Chinese New Year

Hi Puzzlers,

Here in the western hemisphere New Years Day is celebrated each year on the first day of January, but in the East, the Chinese New Year can happen any time between late January and mid-February. This happens because the Chinese calendar is based on tracking the ever-changing new moon, which results in this year Chinese New Year falling on February 3, 2011. It is the Year of the Rabbit. This eastern-based holiday is the equivalent of mixing our western Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day into one massive 15-day celebration.

Just like us, preparation for the holiday starts about a month in advance as people start buying presents, food and decorations. Ten days before the New Year's Day celebration the “Sweeping of the Grounds” or the annual housecleaning begins. Tradition states that every corner of the house must be swept and cleaned as a way to remove bad luck and negative energies.

Also very similar to western celebrations are the wearing of the color red and fire work displays. “One of the most famous legends is Nian, an extremely cruel and ferocious beast that the ancients believed would devour people on New Year's Eve. To keep Nian away, red-paper couplets are pasted on doors, torches are lit, and firecrackers are set off throughout the night, because Nian is said to fear the color red, the light of fire, and loud noises.”

“The lunar calendar has a sixty-year cycle. In the Chinese horoscope, the five basic elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth, which make up all matter, are combined with the twelve animal signs of Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Lamb, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig to form the sixty year cycle. One's Chinese horoscope is based on which lunar year in this sixty-year cycle one was born.”

2011 is the year of the metal-rabbit. A rabbit year is a calming year, a year that allows one nerves to be soothed, to catch your breath and relax. We all need it after the tough tiger year of 2010.

Happy New Year!

Winter Solstice

Hi Puzzlers,

Today is one of my husband’s favorite days, the first day of winter or Winter Solstice. He loves this day because summer begins tomorrow with the days getting longer and longer. The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. While researching this topic I found the Earth is actually closer to the sun in January than it is in June by three million miles! But, because of the way the earth tilts and depending on your hemisphere, those leaning farthest away from the sun get the Winter Solstice.

Even more amazing is the fact that ancient people who studied the stars and heavens (without all the sophisticated equipment we use today) could predict with complete accuracy when these changes would occur. They knew when the Winter Solstice would arrive and they knew the sunlight hours would slowly increase thereafter. WOW! That is surely a testament to the skills of observation. If you need proof check out Stonehenge in England or Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb in Ireland. “But not so many people are familiar with Newgrange, a beautiful megalithic site in Ireland. This huge circular stone structure is estimated to be 5,000 years old, older by centuries than Stonehenge, older than the Egyptian pyramids! It was built to receive a shaft of sunlight deep into its central chamber at dawn on winter solstice.”

“The winter solstice may have been immensely important because communities were not certain of living through the winter, and had to be prepared during the previous nine months. Starvation was common in winter between January and April, also known as the famine months. In temperate climates, the midwinter festival was the last feast celebration, before deep winter began. Most cattle were slaughtered so they would not have to be fed during the winter, so it was almost the only time of year when a supply of fresh meat was available. The majority of wine and beer made during the year was finally fermented and ready for drinking at this time.”

Worldwide, interpretations of the winter solstice vary from culture to culture, but for most cultures it’s about the acceptance of rebirth. The rebirth concept is usually celebrated with holidays, festivals, gatherings, rituals or other celebrations around this time of year.

Happy Holidays!

The Twelve Days of Christmas

Hi Puzzlers,

I just learned that the cute holiday song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas", has three different stories behind why it was written. Gosh, even something that seems so simple can be complicated. I guess there is always a story behind the story, or in this case, stories.

Historical sources dating back 150 years all classify “The Twelve Days of Christmas” as a counting song for kids. In the 1842 edition of The Nursery Rhymes of England, author J.O. Halliwell details how the rhyme was used as a game. “Each child in succession repeats the gifts of the day, and forfeits for each mistake.” Well you know what they say, whoever "they" are, “Repetition is the mother of skill.”

Next, and the strangest to me, is that "The Twelve Days of Christmas" is a love song. University of Massachusetts classics professor Edward Phinney said in a 1990 newspaper interview, “If you think of all the things being presented, you realize they’re all gifts from a lover to a woman. Some of them are rather impossible to give, like eight maids milking, and nine ladies dancing and pipers and drums all imply this is a wedding.” I guess that makes sense, so going forward "The Twelve Days of Christmas" song will now be played at all holiday weddings!

Last on the list is that "The Twelve Days Of Christmas" was written “to be a catechism song for young children.” This tale states that back in the sixteenth century Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith and would be persecuted, children and all, if they were caught. So this carol was written with hidden meaning and symbolism to teach young Catholics about the doctrine. Ace Collins describes the hidden meaning in his book, Stories Behind the Best Loved Songs of Christmas.

WOW! All those stories for one cute Christmas carol.

Happy Puzzling!

Politics

Hi Puzzlers,

Have you seen our newest puzzle “Politics”, yet? Artist James Mellett did a great job capturing the theme. The political arena has certainly changed through the years and it makes me wonder what the founding fathers would think.

The Declaration of Independence states, “of the people, by the people and for the people.” With just a quick glance at the puzzle you can see this to be true as it is filled with people of differing backgrounds and ethnic origins. It’s all here, from peanut farmers to astronauts. Do you remember what presidential candidate said, “I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it anymore.”(Taken from the movie Network). Do you recognize some American actors turn politician? Here a few hints, “I got you babe”, “Go ahead make my day” and “I’ll be back.”

The declaration also states, “that all men are created equal.” So, I’m not sure what the founding fathers would think of the rising number of women and ethnic minorities in politics. In particular, women trail blazers like Bella Abzug, Hillary Clinton and the unforgettable Sarah Palin whose has been portrayed by comedian Tina Fey with the infamous quote, “ I can see Russia from my house”.

How would they respond to an African-American man as president with his family living in the White House and Colin Powell as Commander in Chief, or the likes of civil and political activists such as Jesse Jackson, Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks?

Also tied to politics are the scandals. Will we ever forget hanging chads, Oliver North, Monica Lewinsky and Watergate? These scandals make for entertaining political television and radio with hosts such as Bill O’Reilly, John Stewart, Keith Oberman, Stephen Colbert and the infamous Rush Limbaugh.

Happy Puzzling!

Finding The Perfect Tree

Hi Puzzlers,

I just love the holiday season steeped in tradition. Finding the perfect tree has become a tradition for my family and I don't think it would feel like Christmas if we didn't do it.

Our tree search always begins at the Rocks Estate Tree Farm, on the coldest day of the year. Once at the farm we head to the furthest point, down by the wall, to find the Frazier Fir we love. We spread out looking for that perfect tree. Once we each find a tree, we all have to decide which is the best of the best. After several heated moments of debate and walk- a- rounds of each other’s tree, a decision is made.

With trusted saw in hand we begin the cutting down process. (Tip from prior years cutting: hold tree at the top and middle so it doesn’t land on your husband). After several passes of the saw the tree is down! Hurrah! Next we drag the tree to the waiting wagon a half a mile away. OMG’s can be heard as we can’t believe how big the tree is now that is down. “It didn’t look this big next to the other trees… I hope it fits through the door… What else can we do with the extra tree limbs? Sell wreaths? I think to myself.”

“WOW”! This tree weighs a ton shouts my husband, as my daughter is sitting on the back of the tree. Finally we reach the crest of the hill, sweat pouring off of us like a fountain, jackets opened flapping in the breeze, hair standing straight up from getting wet under our hats, something brown and squishy coming from under your boot, and meet the wagon. The attendant gives us a ticket and wraps one around the tip of our tree.

