOSE
Stephen Zinck gelemnt
Shannon Hosey Stadig gleen
Jay Doherty Thehulk
Martin England Charlie, Bravo, Yankee, Hotel, Foxtrot…
Katherine Derby lime, limon, vert, verde
Bonny Lee Bourque-pinkham STAYDIG
Martin England No vanity plates!
Blin Don HIKE IT, BIKE IT, HAVE IT, PLAY IT
John E. Walkowiak LIVGRN
Rosie Stadig GrnBud
Christian Christian GMOBILE
Christian Christian G-MAN
Christian Christian G-WIZZR
Christian Christian GWHIZER
Christian Christian GETGOIN
Christian Christian AHEDOFU
Rosie Stadig Froggie
Rosie Stadig Inmybo
Rosie Stadig Boxin
Christian Christian THE HULK
Christian Christian MARTIAN
Christian Christian AVOCADO
Christian Christian GRASHOPR
Glen Stadig Hmm suprised no Yoda, Apple, Toolbox, Network, itguy.
Glen Stadig NMYLMNT

View Near The Office

My position is Network Analyst which has me maintaining and monitoring communications between branches, managing servers and systems and providing support to the department. I can’t get into details, but it is safe to say there are many new tools, devices and applications. The environment is highly secure and formal in most regards, which I like. My new position allows me to manage people, projects and has enough new technology and duties to keep things interesting. My new supervisor is sharp, challenging and so far seems to be fair. We approach some things differently, which isn’t a bad thing.

A Favorite Lunch Spot

The commute for me is longer than before but it is against the grain so I don’t see a lot of traffic. The views of the mountains are spectacular and I see little something new on each trip. I did realize quickly that going north brings you into snow much sooner so looks like I may need to steal Rosie’s wagon on the real bad days. Obviously it ideal to work close to home, but If i have to drive or spend significant time in my car the mountains beat the city any day.

Tag 295 as Posted Online

We didn’t know how it would work, what her temperament might be we had to try, worst case tag 289 would not die Monday. Rosie contacted the rescue people and Tag 295 was retrieved and taken to be spayed and named Tessie. Rosie also started to work on coordinating transport to Maine which seemed to take longer than it should but after a few weeks we located one out of Saco.

Rosie and Tessie First Meeting

Tessie arrived in NH at the Traffic circle the morning of June 16, 2011. Rosie, Teah and I met her and welcomed her to our new home. She seemed a bit younger than we thought she would be we guess her age to be 7 months. We spent quite a bit of time hanging with her until Rosie had to go to work and I took her home. She fit right in and is such a dog as compared to our existing pack. She immediately demonstrated her love of gardening by laying IN our gardens and seems pretty fearless although she is submissive.

Tessie preparing to head to her new home

Now a couple months later I can say she has really settled in. She has been learning the basics and Teah has been helping to coach her along. She also is fun for Teah because she can and does play. We take her to the dog park and she interacts so well with other dogs. She really has become a member of the family and demonstrates what a success the rescue programs can be.

Tessie and Rosie at the Dog Park

Tessie Hanging in the Yard

Over the last few months I have also noticed a big up tick in home invasions and robberies. The economy being poor as it is, makes people more desperate every day. So I decided I should take responsibility to protect myself and my family, why rely on somebody else? Not only did I come to this realization, after I made the initial purchase for home defense gun, I decided it didn’t make much sense to have a gun and not have it with you. Therefore, I got training and got my concealed carry permit(s). Rosie is doing the same and getting hers as well.

The Smith Family .380 - 9mm - .45

Don’t get me wrong.. I am not a paranoid, or a cynic, I just have come to the realization that I am older and the world in general is getting more violent. First rule of a gun fight is to have a gun. I hope every day that I will never ever have to use it, but with the training I am certain I can, and I have piece of mind. I read just yesterday of a person breaking down on the road and two gentlemen stopped with intent to rob them not help them. The person with the disabled car was carrying and shot one of them and held them both until authorities arrived. This happens more than you think and in many cases the weapon allows for a safe retreat from a bad situation without shots fired.

