Concord NH~Joni~Merrimack County

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A Day of Pasts- Dad's Memory Journey

 

  Mom&DadMOM and DAD  1942                                               

My Dad is 88 years old. He was traveling this Father's Day.  Giving me the opportunity for Reflection.

Coming up with creative "Gifts' for Father's Day, Birthdays and Holidays for a man of his years is a challenge...it has been for some time!

So this year I decided to write a "Memory" Blog documenting in words a trip we took together in 2004.

It was for his 85th Birthday. I sent an invitation for him to join me, my husband and son on a Memory Journey. A journey to re-visit places in New Hampshire I remember he and my Mother taking us to as kids. Places I knew he hadn't been to in many, many years!

 

 

  A MEMORY JOURNEY WITH DAD  2004

  We started the trip in "The Notch" as kids every year the family would go to. The Old Man, The Basin, Echo Lake and of course The Flume. The Flume is quite a challenge so we contented ourselves with a great shot at the "New" fancy entrance and a shot of the Falls!The Flume            

 

THE FLUME

 

 

 

         TWO GENERATIONS Dad&Mike

  Then on to the Mount for  mid-morning rest and refreshment! Mon and Dad often took us to "The Mount" (Mount Washington Hotel) just to sit on the Veranda and have an ice cream. It is such a beautiful Place! Many years later my husband and I stayed there for our 25th anniversary and it did not disappoint!

                                                                  Mt Washington  THE MOUNT WASHINGTON HOTEL

Dad on Veranda

 

 

 RELAXIN ON THE VERANDA                                                                       

 

 

 

 

 GRAND ENTRANCE Entrance

                                                                                   Our next stop...Diana's Bath's      Dianna's Baths 

  Back in "The Day" when we went as kids there weren't any State signs or markers. This was a place know only to a few . The information passed down from Father to Son. My Dad's Dad had shown him this place and he showed his children. The path to the Baths was through a farmer's field it was a well worn path, but if you weren't looking for it ......   

Trail Head      

The Baths are made up of large smooth sliding rocks and many crystal clear pools for swimming!

                                                    Baths 

The Water is usually loud and furious but this year was a dry Spring and it was not as he remembered!  Dad Resting  

 

  After a brief rest...it was on to our last stop!

          RestingTHREE GENERATIONS

  The trip would not have been complete without visiting The Wright Museum in Wolfboro, New Hampshire. This place is a remarkable tribute to the Men and Women who served in WWII.                                                                                           Wright Museum

 

  My Dad served in the 4th Armored Division on the European Front and was thrilled to find an actual tank  that  would have been used by his Unit! 

 

 

 

 

 

  It was a great day for all of us and I think my Dad really enjoyed his trip down Memory Lane !  The Birthday celebration ended with a great dinner and Birthday Cake at a local Restaurant!                                                                Birthday Dinner                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

NH's Four Seasons 

                                                                
Joan Mirantz - Joni is a Realtor® with Homequest Real Estate, a locally owned, Customer Service oriented Firm.
Joan Publishes a monthly Newsletter "Food For Thought" under the pen name Realtor Sherpa.
(Joan also answers to Miz Maven and Miss Joni.)

Joan works in Buyer and Seller Representation with concentrations in the Merrimack Valley Area and towns surrounding Concord NH - the Capital City.
"I love what I do, and it shows in how I do it"

Having crossed over to the "other side of Middle Age" herself....Joan is an ongoing source of information about local programs, facilities and issues specific to her peers! 

 
Livin' the Life...and Ridin' the Wave

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24 comments • Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor • June 17 2007 10:13PM

