September

"By all these lovely tokens September days are here, with summer's best of weather and autumn's best of cheer."

~unknown

As much as I love summer and the frenetic desire to fill every possible moment with fun, fun, and more fun, I am always grateful for the arrival of September. It's as if the whole world takes a collective deep breath and then exhales, slowly. Life gets back to normal. I love everything about September, from apple picking, to hiking, to fall festivals, to doing absolutely nothing. Here are some great ways to spend the Harvest Month:

Apple picking! One of the best things about living in the birthplace of Johnny Appleseed is the abundance of apple orchards. There are over 40 apple orchards in central Massachusetts alone! The best cider donuts can be found at Ashby Apples, Bolton Orchards, and Red Apple Farm. The best Macoun apples I've ever tasted come from Stowe Farm Orchard. Sholan Farms offers Classic Auto Shows and a scarecrow festival. Some orchards offer hayrides, petting zoos, picnic areas, and gift shops while others are strictly pick-your-own. All are delicious!

September 2 - First Thursdays in downtown Fitchburg, 3-9 p.m. Presented monthly by the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance these celebrations include family activities, gallery openings, special sales, music, performances, guest food vendors, free admission to the Fitchburg Art Museum, and more. 978-340-0486

September 2 - The White Heat Orchestra at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens. Dance under the stars to this high energy band featuring 15 pieces playing the swing and jazz of the 1930's and 1940's for dancers of all ages. The White Heat Orchestra, also known as the "Roxy Band", was the house band for almost 5 years at the upscale Roxy nightclub. They play music for both the swing dancers and for those who prefer to sit and tap their toes. Fast or slow, they hit every note without missing a beat. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Adults $22.00. 508-869-6111 ext. 135

September 3-6 - Labor Day Sale at Wachusett Mountain. Awesome value-packed deals await you at Mountainside Ski & Sports Shop. Huge savings on ski and snowboard packages. Blow out prices on winter apparel including parkas and pants.

September 4 and 5 - Art in the Park, Asheulot River Park, Keene NH - 80 + artists will be displaying and selling their artwork! Enjoy a lovely day in the park surrounded by artwork, live music, and refreshments. 10: a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

September 10 - Twilight hikes at Sholan Farms, Leominster Ma, Join us for our twilight hike series which take place on the second Friday of each month. Gathering time is 8:00 p.m. 1 hour hike with a 1 hour campfire. Bring a friend or family member to enjoy the hike. For after the hike bring your favorite treat (hotdogs, marshmallows, etc) to share. Hot chocolate and tea will be provided by the Friends of Sholan Farms. 978-840-3276

September 12 - Historical Piano Concerts, Ashburnham MA- Constantine Finehouse, piano, playing music of Beethoven and Schubert. $10.00, 4:00 p.m. Presented by Frederick Historic Piano Collection See website for additional concerts on Sept. 19 and 26.

September 12 - 13th Annual Music Festival at Wachusett Mountain. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for great music on the mountain. Great food, brews, and our scenic stage area make this a highlight for all music fans.

September 24-26 - Moonlight and Magnolias at the Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Fitchburg. The hysterical behind-the-scenes story of how the beloved novel Gone With the Wind was brought to the big screen. Tickets $12.00. 978-345-6066. 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:00 p.m. Sunday.

September 25 - Orchard House, Home of Louisa May Alcott presents, "Welcome to Our Home", A Living History Tour. Your visit to Orchard House becomes a trip to the past as you have an interactive tour with an expert, authentically costumed guide portraying an Alcott family member or one of their famous friends. Hear fascinating anecdotes and learn first-hand about their lives and times. 4:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Adults $12.00. Space is limited. Reservations and prepayment strongly suggested. 978-369-4118 ext. 106 While in Concord why not also visit the homes of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau.

September 25 - Johnny Appleseed Festival in downtown Leominster. A full day of activities, food, music, and of course, apples!

Great Events coming in August

Days filled with delicious food, warm summer nights filled with sweet music and live theatre and then, fireworks. New England summers can't be beat. Here are some fun ways to spend sweet August days and nights

4-15 Peterborough Players will perform Tartuffe, a classic comedy by Moliere. New translation by Gus Kaikkonen Tartufee is the epitome of a houseguest from hell. Under a cloak of piety, he works his way into Orgon’s household, coveting the family’s fortune and anything else he can lay his hands on – including Orgon’s wife and daughter. Everyone but Orgon sees through Tartuffe’s pose, but is it too late to save them from ruin? Moliere’s most popular play, Tartuffe spins religious hypocrisy into high comedy, complete with an anti-hero you love to hate. Rated PG-13. August 4-15, Tuesday –Saturday, 8:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Sunday.