Exhausted we make our way back to the lodge for some homemade treats and local New Hampshire craft shopping while we wait for the tree attendant to wrap our tree for the ride home.

Now rested and refreshed we make our way to the wrapped trees. The attendant greets us and asks for our ticket. You have it. No, I gave it to you! Check your pockets!!! After five minutes of this we finally find the ticket and get our tree.

Back at the car with wrapped tree in hand we fold down the backseat so we can stuff the tree in through the trunk (Who needs a truck). Once the treetop reaches the front wind shield we know we are going to need the bright red flag you attach to things when they hang out of the trunk more than two feet.

Within a half hour we are ready to go and it only took twenty feet of rope! With our hands and boots covered in sap and squishy brown stuff, we head off on our one-hour trip home.

Ah! I just love a tradition.

Happy Puzzling!

Internet Shopping Safety Tips

Hi Puzzlers,

Yes it’s that time of year again, Holiday Shopping Time that is! I started my online list last week and while ordering what I thought was the best priced dog bed I got a funny feeling about the website. This site looks strange, I thought. Then I remembered some of the tips we talked about last year on our “Internet Shopping Safety Tips” post, I immediately looked for the tiny closed padlock and the "s" after the http, and both were missing. Then I looked into the company and found several customer complaints and bad reviews. Needless to say, I did not place the order with them. We want to keep our puzzlers safe so here are the online shopping safety tips with a few updates.

Trust your instincts - If you have a funny feeling about the site check it out before placing the order. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is a scam.

Protect your PC - Make sure your personal computer has recent updates installed for Spam filters, anti-virus and anti-spy software, and a secure firewall.

Trusted Websites - Shoppers should know whom they are dealing with. Confirm the online seller’s physical address and phone number. Anyone can set up an online store under any name. Do not respond to the pop-up asking for personal or financial information. Real companies would not ask for this type of information via emails and pop-ups (phising). Check for security seals, such as the tiny padlock icon and the http (URL) has an “s” in it. The https:// stands for secure.

Keep your Web browser updated - “Internet Explorer 7 and 8 provide another layer of protection with Web sites that use Extended Validation (EV) Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates. The address bar turns green and has both https and the closed padlock. An EV SSL certificate not only helps ensure that communication with a Web site is secure, but it also includes information about the legitimacy of the Web site, which has been confirmed by the Certification Authority (CA) issuing the SSL Certificate.”

Don’t shop using Wi-Fi - When using Wi-Fi at a coffee shop, hotel, airport, or restaurant, you are making yourself vulnerable to identity theft. Your iPhone, Blackberry, Smartphone and laptop can easily be hacked on a free or paid public Wi-Fi spot.

Pay by credit or charge card - By using a credit or charge card you are protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. This law gives you the right to dispute charges and temporarily withhold payment while the credit card company investigates your claims. Never use your debit card, as you have no rights protecting you from fraud or theft. Try to use just one credit card for all your purchases; this will make it easier to spot fraudulent charges.

Insure the safe delivery of your item - If you’re concerned about the safety of your package if there’s no one home to receive it, request it be sent with a signature required. Or, it may be safer to have the package delivered to your office.

Refund Policies and Delivery Dates -Make sure you know if you can return the item for a full refund and who pays the shipping for the return. Is the refund for a store credit or cash refund? Know when you should expect delivery of your item.

Print & Save - Keep documentation of your order. If confirmation was sent by email, keep the email and save any and all correspondence with the retailer.

Happy Puzzling!

Ice Cream

Hi Puzzlers,

Don’t you just love our newest puzzle Ice Cream Candy Swirls? Ice cream has always been my favorite treat. Notice I didn’t say dessert, because I eat it morning, noon and night, for any and every reason. People have been enjoying this scrumptious treat for centuries.

Prior to 1553 most frozen treats were more like today’s slushies or snow cones. Around 400 BC the Persians developed a dessert of frozen batter and rose water flavored with fruit and saffron, while Alexander the Great enjoyed mixing snow with fruit and honey. Roman Emperor Nero (AD 54-86) sent his servants to gather snow and ice so it could be served with fruit and juices.

Legend states it was Catherine de Medici, upon marrying King Henry II of France, who brought the ice cream from Italy to France. The recipe called for the use of cream rather than milk and this is why Italians are credited with being the first to invent ice cream. My Italian husband started dancing around like a crazy mad man when he found this out and the smile is yet to leave his face.

In America most everyone loves their pie a la mode. But be careful with the term in a European country! "In French cuisine, a la mode (literally 'in the fashion') refers to a dish of beef braised with vegetables and served either hot in a rich brown sauce or cold in aspic. In the USA, however, a la mode denotes a dish (such as apple pie) served with ice cream." The American a al mode phrase (served with ice cream) became popular in the late 1890’s.

When doing this puzzle please enjoy a dish of your favorite ice cream for added pleasure.

Happy Puzzling!

Team Building With Jigsaw Puzzles

Hi Puzzlers,

Today Jill was speaking with one of you and was told that our puzzles were going to be used as a team building exercise. WOW, we thought-what a great idea. It turns out that jigsaw puzzles are being used world wide as a team building option.

Puzzling is a low cost, easy to use item that is fun to do. No hanging off a tree line 600 feet in the air required for this team building exercise! It can be done in the comfort of any building with enough space for tables to build the puzzles on and the weather will not ruin this planned event. You can team build with small groups or large, and the possibilities for tweaking the exercises are only limited by your imagination.

Here is how our puzzler planned to use the puzzles for her team building exercise in a business environment for about 80 customer service reps. “We cut up the colored photo of what the puzzle looks like, and then there is a trivia game that teams have to answer (kind of like Family Feud). Whoever answers the questions correctly wins a piece of what the puzzle actually looks like. There are several teams going against each other so not everyone gets a lot of pieces of the picture Then, the team has to work together to put the puzzle together with what they have. It's hard to put a puzzle together without knowing what it looks like.” This sounds like a ton of fun to me!

A good team building exercise will usually require team members to communicate, help each other, negotiate, work together to solve a problem, trust each other and discover how much the team members need each other. You’ll also want to give the team building exercise a long lasting effect by taking plenty of pictures and posting them where everyone can see them. You may even want to give the winning team a custom made puzzle of the team with an inspirational saying, such as, TEAM, Together Everyone Achieves More.

Happy Puzzling!

Election Day

Hi Puzzlers,

Yesterday was Election Day and I am happy to report I did my civic duty and cast my vote. I am one of those people who always drag their kids with them so they can see the election process first hand. On the drive over my daughter started asking all kinds of questions regarding Election Day. Why is it always held in November on a Tuesday? When did women get to vote? Why do I have to be 18 to vote? (Oh no, having a flash back from the “Need to Know Everything” post). So began my search for the answers and here is what I found.

November was the perfect month for young America. During this time American society was mostly agrarian, which meant that by November farmers would have already finished up with the fall harvest and November was early enough to avoid any major winter storms.

Tuesday was chosen because people traveled long distances by horse and buggy to get to the polls. Sunday could not be used as a travel day because it would interfere with church services. The first day of the month could not be used as most businesses did their end of the month work on the first of each month. Also, November 1st is All Saints Day, a Roman Catholic holy day of obligation and Wednesday was when most towns had their farmers’ market.

