Backpack to Buggy

New England Seasons: Winter

Meg — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 10:00:49 +0000

It has been so long since I have lived in a place with snowfall that I notice the shape of the snowflakes and how it sticks to otherwise bare trees. I laugh at the squirrel tracks in the snow crossing rooftops and circling trees. What I notice most is how similar it looks to other seasons; the color pallet has just changed. In October I updated you on the bold colors of the New England autumn attracting Leaf Peepers from around the world. Here are some of those same views in the middle of a winter storm. Click to see the how the scene changes from fall to winter.

New England 2010 Maple Celebrations.

Meg — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:15:54 +0000

This is a brief listing of major events celebrating the sugaring season in New England. Many farms and sugar shacks host their own events. We are planning on heading to the Hebron Maple Festival and the Vermont Maple Open House Weekend, but will catch others if we can. I cannot wait to try Sugar on Snow. Click through to see a complete listing.

It’s Sugar Time, Maple That Is!

Meg — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:15:29 +0000

It's maple time in New England. Sugar maples have begun to ooze their sweet sap, maple farmers have tapped their sugar bush and boiling has begun in sugar houses. If you have tasted real maple syrup, you know how delectable this natural sweetener is. The pitcher on the table at the Waffle House is not real maple syrup but rather corn syrup (usually high fructose) flavored with fennugreek. Try a side by side comparison and you will never go back to the "maple flavored" sweeteners. Click through for more ways to enjoy maple syrup.

Honey, I Dropped the Camera!

Meg — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:06:56 +0000

It happens. To some of us, it happens a lot. What do you do when you drop that new digital SLR camera and hear the crunch as it hits the ground? After my Nikon Digital SLR camera slipped out of its case (which I forgot to zip) and hit the floor, the battery door was clearly broken and the lens didn't turn smoothly. Clearly my warranty wasn't going to help so I headed to the web to find camera and lens repair options. It turns out the world's largest camera and video repair facility is located here in Connecticut.

It’s Fun to Stay at the YMCA Salisbury, Hong Kong.

Meg — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:49:24 +0000

When I visit Hong Kong, I like to stay at the YMCA Salisbury in Tsim Tsau Choi. This is not a glorified dormitory (though they do have a dormitory for those on a hostel budget), but rather a conveniently located, full service hotel with family friendly services and breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island.

Hong Kong with Kids? Follow the Path of the Playgrounds. (Day Two)

Meg — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 14:00:33 +0000

Last year I introduced my husband and toddler to Hong Kong during a two-day stopover. We traveled on foot and public transportation from playground to playground. (Day Two)

Hong Kong with Kids? Follow the Path of the Playgrounds. (Day One)

Meg — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 18:43:20 +0000

Last year I introduced my husband and toddler to Hong Kong during a two-day stopover. We traveled on foot and public transportation from playground to playground. (Day One)

Happy New Year! Kung Hei Fat Choi! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Meg — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 14:23:31 +0000

This Sunday is a big holiday. It is Chinese New Year, the Lunar New Year, the beginning of the Year of the Tiger. As a Dog (someone born in the Year of the Dog), I am looking forward to the Year of the Tiger. You would think that ‘fighting like cats and dogs’ might not fare [...]

Mountain Threads: New Skiwear Rental Option in Colorado

Meg — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:11:10 +0000

Finally. A time, money and hassle saving solution to make your ski vacation easier (and save money). This winter, Mountain Threads has opened to offer high performance skiwear for rent to visitors to Colorado’s two dozen plus ski areas.

Ski Cheap at Reopened Big Tupper Ski Center.

Meg — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:12:10 +0000

Big Tupper Ski Center closed 10 years ago due to financial difficulties, but thanks to the work of local volunteers it reopened in December. With $15 lift tickets and $20 equipment rentals, a family ski trip seems a lot more affordable.