The NHPA Convention/Keene

The NHPA Police Convention was held at the Dillant-Hopkins airport last weekend. It was a scorcher of a day. Not as many people in attendance. But the folks that did show up had a good time. There were helicopter rides, which I have to say were the best part. A climbing wall, and other activities for the kids to do. Unfortunately not many kids. All the fitness events were cancelled due to lack of interest. I think there were more retirees present than younger officers. I guess camraderie isn't what it used to be. I have to say this year's convention was a disappointment on a few levels; few vendors, very limited menu of hot dogs, chicken, and hamburgers. No salad, no watermelon, no cheese for the burgers? What's up with that? Of course the Budweiser beer truck was well attended, with four taps, but I'm certain there was plenty of beer left over. The popcorn popper, didn't even work! Chloe, pictured above was all set to hand out copious bags. Poor girl had to leave her post and drink beer instead.

It was good to see some of the older( no offense Hal, Larry, and Randy) retirees. The whole event wrapped up with a raffle. I had hoped to win the Kel-Tec 9mm handgun, but it was not to be. Instead, I won a waffle cone maker, which I could not give away. I tried to trade with the guy who won the Kel-Tec, but he wasn't having it. I also tried to trade with my friend, Joanna who won a tent. She wasn't having it either, and I had to ask myself; Joanna camping out in a tent? Ain't happenin. So I'm thinking some lucky relative will receive my wonderful prize, for Christmas, a birthday, or for no reason at all.

I hope the next time Keene hosts the convention they'll ask me to help out. I thought this one was an embarassment to our PD. I didn't even know about the banquet Friday night, until Saturday! Yikes! The whole thing just seemed thrown together at the last minute. Too bad. I have many more photos than will fit on this post, so if anyone is interested, email me at mjfish094@yahoo.com.

Serenity

Serenity can be measured in many things, and places. My favorite place is at the lake on evenings like the one pictured. Lately though, I've not been able to enjoy the lake as my mom and step-dad have descended upon the camp as they do every summer. As much as I love them, the camp loses it's appeal when there a too many people there. I enjoy the serenity of my solitude when I am there.

I will have that feeling again, soon, because the fam will be off to Maine for a week. Once again, I will enjoy the peace and tranquility of my favorite place. I love to take Evvy on discovery hikes in uncharted forrests near the camp. I have found Pink Lady Slippers, bear dens, native brookies, and plenty of other wildlife sign. There is also something to be said about walking through the forrest during or after a rainfall. The air is so fresh, I stop many times to take a deep breath.

Yesterday, Evvy and I walked to John Stevens little adirondack cabin near my house. Mr. Stevens died recently, but his legacy remains. I didn't know him very well, though we would meet occasionally while out for morning walks. He headed in the opposite direction. Mr. Stevens used to hike every day, until his health kept him from wandering far from his home.

As usual, Evvy and I are always making new discoveries. Sometimes Evvy finds these wonders before I do, just because she smells them. Nine times out of ten, she brings her treasures to me. This time she presented me with a porcupine skeleton. I asked her where the rest was, and she brought me back to the place where the porcupine expired. All that remained were a plethera of quills, claws, and a tooth. I looked for the skull but couldn't find it, neither could Evvy. She was content to gnaw on the legs, and spine, much to my chagrin. She wouldn't let me take this delectible treasures from her. She would run away as if playing with me. I can only hope she doesn't get sick.
Why dogs choose to eat the nastiest of things is beyond me.

But anyway I digress. The cabin, remains and is solid. The Stevens family has taken care of the winter blowdowns around the cabin, and cleared behind the camp with a Bobcat. I am so thankful that Mr. Steven's land is protected by the Monadnock Conservancy. I want to enjoy his forrest for years to come.