Obviously purchasing and carrying a gun is a personal choice and great responsibility. It isn’t something to be taken lightly. You need to secure the guns when they are not with you and you have a responsibility to behave in an upstanding way while carrying. Since the penalties for being stupid with a gun are far higher than stupid without one. If carrying guns isn’t for you, that’s ok, it isn’t for everyone.

I have really developed into an advocate for people to carry and have fire arms. In the past I have always supported the Second Amendment and the NRA to let people have the choice. However now I am very much advocate that people Do Carry and Do Protect themselves. My feeling is if more people were carrying some of the awful crimes we hear about such as the shootings at the IHOP etc. could be avoided because people could be shooting back. If more people were carrying robberies and crimes would diminish. Statistics show states that have relaxed the laws on people carrying weapons have experienced a dramatic drop in crime.

I ended up getting three semi-auto Smith & Wesson Pistols an M&P45, M&P9c and a BG380. I really like the American Made weapons and the way they are built and fire. The BG380 is concealable anytime anywhere, very small “pocket gun” has a built in laser sight. The two M&Ps are comfortable, accurate shooters. The M&Ps both use the same holsters since their profiles are the same. The 9mm Compact is great conceal carry and when Rosie gets her permit will likely be her primary weapon. Because of the sizes and similarities we have many options depending on atire and both the M&Ps offer interchangeable grips so it is easy to change them out for different size hands.

I was unaware that most states allow “Open Carry” which allows you to walk around and enter business etc. with a loaded side-arm as long as it is displayed, no permit is required. There are some who feel open carry is preferable and more of a deterrent than concealed carry. Obviously an individual scoping people to do harm will likely pass on somebody displaying a firearm. Some people take offense and get freaked out by people displaying a gun because of the culture and media. So be prepared to help educate people when questioned, understand you are kind of an ambassador for all gun carriers and be polite. There are many resouces online like Opencarry.org Concealed Carry.net The choice is yours open carry, concealed carry, but I think taking responsibility for you and your families security is paramount. Be sure to check laws in your area because for example, you can’t carry in a Courthouse, School or business where a sign says you can’t.

If you are somebody who is thinking about carrying a gun, I recommend you do it, do your own research. The process is simple and straightforward. If your a Maine resident I recommend Maine CWP Training for your training needs. This is a link to their website They do an excellent job going over the (Maine) laws so you will understand the nuances of how and where you may employ deadly force as well as review of you’re rights, responsibilities and obligations.

Second Amendment Videos worth watching
Suzanna Gratia Hupp explains meaning of 2nd Amendment! (read the article under the video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M1u0Byq5Qis
Charlton Heston – A Torch with no Flame
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrnOFMk8NPM

9/30/11 – UPDATE
I ended up returning the used Bodyguard .380 after taking it to the range. The pistol had difficulty getting a full magazine through the action. It was like the slide would simply catch. A flip of the thumb on the release, the slide closes, chambering the round properly. I liked the lightness and conceal-ability of the weapon as well as the way it shot but needed reliability. So I returned it and purchased a Ruger LCR. The LCR is a Lightweight Compact Revolver in a 38 +P caliber. It weighs only 13oz and shoots excellent with a 5 shot capacity. I got it with the crimson trace laser grips which make it great when you need to reach-out since a snub 1 7/8 barrel doesn’t provide a perfect sight picture. The LCR is easy to put in a pocket being only 1 1/4 thick and so light, being a wheel gun it is dependable as they come. I like the fact the caliber is a bit more stout than the 380 as well. I wouldn’t recommend the LCR for a full day at the range target shooting, the recoil is manageable but you will feel it. It is for self defense, in that role it excels and to practice is not an issue.

Ruger LCR

Shannon and Jacob (9mo) - On Cog Railway

We had such a great visit and squeezed in some activities during her stay. We went to the beaches on a couple different days, visited LL Bean’s and Cabella’s, Spent a day up in the White Mountains and rode the Cog Railway to the summit of Mt Washington.

Rosie and Jacob at Chocorua Lake

Like all visits the time just seems to fly by and before you know it they had to leave. However, mother nature had something to say about that. Hurricane Irene was preparing to bear down on New England and Virginia so we postponed the flight for a couple days, as it turned out all the airports were closed so it was the right choice.

