The Dublin School arts building will be undergoing a complete overhaul, which the students and staff are thrilled about. But at the same time, there is a certain sadness with leaving their old space. Jan Haman has been producing plays in the old space since the 1970s, and sat next to me for opening night of "Our Town" last night, the play that is to be the last performed in the old arts building.

So if you haven't figured it out by now I'm not an environmentally conscious car driving, slow lane staying, calm and controlled driving role model. If I had my way every car would be putting out as much power as the chassis can handle and every driver would know how to drive their car at the limit safely. But I don't get my way as often as I like (do any of us?) and I takes what I can gets.

Last week I found myself flipping through my new International Vegetarian Cookbook that I got for Christmas. I was looking for a tasty dish I could make for a friend who can’t eat gluten. I have no problem finding and making vegetarian dishes. I usually make some Italian style meal which includes bread and pasta. However, I’ve never attempted a gluten-free vegetarian meal. This was going to be a good challenge.

It's been long overdue since I've updated the blog. It always seems like forever to recover from the holiday parties and get rolling again in the New Year.

I've had several amazing vegetarian experiences in the past month but I want to share the most recent first. This evening I was in Keene, NH and found myself absolutely famished. I've been trying to eat healthy, not indulge in the typical "fast food" all while maintaining within my small budget. The quickest thought that came to mind was Country Life Vegetarian Buffet on Roxbury Street.

I've usually enjoyed their meals on a Sunday when they prepare the most delicious buffet. Tonight I wanted to to see what their evening options were. However, I didn't realize they were only open for lunch. I walked in around 5 p.m. I noticed it was a bit quieter than normal but perhaps it was just slow tonight. I asked one of the chef's behind the counter if they were still open. He hesitated and said, "yes, well, er, until I leave". I still had no idea they closed at 3 p.m. but still had their doors open. He said there were no hot meals left but could offer me a bowl of Italian Minestrone. Without skipping a beat, I accepted.

Several minutes later the kind man brought me a bowl of soup and said, it would be free. I was confused. He said they had leftovers and it could be mind for no cost, not a problem. As kind an offer as that was, I simply could not take it for free especially since most of their prices are extremely reasonable. Not to mention, the chef had gone out of his to heat up the soup on the stove and serve me while he was trying to clean up.

The Minestrone was simply delicious. It was packed with most any vegetable you can imagine. I enjoyed a small whole wheat roll with the soup. On this freezing cold evening, it definitely hit the spot.

The restaurant was mostly empty except for an elderly couple a few tables over from me. The woman was crocheting and the man was reading. The classical music in the background made for a relaxing and quite enjoyable evening. This was the perfect place to unwind from a stressful and chaotic day.  

I finished the soup and paid, thanking them several times for accommodating me at the last minute.

Country Life serves a lunch buffet Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They offer a Sunday Brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., which is not to be missed. If you are skeptical about how some vegetarian meals taste, I assure you this is the place to face your fears. Country Life offers a wide range of options for your sweet tooth, salad appetite or spicy cravings. The best part is they had dedicated their non-profit restaurant to the Standard American Diet (SAD), so you don't have to worry about what's in your food. There is nothing quite like eating delicious food and not having to worry if it's good or bad for you.

If you want to take a look at their website before heading over to try a meal its: http://www.countryliferestaurant.com/.

I've been going to Country Life for years. The people are always friendly and hospitable. The food is always amazing. If you get a chance to stop by, let me know what you think.

Happy Eating!

A double-feature silent movie with live music accompaniment filled the house at the Wilton Town Hall Theatre yesterday. I hadn't heard much about the star of the films, Douglas Fairbanks, except that he was the first ever "action star" of the movies.

I just witnessed a world premiere on the London National Theatre stage... in Peterborough... New Hampshire.

"Nation," based on a novel by Terry Pratchett and adapted by Mark Ravenhill, was projected onto the Peterborough Players new 10' x 16' screen and broadcast live from London. Unfortunately, the premiere was screened before only about a dozen of us.

Conant's Brooke Springfield has the uncanny ability to take over a game.

And did she ever do so on Wednesday.

Facing the last undefeated team in Class M, Campbell, Springfield scored a career high 34 points in a 55-43 win.

With the season halfway done, the Conant girls basketball team will play in one of its most important games tonight.

The Orioles stand at 8-1 and in sole possession of third place in the Class M standings.

One of the things that makes us mammals that much more awesome than reptiles is our innate ability to regulate our own body temperature and thus withstand many different temperature ranges. We loose out on the ability to regrow our tails and smell with our tongue so I guess I'll have to call it a draw on the evolutionary scale. Its still cool not having to sun yourself to stay warm.

Last night, the ConVal boys basketball team finally ended its regular season losing streak.

The streak began during the 2007-08 season, spanned all 18 games last year and through the first three contests of 2009-10. But now it is over following a 60-46 home victory over Mascenic, guaranteeing there will not be another 0-for-season in Cougar land.