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.

A spin-off of the the Sons of Anarchy Series...Sons of Belichick

I was lucky enough to get invited to a New Patriots game this year. I went down with Chad and Marty and we met up with Jaybird down there. On the way down Marty said one of his neighbors was going to be down there with an RV rig.
So when we arrived we walked over to the camper area and easily found the group. They had the coolest set-up I had ever seen. Several flat panel TVs one Outside on a mount with an outdoor screen. They had audio hanging off the mirrors blasting tunes and scores. A dish provided the Redzone coverage and games. They had more food than you can imagine, Beef Tips, Seafood Chowder with Lobster all first class. It was all quite impressive. One of the best aspects of having an RV is a bathroom run is a non-issue.

After having our fill we headed to the stadium. I start my new job tomorrow so I was the designated driver and took everything easy. Chad’s season tickets are about 4 rows up on the End Zone right on the field. The game itself was a nail biter and unluckily went the Giant’s way with only seconds to go. Being up late and starting a job early made for a long day but it was worth every second. Only issue was a bit of a raspy voice the next day.

For Twitter, text START to 40404 if you are in the US and follow the instructions to confirm the device. When you are done create a contact named Twitter with the 40404 number. Now all you have to do is tell Siri to send a Message to Twitter saying “What you want to Tweet”

Facebook. You need to link your number to you’re account under account settings, mobile. Follow steps to verify you’re phone on Facebook on your profile. Next, Create a contact named Facebook with the number 32665 associated with it. Then all you have to do is say Siri send a Message to Facebook saying “Your status Update”.

This works fairly well. The only problem I found was when I activated Siri, and said, Send a Message to Twitter. Normally with a normal contact it would ask me what would I like to say, but in this case, it says it can’t send tweets.

So instead say Send a Text to Twitter saying “Your Tweet” it works great!!

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/

A T-Shirt at the Mt Washington Observatory

I really liked the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail.. It really is a walk up the valley way of the ravine where you cross streams many times on your way up. As it gets steeper where you come into the headwall it almost seems like you are walking a stream bed. The route is great for good weather but could be treacherous if wet or chance of high water is elevated. Once on top the walking is typical of all the presidential’s..and easy open boulder walk and path. The only downside of the day was the Jewel Trail, the upper part is a pretty view but the growth is kind of tight. The scrub pines like short Christmas trees leave the trail narrow. Also on the Jewel Trail as you get into the trees there is not much opportunity to glimpse a view. It makes a great loop though of about 9-9 1/2 miles though and brings you right back to the parking just below the Cog Railway.

Crawford Patch Approaching Summit Cone

This was the first trip up Mt Washington since I snowshoed up the cog railway and set my parents ashes free in April 2010 (See Related Story) I was hiking solo again  today but felt them close with me all day. I was happy that day went so well last year, as I walked the woods and got above treeline I was so thankful for the way things worked out that day. The weather today as then was perfect. Being above treeline on days like this is so special, the views, the flora, the ruggedness just charges my inner being. There isn’t a day that goes by I don’t think about them in some way.

Looking Back to Lake of the Clouds Hut and Mt Eisenhauer

I created a video using songs from  Eddie Vedder’s new Uke  album because I listened to that over and over all the way on my ride up up the the trail head. The songs were reaching out to me Goodbye, Healing, Love, Yearning, Loss, Satisfaction.. it is hard to explain but the threads all connected with my inner fabric and made a very fitting soundtrack so I fittingly used it literally in the collage of pics and video I shot that day.

Summit view looking back towards lake of the Clouds Hut, Mt Eisenhower, Mt Monroe, Mt Franklin, Mt Pierce

Days like this one are cherished moments in the Presidential’s and also in ones life..as every day should be cherished and lived to it’s fullest. The beauty of the mountains is so incredible and indescribable. Hiking them is special.. many will take the auto road to the summit, but to walk there you can experience the views and mountains for what they are and really connect. I find the beauty, calm and potential for extremes centering.

Gulf Side Trail Looking toward Mt Madison, Mt Jefferson, Mt Adams Coming Off Summit

Here is a collage of videos and pictures from the special day