6-7 Friday, 9 am – 7 pm and Saturday, 9 am – 4 pm. Experience Gardner Summer Festival and Sidewalk 
Sale. Downtown Gardner turns into a pedestrian mall filled with vendors, entertainers, raffles, games for the kids and more.

7 Saturday, 11 am – 4 pm. The Beast of the East Massachusetts State Chili Cook-Off at Bentley Field, Winchendon. Cooks from across the nation compete for the state title to qualify for entry into the world chili championship. Enjoy chili tastings, music, games and family fun. Call 978-297-1815.

8 Sunday, 10 am - 8 pm. Wachusett Valley Folk Festival at the Wachusett Village Inn, 9 Village Inn Rd,, Westminster. Artists include Ashbrook Haynes, Brooks Williams, Don White, Maeve, Mustard’s Retreat, Pesky J. Nixon, Susan Werner, and Vance Gilbert. Tickets $25 in advance, $30 after August 1, $90 VIP. Call Denise Hurley at 978-365-2043.

11-15 Wednesday–Sunday. Bolton Fair at The Fairgrounds at Lancaster, Route 117. An old-fashioned agricultural fair with animal shows and contests, an exhibit hall, entertainment, fireworks, and an expanded midway. “Midway preview night” on Wednesday, fair opens Thursday. Free parking.

13-14 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm. Broadway Sensation The Wedding Singer at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. If you believe in “true love” you’ll “walk down the aisle” with excitement for our summer musical spectacular! Due to contract requirements and a national tour this winter, we can’t tell you the title just yet. Call 978-632-2403. Repeats Aug. 20-22.

14- Saturday, Richmond Blueberry Fiddle Festival, Cheshire Fairgrounds, Swanzey NH. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. There will be fiddlin', pickin’, jammin', grinnin', eatin’, dancin' and singin' at this day of old-fashioned, wholesome family fun. There is a lineup of great performers, music workshops, dancing, traditional folk games and races, a blueberry bake-off, auction and other events. 603-239-6495. Free entrance, $5.00 parking.

21- Saturday, Festival of Fireworks, Jaffrey NH, Live music, dancing, tons of food and novelty items, sky diving exhibition and games for children of all ages! And of course - Atlas PyroVision's award-winning fireworks!!!

Meeting Sara Moulton

Last summer we were very fortunate to meet Sara Moulton and her husband Bill Adler. We had a great visit with them and Sara’s parents, Henry and Elizabeth. After their visit we felt like we’d made new friends for life. Sara’s recipe for Apricot Scones is a new favorite of our guests. For her recipe, Creamy Tomato-Basil Soup and “Grilled” Cheese Slices, check out her new book, Sara Moulton’s Everyday Family Dinners. Thanks Sara.

Apricot Scones by Sara Moulton

Just dice up dried apricots and add into any cream scone recipe instead of currants, craisins, or other dried fruit. You can make a glaze out of apricot nectar and powdered sugar, adding a wee bit of nectar to the sugar and stirring until you can drizzle it from a spoon.

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 Tbsp. baking powder

½ tsp salt

¼ cup sugar

3/4 cup dried apricots, chopped

1¼ cups heavy cream

3 Tbsp. butter, melted

2 Tbsp. sugar

Apricot nectar

Powdered sugar

Preheat the oven to 425º F. Use an ungreased baking sheet.

Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl, stirring with a fork to mix well. Add the dried apricots. Still using a fork, stir in the cream and mix until the dough holds together in a rough mass (the dough will be quite sticky).

Lightly flour a board and transfer the dough to it. Knead the dough 8 or 9 times. Pat into circle. For the glaze, spread the butter over the top and side of the circle of dough and sprinkle the sugar on top. Cut circle into 8 wedges and place each piece on the baking sheet, allowing about an inch between pieces. Bake for about 11 minutes, or until golden brown. When cool top with apricot nectar glaze.

The One That Didn't Get Away!

Devin (and Abby) caught this enormous bass tonight right off our shore. What better way to spend a warm summer evening than on the water. The 14 ft. Lund rowboat is very safe and sturdy. Guests are more than welcome to take it out anytime.

Our Loons

One of the most beautiful summertime sounds is the song of the loons. I rarely hear them during the day and would probably not notice them with all the competition from the other birds in my yard, but late at night, when all is quiet, their concert begins. When they are calling I imagine they are saying, "good night, all is well".

The Fountain is Finished!!

Ten years ago Paul bought me this beautiful fountain. We used it as a statue and had it in the side yard for the past nine years. Last June we decided to try it out as a fountain and when we did we were amazed at how beautiful it looked. It really came to life. So we decided to move it to a spot where everyone could enjoy it. When we found the perfect spot we realized the ground needed a "little" leveling. Our weekend project turned into a year long endeavor! But the results speak for themselves and we are thrilled! Thank you to all the guests who put up with our "sandbox" over the fall and winter and for all the plant suggestions. The grass is now up and we planted 28 double knockout roses along with a great variety of other plants on either side of the stone wall. Come back and enjoy the new view!

