My Son's Picture Makes It Onto a Yahoo Article

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  Some of you may know that I write for several different internet sites. One of those is Yahoo. I was recently reviewing some articles I had previously written and came across this article with my son's picture. To be honest with you I had practically forgotten I had written it and that it had his photo. Needless to say, this is again my favorite article.
  They grow up so fast may be the truest words ever spoken. He will be four in a few months and has matured incredibly. He is super independent and even told me today he is going to take a plane to Philadelphia by himself. Being we only live across the Delaware River from Philly, I would probably be concerned if he said he was going to swim there.
  Pretty cool to think his image will be on the internet forever. Hope I get to show him it when he becomes a teenager. He will hate that.

Mount Willard Trail from The Buttonwood Inn on Mount Surprise

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Weather is perfect this morning as our guests stir from their slumber. Coffee and tea are served and the oven and stove are fired up as Paula prepares another memorable breakfast.

The snowfall which started last night continues as we look to be headed towards at least another 8 inches. The trails out back of the Inn will be in great shape for snowshoeing and the local cross-country trails are all groomed and ready to go.

The photo above is from two of our guests who snowshoed up Mount Willard after I had suggested it to them during breakfast. They were definitely happy to have been able to see the beautiful panoramic views especially looking south straight down the Valley towards the towns of Bartlett, Glen, and North Conway.



What’s in the Mount Willard Area: 
•Crawford Notch, one of the best examples of a glacially carved U-shaped valley anywhere in the world
•Evidence of rock slides on Mount Webster and Mount Willey
•Peregrine falcons occasionally nest in the area


The trailhead for Mount Willard is located at the Gateway of Crawford Notch behind the Crawford Depot Information Center off US 302.

•From the Jackson-North Conway area, follow US 302 west at Glen where it splits from NH 16. US 302 passes through Bartlett, then heads north through Crawford Notch. At the top of the Notch, roughly 20 miles from the junction of NH 16 and US 302, the road goes through a narrow pass between two cliffs. The parking area for Crawford Depot, is a few hundred yards up the road on the left.

•From Twin Mountain, take US 302 east. Crawford Depot is on the right just beyond the turnoff for the AMC’s Highland Center, about eight miles south of the junction of US 302 and US 3.


Happy Trails!



“Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

Full House for the Chocolate Festival!

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The Butttonwood Inn was full this weekend mainly for the Chocolate Festival and snowshoers.  The rest of our guests had fun on the slopes downhill skiing.  In fact, we had a group stay with us for the full week.  At the end of their adventurous skiing or snowshoeing activities, they enjoyed our hot tub to recuperate and relax their muscles.

Getting back to the Chocolate Festival, many local businesses participated giving out their special chocolate treats to cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and folks who traveled by car.  Check out our Chocolate Festival package and you can reserve with us any time or call 1-800-258-2625 for this special fun-filled event.

Here's the recipe for our Diner Brownies, which I could not stop tasting to ensure their quality (a chef's guilty pleasure).

Diner Brownies

1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
2-1/2 cups light brown sugar
1 cup water
6 ounces chopped unsweetened chocolate
5 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and butter a 9" by 13" baking pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, salt, and baking powder and set aside.  In a saucepan, bring the butter, brown sugar, and water to a simmer.  Off the heat, whisk in the chopped unsweetened chocolate until dissolved and well combined; cool slightly.  Whisk in eggs, one at a time, and then the vanilla.  Stir in the flour mixture.  Spread the batter in the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Frosting:

1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
1-1/4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Beat all ingredients together for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy.  Then frost slightly cooled brownies.  The warmth from the brownies will melt the frosting slightly and coat it to a glossy finish.  Let cool completely before serving.

NOTE:  To make a gluten-free version, just substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the all-purpose flour.“Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

Mt. Pierce--An Accessible Winter Climb to the Summit

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North Conway's local hiking expert, Ed Parsons, recently wrote in The Conway Daily Sun that Mt. Pierce is a good hike for your first time in reaching the summit of one of The Presidentials.  Most hikers don't climb the 4,000 footers in the winter, except for the extreme hikers, because of the bitter cold winds and sometimes harsh weather conditions.

