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Some believe the translation of “Winnipesaukee” to be “Beautiful Water in a High Place;” an apt description, and one that has been in use for more than just a short while. After all, the earliest known community along Lake Winnipesaukee’s shores was the large village of Aquedoctan, established by the Abnaki Tribe along the Weirs channel some 500 years ago, perhaps a great deal earlier. The historical evidence leads to the great mystery surrounding the “Big Lake”—that being how this large lake can maintain its water quality in such a confined watershed. Winnipesaukee is extraordinarily pure for a body of fresh water, in spite of heavy and sustained use. The continuous efforts of the past and current inhabitants to preserve its rare qualities account for this end result.

Winnipesaukee 101: Lakes Region Facts

The basic facts: Winnipesaukee has 183 miles of shoreline and a surface area of nearly 72 square miles, is 21+ miles long and up to 9 ½ miles wide, has a multitude of islands (300 or so, depending on who is doing the counting), and possesses some 600 navigation aids. It was born of the Wisconsin Glacier Period, when glaciers 2 miles thick gouged out fractured and less competent rock, leaving citadels of the more substantial host granite. At their end 13,000 years ago, the glaciers retreated, leaving their mark in the form of moraines, eskers, and kettle depressions, and in effect sculpted all of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. read more »

Reprinted from GREENWorks Ideas for a Cleaner Environment, a publication of the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Concord, NH (603) 271-3710.

Summer has arrived, meaning swimming, boating, barbeques, sunshine and summer heat. The summer weather can also bring increased energy use for keeping cool.  No one wants their energy bills to rise with the temperature, and finding ways to stay cool without cranking up the air conditioner saves money – and is better for the environment.

Air conditioners require a lot of energy to operate, and generating power means more air pollution and greenhouse gases being released into the environment.  This contributes to global climate change – and runs up your electric bill. To save a few bucks in the long run – and to reduce your carbon footprint – there are plenty of “green” ways to keep cool this summer.

Easy, Low Cost Solutions

• Fans: Use fans to keep air flowing. Ceiling fans can make a room feel up to seven degrees cooler, and they use less electricity than air conditioners. A medium-sized window AC unit uses 900 watts of energy, while a ceiling fan set at high speed uses just 75 watts. By using a ceiling fan and raising your AC thermostat by just two degrees, you can lower your cooling costs by up to 14 percent. And remember, a fan cools YOU, not the room, so be sure to turn it off when you leave the room.
• Window Coverings: Install window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.  Close blinds, shades and drapes facing the sun during the day to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans or air conditioners cool more efficiently. read more »

First of all talk to your attorney, this is my best advice.  Despite the fact that divorce is an emotional roller coaster, the process demands a reasoned and rational approach to the disposition of shared real property. This is especially true when there are outstanding loans that obligate each individual.

Remember the loan clause regarding each spouse being equally and severally liable for the entire debt?  If both spouses had originally signed for the mortgage and one one spouse is going to keep the property, it is of paramount importance that the other meets his or her obligation before signing over ownership interest.  It may be necessary to refinance the mortgage so that the other spouse can be paid off. Besides determining who should buy the other person out you must negotiate the division of property and assets. But even before this takes place, you need to know your share of the equity. Therefore you must evaluate the worth of the house, subtract the outstanding mortgage balance and then calculate your share of what remains. read more »