Shannon, Jacon and I at Ogunquit Beach

We lost power for several days but had no damage in our area. It had been a while since Shannon had indoor camped anyway. She made it home safe and sound and she said Jacob was so good on the flights both up and back.

Shannon and Jacob - Ogunquit Beach

You can see more pics of out Cog Railway Ride Here
You can see pictures of Short Sands Here
You can see Pictures from Ogunquit Beach

This is a quick, very basic demonstration of juicing with a Norwalk using bags. I usually add wheat grass to the juice and grind it in with the other veggies at breakfast. You can combine any fruits and or veggies you like to make a juice. It is fun to experiment with different combinations and ratios. The Kale, Carrot, Apple (wheat grass) is my staple go to juice.

The benefits of fresh cold pressed juice are many, no heat, no oxidation which destroys nutrients and enzymes. There is also no pasteurization which also destroys nutrients as in store bought products. Therefore fresh juice floods you’re body with nutrients and enzymes typically not available. The Norwalk allegedly gets a higher yield from veggies processed, but I have no direct experience to compare other than the remainder after pressing has very little moisture. The taste of fresh juice is also out of this world.

You can juice ahead and store in mason jars if you like, but I tend to juice fresh and juice everything. For example if you were to juice ahead they recommend peeling the carrots, I don’t bother since it is not being stored and there is no fear of contamination, I also like the time savings and additional nutrients by using the whole plant..

The Norwalk units are very solid, well built, and heavy. I worked in a commercial kitchen and the Norwalk machine and the components are high commercial quality similar to what one would find in a restaurant. I purchased my unit used and have been pleased with it. Norwalk machines have been around over 75 years with only minor changes. There is a reason for this… they work and are very versatile. Norwalk’s are not the best at everything but they are quite versatile and do make the best juice in my opinion.

The Norwalk does more than just make incredible juice. You can make great cold snacks by grinding ice and frozen fruits, coleslaw, and I have made peanut and almond butters from bulk nuts and love the fact I know the ingredients and the flavor is far better than store bought. You can make your own flours and do so much more that we have not used it for yet.

You can learn all about the Norwalk at their website http://www.norwalkjuicers.com/

The principle is this… Eat like our genetic ancestors did BEFORE the agricultural revolution brought a great reliance on grains in our diet. So basically steer clear of sugar, pasta, rice, breads, grains and limit fruits and dairy. No weighing ingredients, simply have a protien, vegetable, and fat at each of your three meals daily…eat till you are full.

I decided to take the 30 day challenge and give this a try. It aligned with my beliefs in not eating sick meats and box foods, and eating real foods. I didn’t like the idea of eliminating the grains because like many I am hooked on pasta, bread and oatmeal and bought into the salesmanship of the government. I also understand how grains are hard on the body and affect the insulin and chemistry of the bodies digestive system.

Immediately after a few days on the diet,  I started to feel a bit better, I found i wasn’t having hunger cravings and I noticed the scale was going down. Could it have been this simple? Was grains and pasta short circuiting my hard work?  It appears it may be true.

Like anything, this could be simply just a change and the body will bounce back by adding some pounds, but based on research it should continue. It is exciting to do this and I am hopeful that this is the start of something great. Will keep you posted on the progress

There is a certain maturity we as a people need to be able to understand. You will see profane images (on the net), hear people swear, and express ideas you might find absurd. That doesn’t make them wrong and or open to some sort of censorship. If you don’t like something move beyond it, change the channel…don’t re-write history or call upon a form of censorship to keep things PC.

.

Posted via email from Glen Stadig’s Posterous

Rocky Mountain National Park - Alpine Road

Our trip covered Boulder CO, Flat Irons, Rocky Mountain National Park, Brigder National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Shoshoni Reservation, Wind River Canyon, Eldorado Canyon, Jackson Hole, Steamboat,  and Red Rocks Amphitheater just to name a few.

Frozen Dead Guy Days 2010?

