About Live Free and Blog

I grew up learning everything about New Hampshire from my father, who remains a lifelong resident of the state.  When I was in the sixth grade, he came into my grammar school in order to present a photo slideshow to my class, giving us a brief lesson in state history, telling the story of the first settlers of New Hampshire, and bragging about the "Old Man of the Mountain" and other attractions around the state.  I came away from class that day a little embarrassed that my father had been in class, but appreciative that my classmates' curiosity about the state was piqued. 

My father's lessons didn't end there. 

We went to Clark's Trading Post, Strawbery Banke and the Flume, and we paid regular visits to the Old Man of the Mountain.  We also visited Heritage New Hampshire and Benson's Wild Animal Farm, two attractions that are now closed.  When we had an exchange student stay with us from Spain, we were regular tour guides, showing off the Kancamagus Highway, Mount Chocurua, and Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway.  I could go on and on about the things we did as a family, all without ever leaving the confines of the Granite State.  "We have it all right here," is what my father would say. 

That was my introduction to what an amazing state we lived in, although it would take me a number of years to actually appreciate it for myself.  Later, as an adult, I found myself taking on the role my father had when I was a child.  I began taking visitors from foreign countries (pen-pals I had made via snail mail) on a tour of the state, lingering in Lupine fields, taking boat rides on my favorite lake and showing off the "Old Man" and "Indian Head" rock formations (that is, until the Old Man fell from his rocky perch above Franconia Notch).

This blog is a collection of my own experiences mixed in with some items that I have gathered from the web.  Highlights of local events.  Profiles of local personalities.  Shows on television that feature New Hampshire locations.  And stories.  I'll try to share my stories - with words, photographs and video - hoping to draw you in to my New Hampshire.