“In colonial times, New Jersey permitted women to vote but that right was subsequently taken away. In 1869 Wyoming gave women the right to vote. By 1914, all states west of the Rockies, except New Mexico, had adopted full suffrage. Finally in 1920, the 19th Amendment gave all women the right to vote.”

The legal voting age was changed from 21 to 18 in 1971. Young people at this time were being drafted into the Vietnam War and campaigned rigorously to change it: “old enough to fight, old enough to vote.”

WOW! America definitely has some great history!

Happy Puzzling!

Meet Artist Suzy Toronto

Hi Puzzler,

Today we would like you to meet artist, Suzy Toronto. We have been receiving lots of kudos from puzzlers about how much you love Suzy’s work. I even heard from one of our puzzlers who said she had planned a girls-night puzzle-party around the Wonderful Wacky Woman puzzle! I wish I lived closer, I’d be crashing that party. Good friends, food, wine and a puzzle…. Ah, life is good.

This picture is of Suzy and Ted at a show in Atlanta. Suzy said, “When I'm not at an art show or sitting on the beach, this is where you'll find me -- working on a new idea or project that kept me awake the night before. The bottom line is I love to create. Whether I'm painting fine art in my studio, drawing my wacky characters on location at shows, sitting at my pottery wheel on my back porch, or writing at my computer, the creative process is liberating beyond words. I am forever exploring new ways to express the energy inside me. But I feel forever blessed to have these gifts and vow to never take them for granted.

I'm 47 years old, live in Tangerine, Florida in a house surrounded by 100 year-old oak trees. I share that space with my husband, Al, and my 28-pound cat, "Bob." I eat chocolate truffles while I paint -- and when they run out, I quit. I drink Perrier sparkling water so much I'm considering taking out stock in the company. I practice Yoga, which for some strange reason I think will help compensate for my horrible diet, and I go to the beach every chance I get.
I have five grown children and ten grandkids who love me as much as I adore them. I've taught them to dip their French-fries in their chocolate shake, make up any words they want to any tune they like and to never, ever color inside the lines. (However, they all feel the need to assure their friends that they also have another set of grandparents who are 'normal').”

Thanks, Suzy, for tapping into the souls of all Wonderful Wacky Woman!

Happy Puzzling!

Puzzle Of The Month Club

Hi Puzzlers,

Is it just me or are you also, finding it difficult to find that perfect gift? You know, the one thing THEY really want that YOU can afford. Something that has meaning and won’t end in the trash by the end of the month-or worse, as a re-gift!

I went through the “experience gift” phase, which is when you give a concert, theater, sports ticket or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant. This “experience gift” allowed us to give a memory. Having run out of ideas, and getting bored with it, this phase had to come to an end. So began the search for the next trend, which I am happy to report has been found! It’s the GIFT OF THE MONTH Club!

I was amazed to find OF THE MONTH Clubs on what seems to be every item from apples to perfumes! I want to give a gift that invokes happiness when received and keeps one looking forward to the next shipment. The excitement of getting something via the mail or FedEx. (other than a bill) is just plain fun! I occasionally get this feeling when I have ordered something for mail delivery and forgot I ordered it. I go to the mailbox and find the yellow package card in my mailbox and for a few moments I get excited and wonder what’s in there. Can you imagine giving that feeling every month? Well that is just what White Mountain Puzzles has done!

White Mountain Puzzles is now happy to offer the “Puzzle Of The Month Club”. For a very modest cost we will supply you or someone you love with a featured puzzle. It's the perfect way to enjoy this healthy and fun activity on a regular basis. It's a thoughtful and unique gift idea that keeps on giving year-round. Prices include shipping and handling. A note card will also be included to let them know they have been enrolled. It's a puzzle-lover’s dream!

Happy Puzzling!

Finding Holiday Money

Hi Puzzlers,

Lately I have been reading a lot about the different ways to save money. Some articles even say SAVE a $1000 by Christmas. Oh really, I think to myself, how possible is that? These articles go on to give you all kinds of advice to shrink your daily living expenses and cut the so-called non-essentials like your landline telephone. I don’t know about you but I love my landline phone. There are no delays in conversations and the reception is much better than the cell, so how can I give it up? I won’t give up my landline but I like to save money, so I went on to experiment with a few of these tips and found that by just cutting my food expenses I saved the most.

The number one way to save a ton of cash is to make a weekly menu. Then make a grocery list of the items you need and stick to the list. I have been doing this for a month now and I can tell you it works. I have been saving on average $50 a week or $200 a month!

Next on the list is lunch. Lots of people eat lunch out each week or buy lunch at the work place café. These lunches average $8 to $10 dollars a day. My husband’s work place lunch cost on average $7 a day and my daughter’s school lunches are $3 a day. That’s $50 a week just for lunches or another $200 a month. While they still do eat the occasional lunch at work or school, I make sure they bring their own drinks. The saving on just this step is extreme. (Case of water bought at the store $3.99 divided by 24 equals less than 17 cents a bottle versus the $1-$2 they charge at the cafes.)

Last on my list is the favorite coffee shop. You know-the frappe, mocha, and latte joints, the place where you go and indulge on your favorite yummy caffeinated drink. Go on-you’ve worked hard-you deserve it! We would go to these places a few times a week as a family. The cost for these little indulgences were $10 a visit or $20 a week. Which, when I did the math, was $80 a month! What? $80 a month for coffee? After I came to on the kitchen floor I realized I would never knowingly spend this much money on coffee or any drink each month. Looking at my food spending habits and converting them into monthly expenses was a real eye opener and a wallet saver.

So, total saved in my one-month experiment with just food was $480! Yes, I get to keep my landline phone!

Happy Puzzling!

Legends Of The Rails

Hi Puzzlers,

Hot off the press is our Legends Of The Rail puzzle by artist Mark Karvon. This puzzle is beautifully detailed and invokes thoughts of the past. Growing up in a small paper-mill town I was fortunate enough to see the trains pulling box, tanker and hopper cars. My favorite was the bulkhead flatcars filled with pine trees-oh, how I love the smell of fresh cut pines. It’s like your Christmas tree smell times a thousand!

Locally here in New Hampshire we are also fortunate to have The Cog Railway and the Conway Scenic Railroad operating as scenic passenger lines, the latter fully equipped with dining cars.

In 1852 Sylvester Marsh wanted a better way to reach the summit of Mount Washington and began building his mountain climbing train with assistance from inventors Herrick and Walter Aiken. The first cog-driven train climbed 6,288 feet to the summit of Mount Washington on July 3, 1869. “For the first forty years of Cog's operation, wood-fired boilers powered the train to the 6,288-foot summit. Around 1910, coal was introduced.” So if you want spectacular mountain views with a touch of exhilaration then this is the train ride for you.

The Conway Scenic rail line began servicing passengers in 1872 and its skilled carpenters designed the North Conway Station to be a masterpiece fit for a prestigious summer resort. “For nearly 90 years the station was a landmark for train travelers. Passengers, mail, express, and newspapers arrived and departed through the station. Snow trains began running in 1932 to the town that was home to the "birthplace of American skiing.” Countless skiers rode the snow trains as the sport of skiing grew with the development of ski lifts.

One of our local ski enthusiasts recounted his experience on the snow train. He said, “ I would get on the train in Boston with my friend and we would hurry up and get our homework done, and then watch the people. It was a long ride and when we finally got there my friend’s parents would meet us at the station. Other travelers were picked up by hotel wagon or cars and driven to the hotels they were staying at. The next day we went skiing at Mount Cranmore! It was very exciting and fun.” The Conway Scenic Railroad is now a National Historic Landmark.

