An Honorary Canney An Honorary Canney

Another week sees me in (today) sunny New Hampshire. While it has been a challenging time here on many fronts, I have also learned much from those who live here. For instance: driving in the snow.

Since arriving I have been staying with almost-family, Carolyn and Albie, who have opened their home to me making me feel like one of their own. Hot dinners, breakfast to go, clean sheets – they make sure I have everything I need. After arriving here I voiced my concern – repeatedly – about driving in the snow. I had never done it and especially with one hand (I still have a cast on my right from a fall in early March) I didn’t want to have to negotiate that white stuff in a place I’m unfamiliar with.

So imagine my dismay when Carolyn called to say that it had started snowing at home, about 25 minutes away. I bolted like I was shot out of a cannon and made my way to my rental car under a cloudy but snow-less sky.

That didn’t last.

Ten minutes into my travels it started – at first like little spits then big white fluffy flakes. I couldn’t help myself – I opened my window and stuck my hand out. And, being a news professional, I had to make sure and record the experience. (Scan the QR code to see what I had to endure.)

I did make it safely back to Carolyn and Albie’s I’m happy to report.

My obvious unease with driving in the snow prompted Carolyn to include me in a girls’ night out with several of her sisters. The Canney girls try to have a night out on a regular basis and scheduled a night out at a cooking class about an hour away (I made sure Carolyn drove.)

There we were divided into pairs and assigned duties to create a Tuscan dinner: veal stuffed with asparagus and cheese, homemade ravioli and sauce, mini-pizzas, biscotti. After cooking it all, we sat at a huge table to enjoy the fruits of our labors.

It didn’t take long to realize that I was not going to be much help. I can barely hold a spoon with my left hand much less stir something. Chopping? Out of the question. But I was able to hold a wine glass and I am very good at giving directions or being a cheerleader. So the Canney girls in no time were the recipients of my “atta girl” and “that probably needs more pepper” comments. I think they applauded my California spirit and enthusiasm. And when dinner was served, one even cut my veal.

Hospitality is certainly not in short supply in NH.