the wild side of new hampshire

Our backyard isn’t a concrete jungle—it’s a nature-filled paradise, and we wouldn’t trade it for anything. Every day, we’re lucky to enjoy the beauty of wildlife right outside our door. From small animals like squirrels, chipmunks, moles, field mice, and rabbits to stunning birds of prey, including red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, barred owls, and wild turkeys, there’s always something fascinating to observe.

But the wildlife doesn’t stop there. Larger animals such as white-tailed deer, coyotes, red foxes, and even black bears occasionally visit, adding to the wonder of our surroundings. For anyone searching for ‘best places to see wildlife in New Hampshire’ or ‘how to attract wildlife to your backyard,’ our experiences showcase the vibrant ecosystem that defines life here.

Living in harmony with nature means we’re constantly reminded of its beauty and diversity, making every day an opportunity to connect with the incredible wildlife of New Hampshire.

do it yourself

There’s a deep satisfaction in getting things done, especially when you can say, ‘I did it myself.’ Over time, I’ve come to realize that the quality of my work often rivals—or even surpasses—that of so-called professionals. In today’s world, doing a job right feels like a vanishing art.

That said, our journey hasn’t been without its lessons. While we’ve hired some truly outstanding contractors over the years, we’ve also made a few regrettable choices. We believe there’s value in sharing both our successes and missteps—whether from our own hands-on projects or from work we’ve entrusted to others. In this section, we’ll dive into tools, techniques, and tales from the field to help you navigate the world of doing it yourself and working with contractors.

TECHNOLOGY

Believe it or not, New Hampshire has a thriving technology scene. While it might not seem like a tech hotspot, many of our historic mill buildings have been transformed into hubs for innovative companies from across the country.

I’ve always been passionate about harnessing technology to not just get the job done, but to do it smarter—simplifying processes, reducing redundant tasks, and finding more efficient ways to work and play. In this section, we’ll share some of our favorite tools, gadgets, and tech tips, and give you a glimpse into how we integrate technology into our everyday lives.

FURRY FRIENDS

Our furry friends bring endless joy and plenty of personality to our lives. Clyde, our cat, is an outdoor rescue with a knack for keeping us on our toes. He’s earned the nickname P-I-T-A (Pain in the Ass), and it’s well-deserved! In the winter, he’s constantly clamoring to go outside, only to quickly change his mind when the chill sets in.

Then there’s Ozzy, our lovable and slightly needy Golden Retriever. He’s a ball fanatic, a kid magnet, and a social butterfly who adores other animals and people—probably in that exact order. Whether they’re causing mischief or simply being their adorable selves, Clyde and Ozzy keep life interesting and our home full of love.

OUTDOOR FUN

We embrace outdoor adventures in every season, making the most of everything New Hampshire has to offer. In winter, you’ll often find Jon carving down the slopes at Cannon Mountain in Franconia, hiking snow-covered trails, snowshoeing, playing indoor golf, or even enjoying year-round outdoor volleyball under the lights.

Spring breathes new life into the state, as flowers bloom and people shake off the chill of winter. The sight of the first daffodils and tulips is always a welcome reminder of warmer days ahead.

While New Hampshire’s coastline may be small (just 13 miles!), it packs plenty of opportunities for fun. From relaxing at the beach or exploring the shoreline along Route 1 to kayaking, fishing, camping, cornhole, barbecues, and even more volleyball under the lights, summer is a time to soak it all in.

And then there’s fall—the undisputed crown jewel of New Hampshire’s seasons. Nature puts on a breathtaking display of vibrant colors, making it the perfect time to get outside and revel in the beauty that surrounds us.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE AWFUL CONTRACTOR STORIES

Owning a home comes with its fair share of benefits, but maintenance, repairs, and home improvement projects can bring unexpected challenges. Over the past two decades of owning our rambling Cape Cod-style home, built in 1972, we've tackled a wide range of projects. Some of these have been rewarding do-it-yourself endeavors, which we cover in our DIY home improvement section. However, certain tasks—like electrical work, plumbing, or major renovations—require skilled professionals with the right expertise. That's where hiring a contractor comes into play.

Working with home renovation contractors can be a mixed bag. When you find a reputable, skilled professional who delivers high-quality craftsmanship on time and within budget, it's a dream come true. The best general contractors, electricians, and plumbers bring not only technical expertise but also excellent communication, reliability, and fair pricing. These positive experiences remind us why hiring professionals is sometimes the smartest choice for home maintenance and remodeling.

Unfortunately, not all experiences are positive. Some contractors over-promise and under-deliver, causing unnecessary stress and costly mistakes. From unreliable contractors who miss deadlines to overpriced services that don't meet expectations, the bad and the downright awful experiences can leave homeowners frustrated. Issues such as poor workmanship, hidden fees, and lack of communication can turn a simple home repair into a nightmare. Knowing the warning signs of bad contractors and understanding how to protect yourself can save both time and money.

In this section, we’ll share real-life contractor experiences—both good and bad—while offering practical tips for finding reliable home improvement professionals. Whether you're hiring a remodeling contractor for a major renovation or seeking a specialized tradesperson for a small repair, we’ll help you navigate the process with confidence. By learning from our successes and missteps, you'll be better prepared to hire the right professionals for your next home improvement project.

About Us

the wild side of new hampshire

do it yourself

TECHNOLOGY

FURRY FRIENDS

OUTDOOR FUN

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE AWFUL CONTRACTOR STORIES