Mt. Pierce is doable in the winter if you choose a clear, sunny day and start out in the morning.  A moderate 3.2 mile trail is accessible from Crawford Path across from the Appalachian Mountain Center on Route 302.  After passing the trail into the Mitzpah Hut, you leave the forested path to walk about a tenth of a mile to the summit of Mt. Pierce.  Here you have an astounding view of Mt. Washington from this southerly Presidential Peak.“Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

North Conway Named 1 of 25 World's Best Ski Towns by National Geographic

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Folks in the Northeast U.S. do not have to travel far to stay and ski in 1 of 25 world's best ski towns recently named by National Geographic.  They can visit North Conway, NH in the heart of The Presidential Range of the White Mountains.  Mt. Washington is the highest peak at 6,288 feet on the East Coast.  There are seven alpine ski mountains in Mt. Washington Valley and six cross-country ski trails all within a half-hour of North Conway.  The first purpose-cut ski runs and ski schools in North America were established here in the 1930s.

Cranmore Mountain Resort located just outside of the village attracts families because of its excellent ski school.  It also has non-skiing attractions like snow tubing, a mountain coaster, climbing walls, and indoor tennis.

We're hoping that March will go out like a LION with more snow accumulation for skiing and snowshoeing opportunities for everyone. 

The Buttonwood Inn has a lot to offer everyone and we're just 5 mintues from the village.  We also have access to snowshoe trails out our back door.

We also have discounted ski tickets for our guests.  So check out our ski packages and book on-line or call us at 1-800-258-2625 today!“Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

Group Gatherings Mother's Day Weekend

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We had several lovely families stay at The Buttonwood Inn this past Mother's Day Weekend.  Our inn is large enough for families and group gatherings because we can seat about a dozen people in our Living Room and in the Mt. Surprise Room.  Our front porch is a popular spot for guests to enjoy their morning coffee or afternoon tea watching the hummingbirds and birds.  We have several double-seat Adirondack chairs on the lawn for those who want solitude just staring at the mountains and forest.  The in-ground heated pool is fun for anyone who likes to swim or float on a tube.  Families with children can play and rejuvenate before heading off for dinner.

The daughter and son-in-law who reside in Boston arranged the Mother's Day weekend for her mother, father, and sister who flew up from Louisiana. It was the perfect getaway because they were able to reconnect and relax at our inn, and yet shop, hike the trails on Bartlett Mountain, and go on a fly fishing excursion.  On the first day of their arrival, they headed downtown to shop in Settlers Green Outlets and local curiosity shops, had dinner at a local restaurant, then came back and relaxed in the hot tub.  The daughter also reserved an hour-long in-room massage for her mother on Mother's Day morning, which she thoroughly enjoyed.  Bill booked a half-day fly fishing excursion for the father and son-in-law with North Country Angler.  They were thrilled to have caught four brook trout (caught and released).  While the men were fishing, the women hiked the Mt. Surprise and Buttonwood Inn Trails to get up to the Bartlett Ledges.  At the end of Mother's Day, the entire family had pizza and watched movies in the Mt. Surprise Room. 

I made a lime cake frosted with lime cream cheese icing for Mother's Day afternoon tea service.  Here's the recipe.

Lime Cake with Cream Cheese Icing



Cake:


Butter, for greasing pan
Flour, for dusting pan


One 3-ounce package lime flavored gelatin
1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
3/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 large eggs, slightly beaten


Glaze:


1/2 cup lime juice (from 3-4 large limes)
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar


Icing:


1/2 cup (1 stick butter), room temperature
One 8-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
One 1 pound box confectioners' sugar
Zest of one lime


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and butter and flour a 9”x13” cake pan.


In a large mixing bowl, mix the gelatin, granulated sugar, flour, salt, baking powder and baking soda. Stir to mix well. Add the oil, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until well combined. Pour the batter evenly in the pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Test for doneness inserting a toothpick. Cool the cake in the pan for 5 minutes.


For the glaze: While the cake is still hot, mix the lime juice and confectioners' sugar together well. Pierce the cake with a skewer to allow the glaze to soak in better and pour it over the cake. Allow cake to cool completely as you prepare the icing.


For the icing: Cream the butter and cream cheese. Beat in the confectioners' sugar until mixture is smooth and easy to spread. Add the lime zest until combined. Spread the icing on the top and sides of the cake.

“Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

06.20.12 My fishing partner cancelled...so today was all work no fishing

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     I was all set to leave my house at 4am to hopefully catch an early morning bass bite. My fishing partner for the day called me at 350 am and said today was a no go, so it was a no go. I had planned on being back at the dock at 10 which would give plenty of time for a photo shoot I had at Metlife, aka- Giants and Jets Stadium. The picks were beginning at 3 in the afternoon so by not going fishing I had plenty of time and didn't have to rush. My families company, Archer Steel, is erecting 48 solar panels around the top of the stadium. It makes for some cool images if the weather, sun, crane, guys, all do what you need them to. This is my second day shooting this project and today I shot it from the top of the stadium. There is really no access up to there and climbing the steel with two cameras around your neck isn't the easiest thing, and the chance of damaging something is great. These cameras aren't made like the old Nikon F-3's or Canon A-1's.     Besides having a different point of view with these images the afternoon wind picked up a bit and gave some respite from the near 100' temperatures. At one point while hoisting myself up onto this elevation my arm came in contact with the steel and it felt like a frying pan.


I am hoping that Friday will be my day out to fish. I have some clients coming to the salt over the weekend and I'm looking forward to that. 

06.21.12 Went for a nice Happy Hour dinner at Mr. C's....

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and then while waiting for dinner to come things got interesting....

But forget that, I can't tell you how disappointed I was that they got rid of their $5 dollar apps and 1/2 price drinks during Happy Hour. Cindy and I enjoy that, well year round we thought, for most of the year. Well, it ended last week, and now everything is full price....$ 12-14 apps and $20+ entrees, which is fine for dinner, but not for a quick run over for a beer and bite before night.

And the other thing, it was what is was and it all worked out fine.

06.22.12 Snag and drop kind of morning...buddy did real well last evening

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The boys on 8th

     Went down early before the heat comes and the kids wake up. Lots of anglers and boats out, either perched out on the ends of the groins or in tight to the beac. Saw lots of snagging hooks waiting for the pods of bunker to get within casting range. Saw some tight pods but didn't see any bass or blues on them.

Judy on Allenhurst

Last evening while I was at Mister C's I was back and forth with my friend Captain Jason Dapra of Blitzbound Guide Service, 631-662-4734, who was first on the hunt and then found and was into big bass. Below are a few pics from his evening charter. Since I am still in the process of getting my Captain's license I would recommend Jason for fly and light tackle charters for 2-3 anglers. If you fish Montauk he's out there in the fall and here during the spring and summer. When I get my license I will not longer recommend him! Kidding of course.

06.23.12 Had my boy out front but I couldn't help him catch a fish

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     I somehow snickered my oldest son to join me a for mornings fishing. Yesterday was Hurricane Harbor with 5 kids, a day where I backed into a families Lexus, and I guess this was his way of giving back. We were up at 4 am and clearing the Hook at 530. There was some weather down near Asbury Park so we hung up near Gunnison and the 1,000,000,000 bunker that were there, and we drove through another few million in Sandy Hook Bay. I will get into this in another post, but, I am a fly fisherman. I don't have spin gear. So I brought along a neighbors salt rod from the 1970's and a nice $49 dollar set up I got at Sports Authority. So we're in the bunker pod and I go to crank the $49 rod and the reel is seized. Then I go to the old school rod. I put on our only snagging hook and we get a bunker. Ryan drifts it behind the pod and we hook up on a real nice fish, and snap off, at the knot.
    Then we tried a Bomber to snag bunker, and lost that, and the know to the swivel. Then through through the morning we lost two more circle hook snagged bunker rigs, at the knot. Ryan got to take the wheel back in, and I told him to be a Captain you need 360 days on the water, and today was day one. I had a great time today with my son, I hope to rotate all my kids through or have them all out at once.

06.24.12 There's a bunch of bunker...just not too many fish on them

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     Well if you've never seen a pod of bunker, and boats surrounding them and snagging and dropping well here it is. Just like when I was out with my boy yesterday, today it was pod after pod of bunker just out of casting range from the groins. I heard one fish that was caught last night that I think went about 12 pounds.....guys and girls it might be close to being over. I am going to give it ago in th middle of the night so we'll see if I can drum a bass up.      Today I had a client out in the morning and we continued to work on casting the fly rod and fly fishing in the salt. A little ways in I decided to change spools on my Helios and made a cast after stringing up....and don't you know it I got a keeper or not keeper by much fluke that nailed the Clouser. Craig had a fluke on and we had a great time as always. 

