Archives: September 2004

September Letters

Really Nice, But … The overall look of your magazine sophisticated, colorful and informative, especially to those living in the more urban areas. I just wonder, however, if it isn’t possible to combine urban and rural. By this remark, I don’t mean that my area of the state isn’t sophisticated in some ways (after all, many of those living in…

Designer makeovers

Just admit it, because everyone does it: You’re out walking the dog at night, strolling along the street. As you pass by each house, you look inside to see what color their walls are painted, what furniture they might have around the room, or what interesting artwork is hanging on the walls. That’s why decorator show houses are so popular,…

Ask Ann: Wedding Q & A

We are having a hard time with our guest list. There are many we want to invite, but we know they may be away or may live far away and we don’t want to imply that we are “looking for a gift.” How do we approach this? It is best to not try to second guess your guests’ responses. Send…

The Cheese Course

Nothing is more simply satisfying than a plate of “serious” cheese, some bread and a compatible wine to complement the flavors. Shown here are a collection of artisanal cheeses offered at Burdick’s Restaurant in Walpole. All are locally produced and are as unique as their makers. Next time you are in a fine restaurant give the cheese plate a try,…

A Jewell of a Wine

You have to admire those brave souls who go ahead and do things that everyone else knows simply can’t be done. When wineries are mentioned, most connoisseurs think of French chateaux or California vineyards. But growing grapes in New Hampshire cold climate? It can be done if you know which grapes do best in that weather. Connoisseurs see the popularity…

Hot for your home

No more soapy scum with these sculptural holders from Noveletti. Hand-crafted in bronze, granite or stainless steel, the novel holders conceal a powerful magnet that attracts to a small cap, which is pressed into any bar of soap. Styles range from hummingbirds and flowers to ultra-modern sleek designs, to fit into any bathroom or kitchen decor. Available at Fixtures Etc….

Yes, It’s Real

Twenty years ago, if you mentioned fibromyalgia in conversation with a friend, the response would likely have been a blank look. Ten years ago, the response might have been, “It’s the disease of the ’90s, right? But is it real?” Fibromyalgia is indeed real. The American College of Rheumatology, the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization and the National…

Fruits de Mer

Grilled shrimp, shrimp cocktail, tequila shrimp, coconut shrimp, shrimp bisque, shrimp over rice … no, its not a line from the film “Forrest Gump,” it’s just a small fraction of the menu at this years Hampton Beach Seafood Festival. Don’t like shrimp? Then how about lobster rolls, fried clams, chicken tenders, barbecued ribs, clam chowder, ice cream, even deep-fried Oreos?…

War & Peas in the Garden

Care for my garden while I’m gone. Water infrequently but deeply so the roots won’t get spoiled by good treatment and grow shallow. The sad droop of the plants and crumple of the soil will tell you when they’re thirsty. Make them suffer a little, then give them a good dousing. Keep an especially close eye on the plants in…

Clues for the Quest

The first time I ever dug for buried treasure was on a visit to a house where my family once lived. I had to ask permission of the new residents, then I counted the concrete paving stones, retracing the mental map I had carried for more than 10 years, and pried up the secret stone. Beneath it I expected to…