Our first day in Colorado we hung out and took a drive up through the Flat Irons (baby rockies) and  a canyon beyond Estes to a town called Nederland. This was an interesting place. The town reminded me of a remote Alaskan outpost with old steam shovels rusting near the side of the road and a very lodgy western makeshift feel even though it has probably been there for 100 years. We saw this really interesting wood carver who carved the Frozen Guy Dead Days statue and payed him a visit. What are the Frozen Dead Guy Days?  No it’ isn’t the Grateful Dead revival or anything it is actually a long interesting story you can read about here. We also took a short hike on Walker Ranch and had a fantastic meal at this roof-top Mexican restaurant in Estes near the square. Deciding our itinerary and plan of attack for the coming days. This day also worked well to help acclimate us to the change altitude.

Rocky Mountain Park - At the Top of Alpine Road 12,000 Feet...Yep they still had a little snow.

We decided to hit the Rocky Mountain National Park in the morning for the day and head from there to Steamboat and then up to Jackson Hole WY, there we would stay at a hotel overnight and then make way through Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone. Our plan was to keep things loose and flexible and just try not to double track over ground we covered. We also wanted to see all we could keeping to a small budget. Speaking of budget.. In case you didn’t know you can purchase a pass for the national parks for like $80 for the year and it covers admission to any and all national parks for one vehicle full of people

Our First Crossing of the Continental Divide

Rocky Mountain National Park is amazing an amazing wonderful park and is very close to Boulder. The three most things striking about RMNP was the large valley with the river teaming with wildlife, the Bear Lake area, and the Alpine Road. The Alpine Road was similar to the Mount Washington Auto Road but not as aggressive in climbing and allows for many miles driving peak to peak as you cross the range. On our first day the clouds were low so we didn’t have views on top, again similar to Mt Washington with the fogged in effect. However after seeing pictures at the visitors center on top we stopped back by several days later (after Yellowstone)  to cross the road in clear weather. I am so glad we did because it was amazing! Shannon said it is clear more often than not, which is definitely different the Mt Washington.

After crossing out of RMNP we headed west for Steamboat and then north for Jackson Hole and ultimately our hotel room. We had a lot of ground to cover before we could get some rest. It was interesting to see the land flatten as we progressed north.   Jackson Hole WY was interesting. The ski mountains surrounding the town seemed nothing very crazy and certainly Wildcat in NH looked to be more massive and steep. I suppose it is the snow though. We did see some interesting shops one with a Bigfoot and the town park had a couple arches created from Elk antlers. the national Elk preserve is reportedly close by but we missed it.

Elk Antler Arches - Jackson Hole WY

Shannon With Bigfoot!

Leaving Jackson Hole WY we went north through Grand Teton on our way to Yellowstone. The Tetons were spectatular however we didn’t go deep into the park and only passed through and edge on our way to Yellowstone.

Rosie in The Old Faithful Lodge Warming Up

We spent a good two days in Yellowstone and were able to drive though much of the park. I would have loved to have been able to spend many more days hiking camping and fishing. The vistas afforded by the drive were spectacular and the geo-thermal displays unique. Probably the most disappointing part of the entire park was Old Faithful geyser. We listed it under the obligatory must do and headed straight there. Old Faithful itself was quite anti-climatic but the geyser walking path near it and the old lodge that is part of that area was quite impressive and shouldn’t be missed.

Geyser Walk - At Old Faithful, Yellowstone WY

Lower Yellowstone Falls - Yellowstone National Park

See the people at the top of the falls on the right?

Camping in Yellowstone was a real treat even though it really cooled off over night to about 30 degress the days warmed quickly and we dodged any rain and foul weather. I had the opportunity to fly fish the renowned Firehole river in Yellowstone, although I did not actually catch a fish. During the morning I was kept constantly distracted by the Elk, Mule Deer and Buffalo that kept walking by in my area. (I was a little worried about bear) Spending the early morning on the river was breathtaking and balancing for the soul, truly a memory that will ring within me for a lifetime.