Children's Play Space Design

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Playground that actually can occur in the home. In fact, a small house not once, can accommodate your child's games.The agenda for the first time in designing a playroom for your child is adjusting to the needs of the child's room. For example, children under five years of age (children) who want the space for a more comfortable and uncomplicated.If you have young children, parents should not build a townhouse. The soil should not use material that has a slippery surface. Understandably, usually children under five years likes to move, although the course is still unstable. "Furnishing the house also does not need people. 


So baby can still move freely.To add a fun environment, you can paint the walls of the nursery with bright colors like red, pink, green, yellow or orange. Ria atmosphere occurs if there are more photos of favorite cartoons of children on the wall. So, although minimal furnishings, the room where children play still looks attractive.If you have trouble choosing the right design, serving recipes M. Zaenal Abidin, PT Pavilion Architect 95. He said, echoes the idea of ​​playing the normal course of visiting the child, such as kindergartens, nurseries, schools or take the concept of nature. But remember, comfort and safety of the child should not be overlooked.To create a comfort, you should notice is the air temperature in the room. You know, if your child is playing, his movement is very fast, very fast for child's sweat. If possible, install air conditioning (AC) in the games room, with temperatures around 20 degrees to 28 degrees Celsius. The temperature was quite comfortable for your child to move ahead and sleep.

If you can not install the air conditioner, keep the play area was open space.You can make use of plants normally found in front of the house. Add a few feet of grass that is used as the basis for small-type game. Do not forget, a fish pond is also the main attraction. 


However, the pool was not too deep, so as not to endanger the child.Although small house, you can still have a game room for the baby. You can combine a family room with room to play. You can add goodies typical children. In this way? there are advantages too, because you can chat with your family and your child can play hard.Safety, children's play area should not have a wall or partition that separates the other room. This applies to the play area within the home or outside the home. The aim is that parents or caregivers can monitor your baby with ease.


Children's Play Space 

Buttonwood Inn Astronomy Update

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Although the nights recently have been cloud covered and full of snow (no complaints of course), about two weeks ago, on a Thursday night, I pointed the Inn's telescope toward the Constellation Orion, specifically looking for the Orion Nebula.


Meade 10 Inch

 I am really new to the whole digital image thing but I have always wanted to try my luck at taking pictures with a decent single lens reflex camera hooked directly to the telescope's viewfinder which is called prime focus coupling.

With today's cameras you can fairly easily see the image of the object you are trying to photograph directly in the eyepiece of the camera, or, in the case of some digital cameras with LCD screens, you can view the image directly on the screen and make some adjustments and view the "live" image before taking the actual photograph.

There are other methods, such as using the telescope's eyepiece as you would normally view the night sky and then, using a special mount, attaching the camera with it's lens so that you focus on the image in the eyepiece. Here is an example of that type of device.

When all is said and done, there are certainly other factors affecting the final image, some camera related, and others telescope related, which we I hope to discuss in future blogs. For the time being, here is a quick single image shot I took on that Thursday night two weeks ago and although it is certainly not a "Hubble telescope" quality image I was still excited about the fact that it worked. Hope you enjoy it.

Orion Nebula Canon T3i Prime Focus Meade LXD 10 inch

“Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

March Winter Morning 2012

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Well March has started out as a snowfilled month with two substantial snowfalls already and it is only the 3rd of the month.  This morning's view from the Inn's dining room was nothing less than magical (if I do say so myself). I could not resist snapping a few pictures of the unusual icicle formation on one of the bird feeders our guests can see as they enjoy one of Paula's tantalizing breakfasts.

 It looks like an icy little birdcage prison according to our guests this morning. Fortunately, the other birdfeeders were clear for the group of Dark-eyed Juncos . A whole group of them left tiny little 'footprints' in the snow on the front porch. It looks as if a miniature ballet took place while everyone was asleep.

From time to time, if we are lucky, we will see a Barred Owl fly from tree stand to tree stand behind the Inn and the sight is breathtaking, especially when snow is falling. The Barred Owl is familiar for its distinctive "who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all" hooting. Check out this YouTube video:

Winter certainly brings some amazing things and as we approach Spring at the Buttonwood Inn on the top of Mount Surprise, we'll be looking forward to seeing a whole host of local hawks, deer, moose, bear, not to mention the migratory hummingbirds that love our homemade hummingbird nectar. “Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

I think I may switch to a gluten-free diet...

