You Have a Choice
Karen and Jay share their enthusiasm for the winter and urge us to embrace the coming season with vigor and excitement.
You can feel it in the air. Winter is knocking on the door. And we each have a choice. Will we allow ourselves to feel bad, retreat, shut ourselves indoors? Or will we embrace the season – plunge full force into the winter and enjoy the many opportunities the season has to offer? Remarkably, we each have the ability to choose our perspective – negative or positive – and then, either just try to endure the season – or to make the winter a fun, active and fully engaging experience.
And, when you think about it, the way we choose to approach the winter is really a metaphor for life. We each have the ability to choose how we want to approach and live our lives. And, yes, it is a choice. Not always easy every day, but the truth is that decision maker is ‘you’ – and like most things, you can pretty much make of it what you desire.
Winter, with its biting cold and challenging conditions, can also serve as a metaphor for life's difficulties. However, the significance lies not in avoiding or complaining about the harshness of the season, but in embracing it with positive energy, enthusiasm, and a wonderful spirit. This approach to winter mirrors the best way to navigate the challenges of life itself. Just as winter demands resilience and adaptability, life requires us to face adversities with a mindset of growth and acceptance.
Moreover, approaching winter with positive energy fosters a sense of appreciation for the beauty that can be found in the midst of challenges. The glistening snow, the crisp air, and the quiet serenity of a winter landscape all contribute to a unique and enchanting beauty. Similarly, by maintaining a positive outlook in life, we can discover the hidden joys and lessons within difficult situations. Just as winter unveils its own kind of beauty, a positive mindset allows us to uncover the silver linings in life's challenges.
And, of course, enthusiasm is a powerful force that can turn a seemingly harsh winter into a season of adventure and exploration. Rather than viewing winter as a time to hibernate, approaching it with enthusiasm encourages us to engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Similarly, adopting an enthusiastic approach to life enables us to seize opportunities, cultivate meaningful relationships, and pursue our passions. Embracing the winter of life with enthusiasm transforms it from a mere passage of time into a journey filled with purpose and excitement.
So, as this winter season approaches, I invite you to gather up the courage, the excitement, the enthusiasm - and make this winter a thoroughly enjoyable and positive experience – for yourself as well as for all those in your life.
NH’s Great Outdoors - Something for Everyone in the Winter!
If you have the great fortune to live in the Granite State – or can even visit from time to time, the joys of winter are varied, fun and all around you.
Our Great Ski Areas.
New Hampshire's ski mountains and winter outdoor markets are a great way to enjoy the winter season. Whether you're looking for a challenging ski run or a unique holiday gift, you're sure to find something to enjoy. New Hampshire is home to some of the best ski mountains in the country. These mountains offer a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginner to expert. In addition to great skiing and snowboarding, New Hampshire's ski mountains also offer a variety of other activities, such as tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The ski industry is a major economic driver for our state. In 2019, the ski industry generated over $1.2 billion in revenue for the state. The industry also supports over 10,000 jobs.
Mountains in the Granite State are unique and offer many opportunities for outdoor fun. Bretton Woods is the largest ski resort in the East, featuring over 100 trails and even a dining facility at the top of the mountain! On the southern tier of New Hampshire, you have Crotched Mountain – home to Midnight Madness where avid skiers can take to the slopes on Saturday nights right up to 11:59 pm! Now, I would be remiss if I didn't give homage to my home mountain of Mount Sunapee where my kids learned to ski – as I did years before - and, of course, the mighty Mac of McIntyre in Manchester. For non-skiers, head over to Cranmore in Conway, where the winter outdoor park features a zip line and coaster!
To learn more about the great mountains of the Granite State, including Governor Sununu’s favorite Waterville Valley, visit www.skinh.com.
Now, NH’s Winter Markets.
Winter outdoor markets and winter fun are a great way to get into the holiday spirit and support local businesses. These markets feature a variety of vendors selling handmade crafts, food, and gifts. Some of the most popular winter outdoor markets in New Hampshire can be found across the state.
The Tuscan Winter Market, located at Tuscan Village in Salem, New Hampshire, features over 60 local artisans and small businesses providing amazing one-of-a-kind and unique gifts this Holiday Season. Nashua recently held its Holiday Stroll, a Gate City staple featuring vendors, music, and holiday spirit. In my hometown of Newport, there is the Winter Carnival taking place in 2024, but as a kickoff to the Carnival and to winter, there is the Winter Carnival Pageant.
So many great ways to embrace winter and truly enjoy the outdoors this winter season.
As We Prepare for Winter, Please Don’t Forget…
Here’s a checklist that we put together including some serious and some ‘not so serious’ steps to take in preparing for the winter season. The ‘not so serious’ are listed way below.
Winterizing your home and property in New Hampshire is essential to protect against the cold temperatures and harsh weather conditions. Here's a checklist to help you prepare for winter:
1. Insulate Doors and Windows – Check for drafts and seal gaps with weatherstripping. Consider using draft stoppers for doors.
2. Check Heating System – Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system. Replace air filters in your furnace. Bleed air from radiators if you have a hot water heating system.
3. Insulate Pipes – Insulate exposed water pipes to prevent freezing. Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
4. Clean Gutters – Remove leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ice dams.
5. Roof Inspection – Check for loose or damaged shingles. Trim overhanging branches that could accumulate snow and ice.
6. Chimney Inspection – Have your chimney cleaned and inspected if you have a fireplace or wood stove.
7. Seal Foundation Cracks – Inspect your home's foundation for cracks and seal them to prevent drafts.
8. Outdoor Faucets – Turn off outdoor water faucets and drain hoses.
9. Emergency Kit – Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like flashlights, batteries, blankets, and non-perishable food.
