2011 Camping Vacation to the White Mountains

First thing first, we needed someplace close. Airfare is crazy, baggage prices are worse. Add in all the hidden taxes, the parking costs and a rental car at the destination we were looking at big money... let's not forget Elvis hates to fly.

That leaves us with CAMPING!

http://www.countrybumpkins.com/

Now, don't be shocked, it's not tent on the ground roughing it. Country Bumpkins Campground in Lincoln, NH does have plenty of grassy tent areas for those who like 'that sort of thing', a few cabins and 2 trailers for rent.We stayed at this campground last year but in a cabin. The cabin was cute, it was quaint, it was TINY. It did serve its purpose and the memories made there are priceless. It had a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom and a porch with tv and futon sofa. Like I said, it worked and if the rental we chose this year wasn't available, we would have gone back to it. 

Bill & Alice (the owners)

The campground itself is small, and that's what we wanted. I could sit on the porch and watch Diva play in the playground, or feed the ducks and fish at the pond or even hear her playing games at the rec building. The only thing I wished the rec building had was a ping-pong table. It's a family owned and run business. We saw them popping around the grounds in their little cart, changing out linens, cleaning up after check-out and just spreading smiles as they make sure everyone is having a good time. If you are looking for a party in the woods, this isn't the place for you - very family friendly.

The trailer isn't exactly a pop-up tent (not that there is anything wrong with that) but it's still camping. The roughing it part comes from no dishwasher, but I am sure I will find a way to survive the week somehow! Diva is excited because she will have her own room with a tv and bunk beds. She has always wanted to sleep in one, but hasn't said yes when I offer to get her one for home. It has a full eat-in kitchen, a full bath, living room with tv and stereo, a master bedroom, a wooden patio with lights and a fire-pit. If it is anything like last year, we will be having breakfast by the fire a few times and one every night. The campground sells firewood bundles not only is it the best price around, it's close to the site.

Lots of activities planned, not too many that we are exhausted at the end of the day and not too few that we're bored and climbing the walls. 

~DAY 1 (Thursday) Pack up and head out. Brunch will be at the Cracker Barrel in Londonderry, NH. which is about the mid-point. I'll have to let it slip that it's Elvis' Birthday. Diva will get a kick out of it and I am pretty sure he will too, even if he laughs when some poor unsuspecting person has a restaurant sing to them. Check-in at 2pm, unloading the car shouldn't take long at all and a quick pop to the local (and overpriced) market for milk and eggs and I can almost relax. 

~DAY 2 (Friday) Bears, bears and more bears!

Clark’s Trading Post - 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Lincoln, NH ($54)

White Mountain's most outstanding attractions featuring trained North American Black Bears, antique Americana, steam trains and a whole lot more. The Clarks have been providing quality family entertainment for over 70 years. An admission ticket will provide fun for any age as you step back in time. Exhibits include a replica of a hook and ladder house, Tuttle's Rustic House and Merlin's Mystical Mansion, which will turn your whole world upside down. A ride on the White Mountain Central Railroad will take you across the Pemigewasset River and the bumper boats in Old Mill Pond are sure to cool you off! ~HOURS: varies ~COSTS: $18

~DAY 3 (Saturday) Is it wrong to want to lick a tree?  

The SugarMill Farm - 1296 Glover Road, Barton, VT ($0)

Self-guided tours of the maple syrup-making facilities. The grounds include a maple museum with a 15-minute videotape presentation about the history of maple syrup, a travel information plaza and a fish farm. ~HOURS: 9-5 Daily ~COST: free ~PHONE: 802-525-3701

~DAY 4 (Sunday) When I can I move in???? 