Puzzlers, we would love to hear about your train stories.

Autumn Traditions

Hi Puzzlers,
It’s autumn, that fabulous time of year when most of the bugs are gone, the temperature has cooled and the leaves are changing from green to brilliant hues of reds, oranges and yellows. This year I want to make sure I do all my fall favorites, so I began making a list. My list contains some of the usual, like apple picking, and some a little more unusual like trekking to the west coast to see thousands of monarch butterflies take up residence in the coast’s eucalyptus trees.

This list of traditions got me thinking, “What do other people like to do in the fall?” So off I went polling the girls in the office, poking and prying to get to the good stuff. Below is the list we came up with. Who knows- maybe one of these will become your new autumn tradition!

1. Take a trip to pick apples, visit a pumpkin patch and don’t forget the corn maze!
2. Watch “It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.
3. Redecorate your home’s interior by moving the furniture around and changing out your decorative pillows.
4. Decorate your exterior with fall window boxes filled with mini pumpkins, gourds and tiny scarecrows.
5. Let the baking begin and eat pie! Pumpkin, apple, cherry, peach, pecan …I’ll have a slice of each please!
6. Next on to chili, stews and soup.
7. Don’t forget to wash it all down with some apple cider, hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte.
8. Need something with more of a kick? How about a spiked hot apple cider, or a pumpkin martini. (I haven’t tried this yet, but oh my yumminess, it sounds good!)
9. Next you’ll need to work it all off by raking some leaves or taking a hike so you can enjoy the crunching of the leaves under your feet.
10. Last but not least don’t forget to capture all your autumn adventures on film.

Happy Puzzling!

Meet Artist Kate Ward Thacker

Hi Puzzlers,

Today we would like you to meet artist Kate Ward Thacker. Kate’s lifelong love of vintage illustration, advertising, travel memorabilia and assorted ephemera has resulted in an unparalleled library of retro themes which she uses as inspiration for her designs in these collections.

As an avid artist from an early age, Kate Ward Thacker began selling her work at art festivals when she was in high school. After earning a bachelor's degree in design, she spent twelve years on commercial design projects while also developing and refining her painting techniques and style.

As a designer for Walt Disney Imagineering, Kate's talent and creativity were put to good use on theme park designs for Paris Disneyland and Walt Disney World. This creative atmosphere further enhanced her desire to turn to a full time art career, which she did in 1990.

Kate's vibrantly hued paintings are included in numerous corporate, public and private collections worldwide. She has shown her work for many years in galleries across the country. Also, some of Kates work has also been spotted on HDTV’s Color Splash with David Bromstad!

Happy Puzzling!

Wishful Thinking

Hi Puzzlers,

Wishful thinking is a gift from the heavens. Most of us experience it when we buy a lottery ticket and our mind wanders to the, “What if I won?” mode. We fantasize about buying lots of stuff and vacationing at exotic locations or hiring a chef, maid and butler. (Okay, no butler for me, but definitely a maid to do the cleaning and laundry). So you can imagine my surprise when this happened to me as I followed the bus to my daughter’s first cross-country meet.

My parental brain took over and made me delirious as I thought of all the possibilities for her future success as a runner! Make way, Sports Legend puzzle-here she comes! I imagine her winning every high school cross-country meet in our area, and then it’s on to the state championship. My delusions continue as I visualize her winning and winning and winning through the next four years of high school. Records are smashed under the force of her feet. The scholarships from Harvard, Yale and Princeton are pouring in, offering her more and more if she signs with them.

Next it’s on to the Olympics! (I warned you I was delusional!) Look out Lynn Jennings she looking to break all your American records. I call Memere (French for Grandmother) and say “Did you see her on the box of Wheaties, and don’t forget to tape the Nike and Pepsi commercials she’ll be starring in.”

We come to a grinding halt and park next to the other fourteen buses. As I watch all 75 pounds of her exit the bus I get filled with pride from the fact she has the fortitude to do this, and I laugh to myself wondering how many of the other parents were thinking the same thing.

Happy Puzzling!

Country Fairs

Hi Puzzlers,
I love this time of year when the weather cools down a bit and the leaves begin to change color, highlighting our beautiful mountains. The kids are back at school and life goes back to being very structured- well at least for me. I know for some that structure equals boredom but to save you from that boredom there’s always the good old country fair!

Country Fairs- Oh I’ve died and gone to heaven! How I wait so impatiently every year for the fairs to begin. There is just something about a fair I find hard to resist. I go and eat like I’ve never eaten fried dough, sausage subs, blooming onions and French fries before. My husband just shakes his head and laughs at my total and utter loss of control as I shove as much fair food into my mouth as I can, destroying my year’s worth of healthy eating in a single day.

I stroll the barns, sneezing up a storm, looking at all the livestock and farm equipment. I make my way past all the vendors selling their wares, stopping occasionally to watch the slicing and dicing of the latest new kitchen gadget I’ve gotta have. I stop at the midway to play a few games, jumping up and down like a crazy person when I win the tiniest of toys.

Next it’s on to the entertainment -you know-the horse and ox-pulls. I must say the skillet throw cracks me up every year, though I do suspect there is an art to throwing the skillet the furthest. Then there are the old-time performers blasting out tunes I haven’t heard since the 70’s or before. Oh wait! I’m not that old! Now it is on to the woodsmen with ax throwing and sawing stuff up. Talk about skill, one slip and you’re a goner.

By now I’m feeling like I need to sit but I continue to stagger through the crowds. I watch the people and wonder where they all came from. Are they as addicted to it as I am? Have they tried the baked stuffed potatoes at the Elks booth? How about the out of this world blueberry cobbler from the church? When I come to I find my husband has me seated at the horse track! Yee Ha- let the fifty-cent betting begin!

Happy Puzzling!

Congratulations Eric!

Hi Puzzlers,

We would like to introduce you to one of our youngest puzzlers, Eric K from Indiana. Eric was kind enough to share his 4-H story and Grand Champion-Collection (1st place) win, with us.

Eric tells us, “One of the requirements of the project was to write and compile a notebook, including pictures of each of the 34 White Mountain Puzzles I had collected. With the photograph of each puzzle, I was required to record something about each one. I put the catalogues you sent into my notebook as well.

I also had to put together a display to show some of my collection. I photocopied puzzle boxes and glued the copies onto the display board.

I had fun putting together this project and hope to collect many more White Mountain Puzzles in the future.”

Puzzlers - please join me in congratulating Eric on his win and a job well done.

Happy Puzzling!

Meet Artist Mary Thompson

Hi Puzzlers,

We would like you meet one of our newest artist Mary Thompson. We just love Mary's bright colorful artwork.

In the early years of Mary's career she painted oils on canvas. She loved using brushes as well as painting knives to reveal vibrant strokes of light and shadows. Each canvas expressed harmony and a peek into Mary's romantic nature.

Born in Washington D.C., Mary Thompson has been making a living for over 30 years through art. She has often said, "I love my God-given gift". This is something Mary takes very seriously and she has continued to study and evolve.

Mary attended Suitland Community College and the College of Southern Maryland, and has also taken many private lessons from her respected peers. Her art has transpired into a satisfying lifelong career. Mary expresses on canvas personal views from her heart.

