New Hampshire Taken For Granite

We daily encounter references and allusions to the NH state

nickname. My apologies up front. Determined to write a bit 

about New Hampshire, I quickly knew that this somewhat obnoxious 

and worn-out phrase as a blog post title would not go quietly away. 

More about the "Granite State" further on.

First, I wrap up Mother's Day remembrance week by sharing

a fun, published collection of photos and sentiments from

daughter Kenzie and family, and our sons, plus. . . 

. . . a mailed appreciation note from the Farmington, ME

Sisters (Renfro and Worthington). These make my heart sing

and fill my humble lamp with oil!

I also appreciate minor "miracles" that help us remain

afloat, such as a chance path-crossing with friend Andrea

at the Concord Farmer's Market on Saturday.

Son Jayden would rather NOT pose for a distanced photo

(lots of folks likewise find this disagreeable!).

The fun treats we found included maple glazed

apple cider donuts (recommended by Andrea & Jayden).

 We made a point of visiting this "early" outdoor market held

along side the Statehouse in Concord so that I could include

a 'shot by us' photo as I introduce this New Hampshire -

a locality we have come to love (not a surprise that!).

One of the original 13 American colonies, NH was the 9th

(my favorite number) to ratify the US Constitution.

Founded in June 1788, NH officials have chosen ladybug as
state insect, pumpkin as state fruit, brook trout as state fish,

and apple cider as state drink. 

We strolled the grounds and learned more about NH's 

famous leaders (more about those another time).

I was inspired by this granite sculpted eagle "figure head". 

Delightful.

Most travel hyperbole about NH speaks of the state in

extravagant words referencing trees. Equally ever-present 

is the granite hiding "beneath the surface".

This image of tree growing THROUGH rock was shared

by Andrea elsewhere, but I thought it too incredible

NOT to include here (with permission). 

Story of the ages: the conflicts in Nature!

Our previous travels to New England helped us tuck away

memories of highway off- and on-ramps cut through 

unavoidable rocky surroundings. Below is the Wellington St.

(near Mission office) I-93 Northbound highway entrance in winter. 

When we arrived last June and saw this image daily

as the Office desktop screen saver, we assumed this might be 

a once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon. 

Now that we've lived through a New England year, we know

that the abundant, flowing water here ALWAYS finds its way

to lower ground, often streaming downward and out

through rock fissures, providing a show as we drive past - 

simply wet for three seasons; crystalline ice in winter. 

Rockiness IS the landscape, at low ground or high.

Even open areas and "fields" continually yield an abundance

of stones and boulders through freeze/thaw cycles

(explained more fully in a future blog post about stone walls).

(These mountain trail cairns were human-built, of course.)

 As we settled in, we began to notice that stone, particularly

what we assume to be granite, is used creatively and ubiquitously,

including in place of wooden mailbox 'posts', and

as street-side curbing, as seen below.

In 1805, the granite formation above Profile Lake was first

mentioned, now known as Old Man of the Mountain,

near Franconia Notch, about four-fifths up the State.

NH statesman Daniel Webster (to be profiled another time) said:

"In the mountains of NH, God Almighty hung out a sign

to show that here he makes MEN."

Adopted as a state symbol of strength, resolution,

determination (stubbornness?) and connection with

the beautiful landscape, the profile appears . . .

. . . in many official ways. Here, below, is a typical

State route road sign -- this the road that gets us onto

the 101 Connector between Goffstown and Manchester,

and onward to the Mission Office.

 As we drove north for Mission business in January

(and our XC ski outing in St. Johnsbury, VT), we drove past

the exit where the Old Man in the Mountain State Park

helped memorialize the attraction. 

Alas, we could NOT have stopped to view him then, 
since on May 3, 2003, the rocks fell.

We can now ONLY enjoy the historic images, though

occasionally we see clever attempts to recreate it, such as

this "marquee" sculpture at a self-storage business

up Londonderry Turnpike not far from the Office.

Native son Robert Frost said "New Hampshire is one of 

the two best states in the union. Vermont's the other, and

the two have been yoke fellows in the sap yoke from of old

in many marches. And they lie like wedges, thick end to

thin end, and thin end to thick end [as the strong] should fit

together - one thick where one is thin, and vice versa."

This promotional map shows NH divided into regions.

Having logged nearly twelve months of service here, 

we have visited all but one of these regions.

In Seacoast, we have been to Rye Beach . . . 

 . . . and to historic Strawbery Banke (I include the sign

so that y'all won't think I just misspelled it), and . . .

 . . . to iconic Portsmouth light house.

To the west of Manchester, we have been in Monadnoc

where we traded out cars to the Sisters in Keene.

(This beautifully-executed sign on a building on campus

would NOT settle itself contentedly in my little brain, 
since this is likewise the motto of our alma mater BYU.)

 On the journey to Keene, we discovered this marvel,

the double arch stone bridge near Stoddard.

Going northwest, we have only had momentary glimpses

of Lake Sunappee and the beautiful resort areas there --

venue of the craftsmen's fair where I purchased my red barn

last August.

We had hoped to be over-nighting at Enfield Shaker Village --

-- with its own lake -- in the same region ten days from now.

(Alas, COVID-19 restrictions have interferred.)

In the middle, the Lakes Region is one famous folks have made

a destination for more than a century. We visited Wolfboro

for a day visit to swap out cars to the young Elders there.

New Hampshire Manchester is the missionary appointment that

we "chose" and we count blessings every day that

we were likewise "chosen" to come here.

Rock-solid already was our love of the country, and we now

can add an equally-strong affinity encompassing

so many incredible people and individuals, as well.

They fill our hearts and lives with love and light and joy.

Thank you, New Hampshire, for loving us back,
visually and in other ways!

Feeling full to the brim!