Comments

Joan, those pictures and the day you spent are priceless.  What a beautiful day to have given your father, a day of wonderful memories.  I did a similar thing with my mother last year and took her to Brooklyn where she grew up.  She went to her old High School, the church she got married in and her old home (which sadly was torn down).  And took my Aunt so they could both enjoy it!  What a wonderful day you gave your dad!
Posted by Laura Cerrano and Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City/Feng Shui Manhattan ) almost 5 years ago
Thanks for the comments Carole...it would appear that we think alike. I'm sure your Mother enjoyed it as much as my Dad!
Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago
Joan, What a beautiful tribute this journey down memory lane was for you and your dad.  Thanks for sharing a special day with us.
Posted by Lola Audu~Audu Real Estate~Grand Rapids, MI Real Estate almost 5 years ago
Thank you Lola...it was a really good day!
Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago
Joan...What a lovely tribute to your dad. I love the pictures that you posted of all our special NH places.
Posted by Monika McGillicuddy~NH Real Estate Broker (Prudential Verani Realty) almost 5 years ago
I find it amazing...looking back...how many trips my family made here long before I moved here. I guess that's why it's always felt like home!
Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago
Maybe thats why you came here...a bond was formed.
Posted by Monika McGillicuddy~NH Real Estate Broker (Prudential Verani Realty) almost 5 years ago

I think you're right. My Gradndmother had a place in Deerfield for years...I spent many Summers there. My happiest childhood memories were formed in that special place!

Thanks so much for commenting!

Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago
You're welcome :)
Posted by Monika McGillicuddy~NH Real Estate Broker (Prudential Verani Realty) almost 5 years ago
Joan -- what a great idea and a great adventure for your dad.  I did something like that for my dad and he loved it!  The pictures are great -- It looks like you and you family have had a lot of wonderful memories to share together.  Hope your dad had a great father's day.
Posted by Joan Whitebook Southern New Hampshire (BHG The Masiello Group) almost 5 years ago

Hi,

We haven't talked in ages! Will you make it to PP this month? Maybe we could do lunch first?

Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago

Joni~

As I read your post, I was reminded of a special connection we have in common. Thank you for this post and for sharing your journey with your Dad and Family.

Posted by Asheville NC Properties of Enduring Excellence almost 5 years ago
How Beautiful! Every Father should be highlighted like this! What a wonderful daughter and I'm glad you have such fond memories! Your Dad is proud, I'm certain!
Posted by Mary Bigelow, 2010 Let's Do It AGAIN!!!! (Contractors Building Supply) almost 5 years ago
Hi janeAnne...This was a  pleasure to do. It reminded me of what a successful day it was!
Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago

Hello Mary,

What knd words...not sure I live up to them(LOL) But I do have my monments!

Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago
Great inclusion!  I love heartfelt stories...and thanks for putting it here!
Posted by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman, RA, CRS, HAWAII Real Estate & Relocations (Century 21 Liberty Homes) almost 5 years ago
Thanks...it's nice to have a place where I think it"belongs"
Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago
What a beautiful post!  You look so much like you mother- what a happy duo they seem to be ( I love old black and whites).  This was a terrific gift that you gave him, and us- thanks!
Posted by Laurie Mindnich at Options Realty almost 5 years ago

Thanks laurie...when I was a teen and people would say I looked like my Mom I would get soooo upset! Now it makes me happy!

Thanks for reading

Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago
Silly you!  Your mother is absolutely adorable!  And has a little wicked grin...
Posted by Laurie Mindnich at Options Realty almost 5 years ago

Hi Joan - what a beautiful post to honor your dad.  Love the pictures you included - great way to show off our wonderful state and what a fabulous day you all must have had!

Ann

Posted by Portsmouth NH Homes Condos - Ann Cummings New Hampshire REALTOR® (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire) almost 5 years ago
Thanks Ann...but as you know it isn't hard to take good pictures in this state!
Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago
I am delighted that you made a visit to the Wright Museum a part of your special day. We take great pride in preserving and sharing the stories of the Greatest Generation. Please thank your father for his service to our country. And you may be interested to know that Ken Burns, America's best-known maker of historical documentaries (e.g., the epic "Civil War") has produced a 7-part, 14 hour film on WWII simply titled "The War." It will air this fall.
Posted by mark foynes, wright museum almost 5 years ago

Thank you for your comment Mark...I'm sure everyone who reads this will be interested in the new Ken Burns production!

It was not the first time my husband and I have been to your wonderful museum. But, it was for my Dad...he was thrilled!

Thanks for reading!!

Posted by Joan Mirantz GRI CBR SRES- Concord New Hampshire Realtor (Homequest Real Estate) almost 5 years ago

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