The North Country

It all happened so fast.

After a long time of not working, it seemed like they called Friday and I was at a new desk Monday. In New England. New Hampshire. Way far north.

I've never been there before. It's cold and it's already snowed twice or more. It's not near anything.

Except wonderful, warm-hearted people. I've been having a ball up here, getting to know a people and culture unlike any I'd ever seen before.

They voted for Kerry here and he lost, but nobody seems to mind much. Life goes on.

In New Hampshire, the greatest national spotlight shines during primary season, particularly for Democrats. To an extent, that sensibility pervades, but it's not totally homogeneous.

In fact, Granite Staters pride themselves on their individualism. License plates that say "Live Free or Die" are hard to imagine in Southern California...

So I'm lonely up here, alone in the cold and semi-furnished apartment. Shopping for groceries at Shaw's and everything else at Wal-Mart.

"Annual Meeting" at the hospital was yesterday. They combine the annual meeting of the governing board with employee service awards, and it was like a roast. So warm and friendly...

Anyway, I'm liking it OK. More to come...