Castle in the Clouds - 455 Old Mountain Road, Moultonborough, NH ($35)

The Castle's spectacular mountaintop estate offers a 270-degree view of mountains and lakes.  The Castle is an iconic, turn-of-the-century 16-room Arts & Crafts mansion perched high on a pristine mountaintop estate overlooking Lake Winnipesaukee. Walk or hike 45-miles of trails, stroll the winding paths along beautiful gardens and gorgeous waterfalls and feed the giant trout in Shannon Pond. ~HOURS: 10am-4:30pm Daily ~COST: $15/adults, $5/children ~PHONE: 603-476-5900

~DAY 5 (Monday) Canada, Eh?

Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway - Franconia, NH ($35)

Extends from Valley Station to the top of Cannon Mountain. An 80 passenger aerial tram car will take you to the summit where you can enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys of the Franconia National Park and the White Mountains National Forrest. Foot trails lead from the observation platform to overlooks from which on a clear day you can see four states and the province of Quebec. ~HOURS: 9-5 Monday - Friday ~COST: $13 adults, $9 children ~PHONE: 603-823-8800

~DAY 6 (Tuesday) The Doctor is out... so let's touch his stuff!

Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm - 58 Cleavland Hill Road, Tamworth, NH ($9)

The museum preserves the heritage of Dr. Edwin C. Remick and his son, Dr. Edwin Crafts Remick, who practiced medicine in the village of Tamworth from 1894-1993. Farm exhibits interprets 200 years of rural New England domestic and agricultural life while contrasting historic and modern methods. Hands-on summer activities include grinding corn and milking cows. An interpretive hiking trail and live farm animals are also on the premises. ~HOURS: 10-4 Monday-Friday ~COST: $3/each~PHONE: 603-323-7591

~DAY 7 (Wednesday) Oh so beautiful!

The Flume & The Basin – 852 Daniel Webster Highway, Franconia Notch, NH ($36)

A deep glacial pothole at the base of a waterfall. Measuring 20 feet in diameter and 15 feet deep, its sides have been polished smooth by sand, stones and water. Below the basin, the Pemigewasset River tumbles through the Baby Flume, a smaller version of the well-known gorge. This area includes walking paths, hiking trails and a picnic tables. A chasm extending nearly 800 feet along the flank of Mount Liberty. A mountain stream tumbles in a series of waterfalls and pools between its 60-90 foot high granite walls. An optional shuttle bus takes visitors the first .5 mile; it is 1.5 miles back to the visitor center. A well-constructed boardwalk leads through the gorge; there are, however, some steep grades. Within the flume there are two covered bridges, waterfalls and cascades. ~HOURS: 9-5 Monday - Friday ~COST: $13 adults, $10 children ~PHONE: (603) 745-8391

~DAY 8 (Thursday) Time to say good bye...

Packing up and cleaning because check-out is by 10. A quick snack and off we go. There is a diner down the street that we went to last time, but I wasn't all that impressed with it and would actually like to go back to Cracker Barrel in Londonderry proving no one is near faint from starvation.

I love my daughter. She is artistic. She is a wonderful person. She is caring. She is athletic. She is beautiful. She is the best thing to ever come in to my life. She is LD .

The teacher pulled me aside today to tell me that they don't know if they can take Diva next year. because they don't have enough staff available to help her because she needs more educational help than they can offer. This school has the smallest student:teacher ratio available.

She is already being pulled out of class as much as possible and it still isn't enough. To quote the teacher "At the end of this year, she still won't be at a 4th grade level. Even if we do keep her for 5th, you are going to have to home-school her for 6th just to get her caught up because she will be so behind". She went on and say that Diva NEEDS that one-on-one and to not put her in public because they will not be able to help her, there isn't a private school that can dedicate that much time to one student and if I don't home-school her, she will have to be put in a school for severely learning and physically disabled students.

I went back to talk to the Outlaws... HE said he will just get her a tutor for over the summer. Great, a 1 on 1 encounter for 8 weeks which isn't enough time to catch up a YEARS worth of classes, and then dump her back in to the big pool to let her drown from Sept - June, then went on and on about how she won't be able to go to Harvard. Rinse and Repeat.

