The Parent's Perspective

Portsmouth Mom Prepares for Son's Departure to College, Other Country

One Portsmouth mother realizes her son is leaving after seeing the college acceptance letter.

After months of preparing college applications, reading essays and checking in with the guidance councilor at the high school, it occurred to me the result could only mean one thing—Cameron's leaving home. Now rationally, I knew it and at any given point, I could see myself packing his bags for him. But as I help with student visas, deposits and luggage, I have this strange nagging feeling somewhere.  There will be a point where I wake up without both my sons sleeping peacefully in the house. That point is July 15, 2011.  When I reflect on Cameron, I can recount many favorite memories.  He was a naked baby (yes, I know he'll kill me for this) but I couldn't get him to keep his clothes on until he was 3. At Second Beach, after many …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Wind Turbine Repairs Delayed Due to Winter Weather in Europe

Town officials are waiting for a part from Germany to make the town's wind turbine spin again.

Europe's winter weather is to blame for the delayed repair of the town's wind turbine, said Assistant Town Planner Gary Crosby on Tuesday. A large portion of Europe has been hit hard by a winter storm, which has caused airport cancellations and other traffic delays. The storm has also caused the delay of a package carrying a part for Portsmouth's wind turbine—a slip ring. "The last time the wind turbine was working was Dec. 6," Crosby said. "We are waiting for the part, which is coming from Germany. The part was supposed to leave Germany on Dec. 19th, but they had some weather."  The town has entered into a temporary, one-year contract with the Lumus Construction Co. of Newton, MA, which is handling the turbine's repairs. The town …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

The Parent's Perspective

Spending Holidays with Teenagers

One Portsmouth woman talks about how the price tags for holiday gifts just keeps getting higher and higher.

This year, I asked my two teenage sons for their Christmas lists. I was remembering when I was little and my sisters and I would pour over the Sears' catalog making a detailed list for our parents. Easy Bake Ovens, new softball gloves and records (for those of you that don't know what those are, I believe the new age term is vinyl). These were the responses that I received this year: Cameron, 17-years-old, who is leaving for a three-week European vacation to visit college campuses and friends in France, said "Money." Mackenzie, 15-years-old, who is sitting on the couch, said "A dirt bike." Seriously? I am thinking about giving Cameron 5 Euros and Mac a Hot Wheels dirt-bike.  So, I sent them back with a stern look of I would like a list of …

• Photos (1)