Long before I moved to this place I call home.... Concord, New Hampshire...I summered at my Grandmothers' cottage in Deerfield. I was but one of 22 cousins fortunate enough to live this true NH Experience.
My memories of that time are some of the most tactile of my past. The smells, sounds, feelings of wonderment and excitement still influence my senses.
There were the expected activities: swimming, playing with cousins, boating, fishing-but my passion was of all things....Salamanders!
I spent endless hours learning their favorite places, seeking them out, marveling at their color, gait and gentleness. I looked forward to rainy days for then I could find them in abundance in their secret places. In those formative years my knowledge of those wondrous creatures and where to find them raised me a notch above the other 21. My cousin Peggy, a now semi- famous sculptress and potter, in an exhibit titled "She Showed Us Where To Find Them", has immortalized my status to this day.
What does the Red Spotted (Newt) Salamander have to do with Green? Everything!!
These tiny creatures have over 380 species and lived 150 Million Years ago. They are so special to New Hampshire they achieved the status of State Amphibian in 1985. Salamanders are of the family of Amphibians and along with others, such as frogs, depend on the environment to regulate their body temperature and their health. Unfortunately their delicate porous skin is being affected by today's Pollution and increased levels of Ultra Violet Light-the results of the thinning Ozone.
And that is why Green does matter. It matters because my State and I'm sure many of your States are slowly losing wondrous creatures. Sadly, our children and our children's children may never experience the simple pleasures of small discoveries that could leave an impression for a lifetime!
Concord NH Realtor Area Information
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Joan Mirantz - Joni is a Realtor® with Keeler Family Realtors, 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"
Hi Joan:
A beautiful post, I know where you are coming from. My children used to catch squid when they came ashore here in Newfoundland, they had so much fun. I'm feeling the loss of innocence as I'm sure you are.
Denise: Thank you for the kind words. It never ceases to amaze me how some feelings from long ago still feel like yesterday!
Dena-Thanks for the heads up...the change has been made!
Joan-
Yes, That is me many,many (ad infinitum) years ago!
Joan, New Hampshire has so many precious slimy creatures! The sound of peepers in the summer night air fill my memories with sweetness. NH--GO GREEN!!
Sue Argue, Hampton, NH
Thanks Sue..
But then again "That's the NH Way" LOL!!
Very well done Joan You are awesome. I love the green discussion too. I'd love to see NH someday. It sounds beautiful. You are so lucky to work and live there. Great blog
NancyRose
Joan, I loved reading about Concord and your wonderful memories. It made me want to travel cross country to visit NH even more than I already did.
I look forward to reading more of your blogs.
I wish you the best of everything,
Bobbi
Thanks Bobbi!
Are you paacked yet??
Congratulations...
YOU won a GREEN STAR in the Green
is Red Hot Contest!
I hear you...and we are getting into that time of year!
Flies and Roaches...here forever...who knew! LOL