Foxgloves!

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Alaska to discover a phenomenal event occurring in our yard. Over 100 foxgloves are growing where none were ever planted! These "volunteers" are bringing us so much joy.

May Recipe of the Month

Snow Dusted Lemon Bars

These disappear as soon as we put them out. Perfect on a hot afternoon.

Crust Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter, softened

Filling Ingredients:

2 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

2 TB. flour

1/4 tsp. baking powder

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 TB. grated lemon rind

Garnish: Powdered Sugar

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all crust ingredients in small bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping often until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press onto bottom of ungreased 8 inch square pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.

Meanwhile combine all filling ingredients in small bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed. Pour filling over hot, partially baked crust. Continue baking for 18-20 minutes until filling is set. Cool slightly and then sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cool completely. Cut into bars. Serves 9.

Summer Theatre

Stratton Players was established in 1925, making it one of the oldest community theatre groups in the country.

For two weekends only (May 14, 15, 21, 22 at 8 p.m. and May 16, and 23 at 2 p.m.) they will perform "What I Did Last Summer" by A. R. Gurney. Vacationing with his mother and sister on the shore of Lake Erie in 1945, Charlie is looking forward to loafing with friends. Against Mom’s wishes, he gets a job with the town misfit, Anna, known as the “Pig Woman”. Charlie decides her bohemian lifestyle is for him, and with Dad in the Pacific, it’s up to Mom to confront Anna, with whom she has history. A charming, coming-of-age tale. Tickets $12.00.

Theatre at The Mount Presents "ALWAYS, PATSY CLINE
" Written and originally directed by Ted Swindley – based on a true story, June 18, 19, 25, 26 at 8pm and June 27 at 2pm Presented through special arrangement with Ted Swindley Productions

Always...Patsy Cline tells the true story of the special friendship between two women, one a rising star and the other a devoted fan, over a pot of strong coffee in Louise's kitchen and through letters and phone calls shared until Patsy's untimely death. Re-live the magic through the songs that made Patsy Cline a pop and country music legend: Crazy, Sweet Dreams, Walkin' After Midnight, I Fall to Pieces, and much more. Matinee prices $15.00, Evening performances $20.00

Peterborough Players will present "Once in a Lifetime" by Moss Hart and George Kaufman at 8 p.m. on June 9, 11, and 12 and 2 p.m. on June 13. Once in a Lifetime is a rollicking tale of three down and out troupers who decide to head for Hollywood and try their luck with the newly invented talkies. It's a fast-paced wild romp and a marvelous spoof of tinsel land. Tickets $15 adults, $10 students/children.

Receive two complimentary tickets when you stay two nights or longer. Based on availability.

Get the perfect Mother's Day Gift- A Gift Certificate to The Maguire House B&B

History of American Celebration

When the first English settlers came to America, they discontinued the tradition of Mothering Day. While the British holiday would live on, the American Mother’s Day would be invented—with an entirely new history—centuries later. One explanation for the settlers’ discontinuation of Mothering Day was that they just didn’t have time; they lived under harsh conditions and were forced to work long hours in order to survive. Another possibility, however, is that Mothering Day conflicted with their Puritan ideals. Fleeing England to practice a more conservative Christianity without being persecuted, the pilgrims ignored the more secular holidays, focusing instead on a no-frills devotion to God. For example, even holidays such as Christmas and Easter were much more somber occasions for the pilgrims, usually taking place in a Church that was stripped of all extraneous ornamentation.

Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamaition of 1870

The first North American Mother’s Day was conceptualized with Julia Ward Howe’s Mother’s Day Proclamation in 1870. Despite having penned The Battle Hymn of the Republic 12 years earlier, Howe had become so distraught by the death and carnage of the Civil War that she called on Mother’s to come together and protest what she saw as the futility of their Sons killing the Sons of other Mothers. With the following, she called for an international Mother's Day celebrating peace and motherhood:

Arise, then, women of this day!

Arise all women who have hearts,

Whether your baptism be that of water or of tears

Say firmly:

"We will not have great questions decided by irrelevant agencies,

Our husbands shall not come to us reeking of carnage,

For caresses and applause.

Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn

All that we have been able to teach them of

charity, mercy and patience.

"We women of one country

Will be too tender of those of another country

To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."

From the bosom of the devastated earth a voice goes up with

Our own. It says, "Disarm, Disarm!"

The sword of murder is not the balance of justice!

Blood does not wipe out dishonor

Nor violence indicate possession.

As men have of ten forsaken the plow and the anvil at the summons of war.

Let women now leave all that may be left of home

For a great and earnest day of counsel.

Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.

Let them then solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means

Whereby the great human family can live in peace,

Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,

But of God.

