I will hate the Indianapolis Colts till the day I die, or they get a new owner, whichever comes first.  I don’t hate the Colt players.  They weren’t even born when their owner, Robert Irsay, a greedy coward, incurred my undying hatred.  I’m glad Peyton Manning won a Super Bowl.  A player that great deserves a championship.  Here’s why I hate the INDIANAPOLIS Colts:

This is a space where blogsNH visitors can offer comments on what they've read in the Monitor in print or online, suggest stories to reporters or questions they'd like answered.

ORONO, Maine - During a stoppage in the action with about 12 minutes left in last night's game, the so-called Maine-iacs who fill the overhangs at Alfond Arena struck up a familiar chant to taunt their neighbors from the University of New Hampshire. "We got two," they hollered. "How 'bout you?"

It was a zing, of course, meant to remind UNH that while its trophy case remains empty, Maine has twice been a national champion. Though they could just as well have been referencing this weekend.

By then the Black Bears had already come from behind for the second straight night, and were well on their way to a 6-3 victory that sealed a two-game sweep of the archrivals Wildcats, clinched the season series between the teams, and seriously squeezed together the contenders at the top of Hockey East.

I found these strange ice patterns along a multi-use recreational trail in Concord... I think they look like vertebrae.

It's been long overdue since I've updated the blog. It always seems like forever to recover from the holiday parties and get rolling again in the New Year.

I've had several amazing vegetarian experiences in the past month but I want to share the most recent first. This evening I was in Keene, NH and found myself absolutely famished. I've been trying to eat healthy, not indulge in the typical "fast food" all while maintaining within my small budget. The quickest thought that came to mind was Country Life Vegetarian Buffet on Roxbury Street.

I've usually enjoyed their meals on a Sunday when they prepare the most delicious buffet. Tonight I wanted to to see what their evening options were. However, I didn't realize they were only open for lunch. I walked in around 5 p.m. I noticed it was a bit quieter than normal but perhaps it was just slow tonight. I asked one of the chef's behind the counter if they were still open. He hesitated and said, "yes, well, er, until I leave". I still had no idea they closed at 3 p.m. but still had their doors open. He said there were no hot meals left but could offer me a bowl of Italian Minestrone. Without skipping a beat, I accepted.

Several minutes later the kind man brought me a bowl of soup and said, it would be free. I was confused. He said they had leftovers and it could be mind for no cost, not a problem. As kind an offer as that was, I simply could not take it for free especially since most of their prices are extremely reasonable. Not to mention, the chef had gone out of his to heat up the soup on the stove and serve me while he was trying to clean up.

The Minestrone was simply delicious. It was packed with most any vegetable you can imagine. I enjoyed a small whole wheat roll with the soup. On this freezing cold evening, it definitely hit the spot.

The restaurant was mostly empty except for an elderly couple a few tables over from me. The woman was crocheting and the man was reading. The classical music in the background made for a relaxing and quite enjoyable evening. This was the perfect place to unwind from a stressful and chaotic day.  

I finished the soup and paid, thanking them several times for accommodating me at the last minute.

Country Life serves a lunch buffet Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They offer a Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is not to be missed. If you are skeptical about how some vegetarian meals taste, I assure you this is the place to face your fears. Country Life offers a wide range of options for your sweet tooth, salad appetite or spicy cravings. The best part is they had dedicated their non-profit restaurant to the Standard American Diet (SAD), so you don't have to worry about what's in your food. There is nothing quite like eating delicious food and not having to worry if it's good or bad for you.

If you want to take a look at their website before heading over to try a meal its: http://www.countryliferestaurant.com/.

I've been going to Country Life for years. The people are always friendly and hospitable. The food is always amazing. If you get a chance to stop by, let me know what you think.

Happy Eating!

A double-feature silent movie with live music accompaniment filled the house at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre yesterday. I hadn't heard much about the star of the films, Douglas Fairbanks, except that he was the first ever "action star" of the movies.

A good laugh is good for what ails you, even if it's only for that moment that you are laughing. 

A coworker recently gave me a gag gift and convinced me I should bring it in to work to share.  It is a pen shaped like a finger and when you pull on it, it creates sounds similar to flatulence.  I work in a doctors office where outright laughter is usually greeted by a manager's stern glance and a remark about having better things to do with our time.  It's not that they don't want us to be cheerful, but they feel such gathering and laughing leaves the illusion of not caring especially when sick people are awaiting care. Idle chit chat and laughter amongst ourselves is kept to a minimum.  The pen was a different story. 

Conant's Brooke Springfield has the uncanny ability to take over a game.

And did she ever do so on Wednesday.

Facing the last undefeated team in Class M, Campbell, Springfield scored a career high 34 points in a 55-43 win.

The fifes and drums played a martial version of "The World Turned Upside Down" as General Cornwallis turned over his sword to General Washington. No one would ever believe that the colonies called America could ever separate themselves from Great Britain. The small defeating the mighty rarely happens in world politics. David and Goliath is a story that Americans revere because it is a metaphor...as a if we shared the same destiny.

We often go to Cheshire Arena in Swanzey, NH for skating, but there are several other options in the area.  Peterborough has an ice rink, but unfortunately it's currently non-functioning due to needing some major repairs. The Jaffrey Rec. Dept. turns its basketball court into a rink at Humiston Field and The Clark in Winchendon, MA supposedly maintains a rink while Conway Arena in Nashua has recreational skating times for all.  But the Monadnock region, with more than its share of lakes and ponds, offers many alternatives to regularly maintained or Zamboni-smoothed ice for those in search of a more rustic, outdoorsy, natural experience.

One of the things that makes us mammals that much more awesome than reptiles is our innate ability to regulate our own body temperature and thus withstand many different temperature ranges. We loose out on the ability to regrow our tails and smell with our tongue so I guess I'll have to call it a draw on the evolutionary scale. Its still cool not having to sun yourself to stay warm.