She has successfully raised four children. She also has a very adventurous spirit and has traveled extensively in the US, as well as Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Over a decade ago she freelanced in the print market. Because of the versatility of her work, she has had over 60 paintings published, all of which have sold internationally. Several years ago some of Mary's images were sold for tote bags and apparel at zoos. Portions of the proceeds were given to help the Rain Forest Alliance, Rivers of America, and Conservation International.


For years, Mary participated in art festivals and has had her originals displayed and sold in prestigious galleries from Miami, FL to Scottsdale, AZ. Mary also volunteered her time to paint on a mural at the Brevard County Zoo.

Mary has moved past all of that and opened a new door in the digital art field where she currently is expanding her horizons.

Happy Puzzling!

Nautical Terms

Hi Puzzlers,
Today’s topic is nautical terms. I have heard many sailors telling stories of their adventures at sea and sometimes find myself wondering what they’re talking about. Take for instance a Baggywrinkle. What’s a Baggywrinkle? It’s fun to say but what does it mean? It turns out to be clumps of frayed rope that protect the sails from chafing against the lines.

First, we need to know about the front and back of the boat as all sailing terms get their references from these positions. Aft is the back of a ship. If something is located aft, it is at the back of the boat. The aft is also known as the stern. Bow is the front of the ship. Knowing the location of the bow is important for defining two of the other most common sailing terms: port and starboard.

Port is always the left-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow. Because “right” and “left” can become confusing sailing terms when used out in open waters, port is used to define the left-hand side of the boat as it relates to the bow, or front. Starboard is always the right-hand side of the boat when you are facing the bow.

Next comes wind direction. Leeward - Also known as lee, leeward is the direction opposite to the way the wind is currently blowing. Windward is the direction in which the wind is currently blowing. Sailboats commonly move with the wind, making the windward direction an important sailing term to know.

To catch the wind a sailboat has a mast. The mast is the long tall pole that extends vertically. The boom is the horizontal pole that extends from the bottom of the mast. The boom is adjusted towards the direction of the wind so it can capture the wind necessary to move the sailboat forward or backwards. Steering the boat is done with the rudder. The rudder is located beneath the boat. It is made of wood, fiberglass, or metal. Larger sailboats control the rudder with a wheel, and small sailboats will have a steering mechanism directly aft.

Getting from point A to B is usually done by tacking. Tacking is a basic sailing maneuver referring to turning the bow of the boat through the wind so that the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other side. Jibing has the sailor turning the aft of the boat through the wind. While doing these maneuvers the boom will swing from side to side, so watch your head!

Now, puzzlers- off we go to the docks to hear some sailing tales with terms we can understand.

Happy Puzzling!

Dog Days of Summer

Hi Puzzlers,
I have been hearing and reading a lot about the “Dog Days” of summer. Why is it called dog days? Are dogs really involved? Were they ever involved? What’s a dog got to do with a hot summer day? If this question has been burning in you, like it has been in me, read on for an answer.

As everyone knows, the dog days of summer revolve around the three H’s - hot, hazy and humid and usually occur between July and early August. The reference - association to the dog comes from astronomy. Because the star Sirius is in the sky at this time of year and is also the brightest star in the Canis Major (Large Dog) constellation it became known as the Dog Star. Sirius is only second in brightness to the sun. (This also answers another question I had, “Why does Sirius Radio have a dog as a mascot?”)

“The Romans sacrificed a brown dog at the beginning of the Dog Days to appease the rage of Sirius, believing that the star was the cause of the hot, sultry weather. In addition, Dog Days were popularly believed to be an evil time when the seas boiled, wine turned sour, dogs grew mad, and all creatures became languid, causing to man burning fevers, hysterics, and phrensies according to Brady’s Clavis Calendarium, 1813.”

“For the ancient Egyptians, Sirius appeared just before the season of the Nile's flooding, so they used the star as a "watchdog" for that event. Since its rising also coincided with a time of extreme heat, the connection with hot, sultry weather was made for all time: "Dog Days bright and clear / indicate a happy year. / But when accompanied by rain, / for better times our hopes are vain."

So puzzlers - if your region is being plagued by the dog days of summer I recommend staying inside, cranking up the A/C and start your favorite puzzle!

Happy Puzzling!

Custom Puzzles

Hi Puzzlers,
You asked for it and we are giving it to you! White Mountain Puzzles now does custom puzzles.

Turn your favorite photo into a custom puzzle for yourself or as a unique personal gift. Friends and relative will love putting the pieces together. I can attest to this from my own personal experience. I gave my oldest daughter two puzzles, one each of her two dogs (or her children, as she says). The puzzles come in a beautiful silver gift tube which she kept shaking trying to figure out what was in it, but because it’s so unique she couldn't figure out what was in the tube. It’s not easy to surprise a 23 year-old, as many of you may know!

We had the 99 piece 11" x 17" puzzles. She emptied the tube and asked what’s it a puzzle of? Well, I could have given her the pictures to explain but I didn’t. I had her start putting the puzzle together and as soon as she figured out it was her beloved Louis she said “Oh it’s Louis! This is the best present I have ever gotten! This is sooo cool!”

So choose your size and level and let the fun begin!

3 sizes, 3 levels of difficulty
Card-sized 4" x 6" (24 pieces)
Medium 8.5" x 11" (49 pieces)
Large 11" x 17" (99 pieces)

Prices
11"x17" - 99 Piece Puzzle: $19.95*each
2 or more of the same photo for $30.00*
8.5"x11" - 49 Piece Puzzle: $14.95*each
2 or more of the same photo for $25.00*
4"x6" - 24 Piece Puzzle: $9.95*each
2 or more of the same photo for $15.00*

Call to order yours today. 1-800-548-8009

Happy Puzzling!

Become A Follower

Hi Puzzlers,

We finally like the look and feel of our blog and want to make it known to all of you.

To kick off our new blog we would like all of our puzzle people (that's you) to sign up as a follower. Once you do you'll be automatically entered into our monthly drawing to win a free puzzle.

So enjoy what we've done so far and please share your puzzling adventures and photos with us.

Happy Puzzling!

Meet Artist Gary Patterson

Hi Puzzlers,
Today we would like you meet artist Gary Patterson. Gary’s work is instantly recognizable and captures the humor of his many subjects, be it Cats or Dogs. My dog Mario could have been the muse for Gary’s Dogs Puzzle. Yes, that’s Mario jumping into the dishwasher and licking the dishes!

“Gary Patterson is one of America's best-loved artists, and his
work is enjoyed and collected throughout the world.

Born and raised in California, Gary submerged himself in the
world of art as a child. He was influenced by his father's
artistic ability and was encouraged by his family to formally
pursue his artistic ability.

Gary attended UCLA and the Art Center College of Design for
a short time, but soon ran out of money and went out on his
own - learning by his own mistakes. He went on to gain
recognition in many fields of art, and finally decided to
specialize in humor because it made people smile. During his
career, Gary has achieved numerous prestigious awards
including acceptance to the Los Angeles Museum of Art.
Today, millions of people own or recognize the distinctive
characters of his illustrations and the intimacy of his unique
humor.

With the input of his family, friends and fans around the
world, Gary is able to create art that touches people's
hearts, and brings smiles to their faces.”

Gary’s work certainly makes me smile.

Happy Puzzling!

I Love Lucy

Hi Puzzlers,
Last night I stayed up late because of the heat wave that has hit the northeast-it was just too hot to sleep. As I flicked through the channels looking for something to watch I found re-runs of the I Love Lucy show. I still laugh when I see all of Lucy’s wacky antics. She was a truly amazing actress/comedienne.

Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown NY on August 6, 1911. Her father died of typhoid fever when she was three. After his death, Lucy’s mother DeDe moved the family to Celeron NY to be with her parents. Lucy’s grandfather, Fred Hunt, enjoyed the theater. “He frequently took the family to vaudeville shows and encouraged young Lucy to take part in both her own and school plays.”

At 15, with her mother’s approval, Lucy left traditional high school and enrolled in John Murray Anderson’s Drama School. Some have suggested that the enrollment in the drama school was to prevent Lucy from dating a gangster’s son named Johnny DeVita. Lucy only attend a few weeks when the drama coaches sent her home, saying she had no talent and would be better off finding a different career. These comments sent Lucy out on a mission to prove them wrong.

In 1929 while living in New York City, Lucy, also known as Diane Belmont, began a thriving career as a fashion model. Her best-known campaign was that of the Chesterfield Cigarette Girl in 1933 which gained her national exposure. After being spotted by a talent agent on the streets of New York, Lucy moved to Hollywood and was hired as a contract player for RKO Radio Pictures. “The actresses of that time were the glamorous types and were not agreeable to taking a pie in the face or doing physical stunts. Lucy was not afraid to do either. Lucy herself once said, I’m not funny, what I am, is brave. How right she was.” Lucille became "Queen of the B's"

In 1940, while performing in the musical “Too Many Girls”, Lucy met popular Cuban band leader Desi Arnaz. They fell in love and married within the year. With their work keeping them apart, Lucy and Desi came up with a plan to save their marriage and keep them working together. They pitched their idea to CBS, about the unlikely marriage of a wild redhead to a Cuban band leader. CBS thought the American public would not accept that kind of couple and declined their offer.

Not wanting to take no for an answer, they formed their own production company, “Desilu”, and began filming the pilot episode of “I Love Lucy.” It premiered in October of 1951, and instantly became the most popular television show in America. “CBS picked it up before the show's thirty minute episode was over.”

And, as they say, the rest is history! What a great lady!

Happy Puzzling!

Historic Washington, DC

Hi Puzzlers,
We have heard so many stories about our puzzlers using the resort, states and historic puzzles to plan their vacations we thought you would like to hear about our very own Jill’s trip to Washington, DC.

Jill and her daughter headed out to Washington, DC with our puzzle in hand. Jill reports that the puzzle was extremely handy for mapping out their route of must-sees. “We were able to tell from looking at the puzzle what sites we could walk to and which would require public transportation.” WOW! We thought our puzzles were just fun and educational but it appears the people at Rand McNally may have some added competition!

Among Jill’s list of must-sees was Union Station. Union Station opened on October 27, 1907 and is thought to be one of the best examples of the Beaux-Arts style of architecture. During this time period train travel was the primary mode of transportation, even for the President. Construction of a Presidential Suite began in the early 1900s and in 1909 President Taft had the honor of being the first President to use the suite. Through the years many kings and queens were officially welcomed here. Among the many were King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain, King Albert I of Belgium, King Prajadipok of Siam, Queen Marie of Rumania, and King Haasan II of Morocco. Jill says to take an official tour of the city; she took a trolley tour, “It is a must if you haven’t been there before”.

The Lincoln Memorial was the first stop on her tour and she was quite impressed with the memorial beginning “larger than life”. Pictures cannot prepare you for how you will feel standing next to this enormous memorial. Next was the Arlington Cemetery, which leaves one feeling awed, looking at how large it is. A whole day was spent in the Museum of American History, which was highlighted by seeing all the first ladies inaugural gowns. At the Museum of Natural History she got to see the Hope Diamond! Yes it was HUGE! “But I found the other jewels to be more appealing because of the different colors and stones and they were just as large.”

Jill says she would definitely go back, and that one-week was not enough time to see everything!

Jill also recommends dining at the Old Ebbitt Grill .

Thanks for sharing, Jill!

Happy Puzzling!

Bowling

Hi Puzzlers,
I am happy to report to you that my Nanny’s bowling league took first place this season! Nanny and the gang are in their mid-to-late 70’s so I feel this is inspiring news. In the early 80s I played as a spare on a team but never fully caught the bowling bug, though millions of people worldwide over the last 5000 years have. Bowling has become a great American pastime. It is a sport of the people and of kings.

Bowling is one of the oldest sports in history. Ancient artifacts, similar to items used in today’s bowling, were unearthed from an Egyptian tomb dating back to 5200 BC. “Ancient Polynesians rolled stones at objects from a distance of 60 feet - the same distance as from foul line to headpin.” Some claim bowling originated in Germany around 300 AD and was used as a religious ceremony for determining the absence of sin. German monks introduced the “game” to the masses and it flourished as a “customary test of faith.”

By the 14th century, bowling, in its many forms, had become so popular it began to interfere with the national archery defense practices in England, causing King Richard II and King Richard III to ban the game from 1327-1399. “During the regime of King Henry VIII, the game gained popularity and was played as a symbol of nobility and social status.”

“In 1841, Connecticut banned ‘bowling at the game of ninepins’ because of widespread gambling. Other states followed suit. It is popularly believed that today's game of tenpins was devised to circumvent the laws against the game of ninepins. Bowling has been banned throughout the world for the "evil it leashes on society."

Over 100 million people in more than 90 countries play the game, making it one of the most popular and universally loved sports in the world.

Happy Puzzling!

Happy Father's day

Hi Puzzlers,

Father’s Day is Sunday June 20th and we would like to wish all the Dad puzzlers a Happy Father’s Day!

Sonora Smart Dodd came up with the idea of having children honor their father’s after attending a church service honoring Mother’s Day in 1909. Sonora’s father raised her and her five siblings after her mother died during childbirth. She wanted a holiday that honored fathers like her own father, William Smart, a Civil War veteran who was left to raise his family alone and did so with loving compassion.

“So Father's Day was born in memory and gratitude by a daughter who thought that her father and all good fathers should be honored with a special day.”

What Makes A Dad

God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad

Author is unknown

Happy Father’s Day!

Artist Robert Duncan

Hi Puzzlers,

We would like you to meet our newest artist Robert Duncan. That's him in the front row with his wife Linda and their family.

Robert Duncan was born in Utah and began painting at age eleven. He spent summers as a boy on his grandparents' ranch in Wyoming where his grandmother gave him his first set of oil paints. It was there that he grew to love the country, the open spaces, and the rural lifestyle. Robert has painted professionally for about 25 years. He studied at the University of Utah and worked as a commercial artist before his full-time dedication to the fine art of the American West. Robert was elected into the Cowboy Artists of America at a young age and won two silver medals in their annual exhibition at the Phoenix Art Museum - a dream come true. Robert, his wife Linda, their six children, and a lively assortment of farm animals live in the little town of Midway in Northern Utah.

I decided years ago to paint the things that I cared most about. That decision has brought me a lot of joy and satisfaction and I'm especially grateful that my family has been such an important part of all of this."

"I grew up in the suburbs, but every chance I got, I would sneak out to nearby fields to watch the birds or play in the creek, and the summers I spent on my granddad's ranch really taught me how much we all need Nature in our lives. But change is all around us. The family farm is disappearing at an alarming rate. Development and sprawl cover fertile fields by the minute. I want my grandchildren to be able to walk through a field and hear a meadowlark call. We don't all have to live on a farm, but to pass by and see the cows grazing or just to know that there are wild places being kept wild makes our lives better. In a way, my paintings are a call to think about the things that have touched our lives and hope that we might all be willing to do our part to save these things for future generations."