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Because the food is equally as delicious as the wheat-based products.  I've adapted my breakfast and afternoon baked treat recipes providing a gluten-free version of what the guest's traveling partner is served.  Over the past year and a half, we've increasingly catered to our guests who require gluten-free due to their Celiacs disease.  Consequently, I refer to the cookbook, The Gluten-free Gourmet Cooks Fast and Healthy by Bette Hagman, to mix various gluten-free flours making pancakes, waffles, quick bread, cookies, and brownies.

This morning, for example, I served blintzes filled with lemon ricotta topped with warm strawberry sauce.  I made a separate crepe batter substituting gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour.  It's a little extra work to prepare gluten-free products, but the gratification our guests express to us makes it all worthwhile.  “Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

Maple Syrup time at the Buttonwood Inn on Mt. Surprise

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The homemade taps are up on the trees and the sap is flowing really well today. For those who have never tried this, as was the case with me until just last year, it is really simple and the reward of fresh, dark, sweet maple syrup, that you can say you made, is just great. Here is a great website for learning how to do it your self: Make your own Maple Syrup  

Simple tap setup


 This picture is an example of how you can use everyday things from around the house to tap, collect, and make your own syrup. Of course, you can always buy the Starter Kits on line. They are relatively inexpensive when you consider how much fun you will have, and the fact that the syrup you are producing is quite expensive if you were to buy "pure" malple syrup at your local grocery store. The process is simple and the tree does most of the work. I even made the "Spiles" which are the metal tubes inserted into the 2 inch deep holes drilled into the tree at a slight upward angle. As for boiling the sap down, the quoted ratio is 40 to 1. That is, for every 40 gallons you boil down you end up with 1 gallon of sap. I usually shoot for a couple of quarts. The sap looks and flows like water initially and don't worry, the trees produce an abundance of sap and as long as you don't place more than one tap for every 10 inches of tree diameter you will be OK and the tree won't notice either.

Boiling off the first sap of the season





If you really get into it, and decide to produce gallons of syrup, then you might want to consider boiling it down the old fashioned way which is done outside or in a "sugar shack" using a wood fire. There is something to be said for "getting back to nature"!“Providing the best in service, hospitality, and attention to detail.” Bill & Paula Petrone Innkeepers at The Buttonwood Inn PO Box 1817 64 Mount Surprise Road North Conway, New Hampshire 03860-1817 800-258-2625 603-356-2625 Fax: 603-356-3140 innkeeper@buttonwoodinn.com www.buttonwoodinn.com FACEBOOK LINK TWITTER LINK

Memorial Day Weekend Sunday With My Son

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  Like father, like son. No day of the year might that be more true for my son and myself han the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Why that day you ask? Because there is no other day of the year when there is more big-time auto racing on television than this day. And I am proud to say I have created a certified racing nut in my son.
  Our Sunday schedule will be something along these lines. Watching the Formula 1 race from Monaco at 7AM until just a little past 10AM. During that time we will have our breakfast together. At the conclusion of the Formula one race, it's shower time and then out the door.
  Before you think I'm the kind of father who would keep his son inside all day on a bright, sunny day like this, next on our schedule is The Camden Children's Garden. By living on the Camden Waterfront we are literally across the street from the Children's Garden, along with the Adventure Aquarium, and the Battleship New Jersey.
  The Children's Garden has dancing water, great on a day like this, a train to ride on, a carousel, mazes, and a view of the penguin area of the aquarium. We did all that and managed to see the feeding of the penguins, all by noon.
  Next on the schedule is more racing. We settle into lunch as we prepare for the start of the Indy 500. This will take up most of our afternoon, and my son will probably take a nap during the race. Hopefully he will awake in time to see the finish of the Indy 500, and the start of the Nascar Coca-Cola 600.
  Sometime during this time we will do some dinner, and the reading of some books. With our day ending well into the night, we will both go to bed happy.
  LIKE FATHER LIKE SON!

Snooki Arrested in Italy

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  We all knew it was only a matter of time, but the first castmember of MTV's Jersey Shore was arrested in Italy, and surprise, it was Snooki.
  The same Snooki who was arrested for drunk and disorderly on the beach in Seaside Heights, was arrested in Italy for crashing into the back of a police car.
  The most amazing aspect of all this may just be that alcohol was not involved.

