Tunbridge World's Fair

Ellen and I decided that no one who lives in New Hampshire should go without visiting the Tunbridge World's Fair at least once. The fair, which is in its 140th year, is held in Tunbridge, VT and while I can't figure out where the "world" part came from, it's not definitely not small. Ellen and I enjoyed the livestock and crop exhibits in particular. I, for one, had never before seen a 700 pound pumpkin! (Nor, for that matter, a fifteen-pound zucchini.) Unfortunately the timing didn't work out for us to see the Antique Tractor Pull, but we were able to catch the first heat of the pig races. In case you're wondering what exactly transpires during pig races, it's precisely what it sounds like. Pigs run (surprisingly quickly) around a miniature track and the first one to cross the finish line is the winner. Coming soon to an OTB near you.

Earlier this week, Ellen and I visited Henniker, New Hampshire, a charming town on the Contoocook River. Henniker has two major claims to fame: It is home to New England College and it is, to quote what is evidently the town motto, "The Only Henniker on Earth." The weather held out beautifully, and we really enjoyed our time there. A special shout-out to the Henniker House B&B, which was our first exposure to a bed-and-breakfast and will no doubt set the bar for all others to come.

In other news, the U.S. Chess League season is well underway, and the New York Knights are tied for second place along with the Manhattan Applesauce. The Boston Blitz, fresh off their Week 3 victory over the Knights, currently enjoy a half-point lead in the standings. Next up for the Knights are the Carolina Cobras; I predict a return to form. Go Knights!