ok still on snow hiatus! two kids later lol, and no money!!! it's what happens. i am really missing the cold weather and buckets of snow though. i can't wait to hopefully get on the snow at least once this season?? we'll see? i am planning on heading north in february back to my hometown newport, nh. i will be there for their winter carnival which is supposedly the longest running one in the country. it's a quaint little town with lots of unique character/s. i will write a review after the trip. i did however find a great place to stay and really hope i am able to work it out. it's a fully restored 1855 farm house. find  it at www.northstarhouse.com beautifully done, and perfect for my needs. the town of newport puts on the winter carnival every year it includes a queen pagent, snow related activites such as ski joring, broom hockey and open skating on the natural rink in the center of town on the common, there is a warming hut for patrons and hot chocolate as well. it doesn't get much more hometown than this, it is something i truly look forward to doing once a year and really do miss having it available all winter :( i hope to take out my 3 year old this year to experience it for himself!! can't wait.