In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask

That a general congress of women without limit of nationality

May be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient

And at the earliest period consistent with its objects

To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,

The amicable settlement of international questions.

The great and general interests of peace.

Tulips!

This year the tulips and daffodils have been so beautiful! Paul got a new Canon camera for his birthday and has quickly become an expert photographer. He took this photo to help preserve the magic.

Historic Piano Concerts

Summer Concert Series

The purpose of the Frederick Piano Collection is to give musicians and music lovers a chance to hear works by major piano composers, played on pianos such as those the composers knew, and for which their music was conceived.

The Collection includes only grand pianos, by important makers whose instruments were highly regarded in their day, acquired in basically good condition, with most of their original materials intact (especially soundboards). It aims to match each instrument to a specific composer or generation of composers known to have used or preferred that make and vintage of piano. The period of pianos in the Collection extends from about 1790 to 1907, representing music from Haydn and Beethoven through the French Impressionists

All concerts are held at the Ashburnham Community Church on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. unless otherwise stated. Admission: $10.00 per adult. Children and students, free.

May 9 - Emma Tahmiziàn, piano. A program titled Dancing with Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, and Dvořák. Piano to be selected from The Frederick Collection.

May 16 - Stephen Porter, piano performing selections by Ravel, Debussy, and the Sonata in B Minor by Liszt. Piano by Erard, Paris, 1877.

May 23 - Manabu Takasawa, piano. An All French Program with music by Fauré, Ravel, Franck, and Debussy. Piano by Erard, Paris, 1877.

May 30 - Shuann Chai, piano. Nocturnes and Etudes by Chopin, Henselt, Moscheles, and Liszt, along with pieces by both Robert and Clara Schumann. Piano by Erard, Paris, 1840.

June 6 - Yi-heng Yang, piano, performing Beethoven, Sonata No. 31, and Robert Schumann selections. Piano by Tröndlin, Leipzig c. 1830.

It's time to take a hike!

Wachusett Mountain State Reservation

View from Wachusett Mountain 345 Mountain Rd. Princeton MA 01541 978 464-2987 The mountain access road is open to personal vehicle use seasonally from Memorial Day through the last Sunday in October. Operating hours for the roadway during this season are 9:00am till sunset daily. Rising above the surrounding forest to a height of 2006 feet, Mount Wachusett stands as a unique landmark within the central New England landscape. From the summit, a clear day reveals views of Mt. Monadnock in New Hampshire, the Berkshires to the west, and the Boston skyline to the east. The 3,000-acre Wachusett Mountain State Reservation surrounds the summit and offers a wealth of natural and recreational resources. The Reservation's natural resources include forests, alpine meadows, ponds, streams, fields, and even a perched bog. Recreational opportunities abound at the reservation including hiking, nature study, hawk watching, picnicking, and skiing. The Reservation offers 17 miles of hiking and walking trails, including 3.9 miles of the Midstate Trail, which runs from Ashburnham to the Rhode Island border. Mountain Road stretches to the John Hitchcock Visitor's Center at the summit, a short distance from the Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, which is the largest in eastern Massachusetts. Wachusett Mountain is part of an extensive greenway area, including Leominster State Forest, Massachusetts Audubon'sWachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary and Minns Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also the location of the largest known area of Old Growth Forest east of the Connecticut River in Massachusetts, with trees dating over 350 years old. Evidence of the glacial activity which shaped the mountain can be seen at Balance Rock; two large boulders were stacked one on top of the other by moving glaciers thousands of years ago.

Double Toffee

Double Toffee Cake

Preheat oven to 350°

Topping:

½ cup light brown sugar (packed)

1 cup walnuts, chopped

1 Tb. cinnamon

In a large bowl combine:

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

1 small package dry instant vanilla pudding mix

1 small package dry instant butterscotch pudding mix

1 cup water

¾ cup canola or vegetable oil

1 tsp. vanilla

4 eggs

Beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.

Grease a 9 x 13 inch pan

Spread half the batter in pan. Top with half the cinnamon mixture. Repeat once.

Bake for 35-40 mins.

Spring has arrived at Tower Hill Botanical Gardens

Spring Satellite Garden Tour
Sunday, April 25
10am-4pm

Self-guided tour of private gardens
$15, Members; $20, Nonmembers
Order Tickets Online

Complimentary admission tickets from The Maguire House B&B for a stay of two night's or longer.

This intimate tour features four mature gardens in Stow, Boylston, and Princeton. Included are the gardens of John Trexler, Tower Hill's Executive Director; Joann Vieira, Tower Hill's Horticulture Director; members Rosemary Monahan and Stefan Cover; and members Katy Kleitz and Iris Marcus. All feature impressive plantings of early blooming trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials. The diverse species of early flowering plants in these gardens will inspire participants in designing their own gardens.