When I told them I will be researching schools and if I can find one we will move to wherever so she can go. There are even programs at community colleges for students of severe learning disabilities.

SHE said "Well, what will you do with the condo"?

I looked at her with disbelief. "Fix it up and sell it. It's only property, we're talking about my daughter. She is more important than where we live. OldMan and I will get a one bedroom trailer and sleep on the roof if it is near a school that can help her".

Not being able to go to Harvard and property... they have a skewed set of priorities. It got 'better' when I talked to the ex about it "what about friends, she's an only child".

As if I kept her locked in the closet after lessons when I home schooled her! She had all afternoon to go out and play because she had no homework. Each subject had it's own dedicated hour and SHE EXCELLED! From Dec - March not only did I get her caught up in 3rd grade, but finished the rest of the curriculum. In March we only put her in the private school because we were finished and it was a breeze for her because it was a REVIEW of everything I had taught her.

Diva made a comment out of frustration to the teacher today... "I don't know why I am having a hard time with multiplication. Momma taught it to me and I KNEW IT. I know I knew it, and I use to be good at it".

I have a meeting with the school when report cards come out in 2 weeks. If they decide they can't/won't keep her next year, I need to figure out what we will do -- and don the battle gear if it means fighting with the Outlaws again to home school again...

It took 2.5 years to get them to agree to it the first time, I don't have that luxury... I barely have 5 months to prepare, gather, submit.

Never Underestimate the Power of Sales and Coupons!

I could end this entry with just the title. Too many times people don't think to clip that coupon, or scan that aisle looking for unadvertised sales.

Check out the reduced shelf at your grocery store as well - a reduced price combined with a coupon is extra extra savings!

I will list today's shopping list. It was not purchased at a markdown/dent/bulk store. Around here, Shaws is one of the more costly stores.

1 stir-fry pan $21.23 **
1 Tex muffin pan $7.43 **
1 regular muffin pan $7.43 **
1.69 lbs red peppers $2.18 **
1.55 lbs bananas .76 **
1.98 lbs tomatoes 2.56 **
6 (7oz) Kraft mozzarella shredded cheese $19.74 **
1 (8oz) storebrand montery jack shredded cheese $2.69 **
6 International Delight liquid creamer $27.54 **
4 Cracker Barrel cheddar blocks $14.76 **
4 Del Monte diced peaches 4pks $13.80 **
2 Prince rotini primivera $2.70 **
2 Prince bowtie pasta $2.70 **
6 Kellogs blueberry muffin mini wheats $22.14 **
3 Cheerios cinnamon burst $11.07 **
4 JollyTime microwave popcorn $8.76 **
5 Aah Bistro chicken gravy granules $22.95 **
1 storebrand childrens vitamins $6.49 **
1 malt vinegar $4.87 **
4 Classico spagetti sauce $11.96
6 Zataran rice $11.94
1 Old El Paso enchilada sauce $1.19 **
1 storebrand hard candies $1.50 **
1 Osem mini croutons $6.50 **
3 Aah Bistro beef gravy granules $14.07 **
1 AngelSoft 12pk toilet paper $7.99 **
1 storebrand carmel popcorn cakes $2.49 **
2 Cambell's healthy select soup $5.58
2 Perdue chicken breasts 5pks $19.98 **
1.69 lbs ground pork $3.02
.97 lb steak $4.54
2 McCormick bearnaise sauce mix $2.38 **
11 McCormick cheesy taco mix $9.79 **
13 McCormick chili mix $11.57 **
4 McCormick one-dish mix $7.80 **
1 organic maple syrup $7.69 **

note: In Massachusetts, we do not pay tax on food (or clothes). The prices for the pans include the tax. ** indicates items at full sticker prices.

So, that's a pretty big list - $331.79 in total.

I did NOT pay that much, not even close! My out of pocket expenses was under $96.00.

Imposable? Not really. I had coupons for almost everything on that list, combined with a sale or clearance price, I was able to save around $235.00 today.