Happy Puzzling!

Hot Air Balloons

Hi Puzzlers,

June 11-13th there will be a hot air balloon festival here in North Conway NH and I’m so excited to go and see them. I have always been mesmerized by their colorful, grand stature. What’s truly amazing to me is the fact that they can fly with just hot air.

British balloonist Julian Nott speculated that the Nazca culture of Peru could have used hot air balloons some 1500 to 2000 years ago to help design the famous Nazca ground figures and lines. Using the materials that were available at that time, balloonists determined it would have been possible for a hot air balloon to fly.

The first officially documented hot air balloon flight took place on September 19, 1783. The balloon was made by the French brothers, Jacques and Joseph Montgolfier, in the town of Alchemy located in southern France. The hot air balloon was fueled by burning straw, wool and dried horse manure and on board were a rooster, a duck and a sheep. After experimenting for a while Jacques took the first tethered ride on October 15, 1783.

With the approval of King Louis XVI, the first passengers/pilots of a free flight in a hot air balloon were Pilatre de Rozier and Francois Laurnet. Originally, King Louis wanted “condemned criminals” to take the first flight but Francois and Pilatre where finally granted the honor on November 21, 1783.

The balloon ascended 500 feet and then landed in a vineyard a few miles away. Upon landing, the “local farmers raced towards it with pitchforks, ready to attack this strange object from the sky. To prevent the farmers from destroying the balloon, Pilatre and Francois offered them a bottle of champagne, as thanks for allowing them to land in their field. Today, in memory of that first courageous flight, champagne (or an Australian sparkling wine) is often drunk after a hot air balloon ride.”

So cheers to the hot air balloon festival and puzzling!

Cape Cod

Hi Puzzlers,

I am just getting back from one of my favorite places on the planet, Cape Cod, Massachusetts. I just love it! There is so much to do! If you like shopping and antiquing they have it. If you are a foodie like me, they have a huge variety of restaurants to choose from. I just found this incredible Italian restaurant called Gerardi’s Cafe and let me say it was one of the best meals I’ve ever had! Yummy- just typing this has my tummy growling for more.

Cape Cod also has many outdoor activities available to visitors. There’s fishing, boating trips, kayaking and canoeing, both in the ocean and on several of the fresh water kettle ponds which can be found all around the Cape. If you love to camp my recommendation would be the Nickerson State Park campground as it is near the bike trails.

Biking is my favorite thing to do on the Cape. Yes, I’m a biker but not the motorized kind, though a ride along 6A on a motorcycle is highly recommended, I pedal my bike along the glorious trails of the Cape. “The Cape Cod Rail Trail follows a former railroad right-of-way for 22 miles through the towns of Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet. Its paved surface, few hills, and well-marked automobile crossings make it ideal for cyclists. The trail has a wide unpaved shoulder on one side to accommodate horseback riding, walkers, and runners.” Of course I over indulged and my legs are still a little sore, but it was well worth it!

I had to remove the poster and puzzle of Cape Cod I had in my office as I kept getting distracted. Oh was that the sound of the ocean or the ring of a bicycle bell? This puzzle is a wonderful keepsake or tour guide for this awesome vacation destination.

Happy Puzzling!

Space Shuttle

Hi Puzzlers,

We have a great new puzzle by Mark Karvon titled “Space Shuttle” and I have to say it is one of my favorites. As a kid growing up I was a big Star Trek fan and I still am. Once a trekkie always a trekkie! I spent many nights watching Captain Kirk, Spock and the crew, explore the universe. I was fully immersed in the scenes, imagining I was on the other planets investigating aliens as a member of the crew. I continued my space odyssey with the Next Generation, Deep Space Nine (DS9) and Voyager, which finally had a woman captain, Captain Kathryn Janeway! Shows like this really do take you away from it all!

I feel fortunate that space travel began during my lifetime. NASA and its scientists have definitely begun to “boldly go where no other has gone before” and have allowed us to learn so much about space. Just think- we thought Pluto was a planet all this time and it is actual a dwarf planet! And, just recently, what about that rogue satellite-Galaxy 15, which lost contact with ground control after a solar flare probably fried its brain. Not to worry- it is on a course to interfere with satellites that transmit to Luxemburg. Sorry Luxemburg - no TV for a few nights!

Luckily for us, astronauts on the Space Shuttle perform several different types of jobs in space. Their duties include work for the military, private and business sectors, as well as building, maintaining and repairing of the International Space Station (ISS). We may need to add chasing rogue satellites to this list soon.

“The launching, repairing and maintenance duties for objects like the Hubble Telescope, as well as military and commercial satellites, are carried out as needed.” Only trained astronauts are able to leave the shuttle and perform space walks. Without question, the riskiest and most specialized job that an astronaut can do in space is space walking, otherwise known as EVA or Extra Vehicular Activity.”

I would have liked to say that I am adventurous enough to have been one of the first astronauts but, truth be told, I’m not. I am so grateful to all the brave souls that have been the first to boldly go where no human has gone before and I feel privileged to watch all of their triumphs.

Happy Puzzling!

Meet Artist Fred Swan

Hi Puzzlers,

We would like you to meet artist Fred Swan. Fred lives in Vermont and graduated from the United States Naval Academy. He is a self-taught artist who works exclusively with acrylic paints. For over 30 years Fred has been developing his own unique style, all while teaching high school mathematics. Since retiring from teaching in 2000, Fred paints full time in his studio in Vermont.

Due to the length of time necessary to complete each piece (500 hours on average), he is often unable to fill the demand for his work. . Each image is richly rural, a way of life experienced by few but fondly remembered by many. These qualities have earned Swan a lofty reputation as one of our nation’s finest landscape artists. Fred's paintings are highly commercial and have been adapted for calendars and jigsaw puzzles and are sold as prints.

"Fred Swan's paintings are found in many public and private collections including those of Johnson & Johnson, Malcolm Forbes, and the Vermont Council on the Arts. He is a winner of the 1979 Saturday Evening Post Cover Contest, and his work has been featured in many national publications, including Yankee Magazine and Vermont life.”

Thanks Fred - your beautiful paintings make great puzzles!

Happy Puzzling!

P.S. Sorry puzzlers, we had technical difficulties with Fred's image and we will post it as it becomes available.

Celebrate Arbor Day

Hi Puzzlers,

Arbor day is the day that is dedicated to the planting and care of trees and here in New Hampshire we celebrate it on April 30th.

People are encouraged to go out and plant a tree, be it in your own yard or in a community spot. You should remember to ask the community before planting. Homeowners, this is a good time to check existing trees for insect infestations and broken branches and, of course, to plant a new tree.

The first Arbor Day was celebrated on April 10, 1872 in Nebraska. Julius Sterling Morton, a Nebraska journalist and politician, thought Nebraska would benefit from the planting of trees. Trees, he felt, would add to the landscape and economy.

“He set an example himself planting orchards, shade trees and windbreakers on his own farm and urged his neighbors to follow suit. Nebraska’s first Arbor Day was an amazing success with more than one million trees being planted.”

“Windbreaks reduce heating and cooling cost to homes, and add value. They provide a barrier from sound and sight, smell, protect livestock, they look good and provide wildlife habitat for birds and little furry critters.”