Autism Breakthrough

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  This blog is supposed to be about all the great things in New Jersey, but sometimes something catches my attention outside that realm which I feel needs to be shared. Today it is a possible breakthrough concerning Autism.
  A story on WebMD is reporting the very real possibility of prenatal vitamins being able to lower the risk of  having a child without Autism. You probably know the rates of Autism has increased significantly in recent years. We have heard of many possible causes, but this is the first time we are hearing some good news.
  There was way too much information in the article than I could ever include here, so I provided a link below to check it out for yourself.
Autism Breakthrough

Help Autism Awareness With an Email for Free

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  I wrote yesterday about a possible break through in the area of Autism, reported on Web MD, involving the use of prenatal vitamins. The internet truly is a mysterious place, because this morning I received an email with the easiest way of helping to raise money for Autism research.
  All you need to do is go to this Autism website, sign up with your email, and agree to receive a daily email, and money will be donated to Autism research. Why wouldn't you do this?

NJ Hospital Infested With Mice.

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  The website of the Star Ledger, NJ.com, is reporting that the intensive care unit of one of New Jersey's biggest hospitals is dealing with an infestation of mice. University Hospital of Newark has called in pest control experts to deal with the problem in an area of the hospital that contains many of it's sickest patients. Check out the complete story by clicking the link above.

06.14.12 Didn't make it out this morning...I slept in

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     I wanted to fish this morning, but I was finishing up my sleep study test at Mt. Sinai Hospital in NYC. Spent the night hooked up to 1,000 electronic leads up and down my body, and had to sleep on my back, or just a little on my side. My sleep tech came in to remind me that I couldn't roll over or to apply pressure to the top of my head or temple because the wire came off.

Wind changed to the E, and that slowed things down. I heard more about that Tuesday night blitz they had in Long Branch, over 40 fish kept to 45 pounds, glad I wasn't there. Tonight there was 1,000 guys on Pullman and the law came and enforced the parking rules, and passed out tickets.

06.15.12 Fluke on the fly off the rocks...and Al gets out for Father's Day early

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     I love when I tell people that I take clients fly fishing for fluke. They kind of say, "Fluke?". I love it in June when you can leave the waders in the truck and wet wade and pound the wash with a Clouser and pick up some fluke. Fluke are a nasty and mean predator fish. They lay in wait and and with a quick strike attack the bait or fly and then they give a good fight. Today we caught a nice 21" fluke off the end of the groin. If you think landing stripers on the rocks with a fly rod is fun, try landing a strong flatfish in large swells.
     This weekend is Father's Day and today I found my buddy Al celebrating a little early out fishing with his son. They have on the same hats, but that's where the likeness ends. Al is in his summer wear and his son, with jacket in hand, is still in spring mode.

If you are a father or have a father enjoy your weekend, it's looks like it's going to be a nice one.

06.17.12 Happy Father's Day

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     Here's why I am happy on this Father's Day. I look at the above picture and see four kids that I am lucky to be around everyday. I am proud of them and their many accomplishments, including Sean's recent 8th grade graduation (picture above). After the summer our family will include a freshman, sophomore and junior in high school, a second grader and one in graduate school. We are a blended bunch who came together four years ago after a series of curveballs were thrown to us in The middle of this game of life. For me it has been a blessing, a welcome challenge, and lot's of hard work but I love them all the same, even though they all think Erin, the youngest, is my favorite. I am honored to be in this position and hope that I don't let them down and will always be someone who they can turn to during both the good and bad times. Often I hear them say, or tell me directly, that I am "annoying" or "care too much", and when I hear that it is confirmation that I am doing a pretty good job.

                                         

     Early this morning I got spend some time with my father and brother for Father's Day and they were at my house by 5 am. We had planned to go fishing but the E wind at 20 and end of the incoming tide made it a little to tough to enjoy. We had one pair of waders between us and one sets of spikes. I decided that maybe the Shark River Inlet might be good for a fluke or two or maybe some bluefish. We got into our spot and made some casts for about a half an hour before just hanging out and watching the boats, from 20 footers to head boats, exit the inlet, and then some, turn around a few minutes later and head back in. On our way home I stopped by Allenhurst and found a lone fly angler working water that I find great on a NE or E wind. By 8 we were back at my house having coffee and saying hello to my kids as they trickled out of their sleeps. It was a nice way to start the day.