Some examples: I had a coupon for $1 off 3 boxes of Kellogs cereal - the mini wheats were on clearance for $1.50 a box making them $1.17 each instead of the normal price of $3.69. Another big helper was the coffee creamers, shredded cheeses, block cheeses and diced peaches were marked down to $1 each. The McCormicks taco and chili mixes were marked down to .25 each.

That is not ALL the mark-downs and sales, but it goes to show you that it CAN be done... if you take the extra time.

For You...

I hope you know how much I appreciate everything you do for us. What we have may not be all roses and butterflies.

What we have is forever.
What we have is real!

I love you.

Look what we did... 18 months EARLY!

Striving for Zero

Zero. Zilch. Nada. However you say it, that's what I am aiming for. NO DEBT! Some people think it's not possible. It IS, but I won't lie, it is not easy. Being debt-free means discipline. It doesn't mean doing without, just a more careful way to go about things.

Elvis and I have no credit cards. None. We do have a bank debit card with a Visa logo on it that can be used for purchases, but we have to have the money in the bank.

Q: Domestic Goddess, how do you go on vacation? Pay car repairs? How can you be credit card free??
A: Wait until we have saved up enough money and pay cash.

There are a lot of books available at your local library that will tell you how to dig yourself out of debt. Choose carefully, some are geared towards those with champagne tastes and caviar breath. I've never been fond of either - luckily.

Have an 'all hell broke loose' fund set aside for things that seem to happen in life - flat tires, busted pipes. The small things that catch us off guard, but not so small that you think ahead and have cash available to cover it. The popular line of thinking is that the emergency fund should be $1000. No, that won't cover every OOPS moment that can happen, but it sure can make a difference between sinking and swimming that month.

After you have the money set aside, hack away at your debt. People argue about balance vs. interest. I say balance first. Once you have a small debt paid off, a feeling of accomplishment comes over you, and it's one less creditor knocking down your door. Send in the minimum payments to the others and throw everything you have at the first in line.

For Elvis and I, it is our cars. In August of 2006 I bought a brand spanking new car. I made the minimum payments of 271.17 for about the first 36 months, give or take a few. We bumped that up to $400 a month to get it paid off a few months early.

I just sent in $2420 which leaves a balance of $352. I'll have that paid off this Friday -18 months early. I will do a small dance when I send the money over, but not as big of one had I actually thought about paying extra principals 3 years earlier.

How I wish that would be the end of our story. Alas it is not. In June of 2010 we bought a certified pre-owned car for Elvis. Minimum payments of  $217.57 and the current balance is $8768.04 *sigh*

The plan -- take the money I was sending in for my car and a wee bit more and put it towards his car. I am HOPING to have his car paid off by New Years Eve 2011 - 42 months early!!!

In the meantime, we still have $150 going to the other account every other week to work towards saving for 3 months of expenses... but, that's another story.

A Lil Something for ME!

I recently bought a necklace from Marko Creations. It is absolutely STUNNING. Don't take my word on it, look at it yourself!

From the first time I set my eyes on it, I knew it had to be mine. The picture does not show you 1/10th of it's true beauty.

The delivery was quick and I couldn't wait to wear it everywhere.

February is Fun...

At least that is what I keep telling myself as I am rocking side to side in a fetal position every time I hear the weather person say snow.

I haven't posted much because, quite honestly, there isn't a heck of a lot new in my universe. Still taking care of Shrugs 7 days a week, still getting Diva off to school 5 days a week and still being the Domestic Goddess I am suppose to be... just seems like one in a Twilight Zone episode.

Slacking off on the knitting. I am so disappointed in myself. Let's blame the snow for my lack of focus and energy. Speaking of snow... did you happen to glance at the picture? That's MY car. We had roughly 20" Tuesday-Wednesday. Over 60" in about a month.

Now do you understand why I turn in to a basket-case???

Trying to refocus myself. Time is running out... only 10 months until Yule!!!!