Presently all 50 states celebrate Arbor Day although the dates vary according to local climates. I am also happy to report Arbor Day is now celebrated in other countries, with some adopting variations on the theme such as “Greening Week” of Japan.”

"Other holidays repose upon the past - Arbor Day proposes for the future.”

J. Sterling Morton

Happy Puzzling!

Firefighters Part II

Hi Puzzlers,

In today’s Part II post we will look at the history of female fire fighters. I feel it is always important to inspire our girls to believe they can do and be anything they want. Nothing, to me, says it better than showing ladies from our historic past. They made things happen at a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable, when they couldn’t vote or own their own property. Talk about overcoming adversity!

An African-American slave named Molly Williams was the first recorded female firefighter in US history. She worked on the Oceanus Engine Company # 11, where she became known as Volunteer # 11 and was said to be, “as good as a fire laddie as many of the boys.” Her bravery was especially noted during the blizzard of 1818. “Male firefighters were scarce, but Williams took her place with the men on the dragropes and pulled the pumper to the fire in the deep snow.”

Marina Betts, a resident of Pittsburgh in 1820, served as a volunteer firefighter. She claims she never missed a fire in the ten years she was a firefighter. Paul Ditzel stated: “Betts became famous for dumping buckets of water over male bystanders who refused to help fight fires.”

In 1851 Lillie Hitchcock began working on the Knickbocker Engine No. 5. Her journey began as she watched two other fire engine companies pass the understaffed men of the Knickbocker Engine, while enroute to a fire. As the other firefighters passed the Knickbocker they yelled out humiliating remarks. “Fifteen year old Lillie saw their plight and dashed to the vacant spot on the rope. Pulling with all her might she shouted to bystanders, "Come on, you men! Everybody pull and we’ll beat em!”

Can you imagine doing that at fifteen in the 1850’s?

A special note of thanks to all our firefighters.

Happy Puzzling!

Firefighters

Hi Puzzlers,

Today’s blog is about Firefighters. I have always been curious about the fire fighting profession. I wonder if it was always volunteers trying to keep their communities safe? When did it become a paid profession? What about women firefighters? I have so many questions, in fact, that I am going to have to make it a two part series. In this post we will look at the early days of volunteer fire fighting.

Volunteers have and continue to be the backbone of all firefighting. The Union Fire Company established by Benjamin Franklin, in 1736, was the first volunteer fire department. Unlike other “Fire Clubs” of its day, which only protected property of its members, the Union Fire Company served everyone in the neighborhood. This became the role model for subsequent fire companies that sprang up all over Philadelphia. Each Fire Company of this time had to pay for all their equipment; luckily, wealthy volunteers donated the funds to keep the fire companies running.

Prior to this type of organization, “private fire brigades would compete with one another to be the first to respond to a fire because insurance companies paid brigades to save buildings. Even after the formation of paid fire companies in the United States, there were disagreements and often fights over territory.”

“New York City companies were famous for sending runners out to fires with a large barrel to cover the hydrant closest to the fire in advance of the engines. Often fights would break out between the runners and even the responding fire companies for the right to fight the fire and receive the insurance money that would be paid to the company that fought it.” I wonder how many buildings burned to the ground before the fight was settled? Yikes!

Here is a list of some famous volunteer firefighters: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Paul Revere, and Alexander Hamilton.

Happy Puzzling!

Baseball Parks

Hi Puzzlers,

It’s official baseball season and many of you may be cheering or jeering. I personally am in between. I am not a die-hard fan but I know a few of the players, watch the World Series and enjoy a day at the park.

The day at the park is definitely my favorite. The closest official ballpark to New Hampshire is Fenway Park, which is home to the Red Sox and the Green Monster, or “Monsta” as they say in Boston. Fenway is also the oldest ballpark in the country! It opened in 1912 on the same day the Titanic sank!

I can remember my first time at the park and how fun it was strolling down Yawkey Way. During the games half the street is closed off to traffic and lots of vendors line up selling all kinds of goodies. It’s like a giant street party with music playing, food everywhere and thousands of happy people enjoying the day.

I have yet to go to the new Yankee Stadium in New York. My husband has been a Yankees fan all his life and you can well imagine the taunting he gets from every one in our family for being a traitor. Yes, they are all Red Sox fans. But I so enjoy the parks I can’t wait to go and check this one out. The new stadium was opened on April 16, 2009 boasting new wider seats and more legroom. Most seats even have cup holders.

Next on the hit list would have to be the second oldest ball park in the country, Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, which opened in 1914. It went under several different names until 1927 when it was renamed after the Cubs owner William Wrigley Jr., owner and founder of Wrigley Chewing Gum Company. Hmm… Baseball and chewing gum- did that get started here?

Those are my top three - enjoy the season!

Happy Puzzling!

Moose

Hi Puzzlers,

It’s that time of year again here in New England when the moose begin to come out. Growing up in the Great North Woods area, or “Moose Country” as the locals like to say, has given me many opportunities to see moose. They are magnificent creatures.

Moose are the tallest mammal in North America measuring 6-7 feet from shoulder to feet! Female moose can weigh 800 to 1,300 pounds with males weighing 1,200 to 1,600 pounds. All moose have a bell sway, which is a flap of skin beneath their throats. It looks like a Goatee to me. The adult male or Bull Moose has antlers that stretch out to 4-5 feet. If you are ever lucky enough to find one of these antlers in the woods they make great serving trays/platters. Very rustic!

To maintain its body weight the adult moose must consume over 9,700 calories a day. All moose are herbivores and enjoy dining on twigs, leaves and the buds of hard and soft wood trees and shrubs. Moose also like to feed on aquatic plants like water lilies. So if you ever drive by a pond and see a moose in it, don’t be surprised when it sticks its head under the water to find a yummy snack. They can also completely submerge themselves under the water for as long as 30 seconds and can swim as fast as six miles an hour.

Moose have terrible eyesight but their excellent hearing and sense of smell guide them through the forest each day where they can travel up to ten miles a day. They are most active at dusk and dawn, so be careful driving. Remember moose mate in the fall and males can become aggressive. Should you see one, stay in your car and let him pass. Moose can run as fast as 35 miles an hour and trot at 20 miles an hour!

If you are planning a visit to the Great North Woods I would highly recommend booking a Moose Tour!

Happy Puzzling!

Artist Mort Künstler

Hi Puzzlers,

We would like you to meet artist Mort Künstler. “He's the premier historical artist in America - and now he focuses mainly on the American Civil War.

When Mort Künstler began his current emphasis on Civil War art in the early 1980s, he had already accomplished more than what a half-dozen artists could hope to accomplish in a collective lifetime. From portraits of prehistoric American life to the odyssey of the space shuttle, Mort Künstler had painted America's story - and was already renowned as "the premier historical artist in America.

When he placed his focus on Civil War art, Mr. Künstler quickly established himself as the country's most-collected Civil War artist, and earned unprecedented acclaim within the genre of Civil War art.

"Mort Künstler is the foremost Civil War artist of our time -- if not of all time," says Dr. James I. Robertson Jr., the dean of Civil War historians and the author of the celebrated biography, Stonewall Jackson. "To study his paintings," says Robertson, "is to simply see history alive." Pulitzer Prize-winning historian James McPherson concurs. "Of all the artists working in the Civil War field," he observes, "none captures the human element, the aura of leadership, the sense of being there and sharing in the drama, quite like Mort Künstler. He has that enviable talent of being able to re-create history on canvas and to translate events into art."

Click hear to read more about Mort.

Happy Puzzling!