The access to wild life at the National Parks was magnificent. Herds of animals here and there as well as solitary ones moving about. The was no shortage of opportunity to simply walk up to a deer, elk or buffalo if one was inclined. Of course this is discouraged and it was obscene how on a couple of occasions people would start do just that.  At times it seemed a bit like a zoo with the rangers protecting the animals from the people. Then again one can simply walk off into the back country after a quick check in at the ranger station.

A Doe Elk at the Old Faithful Geyser

Yellowstone was so impressive from the sheer scope of the park. While most of the millions of visitors simply stay on the main road there is so much deep wilderness and much of it still left so undisturbed.  Our second night we camped near Yellowstone lake. The area had signs all over of closing trails and areas due to Grizzly Bear activity. As we set-up our tents Rosie’s great concern over bear switched to Buffalo as she observed piles of Buffalo chips literally every ten feet. We were treated to a fantastic sunset sky that night and a free box of wood the next morning from somebody. (We learned shortly after our return that the camping area was closed to anything other than hard sided RVs due to Bear activity)

Sunset Sky - Yellowstone WY

We headed out of Yellowstone and decided to exit the east entrance and cross Wyoming diagonally since it was the most direct route back to Boulder. It was a very interesting drive through some spectacular canyons and eventually onto what I would call high plains desert.  The canyons were the biggest surprise since I did not expect us to loose elevation like we did leaving the park.

Shoshone - Wind River Canyon

Some of the area we crossed in Wyoming was really some very remote terrain. There was our highway of course and power, but miles and miles of nothing but sage, pronghorn, and dirt. We would come upon a town with a couple small farms and the sign would literally say population 20. There were no services, grocery, gas, hospital, nothing. It would be hours to get many of the simple things we each take for granted every day.  This is probably the most remote area I have ever experienced, it was beautiful, but a little unnerving. I was impressed with what these people must do on a simple day to day basis to live and prosper.

We spent the last day hanging about Boulder and day tripped to Red Rocks amphitheater. Red Rocks was an amazing venue and would be a great place to see a show. We walked the grounds and the visitor center actually getting on stage and playing a little air guitar. Shannon and Aaron were returning in a couple weeks to see Tool.

Poster in the Visitor Center at Red Rocks

We stopped by the Dark Horse to meet Shannon and Aaron’s friends and see there local hangout. It was an interesting place with a nice outside area and varied indoor areas. Aaron participated in a the world famous Dark Horse Trike Night in hopes of winning a coveted t-shirt and prizes. He didn’t win but it was a really fun time cheering them on and quite enjoyable.

We also spent some time on Pearl Street in Boulder CO. Pearl Street is a couple blocks of street that has been closed to cars. It is a great area with people hanging around, shops, food, and street performers doing magic or playing music. One of the great surprises was a band from Nashville called Barefoot Surrender. They put on quite a show as you can see from Rosies recording below. I wish we had bought one of their CDs…hopefully they get it up online for sale.

The Boulder Colorado area was really unique. The lifestyle enjoyed there by most people is an active one. The city caters to biking by providing special lanes though out the main roads. It was interesting to note that there were not a lot of heavy people as one might see here in new england. I contribute that to the activity ethic and the lifestyle. There is also a strong environmental awareness in the region as observed by monitor stations and the press for alternate energy. If I were to move away from the coast, Boulder Colorado would be a place I might consider looking strongly at. The climate, mountains, and lifestyle would appear to suit me well.

Bear Lake - Rocky Mountain National Forest

The area in general is dry. When we were there there was major run off from the mountains but there were no real bodies of water to speak of. many of the small rivers were simply too high to fish safely.  The roadsides had green grass which Aaron explained tuns brown as the season progresses. So we were there in the “wet” season. We also did a couple stops at Boulder Beer and

On the Stage - Red Rocks

The trip was a truly memorable one. It was great to spend quality time with kids and be able to share such a wonderful experience. I feel so blessed that we were able to make it out there as we did. Words and pictures cannot describe the scenery and vistas we experienced. We also had some fun moments at various eateries “on the road” and with “car games” we kept playing to pass the time. My only regret is we didn’t have even more time with them and to soak it all in. (see the rest of the vacation pictures in here)

A Painter on the Alpline Road

Yes…the trip was one Rocky Mountain Kinda High