10. Winterize Lawn Equipment – Store or properly winterize lawn mowers and other outdoor equipment.
11. Snow Removal Equipment – Check and service snow blowers, shovels, and other snow removal tools.
12. Insulate Attic – Ensure proper insulation in the attic to retain heat.
13. Programmable Thermostat – Consider installing a programmable thermostat to optimize heating efficiency.
14. Seal Cracks and Gaps – Seal gaps around windows, doors, and other openings to prevent heat loss.
15. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors – Replace batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
16. Winterize Vehicles – Check antifreeze levels, replace windshield wiper fluid with a winter formula, and ensure tires are suitable for winter conditions.
17. Prepare for Power Outages – Have a supply of candles, matches, and blankets in case of power outages. Consider investing in a generator for backup power.
18. Check Insulation – Inspect and replace insulation as needed in attics, crawl spaces, and walls.
19. Stock Up on Winter Supplies – Purchase rock salt, sand, or ice melt for walkways and driveways. Stock up on winter essentials like warm clothing, blankets, and non-perishable food.
20. Winterize Outdoor Furniture – Store or cover outdoor furniture to protect it from the winter elements.
Remember that the specific tasks you need to do may vary depending on the characteristics of your home and property. It's always a good idea to tailor this checklist to your specific needs and seek professional help when necessary.
Absolutely, winterizing can be a serious task, but injecting a bit of humor can make it more enjoyable. Here are a couple of lighthearted additions:
1. Snow Shovel Décor – Decorate your snow shovel! Because if you have to shovel, you might as well do it in style. Consider adding some tinsel or festive lights to your shovel. You never know when your driveway might need a touch of holiday cheer.
2. Winter Weather Survival Kit – Include a "hot cocoa emergency kit" in your winter preparedness supplies. It's scientifically proven that hot cocoa has anti-freezing properties for the soul.
3. Insulate Yourself – Winterize yourself by investing in a cozy blanket, a good book, and a mug of something warm. It's the ultimate personal insulation against winter blues.
4. Snowman Home Security System – Install a snowman in your front yard as a deterrent to winter intruders. Criminals may think twice when faced with a frosty sentinel guarding your home.
5. Winter Workout Routine – Consider snow shoveling in your new winter workout routine. Who needs a gym when you have a driveway full of snow? Just remember to switch arms occasionally to maintain that symmetrical snow-athlete physique.
Remember to have fun with the process, and don't forget to reward yourself for all your winterization efforts!
Positive Profile of the Week: Kevin Skarupa
This week we are delighted to highlight Kevin Skarupa, a well-known meteorologist – at our very own WMUR-TV – and given his profession, Kevin is no stranger to winter. We love the enthusiasm with which he embraces the season and shares his excitement with viewers.
Although he worked in both Florida and Nashville several years ago, he also attended college in Vermont, and his first news assignment was in Iowa. Two places where winter is a part of the lifestyle.
So, let’s go back to how it all began. When Kevin was in the 5th grade, one of Kevin’s classmates told him there was going to be a big snowfall that night. Much to his dismay, when he woke up – the sun was shining, and his mother was telling him to get dressed for school. He said to himself, “There’s gotta be a reason weather does what it does.” So off to the library, he went, spending hours reading books on weather phenomena. Pictures of hurricanes and tornadoes left him amazed at what Mother Nature can do. Then he began to watch the Weather Channel, and he was hooked – the elements had become his passion!
And Kevin has had some interesting experiences along the way. One of his most memorable assignments was when he interviewed the Coral Reefer band (Jimmy Buffet’s band). His first job was as a summer swim camp leader, and his favorite season is autumn, by far.
As a pure coincidence, he is a diehard fan of both the Texas Rangers (baseball) and the New York Rangers (hockey). His all-time favorite movie is the John Cusack classic Better Off Dead, a coming-of-age comedy that culminates in Cusack’s character ski racing his arch-nemesis, the guy who stole his girl, down a dangerous ski slope. He receives the hilarious advice at the top of the mountain, “Go that way, really fast…if something gets in your way…turn.”
That brings us to why we chose Kevin for this week’s profile. Aside from his wonderful delivery of the morning and noon weather forecast and involvement with the local community, he has faced big challenges head-on, starting with his first job out of college. Only a week in, one of his co-workers was abducted from her apartment in what would become the biggest unsolved case in Iowa history. Even today, 28 years later.
Over the years, Kevin has run in 7 marathons. In this most recent one, the Boston Marathon this year, he raised $27,000 for the non-profit organization Waypoint. While winter may not be his favorite season, Kevin knows how to embrace the season and keep moving forward.
Thanks, Kevin, for always keeping us up to date and entertained with NH’s constantly changing weather!
Quotes of the Week: Embrace the Winter
"Winter is not a season, it's a celebration." - Anamika Mishra "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer." - Albert Camus "Do not be afraid of life's challenges, for just as winter gives way to spring, adversity can lead to greater strength and resilience." – Unknown "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco." - Often attributed to Mark Twain, highlighting the idea that challenges can come unexpectedly, and we must be prepared for them. "Winter forms our character and brings out our best." - Tom Allen